Mortal Kombat

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 445 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 366 out of 445
  2. Mixed: 52 out of 445
  3. Negative: 27 out of 445
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  1. whitespider999
    Feb 16, 2012
    6
    Take this into consideration, I don't really like fighting games. They don't mentally stimulate me, and they don't fit into my nature. They are fun with friends at an arcade and that's where it ends. Short bursts, I invest time, and I find them depressing. Because my nature hates competition, and a lack of narrative/purpose. And that's why I like mortal kombat so much. It's story mode isTake this into consideration, I don't really like fighting games. They don't mentally stimulate me, and they don't fit into my nature. They are fun with friends at an arcade and that's where it ends. Short bursts, I invest time, and I find them depressing. Because my nature hates competition, and a lack of narrative/purpose. And that's why I like mortal kombat so much. It's story mode is second to none. And while it's cheesy as hell, it's also the right kind of cheesy as hell. So that makes it might favorite fighting game of all time. However it still get's a 7/10 because I have to play a fighting game to GET the story mode. If you are a fighting game fan (in general without a bias towards a certain series) Raise the score by 2 or even 3 over what I have given it. It's the best playing version of mortal kombat, and has an incredible level of value compared it's significantly more bare boned competitors.… Expand
  2. snacko12
    Feb 5, 2012
    5
    i like it overall but the story is really boring and the same and the challenge tower is fun for like 30 floors. the multiplayer on this game is solid but some people are just such **** about it for no real reason with their gay moves, but if u get a good game with straight people multiplayey really shines
  3. Not_Casual
    May 14, 2012
    5
    This game looks good and is amazingly stimulating and fun. The characters have been reworked nicely and feature interesting balance aspects; the levels are also very nice looking. The one crippling feature of this game is the Xbox controller. At higher difficulties trying to perform at the same speed of the ai is nearly impossible because the controller constantly misunderstands what youThis game looks good and is amazingly stimulating and fun. The characters have been reworked nicely and feature interesting balance aspects; the levels are also very nice looking. The one crippling feature of this game is the Xbox controller. At higher difficulties trying to perform at the same speed of the ai is nearly impossible because the controller constantly misunderstands what you are trying to do and is uncomfortable. The controls are as old as the super nintendo and that pad on the xbox is just in a horrid spot. I can't even play the game with a stick, it feels just wrong.… Expand
  4. Sablcious
    May 18, 2011
    6
    MK2011 is a good game... but not a good FIGHTING GAME.

    The game promised to cater for hardcore fans but instead introduced a slew of causal orientated features that in fact dumbed the game down even further than its casual roots would have led you to believe would be warranted. Easy, timing devoid dial-a-combos, 'simple mode' super (X-ray) attacks at the mash of a couple of shoulder    MK2011 is a good game... but not a good FIGHTING GAME.

    The game promised to cater for hardcore fans but instead introduced a slew of causal orientated features that in fact dumbed the game down even further than its casual roots would have led you to believe would be warranted. Easy, timing devoid dial-a-combos, 'simple mode' super (X-ray) attacks at the mash of a couple of shoulder buttons (super moves you only gain access to after being pummelled!), 'secret' finishing moves listed in the game's menu... all make for one of the more casual friendly MKs ever.

    But the game's less than hardcore game mechanic isn't it's only or even biggest downfall; it's LIES are. Promised were robust offline content but only filler (Krypt) and blatant lies (Tower Challenge reward) were proffered; the AI being some of the worst (spammy / cheap / cheaty) in fight gaming. Intimated was a far more diverse roster; delivered, only cookie cutter teleport and dash attack spammers that even share certain normal attacks and have same-same-y X-rays, and the game's only unique characters, the bosses, inexplicably locked out from player use. Bragged about was the game's new fangled net-code that would make online play a sheer joy; instead you get arguably the worst online lag for a fighting game this console generation!

    What makes this latter aspect of the game even more of a fail, is the fact that there is an 'online pass' attached to the game's online functionailty. Meaning that if you do not have a valid code, you cannot play online unless you pay and extra $10 for, what in this game's case, is a very dusbious privilege. Thus, if you buy the game pre-ownded, you'll almost certainly be getting an incomplete product... and that's not even touching on the DLC ransoming to come.

    But that's not to say the game is all bad, as was suggested in this review's preface. The game's story mode is as fleshed out as you will see in a non SNK fighting game, taking around 6 hours to play through. The visuals of the game are quite nice. The backgrounds in particular are very detailed. however, the character animations are still somewhat stiff for a 2011 game. The audio is also top notch also, with every blow resonating powerfully and voice acting that, although corny, is on the mark for game set in MK universe. The 3D (Ps3 only) is a nice 'thought', but due to only the backgrounds being render thusly, and given in a fighting game your attention is solely on the the combat, the 3D effect is virtually completely lost while playing and only serves to strain your eyes.

    Overall, when you take into account MK2011 is a FIGHTING GAME whose play mechanic, online componentry, character diversity are paramount to its respectability in this genre, MK2011 sadly fails. They should have stuck with the MKvDCU model and refined it (removed the 3D movement) not tried to reinvent the MK wheel.

    Summation:
    For causals and completionists, a good buy. For hardcore fight gamers. especially those reared on 90s fighters, I'd steer clear at least until it's half price, if not until the inevitable MK2012 hits.    … Expand
  5. Sablicious
    May 18, 2011
    6
    Sablcious
    6
    MK2011 is a good game... but not a good FIGHTING GAME. The game promised to cater for hardcore fans but instead introduced a slew of causal orientated features that in fact dumbed the game down even further than its casual roots would have led you to believe would be warranted. Easy, timing devoid dial-a-combos, 'simple mode' super (X-ray) attacks at the mash of a couple of    Sablcious
    6
    MK2011 is a good game... but not a good FIGHTING GAME. The game promised to cater for hardcore fans but instead introduced a slew of causal orientated features that in fact dumbed the game down even further than its casual roots would have led you to believe would be warranted. Easy, timing devoid dial-a-combos, 'simple mode' super (X-ray) attacks at the mash of a couple of shoulder buttons (super moves you only gain access to after being pummelled!), 'secret' finishing moves listed in the game's menu... all make for one of the more casual friendly MKs ever. But the game's less than hardcore game mechanic isn't it's only or even biggest downfall; it's LIES are. Promised were robust offline content but only filler (Krypt) and blatant lies (Tower Challenge reward) were proffered; the AI being some of the worst (spammy / cheap / cheaty) in fight gaming. Intimated was a far more diverse roster; delivered, only cookie cutter teleport and dash attack spammers that even share certain normal attacks and have same-same-y X-rays, and the game's only unique characters, the bosses, inexplicably locked out from player use. Bragged about was the game's new fangled net-code that would make online play a sheer joy; instead you get arguably the worst online lag for a fighting game this console generation! What makes this latter aspect of the game even more of a fail, is the fact that there is an 'online pass' attached to the game's online functionailty. Meaning that if you do not have a valid code, you cannot play online unless you pay and extra $10 for, what in this game's case, is a very dusbious privilege. Thus, if you buy the game pre-ownded, you'll almost certainly be getting an incomplete product... and that's not even touching on the DLC ransoming to come. But that's not to say the game is all bad, as was suggested in this review's preface. The game's story mode is as fleshed out as you will see in a non SNK fighting game, taking around 6 hours to play through. The visuals of the game are quite nice. The backgrounds in particular are very detailed. however, the character animations are still somewhat stiff for a 2011 game. The audio is also top notch also, with every blow resonating powerfully and voice acting that, although corny, is on the mark for game set in MK universe. The 3D (Ps3 only) is a nice 'thought', but due to only the backgrounds being render thusly, and given in a fighting game your attention is solely on the the combat, the 3D effect is virtually completely lost while playing and only serves to strain your eyes. Overall, when you take into account MK2011 is a FIGHTING GAME whose play mechanic, online componentry, character diversity are paramount to its respectability in this genre, MK2011 sadly fails. They should have stuck with the MKvDCU model and refined it (removed the 3D movement) not tried to reinvent the MK wheel. Summation: For causals and completionists, a good buy. For hardcore fight gamers. especially those reared on 90s fighters, I'd steer clear at least until it's half price, if not until the inevitable MK2012 hits    … Expand
  6. Meathook
    Jul 14, 2011
    5
    It's really hard to recommend Mortal Kombat. It can be quite fun, but at the end of the day I want a fighting game with depth...MK9 has little depth. No cross-ups due to the block button. Mix-ups are minimal and basically regulated to what the horrendous "dial-a-combo" system lets you do. The ground game and wake-up game is terrible and limited. X-Ray attacks range from being well thoughtIt's really hard to recommend Mortal Kombat. It can be quite fun, but at the end of the day I want a fighting game with depth...MK9 has little depth. No cross-ups due to the block button. Mix-ups are minimal and basically regulated to what the horrendous "dial-a-combo" system lets you do. The ground game and wake-up game is terrible and limited. X-Ray attacks range from being well thought out to being absurd in priority with wonky hitboxes. Really, I could go further, but lets just say that if you are a serious fan of fighting games, you probably will not enjoy MK9. I'm sorry, but without a solid fighting engine and mechanics, I simply do not care how many thousands of hours of single player content exists in this game. Is it a step in the right direction? Absolutely. But perhaps it really only seems so due to the fact that the last good MK game came out like 15 years ago. Boon stated that MK9 would be a treat for the "hardcore" fighting game fans...but it's more like a muddled attempt at best.… Expand
  7. MachoHombre
    Apr 21, 2011
    5
    hype, nostalgia, the KKK (Krazy Kombo Kombat) are the things that contribute to MK9's success. The truth however; is that it's not at all as kool as the original arcade games. In fact, it's tainted with nerdiness. It will get your average teenage noob through the weekend, but the truth is it's no way to enjoy your weekend. I am so looking forward to the day the classics are ported to XBLA/hype, nostalgia, the KKK (Krazy Kombo Kombat) are the things that contribute to MK9's success. The truth however; is that it's not at all as kool as the original arcade games. In fact, it's tainted with nerdiness. It will get your average teenage noob through the weekend, but the truth is it's no way to enjoy your weekend. I am so looking forward to the day the classics are ported to XBLA/ PSN so everyone can see what it's like to have your beer and enjoy it too.… Expand
  8. Berglynt
    Apr 20, 2011
    6
    This game is a big improvement of the last few iterations. Mortal Kombat fans should pick this game up. The game overall is well done; they put some time and thought into this game. I am disappointed that they did not include an exclusive character for the Xbox 360, and they lead us on until after the game was released. They do not even have the decency to let us know why. Did MS not wantThis game is a big improvement of the last few iterations. Mortal Kombat fans should pick this game up. The game overall is well done; they put some time and thought into this game. I am disappointed that they did not include an exclusive character for the Xbox 360, and they lead us on until after the game was released. They do not even have the decency to let us know why. Did MS not want one (doubtful)? Did Sony and WB make some sort of agreement? Money was pretty much involved in some way. I would have given the game a 7.5 - 8.0 if it wasn't for them leading us to think that they were going to put in a Xbox exclusive character. Also for coming and saying they wanted to but will not tell us why.… Expand
  9. AbeBarnes
    Apr 23, 2011
    7
    There is no fancy subtitle, no additional side information, and definitely no superheroes. Mortal Kombat is back, with a vengeance, and it's ready to rip your head off your body with the same vicousness that made our parents faint when it first came out in 1992.

    Fighting games are my nemesis. Even FPS's, I can usually squeak by and be passable at them. But unless a fighting game holds    There is no fancy subtitle, no additional side information, and definitely no superheroes. Mortal Kombat is back, with a vengeance, and it's ready to rip your head off your body with the same vicousness that made our parents faint when it first came out in 1992.

    Fighting games are my nemesis. Even FPS's, I can usually squeak by and be passable at them. But unless a fighting game holds my hand and has easy button combinations, I am lost and frustrated. Marvel vs Capcom 3 was the example of the one extreme, where it was pretty easy to get done what you wanted to get done. Mortal Kombat is the other extreme in many ways. And yet I still loved it.

    DISCLAIMER:
    Keep your children away from this one. There, I said it, and I mean it. This one should not be sold, or played by, anyone under 18. I'll go into a definitive reason later in the review (and the reason it only received 3 stars), but the disclaimer had to be there. WHen they say M for Mature, they mean it.

    Let's go over the easy stuff first. Visually the game is stunning, even on the Xbox. Every bit of blood, the X-Ray moves, the smoothness of the animations, it all combines to make for a great experience to watch on screen, and it never leaves you guessing about what comes next. The audio is great as well, with the exception of Liu Kang. Such a high-pitch almost girlish sounding sounds when he does his moves, it is distracting. More then distracting, it's just awful. Everything else, though, seems to fit. (Although I stil hear Christopher Lambert in my head whenever Raiden speaks). The voice acting was great, and suprisingly in-depth for a fighting game.

    Which leads me to the most suprising feature of the game, and the one I will focus on in this review. The story mode. Yes, you read that right. The best part of this game, for me at least, was the story mode.

    I need to give kudo's to the team behind the story of this game. It played out like one long cinematic, with fights at the appropriate points (and for appropriate reasons). Not to mention the story, plot, and dialogue were leaps and bounds ahead of the MK movies. Okay. If I were to review the game based on the Story Mode, Ladder, and even the XBox Live gameplay (hey, just because I suck doesn't mean it's a bad game), this would have been 5 stars. But, I cannot in good conscious give that to a game that glorifies torture in death the way this game does.

    I'm not a prude, and i'm not talking about fatalities. Fatalities, etc, are part of Mortal Kombat. You fight your opponent, you get to do what you want to them. I'm fine with that. I'm talking about the "Krypt".

    In the Krypt, you can spend the points you earn in the game on unlockable items, from new Fatalities and Babalities to concept art and music. Great goals for the game. But to unlock them, you have to navigate the realm and destroy items and people. The first area isn't too bad, it's just tombstones and crypts. But when you move beyond, things get creepy.

    Creepy enough to knock the score down 2 stars.

    Imagine all the old fashioned torture devices. Draw and Quartering machines. The iron maiden. THe Guillotine. The rack. If you want your unlockables, you pick a machine, that has a "live" person/soul/whatever on it, and you kill them. Graphically. Completely unnecessary in an otherwise flawless game, and it left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

    Mortal Kombat is not a game for children, but foradults who want to experience a clean and challenging fighting game, this is the one for you. The story mode is worth the play as well, and suprisngly in-depth. If it wasn't for the Krypt, this would be a perfect game.

    3 bloody gore covered stars.    … Expand
  10. Pivot1022
    Dec 28, 2011
    7
    Its fun, it's great. the story mode is awesome, BUT! but they will throw some of the most **** unblanced fights at you (lui kang vs scorpion and quan chi)... and it will piss you off. other then that the game is near perfect. The fighting is fun, the kombos are easy to remebere, but hard to string toghter.
  11. Kostas_Spirou
    Dec 16, 2022
    7
    This is the first Mortal Kombat game I've ever played.

    I think the gameplay is a bit too slow but it feels very satisfying at times. The story is interesting but nothing special, I like how they decided to reboot the series and make the story more consinstent. But the highlight of the game is the amount of violence and action it has to offer, with the fatalities being the cherry    This is the first Mortal Kombat game I've ever played.

    I think the gameplay is a bit too slow but it feels very satisfying at times.

    The story is interesting but nothing special, I like how they decided to reboot the series and make the story more consinstent.

    But the highlight of the game is the amount of violence and action it has to offer, with the fatalities being the cherry on top.

    Final Rating: "Good" ~ 7/10.    … Expand
  12. MJ4EVA420
    May 18, 2011
    7
    Before reading on, I'd like you to close your eyes and journey with me back to 1992 when a little game called Mortal Kombat hit the arcades. As an wide eyed adolescent I recall my first experience with Mortal Kombat being one of awe. The thunderous sounds of fighters doing combat bellowed from those cabinets drawing crowds of onlookers eager to see the (then) savage fatalities. It's nowBefore reading on, I'd like you to close your eyes and journey with me back to 1992 when a little game called Mortal Kombat hit the arcades. As an wide eyed adolescent I recall my first experience with Mortal Kombat being one of awe. The thunderous sounds of fighters doing combat bellowed from those cabinets drawing crowds of onlookers eager to see the (then) savage fatalities. It's now 2011 (you can open your eyes now) and the latest iteration MK does not disappoint. Now, I am by no means a self-proclaimed fighting virtuoso, my expertise lays more in the dancing game genre, for example, "Michael Jackson The Experience." I must admit I was slightly hesitant at first when it came to picking up this game, as I was devastated when MJ died. But once I slipped on my official Michael Jackson collectors edition glove, and began breaking it down oh so low to 'Billy Jean' I felt Michael was alive again, living through the rhythmic undulations of my pelvis. I especially like the bonus levels, racking up points touching as many prepubescent boys possible while the timer counts down is almost as thrilling as the real thing! Or so I've heard. I've often fallen back onto my sofa, in a sweaty mess after a good 2 hour session of the game just to let my gloved hand do the walking... wink wink. It's almost like Michael is in the room with me. "Michael Jackson The Experience" is a must buy for die hard fans !… Expand
  13. chelano
    Oct 7, 2011
    7
    One thing fixed from previous Mortal Kombat games is that the game is not so tight anymore. It runs smooth and fast like the original. They still have many fun characters and great sound effects. The story line is a little strange but I am glad it was done this way. It was like they rebooted the game. Started back from the beginning. Not only do you have the fun side games thatOne thing fixed from previous Mortal Kombat games is that the game is not so tight anymore. It runs smooth and fast like the original. They still have many fun characters and great sound effects. The story line is a little strange but I am glad it was done this way. It was like they rebooted the game. Started back from the beginning. Not only do you have the fun side games that people learned to like, you have the original tower back just like Mortal Kombat 1. So overall a pretty good fighting game compared to the ones they are making now a days.… Expand
  14. MercilessMonkey
    Feb 11, 2012
    7
    I thought it was pretty well done, but I'm surprised with all of the tens it's getting. I found the story to be pretty short, although there was a lot of content added through the tower. Graphics are really nicely done, and there's a lot of depth in the fighting mechanics. However, a lot of it is overly cheesy, some characters are extremely bad to the point of never using, and their onlineI thought it was pretty well done, but I'm surprised with all of the tens it's getting. I found the story to be pretty short, although there was a lot of content added through the tower. Graphics are really nicely done, and there's a lot of depth in the fighting mechanics. However, a lot of it is overly cheesy, some characters are extremely bad to the point of never using, and their online system does not work very well at all. It's a fun game that's well executed, but I don't think it was anywhere near perfect.… Expand
  15. turatteu
    Mar 8, 2020
    5
    Jogo inacreditavelmente desbalanceado. A luta final precisa da perfeição em torno de uns macetes... Perfeição essa que com o dpad do Xbox é mais sorte que perfeição. Não recomendo.
  16. Felix_taskete
    Mar 4, 2020
    7
    One of the best fighting games. With a grate fatalities and fights. 7 out of 10.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
24
#24 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2011
49
#49 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 66 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 66
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 66
  3. Negative: 0 out of 66
  1. Game Chronicles
    Jun 8, 2011
    88
    I enjoyed this new vision of Mortal Kombat more than any previous edition in the franchise. It has some issues, mostly in the single-player game, but all the hardcore fighters are here for the human-on-human interactions so it probably isn't a deal-breaker. If you love Mortal Kombat or just want to play an uber-violent and bloody fighting game then Mortal Kombat is the reigning champ and definitely worth adding to your collection.
    Read full review
  2. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    May 22, 2011
    79
    Unremarkable, but it's puerile charm makes it more than the sum of its (body) parts. [July 2011, p.87]
  3. X-ONE Magazine UK
    May 20, 2011
    50
    Borderline broken as a fighter, but, taken on its own meagre merits, a giggle to mess around with. Still, though, it falls a long way short of what could have been. [Issue#72, p.80]
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