Scanning the internet for reviews of Mortal Kombat 1 it’s easy to become disillusioned. The star averages look extremely middling, but take note: these stars are deceiving as it was heavily review bombed by Russian gamers who were unable to access the game during the initial release period. Wanting to get a clear picture of what is really happening we pulled down our ninja masks and powered up for this, the latest reboot of this legendary franchise.
Let’s kick off with the gameplay. Despite promising a total overhaul, Mortal Kombat 1 retains the familiar essence of Mortal Kombat 11, providing a smooth and satisfying combat experience that fighting game enthusiasts will appreciate. It adheres to the “easy to learn, hard to master” philosophy, catering to both newcomers and returning players.
The importance of Kameos
Kameos, a new addition to Mortal Kombat 1, introduce a fresh dimension to matches. Kameos are the big feature for Mortal Kombat 1, and essentially allow you to summon characters to give you an assist mid-combat. Some of these Kameos are older Mortal Kombat characters that didn’t make the cut for Mortal Kombat 1’s character roster, like Sonya Blade and Kano. Each Kameo character boasts four unique moves. They even feature opponent combo breakers, which can be a game-changer in crucial moments.
At launch, there are 15 Kameo characters to select, with 10 available from the outset and the remaining 5 unlockable through profile levelling. Notably, these unlockable Kameos are earned through in-game progression, avoiding any paywall pitfalls. However, it’s worth noting that beloved characters like Goro, Jax and Cyrax are relegated to cameo roles (though this might change with future DLC releases). Some exceptions exist, such as various versions of Scorpion, Sub Zero, and Kung Lao, each with their own list of Fatalities and brutalities, providing more than just combat support.
The full roster
The main character roster is substantial but not overwhelming, ensuring players don’t drown in choices. While no entirely new characters are introduced, many beloved ones return, including Ashrah, Nitara, and Reiko, absent from playable rosters since 2006’s MK Armageddon.
There are 22 playable characters available from the start, with only 2 needing to be ‘unlocked’. The first is Mortal Kombat’s arch-nemesis, Shang Tsung, obtainable through pre-order or separate purchase for those who missed out. The second unlockable character is Havik, accessible by completing the story mode.
Initially, each character possesses one Fatality and brutality, with additional moves unlocked as you invest more time with them. In recent Mortal Kombat games, celebrity cameos have often been a hit; however, this time, they miss the mark. Megan Fox provides both voice acting and modelling for Nitara, and while her character looks impressive and plays well, the voice acting falls short, detracting from the overall experience.
Enriched storytelling
Speaking of the story, the campaign makes a triumphant return. Without giving away too much, if you haven’t played through the story modes of MKX and MK11, it’s highly recommended as they are exceptional.
Upon launching MK1, a brief cutscene explains why Liu Kang has ascended to become the God of Fire and Earthrealm’s protector, shedding light on why MK1 was chosen over MK12.
The story is an essential playthrough, lasting 7-8 hours, depending on your chosen difficulty level. The cutscenes are visually stunning and set a new standard for future fighting games. It’s advisable to complete the story before diving into returning Towers or the new Invasions mode, as they contain minor story spoilers.
Invasions mode, a completely new addition to the Mortal Kombat series, is somewhat challenging to describe. It’s not bad, but it hasn’t captivated my imagination either. Invasions essentially involve seasonal grinding to unlock additional cosmetics for your favourite characters. Currently, it’s the Season of the Spectre, offering new outfits for each character, all themed in red/orange gear. Expect different themes in future seasons. There are 8 levels to grind through, with Scorpion hinted as the final boss for this season.
Tutorials and Cosmetics
A tutorial level within Johnny Cage’s mansion is provided initially, as Invasions aren’t solely vanilla fights. Some battles feature modifiers; each character has an associated element, influencing their susceptibility to damage or immunity to certain effects. Shops scattered throughout the levels offer items such as magic resistance, talismans for power-ups, and even a resurrection item if you fall in battle.
The good news is that cosmetics must be earned through in-game currency won by winning battles. There is an option to purchase cosmetics with real money, but it’s not aggressively promoted, which is a refreshing change in the gaming industry.
For newcomers or those looking to hone their skills, tutorials are comprehensive, covering everything from the basics to advanced combos. There’s even a dedicated space for practising the ever-gory and spectacular Fatalities. Of course, no Mortal Kombat experience is complete without local and online multiplayer modes, both of which are here to keep players content.
In the end, and despite the review bombing, Mortal Kombat 1 not only lives up to its lofty expectations but also continues to raise the bar for fighting games. While the Invasion mode didn’t completely blow me away, the potential for improvement with seasonal updates is evident.
