Mortal Kombat X

Mortal Kombat X takes this franchise to totally new levels of entertainment with amazing next-gen graphics and revamped gameplay that truly separates this current game from its predecessors.

76%Game Brain Score

story, graphics

optimization, stability

91% User Score Based on 116,181 reviews

Critic Score 79%Based on 13 reviews

Platforms

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About

"Mortal Kombat X" is the latest installment in the visceral fighting game series, offering improved graphics and mechanics from its 2011 predecessor. Each character now has three unique variations, and environmental interactions add a new layer to the strategic combat. The returning X-Ray moves, EX moves, and combo breakers ensure intense and engaging battles.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 18,885 reviews

story996 positive mentions

optimization227 negative mentions

story
2,873 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
57%
8%
The story in "Mortal Kombat X" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while it offers an engaging narrative and impressive cinematic presentation, it falls short compared to its predecessor, "Mortal Kombat 9." Critics highlight its relatively short length, averaging around 4-6 hours, and a lack of depth in character development, particularly for new characters. Additionally, some players experienced technical issues, such as audio desynchronization during cutscenes, which detracted from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the story mode is still considered a significant improvement for a fighting game, providing a cohesive and entertaining experience for fans of the franchise.
- “The story mode is highly engaging, presented as a cinematic experience that combines interactive sequences with pre-rendered cutscenes.”
- “Overall, Mortal Kombat X is a fantastic addition to the series, delivering the brutal, fast-paced combat that fans love, combined with a rich story and impressive graphics.”
- “The story mode is dog shit (horrible writing and rubberbanding AI) but it's fun to play the 'tower mode' (just like classic MK with fatalities and all), also you can play as the Predator or Scorpion which is enough for me.”
- “The story itself is fairly forgettable, oddly after how memorable the first one was.”
- “The story mode emphasizes the conflict between Earthrealm’s champions and the returning forces of Outworld, adding layers of intrigue, betrayal, and family conflict.”
graphics
1,605 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
40%
3%
The graphics of "Mortal Kombat X" are widely praised for their stunning detail and immersive environments, showcasing a significant leap from previous entries in the series. Players appreciate the realistic character models and the dark, gritty aesthetic that complements the game's brutal combat. However, some users note that the graphics can be demanding on hardware, leading to performance issues on lower-end systems, and there are occasional complaints about graphical glitches and optimization problems. Overall, the visuals are considered a major highlight, contributing to the game's intense and engaging experience.
- “Mortal Kombat X brings one of gaming's most beloved and notorious franchises into a new era with intense combat, stunning graphics, and a storyline that keeps players engaged from start to finish.”
- “The visuals are remarkably detailed, with each stage filled with immersive environments that capture the essence of the Mortal Kombat universe.”
- “The graphics are stunning, and the combat is smooth, fluid, and satisfyingly intense.”
- “The graphics didn't age well, and the story introduces a ton of characters that don't have a lot of charisma and generally serve as punching bags for protagonists.”
- “The graphics are out of date, even for 2015, and the combat system is used over and over again.”
- “The graphics look absolutely out of date, even for 2015 and the combat system is used over and over again.”
gameplay
1,477 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
51%
3%
The gameplay of "Mortal Kombat X" is widely praised for its fast-paced, fluid mechanics and engaging combat system, which includes unique character variations that enhance strategic depth. Players appreciate the intuitive controls and the satisfying execution of combos, fatalities, and brutalities, although some express frustration with online connectivity issues and occasional lag. Overall, the game is considered a significant improvement over its predecessor, "Mortal Kombat 9," offering a rich and enjoyable fighting experience.
- “Great gameplay, fluid movements, very intuitive controls, great characters, especially the DLC characters are fantastic, the best Mortal Kombat game I think there is.”
- “The gameplay mechanics in Mortal Kombat X are fast-paced, brutal, and satisfying.”
- “The gameplay is tight but not too punishing; the AI learns a bit from your moves so you can't just spam the same thing over and over.”
- “The gameplay itself is equally underwhelming.”
- “The game's mechanics also suffer from balancing issues, with certain characters and movesets feeling overpowered while others are rendered ineffective.”
- “The most annoying feature of this game is the fact that character selection screens run at a locked 30fps along with in-game special moves, so you are going from 60fps+ gameplay to a slow 30fps when you pull off one of the specials, which stands out a lot.”
optimization
617 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
45%
37%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, especially at launch, including frequent bugs, stuttering, and frame rate drops. While some users have noted improvements after patches, others still experience inconsistent performance, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, the game is seen as poorly optimized for PC, with many recommending caution before purchasing, especially for online play.
- “The game is addictive, impressively optimized, the characters are incredible and the controls are very responsive, to a level that I've never seen before, while playing on consoles.”
- “This game is very well optimized and I never drop under 60fps during fights.”
- “Awesome game, runs smoothly and amazing graphics.”
- “The game is plagued by frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, ranging from minor annoyances to game-breaking problems.”
- “The launch for the PC platform was about as successful as Shao Kahn's attempts to take over Earth Realm, locked behind features that were not finished, with myriads of performance problems, one arena having better or worse performance, and a 30 frames per second cap on X-ray moves.”
- “This game is so poorly optimized and locked to 60fps (30 on fatalities, etc.).”
stability
305 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
85%
The stability of the game has been a significant point of contention among users, with many reporting a range of issues from minor glitches to severe performance problems, particularly on the PC version. While some players have noted improvements and a smoother experience after patches, others continue to experience frequent crashes, freezes, and bugs that hinder gameplay, especially in online modes. Overall, the game appears to have improved since its rocky launch, but many still advise caution, particularly for PC users, due to ongoing stability concerns.
- “This game is complete and runs great; the mechanics are sharp, crisp, and precise.”
- “The game runs great, no more FPS drops on the destroyed city (past). When transitioning to the x-ray animations, I no longer notice the FPS change from 60 to 30.”
- “State: basically now, at this moment, the game is so stable; no glitches, no bugs, no port issues, not even a single crash.”
- “The game is plagued by frequent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, ranging from minor annoyances to game-breaking problems.”
- “The story mode is unplayable; before the first fight, the audio glitches out and your speakers sound like they are going to explode.”
- “This game is so buggy that you cannot even imagine!”
monetization
190 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
28%
69%
The monetization strategy in Mortal Kombat X has drawn significant criticism for its heavy reliance on microtransactions, which many players view as exploitative and detrimental to the overall experience. Players express frustration over the game's frequent advertisements for newer titles, particularly the intrusive 20GB updates that primarily serve to promote Mortal Kombat 11, further exacerbating feelings of being "milked" for additional content. While some appreciate the option to purchase the XL edition for a more complete experience, the pervasive microtransactions and ad placements have left a sour impression on many fans, leading to accusations of the game being a cash grab.
- “Not a fan of microtransactions, so buying the XL edition is a great way to get all the DLC without being milked for skins and characters.”
- “Oh, and the monetization is more fair than what you find in the newest entry of the franchise.”
- “I've heard the argument that the game is littered with optional microtransactions and that makes it a cash cow, but the transactions are exactly that, optional.”
- “This pay-to-win model not only alienates players who are unwilling or unable to spend extra money on in-game purchases but also cheapens the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that should come from unlocking content through gameplay alone.”
- “The addition of a 20GB patch containing pointless MK11 ads left a bad impression.”
- “I paid my money for the game, not for seeing ads.”
humor
133 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
98%
2%
The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its comedic moments, funny character interactions, and over-the-top fatalities that blend violence with humor. Many reviews note that playing with friends enhances the experience, leading to laughter and memorable moments, while the story mode is described as hilariously absurd. Overall, the game successfully incorporates humor into its brutal gameplay, making it entertaining despite its violent nature.
- “The game is full of funny moments and comedic references that are sure to bring a smile to your face.”
- “Whether it's Scorpion's 'get over here!' catchphrase or Sub-Zero's hilarious freezing fatalities, the game is full of memorable moments that will make you chuckle.”
- “The story was everything you'd expect from MK, filled with gore, funny moments, and lots of brutal fights.”
- “This version has so many issues it's not funny.”
- “It's not funny.”
music
122 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
67%
3%
The music in Mortal Kombat X receives mixed reviews, with some praising its intense and fitting soundtrack that enhances the game's atmosphere, while others find it forgettable compared to earlier titles in the series. Many players appreciate the sound design, noting that the combat sounds and background music work well together to create an immersive experience, though some express a desire for a return to the iconic themes of previous games. Overall, while the soundtrack is generally considered adequate, it lacks the memorable quality that fans have come to expect from the franchise.
- “Mortal Kombat X's sound design is impactful, with intense combat sounds and a fitting soundtrack that sets the tone for the game's high-stakes battles.”
- “From the bone-crunching sound effects to the thrilling background music, every element works in harmony to create an unforgettable gaming experience.”
- “The game also has a great soundtrack, with a mix of hard-hitting electronic music and epic orchestral tracks.”
- “The only thing I don't like at all is the choice to change the music to hip hop.”
- “This is maybe the last game with a feeling of Mortal Kombat (3, mostly) and that's a bold claim on its own considering the iconic soundtrack which separated this universe from other fighting games alike is replaced with this dark, moaning, depressing excuse of a humming sound all through the game.”
- “Music is forgettable this time around.”
grinding
71 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
4%
35%
61%
The grinding aspect of the game has received significant criticism, with many players expressing frustration over the excessive time required to unlock content, particularly in the krypt. Reviewers note that the progression system heavily favors grinding or spending real money, leading to a tedious experience that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the game. While some appreciate the lack of a gear system, the overwhelming sentiment is that the grinding demands are unreasonable and can make the game feel more like a chore than a fun experience.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “One long, tedious grind.”
- “Just like in Injustice 2, the brother game of MK XL created by the same company, unlocking cool stuff requires grinding on a disgusting level.”
- “No game should ever require that level of grinding and time dedication to unlock the content you’ve purchased with your money.”
- “The game's progression system can be frustrating, as unlocking new content requires grinding through tedious challenges or shelling out real money for in-game currency.”
replayability
71 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
32%
64%
4%
Overall, the replayability of the game is a mixed bag. While many players appreciate the diverse character roster, various game modes, and the inclusion of towers and challenges that enhance replay value, others criticize the lack of meaningful choices in the single-player campaign and the limited character selection. Despite some technical issues and repetitive gameplay, the game offers enough content and features to keep players engaged for hours.
- “Mortal Kombat X offers strong replay value with its diverse character selection and deep combat mechanics.”
- “The game also has a number of side missions and challenges that are unlocked as you progress through the story, which adds a lot of replay value.”
- “The game's plethora of online features add quite a lot of replayability and depth to MKX.”
- “The lack of meaningful choices or branching paths further diminishes the replay value of the single-player campaign.”
- “Now I remember why I quit playing Mortal Kombat; it's all the same weak storyline gameplay. Honestly, to me, there's no replayability. It gets really boring even with the live towers and other features unless you are all about these kinds of games; it's not worth it to buy.”
- “The game itself is fantastic, but online matchmaking is so poorly built that it's virtually unplayable, which drastically reduces the replayability of the game.”
character development
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
46%
6%
Character development in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning character designs and animations, which enhance the overall experience. However, critics note that the story mode suffers from a disjointed plot and shallow character development, leaving players wanting more depth and emotional investment in the characters. While some characters show growth and unique traits, the overall narrative fails to deliver a cohesive and impactful storyline.
- “The character development and plot twists keep players immersed in the game's rich mythology.”
- “I was so heavily engrossed in the story, the worldbuilding done throughout, and the character development, that I even went searching for (and successfully found) a copy of MK9 so that I could understand the entire Netherrealm trilogy in its full greatness.”
- “Overall it is a great game with a great story mode and has tons of fighting action along with great character designs.”
- “The game's story mode, while attempting to weave an epic narrative, falls flat with its disjointed plot and lack of character development.”
- “At best, Cassie Cage and Takeda are fine; they're at least funny, while the rest might as well be set pieces and have the worst character designs out of all the characters. There's nothing special or unique about their designs, which is disappointing for a game like Mortal Kombat that has had really interesting and good character designs.”
- “The game lacks a lot in the story department compared to MK9 and MK11; it's garbage, and so are most of the character designs, but that doesn't take anything away from the multiplayer.”
atmosphere
33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
36%
9%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, immersive quality that enhances the overall experience, with graphics and sound design contributing to a cinematic and intense environment. Players appreciate the blend of horror elements and the unique character roster, although some feel that the atmosphere lacks the mystique of previous installments. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered a significant strength, drawing players into its gritty and dramatic world.
- “From the eerie depths of the dead woods to the fiery realms of the nether, the game's graphics create an atmosphere that complements its mature tone.”
- “The game's dark and moody atmospheres only add to the immersive experience, drawing players deeper into the game's world.”
- “Each stage feels unique with its own atmosphere and lighting.”
- “The characters and their costumes and general look could be better. Personally, I wanted all the legacy characters of MK9 to appear in MKX, but that was not the case. I really miss that mystic and dark atmosphere, but MKX is focused on these new characters from Special Forces that all look exactly the same to me. They are boring; they just fire guns and that's it...”
- “- The atmosphere is not as mystic as always; this one is different. It is missing the horror factor present in all previous games. You can notice it even in the design of the menus, life bars, texts, music, etc.”
- “The atmosphere is dark, but it's too dark.”
emotional
24 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
88%
13%
The emotional aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players appreciating moments that evoke strong feelings, while others criticize the disjointed narrative and pacing that undermine emotional resonance. Many express disappointment over the sidelining of beloved characters, leading to a lack of attachment to new ones, and some scenes intended to be emotional are described as cringe-worthy. Overall, while there are moments that can elicit tears, the storytelling often feels inconsistent and fails to fully engage players emotionally.
- “Story mode was pretty fun and emotional enough you might even cry lol.”
- “Up until several months ago, I would recommend this emotional roller coaster of a game.”
- “Tears welled up in his eyes when he realized what exactly was at stake.”
- “I won't give anything away, but I thought the setup was horrible and almost put me to sleep because it was a boring story.”
- “Boring story, small number of playable characters, there is no co-op, locked FPS.”