Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1 is the most complete package I have ever seen in a fighting game. It is an excellent new chapter for returning fans and a great jumping-on point for new players. In this new golden era of fighting games, where more people are playing them than ever before, Mortal Kombat 1 is exactly what we need. A fighting game for everyone, and a beautiful reminder of why we play.

Mortal Kombat 1 is exceptional, offering the best fighting the series has ever seen, with a thoroughly enjoyable story and Invasion mode.

Mortal Kombat 1 not only reboots its own universe but everything you know and love about fighting games. The way a story is told and how it’s presented. It shows that it listens to its fans and does so by refining its addictive gameplay with noticeable nuances and then slapping on a new Kameo system that serves as more of a game-changer than a game-breaker...There is a ton of content to enjoy here and NetherRealm has peaked at the right time with fierce competition coming before and after its release. The team will have to test their might to supersede their own work from here on out.

Overall, Mortal Kombat 1 is a polished, beautiful work of art that is a remarkably innovative entry into the long running franchise. You can feel the love and care that went into recrafting existing characters in a way I never knew I would love.

So does Mortal Kombat 1 live up to its hype? Absolutely. Despite how short the story is, it is a great story nonetheless, and beyond that is lots of single-player content that will keep you coming back day after day. And of course, the finishing moves are bloodier and grittier than ever before. This is an entry that I can't recommend enough.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a true love letter to the 3D era of the saga. This is the Mortal Kombat 9 of this generation, and it must be valued as such. Although it is not sold as a celebration of legacy, it works very well as such and as a standalone saga title. It is a fairly complete video game whose main defects are not the game itself, but commercial decisions such as removing some fighters that are already included in the game to sell them separately. However, given the amount of content available and its quality, the fact that it will be updated over time and its overwhelming graphics make these outrages not hurt as much.

Mortal Kombat 1 delivers one of the most impressive and exciting storylines I've ever experienced in this genre. The voice acting, the facial animations, everything comes together in near-perfect harmony. Fighting is fun, challenging, and rewarding every step of the way. Mortal Kombat 1 is brutally brilliant, and probably the best Mortal Kombat game I've ever played.

NetherRealm Studios has scooped up all of its favourite toys and re-distributed them across the playroom in a way that has revivified the Mortal Kombat experience, birthing perhaps the most solid and enjoyable fighting game I have ever encountered.

Violence has never looked as vivid, gorgeous, and wild as it is in Mortal Kombat 1. Its fighting mechanics remain just as approachable and appealing as prior entries, with one key difference: It’s the best-feeling Mortal Kombat I’ve played thus far. There’re some minor quirks that are still being ironed out at the time of writing, but I’m excited, legitimately excited, to see what Netherrealm chooses to add to this game.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a tremendously complete game, with an almost perfect roster of characters and enough game modes to extend the experience at will. All aspects have been polished compared to previous installments and thus becomes one of the best options to enjoy the fighting genre.

Mortal Kombat 1 takes the original formula of a tournament between realms and enriches every step. As a hard reset to the universe, the game goes back to the beginning and re-establishes the beloved story and pieces of lore in exciting new ways. With only a few flaws, the gameplay is intuitive and enjoyable. All of this is further heightened with masterful graphics and audio design.

If you were eagerly awaiting the new installment of the franchise, we tell you in advance that you are going to enjoy it, especially if you are a fan of fighting games. Also, if you want to enter this interesting genre, I think it is a gateway that will make you feel welcome to the most brutal combat.

Mortal Kombat 1 looks incredible, has several fun play types depending on what you want to do, constantly rewards you for the time you spend on it, and offers so much customization to the combat through the Kameo system. While I might gripe about sitting through a Fatal Blow, I spend far more time just taking in the near-infinite possibilities that come from each character and Kameo combination. I feel like the ideas that come out of these systems are going to keep this game exciting for some time, and have made something that will be extremely rewarding for players to experiment with.

Fans waited four years for NetherRealm to release a new fighting game, and all that waiting paid off. From the surprises in its new mythology, to the white-knuckled pace and creativity in its gameplay, Mortal Kombat 1 is the freshest take on the series in years.

Mortal Kombat 1 maintains the violent tradition of the series, with a very interesting narrative campaign that presents the classic characters in a new light. Although the multiplayer component isn't as rich as some of its counterparts, at least for now, Mortal Kombat 1 offers plenty of single-player content and troves of cosmetics to unlock. All of this comes wrapped in a package with breathtaking visuals that set a new bar in the genre.

Mortal Kombat 1 stands out among the best in the franchise, taking some of the best elements from games past and introducing new ways to grab new players.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a must-have for any fan of the series and for most fighting game lovers. Despite minor flaws, the game is a lot of fun, looks amazing and always runs smoothly. New players may feel a bit lost, as familiarity with at least the previous installment will make it much easier to understand the storyline, but you can have a great time even without that. Mortal Kombat 1 can quickly become number one on the list of the best installments of the series.

This is the best, most balanced Mortal Kombat game to date.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a triumphant return for the franchise, celebrating its legacy while expertly weaving new features to catch the eye of players unfamiliar with the series.

While Mortal Kombat 1 feels a little streamlined and cut down compared to Mortal Kombat 11, it surpasses it where it really counts: the gameplay. This is quite simply the most fun we’ve had with a Mortal Kombat game to date. The improved combat with its faster pace, combined with a brilliant roster of fighters and the new Kameo system, means that we’re once again excited for the future of the series, as well as what’s to come to this entry. We’ll be returning to Invasion mode time and time again as its seasonal content is refreshed, and look forward to more characters being added into the mix.

Mortal Kombat 1 blazes onto current-gen hardware as hard as Liu Kang’s dragon kick. A fantastic campaign coupled with an engaging Invasions mode and a usual staple of rock-solid online modes offers a huge amount of content for fans. The roster is excellently balanced and while the Kameo system may not impress everyone, the back-to-basics fighting mechanics once again excel in this new dawn for the Mortal Kombat tournament.

A fantastic sequel that outshines its predecessors in terms of gameplay and scope.

When the first Mortal Kombat debuted more than 30 years ago, the series quickly became known for its trademark blood, gore, and violence. While that is still at the forefront thanks to Mortal Kombat 1’s Fatal Blows, Brutalities, and, of course, Fatalities, the longer the series has gone on, the longer it has rightfully become just as known for its genre-leading approach to single-player content and incredibly tight fighting mechanics. In making strides in both areas, Mortal Kombat 1 moves the series forward to continue what has already been a terrific year for the genre.

Mortal Kombat 1 is one of the best fighting games of recent years. A new high point for the series in the form of reimagining, ideal for neophytes and brimming with affection for his legacy for veterans.

Mortal Kombat 1 proves to be an excellent video game. Its impeccable visual presentation and the game's story could not be more attractive. This edition's game mechanics turn this installment into something dynamic and agile. The base of special moves is limited, but the scheme for performing combos is spectacular and entertaining. Mortal Kombat 1 will be a game that we will talk about for a long time because it fully fulfills its task of entertaining and providing spectacle in each fight.

Mortal Kombat 1 refines and improves on its solid foundation to deliver a devastating tag-team blow. The Kameo system opens up new possibilities which allows you to experiment with offensive and defensive maneuvers. In terms of single-player content, the story mode kicks ass and Invasion gives you the incentive to keep playing. With its solid online net code and wonderful tutorial, Mortal Kombat 1 is a flawless victory.

Mortal Kombat 1 is an excellent entry point for new comers and returning fans. It outshines every previous Mortal Kombat in almost every way, with intuitive controls and interesting modes. NetherRealm cranks the gore up to 11 and I cant wait to see what else they have in store for us.

Mortal Kombat 1 is not a revolution but rather an evolution that continues the franchise’s good streak. Excellent combat system, solid story mode and some truly noteworthy additions (like Kameo or Invasion Mode) make it really difficult to tear yourself away from the controller. Sometimes you can feel that the series is starting to chase its tail, but for now it’s hard to find a similarly accessible fighting game.

MK 1 is a definite upgrade in the gameplay department, making fights faster, more explosive and skill-based, bringing back the old special meter with 3 bars and introducing great new mechanics such as Cameo Fighters and aerial combos. It is a culmination of what NetherRealm has learned from the last two MK iterations and poses a great baseline for the future.

Overall, Mortal Kombat 1 is an enjoyable experience, that tries to walk a fine line between old and new. Every part of the game shows that the developers tried to put their right foot forward and deliver a polished experience. The only downside is the presence of microtransactions, but those who care enough to completely pimp out their characters will probably be willing to invest the time to do it.

Mortal Kombat 1 leans on a robust story (with solid foundations, but with a less than impeccable development) and a couple of other single player modes capable of entertaining for several hours – and even more, if NetherRealm Studios is able to properly exploit the seasonal system. The addition of kameo fighters and the focus on aerial combos leaves more room for the player's creativity compared to the previous chapter, with the assists of the secondary fighters breaking up and altering the rhythm of the matches in a positive way.

Mortal Kombat 1 is another strong entry in the franchise, with a polished presentation, high production values, and good core mechanics. The Kameo system, enhance meter, and air combat add tons of creative possibilities to combat. The story has an incredible presentation, but loses steam when the scope gets too big and messy. Meanwhile, Invasions are a promising new addition that will hopefully get meaningful support in future seasons, but the full package feels like it’s missing just another piece of the puzzle. Time will tell how it will evolve with future additions and balance tweaks, but for now Mortal Kombat 1 has everything you need for a skull-cracking good time.

Mortal Kombat 1 offers one of the most complete packages we’ve ever seen in this series while taking everything back to a new start and makes you love it in ways you couldn’t have imagined.

Mortal Kombat 1 may not be a massive evolution of the fighting game formula, but what’s on offer is still incredibly detailed and lovingly implemented. From the camp fun of the game’s main campaign, to the beautiful flow of online fights, to the string of new ideas found in the seasonal Invasions Mode. There’s a lot to digest here and a lot to enjoy. Another success by NetherRealm Studios, solidifying them as a masterful fighting game force.

Mortal Kombat 1 is like taking a step back in all the right ways. The reboot cranks up the intensity and throws caution to the wind by tossing in the Kameo Fighter as a spicy new ingredient in the classic mix. The freedom you get when pulling off aerial combos? It's downright glorious. Sure, there might be a bit less content to munch on, but the game makes up for it with controls that are as solid as a rock and as versatile as a Swiss army knife. And let's not forget the characters, oozing charisma and packing a punch as they dive headfirst into all-out mayhem. Mortal Kombat 1 is a wild blood-soaked party where fun takes center stage.

This is a great fighting game, that still hasn’t fixed some issues from the past, but still manages to deliver fun, polished, complex and, of course, bloody combats that fans will love.

Whilst Mortal Kombat 1 has a lack of content, and a frustrating unlockable system, it is the most streamlined iteration to date. Refining the gameplay, the new kameo system, combined with a blockbuster story mode that has shaken the lore up, Mortal Kombat 1 is the most interesting it has been since Mortal Kombat 9.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a welcome addition to a thriving fighting game landscape. The new systems build on top of the already established foundation created in Mortal Kombat 11 but in a more refined way. It doesn’t shy away from its gorey roots, and thankfully the Kameo system is far better than the voice cameos heard throughout the campaign. Essentially, this is Mortal Kombat done in a way that embraces more powerful hardware and delivers an experience that lives up to the legacy of the series.

Mortal Kombat 1 has fun gameplay with several combo route options thanks to Kameos. However, Invasions mode gets boring quickly and the final arc of Story mode doesn't please either. Character customization should have been better after what we've seen in other NetherRealm Studios games and the absence of the Krypt is notable.

Mortal Kombat 1 evolves the series in every aspect, resulting both fresh for new users and familiar and satisfying for returning players.

Mortal Kombat 1 is one of the franchise’s most bloody-entertaining entries to date, offering up refined action, smartly revamped fighters, and a story mode that delivers a surprisingly-coherent plot and plenty of blockbuster thrills. A lack of compelling modes and meaningful character customization does hurt, but Mortal Kombat 1 should be a heart-ripping hit with fans even if the overall package is slightly anemic.

As a reboot, Mortal Kombat 1 is a complete success and the series has a colorful, sunny future thanks to the completely overhauled combat system, characters and aesthetics. If you look purely at the content and the way the modes have evolved, it is all a bit less impressive, but this is still a bold but successful new direction for the now classic franchise. It almost made me forget Injustice...

Mortal Kombat 1 is another great game in the franchise. It showcases NetherRealm Studios' abilities to keep delivering compelling stories and increasingly refined gameplay, coupled with stunning graphics. It falls short only in the Invasion mode, which is very repetitive.

Entertaining and visually appealing brawler that fits well into the extensive franchise. Definitely worth a look for both professionals and newbies, more characters would make the game even more attractive.

I think it’s a really, really solid game. I really enjoy it a lot. And I’m going to give it an official SVG score of a solid eight out of ten.

The iconic Mortal Kombat franchises spans more than 30 years already, but stills knows how to deliver a solid fighting game. They proof that with the soft reboot that is Mortal Kombat 1. Story mode and some new, intuitive fighting mechanics carry this installment, even though as a whole it's not as 'meaty' as its predecessor.

The so-called fatalities, deadly attacks after you have knocked your opponent half unconscious, are of course also part of the game. Although, unlike before, you don't have to press a difficult and perfectly timed button combination to do so. A few keys can suffice, making it both more accessible, more grotesque and more gory. The threshold to death and destruction is now completely non-existent. The result is an intriguing and smooth-playing fighting game, but one that is definitely not suitable for children.

Mortal Kombat 1 brings a lot of freshness with the yet another reset accompanied by a new layer of vivid colors and a good dose of nostalgia, along the way tweaking the combat system to be faster and adding a couple of interesting new modes.

Mortal Kombat 1 mainly draws strength from the formula that made the series great. This means a high degree of accessibility, completely bizarre and grotesque characters and of course blood that flows (very) freely. The Kameo fighters are an excellent addition that give the gameplay the necessary depth. This means that Mortal Kombat 1 remains fun to play for a long time, even if you are already tired of the gruesome fatalities.

Quotation forthcoming.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a brilliant time, albeit one that might not quite have the staying power it could have, thanks to thinner modes than you'd expect. Its story is a barrel of fun, though, and it looks about as good as any fighting game I've played, so fans of the series should absolutely pick it up.

The soft-reboot of one of the oldest fighting series is coming with certain shortcomings, like lackluster single-player offerings beyond the 6-hour campaign. Nevertheless, amazing graphics, a nicely paced campaign, and the brutally enhanced combat more than make up for these issues.

How can we continue to keep a legendary video game series that has just celebrated its 30th anniversary alive? NetherRealm has decided. The apprentice sorcerers led by Ed Boon reanimate the beast and opt for a nice reboot taking care of its accessibility strategy, adding a big touch of RPG (Invasions) and deepening its gameplay with a feature previously unpublished in the series (Kaméos). Despite its aggressive Live service side, fairly classic solo/multi modes and the disappearance of elements loved by fans, the title published by WB Games hits hard if not delivering an uppercut.

Mortal Kombat 1 has proven itself to be continually compelling throughout its early access and launch period, a remarkably refined and confident instalment of a series that had already secured its strong identity long ago. The story campaign is an entertaining rollercoaster ride, its foundational fighting mechanics remain strong, and the game’s focus on wide-ranging approachability and accessibility in service of broadening the fighting game community must be applauded.

Even though Mortal Kombat 1 is no Flawless Victory, it still feels like a step forward for the franchise. The core gameplay is the best it’s ever been, which I think is the most important thing for the genre. It’s a great entry point for newcomers to fighting games and even fellow casual players like myself looking to delve a little deeper than usual. The Story Mode is peak cinematic Mortal Kombat which alone is a worthwhile adventure for those interested. Despite a lackluster lineup of modes with an unnecessary grind for cosmetics, Mortal Kombat 1 is still fun to play. Ultimately, it’s a brilliant reboot, and I’m on board for wherever the universe takes us next.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a reboot with a big, bloody heart. It re-tools Mortal Kombat’s story and characters in creative ways, and for the most part, the combat is excellent. Unfortunately, there are some elements that feel rushed. It’s still a very good fighting game, but it should have been a great one.

Mortal Kombat 1 presents one of the best combat systems in the saga, creative, rich in variations, deep and complex. The Kameo system and the aerial combos are integrated naturally with the historical gameplay of the saga and provide a new and very interesting perspective on the bloody clashes between the members of the roster. However, the feeling is that NetherRealm has rushed the release, with a rather poor online component and a balance that is not always impeccable. However, it is a very solid episode, and an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to approach the saga.

Mortal Kombat 1 is, from a newcomer's perspective, a perfect entry to the series. It's packed with gorgeous visuals and battles to enjoy, and I already can't wait to get back to the action.

Whether you are a seasoned combatant or a new one stepping into the arena for the first time, Mortal Kombat 1 has something for you. The Kameo system has revitalized the trusted formula, which has improved with the many welcomed changes made by the team, everything looks great in motion, and the story mode is more engaging than ever before. Invasions might not be for everybody, and online play could do with some work, but there is nothing too major holding this game back from shining brightly. A new era of Mortal Kombat has arrived, and things are looking smashingly good.

Mortal Kombat’s “new era” takes more from the old ones than the reboot implies. While this allows Mortal Kombat 1 to bring the best elements of the series to the forefront, it also distracts from what should be a bold new beginning.

All together, Mortal Kombat 1 is an impressive package, changing things up while showing reverence for even the most obscure parts of its franchise. With that said, nothing in MK1, from gameplay to narrative, is any more than a strict evolution of MK11. Mortal Kombat 1 contributes little new to the fighting game space, and the nearby Street Fighter 6 harshly contrasts it by claiming the custom fighters and open world Konquest mode Mortal Kombat left behind. Still, Liu Kang's new timeline shows great promise, and Mortal Kombat 1 should keep its community satisfied until the next Mortal Kombat begins.

Mortal Kombat 1 is perhaps not the most tactically demanding game of its kind, but it's presented in a superb way and you'll find yourself sinking countless hours into it.

MK1 is a pretty brilliant package. It doesn’t have the same swathe of content that Street Fighter 6 launched with earlier this year, but what is here shines. It’s gory, brutal, and incredibly kamp. This is a great step forward for a franchise that was at risk of stagnating. This is a modern Mortal Kombat klassic.

It’s a shame that Invasions and the snail’s pace progression drag Mortal Kombat 1 down a little because, if it wasn’t for them, this would easily be the best Mortal Kombat to date. Even with those problems, MK1’s excellent gameplay and story mode make it a much-needed breath of fresh air for the series and a great first step into an exciting new timeline.

The bone-crunching gameplay of Mortal Kombat 1 is some of the best the series has ever seen, thanks to the game-changing Kameo system. Netherrealm delivers a fantastic single-player story mode as well. However, the new Invasions mode is a grind and the online options feel dated.

Mortal Kombat 1 has some of the most liberating combat mechanics NetherRealm has ever made, but some of the peripheral features fall a little short of what the studio has achieved prior. Being able to access more tricks and dig into the Kameo system gives fights more depth than they’ve ever had. That ingenuity clashes with the vague unlock system, repetitive Invasion mode, and inconsistent campaign that strangely don’t match the heights of previous NetherRealm games. Mortal Kombat 1 is a victory in many ways, just not a flawless one.

The story campaign and, arguably, the fighting are the best they’ve ever been for Mortal Kombat, although there’s currently a lack of other modes and Invasion is a disappointment.

Mortal Kombat 1 is still very much a bloody and brutal good time with tons of rewards for digging deep into it.

Mortal Kombat 1 takes the series back to its roots but also innovates with exciting new aerial combat, a game-changing Kameo system, and a thoughtfully designed roster to be the most mechanically deep and engaging entry in the franchise yet.

Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a love letter to fans of this thirty-one-year-old franchise and as a pseudo-reboot it also has potential appeal to newcomers alike. There's still room to grow and I'm sure it will just keep getting better, but Mortal Kombat 1 is already definitely worth your time.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a generally positive step in a new direction. I find myself frustrated with Liu Kang's decision to allow live service DNA to creep into his new universe, and I long for some of the features left behind (like the Krypt). Mortal Kombat 1 sets the stage for a new era of MK that you can't help but get pumped up for. NetherRealm, like the characters in its ultraviolent universe, is staring right into the face of a brave new world and locking eyes with the future. Keeping those eyes in its head, though, may remain a challenge.

Though the game's story offers an approachable entry point by rebooting the Mortal Kombat timeline, newcomers who want to stick with the franchise will need to get used to the game's rhythm. If the challenge intrigues, you may, eventually, find it rewarding. But if you already live for the spectacle of the series' violent Fatalities, and have the patience needed to sharpen your skills, Mortal Kombat 1 will slake your bloodlust.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a safe sequel without surprises. Unless someone is surprised by a well-crafted storyline, brutality and lots of single-player content. This is "just" another Mortal Kombat with all the good and the bad.

Mortal Kombat 1 is, at its core, a fine fighting game thanks to its smooth gameplay and solid performance. Moreover, the Kameo fighters really add something, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it still feels like a small step down from Mortal Kombat 11. This is partly due to the Invasion mode being less interesting than the Krypt, the voice acting is mediocre and the roster is somewhat limited. Certainly not a bad game, but certainly not the best Mortal Kombat ever either.

The Kampaign is the one of the best we’ve seen in years but stripped-back side-content and a barebones online mode hold this reboot back from greatness. [Issue#33, p.82]

If you're looking forward to a deep and engaging fighting game with great single-player content, and the game you can easily pick up with no prior experience, then we suggest you to try Street Fighter 6. As of right now, Mortal Kombat 1 feels like a game aimed strictly at the fanbase of the franchise, and people who are willing to see how the game will evolve in real time.

Between the extra sparks of mechanical invention and visual humour, Mortal Kombat 1 offers perhaps NetherRealm's most persuasive argument yet to take the plunge. [Issue#390, p.128]

Mortal Kombat 1 gets the gameplay part right but I can't shake the feeling that this game was released way too early. While you do get a full story mode and Invasions mode there are so many small problems that really take away from what should be the best game NetherRealm has made yet.

Unmatched cinematic story mode and core fighting gameplay mechanics marred by baffling content and feature exclusions.

Mortal Kombat 1 is a victory with most of its story, gameplay and presentation; it’s just nowhere near a flawless victory.

Like we said in the beginning, Mortal Kombat 1 is the best and most refreshing entry in the series since Mortal Kombat (2011), but it falls directly into the same traps as those prior entries. The core fighting is great thanks to the excellent Kameo Fighter system and increased pace (as well as ditching the styles and gear-specific moves), and the return of PS2-era fighters is fantastic. But sadly, the selection of modes and character-specific training options feel extremely dated – especially compared to Street Fighter 6.

As someone's first Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat 1 is a perfectly adequate but not ideal place to start (that would still be Mortal Kombat 2011). For returning players who just want to see their favorite characters again, or for anyone itching to hear Johnny Cage come up with great jokes like "Reminds me of a terrible B-movie I was in called The Flesh Pits," while walking around a room that looks just like the old MK level The Flesh Pits, this game will be a must-buy. If you were hoping to see The Great Kung Lao of myth, however, or an entirely new cast of characters, Mortal Kombat 1 isn't essential, and brings very few truly new ideas to the table.

Mortal Kombat 1 is also home to an esoteric, slightly underbaked “Invasions” mode, which injects a dash of RPG-ish grinding – complete with random encounters and variating elemental damage types – to its bread-and-butter brawling mechanics. I found this to be less compelling than either the campaign or the standard multiplayer ladder, but it’s good to see that NetherRealm is, at the very least, considering how they might reinvent the wheel in the future. After all, this is supposed to be a total reimagining of Mortal Kombat oeuvre; a new beginning for all of our twisted, bloodsoaked combatants. I’m happy to have them back in my life, but it’s a shame they didn’t learn a few more tricks during their time away.