Mortal Kombat 11

84%
Game Brain Score Based on 46,596 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Mortal Kombat 11 Game Cover
Mortal Kombat 11 isn’t just a fantastic entry into this long running franchise, it’s a stunning example of how much value and content developers can pack into the fighting game genre
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"Mortal Kombat 11" is a fighting game that allows for 2-player and multi-player action. The game features a new graphics engine, providing detailed and gruesome visuals, and introduces Custom Character Variations for personalized fighter customization. The epic saga continues in the best-in-class cinematic story mode, with a roster of new and returning Klassic Fighters, building upon the 25-year-old franchise.

  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

84%
Audience ScoreBased on 46,596 reviews
story3,629 positive mentions
grinding1,112 negative mentions
  • story8,146 mentions

    The story of Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its cinematic presentation and engaging narrative that intertwines time travel and character arcs, making it one of the best in the franchise. However, some players criticize the plot for being convoluted and filled with clichés, while others express disappointment over the reliance on DLC for additional story content. Overall, the game is noted for its impressive graphics and voice acting, but opinions vary on the depth and coherence of the storyline itself.

    • “The narrative in 'MK11’s' story mode stands out for its polish and scope, offering an impressive, interactive cinematic experience that combines action with storytelling in a way rarely seen in fighting games.”
    • “The story mode does a commendable job of allowing players to experience the plot from multiple perspectives, including fan favorites like Liu Kang, Raiden, and Scorpion, adding layers to their character arcs.”
    • “Mortal Kombat 11 offers a compelling and cinematic story mode that continues the saga of the Mortal Kombat universe.”
    • “The story, which in previous titles, while often nonsensical, at least had a sense of fun and excitement, has been reduced to a tired, predictable slog, forcefully shoehorning an unrealistic image of strong female figures, where the exaggerated portrayal feels so contrived that it's almost insulting in its obviousness.”
    • “Every plot twist feels contrived, every character arc manipulated to serve some sort of ideological agenda rather than the actual progression of the story.”
    • “The story mode, which should be a highlight of any fighting game, is a disjointed mess of clichéd characters and nonsensical plot twists.”
  • gameplay4,542 mentions

    The gameplay of Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its refined mechanics, strategic depth, and smooth execution, particularly with the introduction of new features like "fatal blows" and "krushing blows." However, some players criticize the slower pace compared to previous entries, feeling it detracts from the fast-paced action that the series is known for. Overall, while the core gameplay is considered solid and enjoyable, concerns about grindy mechanics and microtransactions have led to a divided reception among fans.

    • “The gameplay is fantastic and feels like one of the smoothest fighting games I've played.”
    • “Mortal Kombat 11 is an outstanding fighting game that excels in storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics.”
    • “The gameplay is accessible yet deep, with new moves like fatal blows and krushing blows adding strategy.”
    • “As if the character designs and voice acting weren’t enough to signal the game's downfall, the gameplay itself is a disappointing mess.”
    • “What was once a classic fast-paced, intuitive combat system has been replaced with clunky, unresponsive mechanics.”
    • “The addition of new mechanics like fatal blows and krushing blows only serve to further complicate an already convoluted system, making the game feel needlessly bloated and overstuffed.”
  • graphics3,673 mentions

    Mortal Kombat 11 showcases stunning graphics that elevate the franchise to new heights, with meticulously detailed character models and environments that enhance the brutal aesthetic the series is known for. Many players praise the game's visual fidelity, particularly during fatalities and cinematic cutscenes, although some report performance issues on lower-end systems. Overall, the graphics are widely regarded as a significant improvement over previous entries, contributing to an immersive and visually captivating fighting experience.

    • “Netherrealm created their finest work by combining methodical combat with spectacular visuals.”
    • “Released in 2019, the game embraces the brutal aesthetic Mortal Kombat is known for, with meticulously crafted graphics that highlight every punch, cut, and fatality in intricate, almost cinematic detail.”
    • “The graphics are stunning, with meticulously detailed characters and environments.”
    • “The graphics could be a tad bit more optimized as with every Mortal Kombat game, they simply don't run on every PC which is sad for games where FPS is ridiculously important.”
    • “I don't care about the roster like everyone was crazy about on release, I care about the lack of features, the fact the game looks like absolute dog shit (everything on maximum graphical settings) and every character looking playing the same, while for some reason they changed the inputs for every character so you gotta relearn.”
    • “The graphics looks horrible (not even nearly as good as the in-game trailers show)”
  • grinding1,204 mentions

    The grinding aspect of Mortal Kombat 11 has received significant criticism, with many players noting that unlocking cosmetics, gear, and other content requires an excessive amount of time and effort. While some appreciate the depth and replayability offered by the game's various modes, the reliance on grinding—often compared to mobile game mechanics—has been described as tedious and frustrating, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game. Despite recent patches aimed at reducing grind, many still feel that the system remains overly demanding and convoluted.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Currencies are not too grindy to earn and the story of the game is pretty good.”
    • “All in all, I would say that the game severely improved after the first months since release - patches made it actually playable and enjoyable, krypt isn't grindy, and there's plenty of people playing online.”
    • “Regrettably, the heavy emphasis on grinding and the progression system detracts from its potential to be among the greatest fighting games of all time.”
    • “The grinding required by this game is insane.”
    • “The game just feels too grindy for everything & the paywall is real.”
  • monetization1,081 mentions

    The monetization model in Mortal Kombat 11 has drawn significant criticism, with many players expressing frustration over the presence of intrusive microtransactions and ads in a full-priced game. While some argue that these microtransactions are largely cosmetic and optional, others feel that the grind required to unlock content is excessive and designed to push players towards spending money. Overall, the game's monetization practices are seen as a major drawback, detracting from the overall experience despite the game's solid gameplay and story.

    • “I would like to say that I very much appreciate the fact that the microtransactions and cosmetic skins are entirely optional, and you don't need to pay a single penny to further enjoy the game.”
    • “While these do not impact the core gameplay or enjoyment, some players may find the presence of microtransactions in a premium game to be a minor concern.”
    • “Microtransactions are not forced down your throat and everything is obtainable with currency you can earn in game.”
    • “It has predatory microtransactions that not only manipulate people into wasting money, but also clutter and bloat the interface.”
    • “The game has one big problem for me, and that is the mobile game-like in-game economy, with microtransactions, rng-based loot and lots of tedious grinding.”
    • “The grind is unbearable and the main sp game mode is designed to frustrate you until you give up and use microtransactions that they have removed from being available to purchase.”
  • optimization663 mentions

    The optimization of Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance and graphics, particularly on mid-range systems, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, low frame rates, and crashes, especially on high-end PCs. Despite improvements from patches, many users still experience performance inconsistencies, particularly in online modes and specific game areas like the Krypt. Overall, while some find the game well-optimized, others suggest it remains poorly optimized for PC, leading to a frustrating experience for many players.

    • “My first MK game that I ever played, the game has beautiful graphics, has outstanding skill effects, has great optimization, 100% recommended.”
    • “The game is outstanding with its performance.”
    • “Great story, great optimization (thank you WB Studios) and even on minimum graphics the game looks shockingly amazing.”
    • “Horrible stuttering no matter what specs you have.”
    • “I really want to enjoy this game, but even with an i7 12700k, an RTX 3070 and 32GB of RAM, this game can't run without constant slowdowns and stuttering even on the lowest settings.”
    • “The game is god awful on PC, you can barely pull off a combo without the game stuttering or dropping FPS.”
  • music396 mentions

    The music in Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to complement the game's intense action and cinematic moments, while others find it lackluster and not memorable compared to earlier entries in the series. The soundtrack is described as dynamic and fitting for the various stages, though some players feel it doesn't stand out enough to be enjoyed outside of gameplay. Overall, while the sound design and voice acting are generally well-received, the music itself is seen as a weaker aspect of the game, with some calling for improvements.

    • “From its stunning graphics and fluid animations to its pulse-pounding soundtrack and visceral sound effects, Mortal Kombat 11 is a technical marvel that showcases the capabilities of modern gaming hardware.”
    • “Mortal Kombat 11's soundtrack complements the intense action with a mix of adrenaline-pumping beats and iconic themes.”
    • “The music is fantastic, the voice acting is excellent, and the overall look and feel of the game is the best it's ever been.”
    • “The music still sucks, by the way.”
    • “Music is lackluster outside of the two themes I mentioned before; they even refused to have Mick Gordon perform the score of this game, what a missed opportunity and this is on them.”
    • “The only thing I personally feel the game is lacking is better music.”
  • humor296 mentions

    The humor in Mortal Kombat 11 is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, blending dark irony with over-the-top violence and absurdity. Players appreciate the witty dialogue, hilarious fatalities, and the comedic interactions between characters, which often provide a refreshing contrast to the game's brutal nature. While some find the humor to be a delightful addition, others feel it occasionally detracts from the seriousness of the story, resulting in a mix of laughter and gore that defines the game's unique charm.

    • “This is one of the most over-the-top, hyper-violent, ridiculous, and hilarious games I have ever experienced, with stunning cinematics.”
    • “Prepare to laugh your way through the gore-filled, bone-crushing, and strangely delightful spectacle that is Mortal Kombat 11: the hilariously brutal ballet of mayhem.”
    • “The writing is solid throughout, most of the jokes are actually funny, and the action scenes are extremely well thought out.”
    • “This is what it's like playing MK11, only it's not funny or enjoyable and the Gandalf video is probably only 1/10th of the length of an x-ray.”
    • “Most of the fatalities look boring, kind of comic book-like, where the goal is to shred the body into as many parts as possible or completely blow it up, or do something that is supposed to be funny, but they should just be a brutal way to kill the opponent.”
    • “You either spend your money (which is expensive) or you grind for days; there's nothing funny about that.”
  • stability251 mentions

    The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes, particularly in online modes and during cinematics. While some users have experienced smooth performance and minimal issues, others have faced significant problems, including freezing during character selection and audio desynchronization. Overall, the game appears to be a work in progress, with developers actively addressing stability concerns, but many players still find it unpolished and frustrating.

    • “The game runs great and looks great, no complaints here.”
    • “If you have the recommended hardware, this game runs great.”
    • “It runs great on PC now (it definitely had a rocky start); the visuals are incredible and so is the gameplay.”
    • “Game performed terribly while playing the story mode cinematics, constantly freezes and audio goes in and out.”
    • “This game still has glitches and crashes once every 30 minutes or so.”
    • “The game is very buggy and needs updates badly!”
  • replayability187 mentions

    Mortal Kombat 11 is praised for its high replayability, driven by extensive customization options, diverse gameplay modes, and the engaging Towers of Time and Krypt features. Players appreciate the variety of characters and challenges, although some note that grinding for unlockables can become tedious. Overall, the game offers a wealth of content that keeps players returning for more, making it a standout title in terms of replay value.

    • “The inclusion of the krypt, a mode that combines exploration and unlockable content, adds replayability and a sense of discovery beyond the core fighting experience.”
    • “The towers of time provide a lot of single-player replayability and variety, and offer a break from getting constantly defeated by better players in online challenges.”
    • “Mortal Kombat 11 excels in replayability, with tons of game modes, challenges, ranked play, and a diverse cast of characters, each offering something unique.”
    • “The towers may be a little grind crazy, but it leaves so much replay value.”
    • “Leaving the technical aspects aside, MK11 gets boring after a while as the only thing that gives this game replay value is just endless farming for skins (most of the same but different colors) that are 100% randomized so you can play for hours to save up for something specific and end up getting anything else besides that most of the time.”
    • “However, the only drawback I have found is the length of collecting hearts for opening specific chests; I know that this is for the replay value purpose, but it becomes somewhat tedious at times.”
  • character development158 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the cinematic story mode for its compelling narrative and character arcs, particularly highlighting Johnny Cage's development. However, others criticize the overall depth of character development, feeling it lacks meaningful engagement and is overshadowed by flashy designs and violence. While many appreciate the character designs and customization options, there are notable concerns about inconsistencies and a perceived decline in character depth compared to previous installments.

    • “The game's cinematic story mode stands out as a narrative spectacle, intertwining past and present in a compelling journey filled with character development and impactful player choices.”
    • “The story definitely holds true to the NetherRealm continuity, and does a very good job with the character development and clearly shows the importance of the roles of each character.”
    • “Thanks to the great character design and RPG-lite elements, I really like to stick to one character (Kitana) and improve both my skill with her and her equipment.”
    • “Instead of investing in meaningful character development and world-building, the game relies on cheap shock value and gratuitous violence to hold players' attention, resulting in a forgettable and ultimately unsatisfying experience.”
    • “This game does not have the open world experience that those two games had, and feels very bland from the character development perspective.”
    • “Second biggest problem being the story and character development issues plagued by these new releases.”
  • emotional85 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its character-driven story, which explores themes of loss, betrayal, and redemption, often evoking strong feelings in players, including tears during pivotal moments. While some players found the narrative compelling and the dialogue rich, others criticized it as boring or reminiscent of bad anime. Overall, the game successfully combines humor and heartfelt moments, making it a unique experience in the fighting game genre.

    • “The story mode is a true masterpiece, exploring themes of loss, betrayal, and redemption in a way that is both captivating and emotionally resonant.”
    • “I was taken on an emotional roller coaster, with epic highs and precipitous lows.”
    • “Ending legit made me cry the first couple times I played through it on PS4 when it came out.”
    • “There is nothing else really in this game apart from a boring story mode.”
    • “But boring story.”
    • “Online games full of spamming players, boring story, no balance in game, gets repetitive quickly, laggy.”
  • atmosphere56 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its diverse and visually stunning arenas, complemented by effective sound design and music that enhance the overall experience. While some players feel that the atmosphere has lost its unique Mortal Kombat identity in recent installments, many appreciate the vivid graphics and engaging storytelling that draw them into the game world. However, concerns about controls and certain design choices detract from the immersive experience for some players.

    • “The arenas are diverse and visually stunning, each with its own unique atmosphere.”
    • “The sounds blend seamlessly, creating a relaxing and enchanting atmosphere.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is vivid and spectacular.”
    • “Controls spoil the atmosphere and fluency of the game.”
    • “Atmosphere, however, is lost: it feels like generic fantasy, not MK.”
    • “How could developers of this game try to push for a competitive atmosphere when you can't even train with tournament settings as default, let alone as an option.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

81% average critic score

Buy Mortal Kombat 11

Play time

25hMedian play time
50hAverage play time
6hMain story
61hCompletionist
9-78hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 174 analyzed playthroughs

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