Mortal Kombat 11

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 Ultimate is the definitive edition of the latest game in the franchise, featuring two Story Campaigns, the complete 37-fighter roster including DLC characters like Rambo and Mileena, and a wealth of customization options. With every game mode, stage, and brutality included, it's the ultimate Mortal Kombat experience."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

87%

Audience ScoreBased on 23,269 reviews

story1,803 positive mentions

grinding551 negative mentions

story
4,057 mentions
44 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The story of Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its cinematic presentation and engaging narrative that continues the franchise's lore, particularly through time travel elements. While some players found the plot entertaining and well-structured, others criticized it for being convoluted, predictable, or lacking depth, especially in comparison to previous installments like MK9. Overall, the story mode is seen as a highlight of the game, offering a rich experience for both newcomers and long-time fans, despite some frustrations regarding character availability and pacing.
- “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 sets new standards for fighting game narratives, providing a compelling and cinematic experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish.”
- “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.”
- “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.”
gameplay
2,261 mentions
43 % positive mentions
52 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its refined mechanics, strategic depth, and smooth execution, making it accessible for newcomers while still offering complexity for veterans. However, some players criticize the slower pace compared to previous entries, the reliance on microtransactions, and the grindy nature of unlocking content, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the core combat mechanics and character customization options are generally regarded as strong points of the game.
- “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 some of the deepest and most refined that Mortal Kombat has ever seen, challenged only by the likes of MKX.”
- “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 gameplay is a tad bit slower than mk10, meaning dodging enemy attacks is way easier rather than having like 0.2s to respond.”
graphics
1,832 mentions
64 % positive mentions
34 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Mortal Kombat 11" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning visual fidelity, detailed character models, and immersive environments, often described as cinematic and breathtaking. Many players appreciate the game's ability to render brutal fatalities and combat animations with intricate detail, showcasing the capabilities of modern gaming hardware. However, some users have reported performance issues, particularly on lower-end PCs, where graphics settings may need to be adjusted to maintain smooth gameplay. Overall, the game is recognized for pushing the graphical boundaries of the fighting game genre, despite some technical hiccups.
- “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 a level of detail that was unmatched at the time of its release.”
- “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 graphics or the grind system which is being discussed mostly, just give me the same gameplay experience on all platforms.”
- “The graphics look terrible, they look nothing like what was shown to us in demos.”
grinding
597 mentions
1 % positive mentions
7 % neutral mentions
92 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of Mortal Kombat 11 has received significant criticism, with many players noting that unlocking content, particularly in the Krypt and Towers of Time, can be excessively tedious and time-consuming. While some appreciate the depth and replayability that grinding offers, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game requires an unreasonable amount of effort to obtain cosmetics and gear, often feeling more akin to a mobile game than a traditional fighting game. Despite recent patches aimed at reducing grind, many still find the system frustrating and indicative of a cash-grab mentality.
- “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.”
- “The grinding required by this game is insane.”
- “Regrettably, the heavy emphasis on grinding and the progression system detract from its potential to be among the greatest fighting games of all time.”
- “The game is grindy as hell if you don't wanna pay.”
monetization
539 mentions
6 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The monetization model in Mortal Kombat 11 has drawn significant criticism, with many players expressing frustration over the presence of microtransactions and ads in a full-priced game. While some argue that the microtransactions are primarily 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 emblematic of broader issues in modern AAA gaming, leading to a mixed reception among players.
- “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 the pacing and in-app purchases might deter some players, the game's charm and musical magic are well worth giving it a try.”
- “Despite the issues with the microtransactions and the grinding (which I really don't mind doing), for me personally, I'm having a ton of fun with it.”
- “The game in itself is fine, but I paid for the game and there's a big ad banner that can't be closed advertising MK1 on the main menu.”
- “It has predatory microtransactions that not only manipulate people into wasting money, but also clutter and bloat the interface.”
- “The game uses a terrible grind system to entice people to buy content with microtransactions.”
optimization
330 mentions
32 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
20 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its performance and smooth graphics, particularly on mid-range systems, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, low frame rates, and crashes, especially on high-end setups. Many users noted that the game has improved over time with patches, but concerns about its initial performance and optimization for PC persist, leading to a general consensus that while it can run well for some, it remains poorly optimized for others. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be a contentious topic, with experiences varying widely based on hardware and updates.
- “My first MK game that I ever played, the game has beautiful graphics, outstanding skill effects, and great optimization. 100% recommended.”
- “They really put work into this game and it supports DirectX 12, which optimizes performance if your hardware can handle it.”
- “Great story, great optimization (thank you WB Studios), and even on minimum graphics, the game looks shockingly amazing.”
- “It's a questionable demand that raises concerns about the game's optimization, or lack thereof.”
- “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.”
music
197 mentions
41 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The music in Mortal Kombat 11 has received mixed reviews, with many praising its ability to complement the game's intense action and atmosphere, while others find it lackluster compared to previous entries in the series. Some reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, noting its dynamic nature and fitting themes for various stages, while others criticize it for being forgettable or not as memorable as earlier Mortal Kombat titles. Overall, the music is generally considered good but not groundbreaking, serving its purpose within the game's context.
- “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 music works very well with the story mode but as for regular fights, it's a little tame.”
humor
148 mentions
97 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The humor in Mortal Kombat 11 is a standout feature, blending dark irony with over-the-top violence and absurdity, resulting in a game that is both grotesque and comically entertaining. Players appreciate the witty dialogue, hilarious fatalities, and the absurdity of character interactions, which often lead to unexpected laughs amidst the gore. While some find the humor to be a refreshing return to form, others critique it for overshadowing the game's more serious elements, creating a unique but polarizing experience.
- “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.”
stability
125 mentions
17 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
82 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has received mixed reviews, with many users reporting significant bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly in online modes and during cinematics. While some players have experienced smooth gameplay without major problems, others have faced frequent crashes, freezes, and audio desynchronization. Overall, the game appears to be a work in progress, with developers actively addressing issues, but many players still find it unpolished and frustrating.
- “The game looks great and runs great, no complaints here.”
- “If you have the recommended hardware, this game runs great.”
- “Netcode online is amazing and the game runs great; don't listen to the people who are complaining about the stuff that doesn't even matter in a fighting game.”
- “Game performed terribly while playing the story mode cinematics, constantly freezes and audio goes in and out.”
- “This game is a buggy, outdated mess that crashes once every 30 minutes or so.”
- “The game is very buggy and needs updates badly!”
replayability
92 mentions
37 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
Mortal Kombat 11 offers high replayability through its extensive customization options, diverse gameplay modes, and the engaging Towers of Time, which provide challenges and unlockable content. While some players find the grind for skins tedious, the variety of characters and modes, including local multiplayer and the Krypt, contribute to a robust replay value. Overall, the game is praised for its depth and variety, making it a compelling choice for both single-player and multiplayer experiences.
- “The story mode is fun and entertaining despite the series's campy ways, and there is good replay value due to the system for customizing a fighter's cosmetics and earning new ones through the Towers of Time.”
- “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 customization for characters is awesome and there is a lot to unlock, keeping the replay value high.”
- “The towers of time provides a lot of single-player replayability and variety, and provides a break from getting constantly rekt by better players in online challenges.”
- “Leaving the technical aspects aside, MK 11 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 development
79 mentions
52 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
Character development in the game receives mixed reviews, with many praising the intricate storytelling and character arcs, particularly highlighting Johnny Cage's development as a standout. However, some players criticize the lack of meaningful character growth and world-building, suggesting that the game relies too heavily on shock value and violence. Overall, while the character designs are often lauded for their creativity and visual appeal, opinions vary on their effectiveness in enhancing character depth and narrative engagement.
- “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.”
- “The attention to detail in character design, fluidity of animations, and the depth of gameplay mechanics truly elevate this iteration.”
- “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.”
- “If you've been a longtime fan of the series, you're going to hate the direction of the story, the writers' complete disregard for the lore, the questionable roster selection, and a handful of character designs.”
emotional
42 mentions
93 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
7 % negative 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 and stress. While some players found the narrative compelling and touching, others criticized it for being boring or lacking depth. Overall, the game successfully combines humor and heartfelt moments, making it a memorable emotional experience for many.
- “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.”
- “Voice acting and presentation really sell some genuinely emotional moments for the first time in fighting game history.”
- “The game has a boring story that fails to engage players emotionally.”
- “There is nothing else really in this game apart from a boring story mode.”
- “The repetitive gameplay and lack of emotional depth make it hard to stay invested.”
atmosphere
28 mentions
21 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
11 % negative 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 aligns closely with previous titles in the franchise, others express a desire for a return to the darker, more fantastical elements reminiscent of earlier games. However, issues with controls and certain design choices have been noted as detracting from the immersive experience.
- “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.”
- “While sound has never been a strong point of the MK series, at least in previous installments, you could tell from which side of the arena the fight was happening, the hits sounded impactful, and the overall audio created an atmosphere of excitement and tournament fervor.”