NetherRealm Studios’ latest venture, Mortal Kombat 1, is days away from its official launch, and the whispers around gaming circles are loud and clear: this might just be the best Mortal Kombat title to date. Will it really end up being a flawless victory, or is the praise hollow and hiding a fatality?
Mortal Kombat 1 isn’t just a continuation of Mortal Kombat 11; it’s a reimagining of the entire series. Warner Bros. Games has decided to reboot the game’s timeline, introducing a new universe where classic characters have been revamped and some lesser-known characters have been given a chance to shine.
Liu Kang, once the champion of Earthrealm, now assumes the role of the Keeper of Time, aiming to create a utopian reality. As a famous uncle once said, with great power comes great responsibility, and Liu Kang’s vision for a perfect world is fraught with challenges.
From the Lin Kuei’s transformation into Earthrealm’s defenders to the shifting dynamics of Outworld’s throne, Mortal Kombat 1 is giving fans of the franchise a whole new perspective. First things first, here’s a round-up of some of the early reviews from critics that have trickled in:
- ComicBook.com – 4/5
- Press Start Australia – 9.5/10
- Video Game Chronicle – 5/5
- Bloody Disgusting – 4.5/5
- Screen Rant – 3.5/5
- VG247 – 4/5
- Games Hub – 4/5
Characters we’ve grown to love (or hate) have undergone significant changes in this new timeline. Johnny Cage, the egotistical Hollywood star, remains true to his nature, but without his trademark green glow. Kenshi, the blind swordsman, starts his journey with his sight intact, hinting at a tragic fate that awaits him.
Meanwhile, Outworld sees a shift in power dynamics, with Sindel as its benevolent ruler and her twin daughters, Mileena and Kitana, vying for the throne. And in a surprising twist, the roles of Sub-Zero and Scorpion are reversed, with Kuai-Liang adopting the popular persona of Scorpion.
Despite Liu Kang’s best efforts to create a harmonious world, shadows of the past threaten to unravel his vision. Shang Tsung, once a mighty sorcerer, is now a shadow of his former self. However with the guidance of a mysterious figure resembling Kronika, he’s set on a path to reclaim his lost glory and challenge Liu Kang’s reign.
Recent Mortal Kombat titles have primarily emphasized story modes and online multiplayer. However, Mortal Kombat 1 seems to be reviving the golden age of single-player content. The introduction of the Invasion Mode, reminiscent of the PlayStation 2 era, promises a vastly superior experience for solo players compared to its predecessor, The Krypt.
This addition, combined with NetherRealm’s improved story mode, suggests a return to the franchise’s roots, catering to both casual gamers and hardcore fans. Furthermore, the focus on RPG elements is also a significant overhaul to the gameplay. The ability to level up characters, equip them with new gear, and personalize them adds a depth previously unseen in the franchise.
While it’s still early days, Mortal Kombat 1 is shaping up to be a monumental release in the franchise. Whether it truly becomes the best Mortal Kombat game ever remains to be seen. The game is set to officially launch on September 19 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
