Mortal Kombat 1 marks a significant turning point for the renowned fighting game series. It’s also the first time in a while that a new Mortal Kombat title faces formidable competition. Games like Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6 have set high standards for the fighting game genre since the release of Mortal Kombat 11. Mortal Kombat 1 has the task of keeping pace. To address this right away, it’s safe to say that this is the best Mortal Kombat game since Mortal Kombat (2011). Mortal Kombat X introduced an overwhelming three-character style system and revived the unpopular run mechanic from Mortal Kombat 3. On the other hand, Mortal Kombat 11 took a slower approach, favoring zoners like Jacqui online while locking moves behind various gear sets.
This installment features a roster of 23 fighters, the smallest in the rebooted era, but it compensates with the inclusion of 15 Kameo fighters. These function like Assists in Marvel Vs Capcom, allowing you to call upon these fighters to perform moves that can extend your combos or rescue you from tight spots. While it’s refreshing to see some obscure characters from the series’ history return, such as Reiko, Havik, and Ashrah, there are no newcomers in Mortal Kombat 1, resulting in a roster predominantly composed of familiar faces.
Fatalities make a gooey comeback in all their glory. While previous titles may have taken these finishers a bit too far (remember Kenshi’s puppet fatality from Mortal Kombat X?), Mortal Kombat 1 brings back the original entries’ goofy tone. Though some fatalities are hard to watch (especially Reiko’s), this time they lean into silliness with Fatalities like General Shao’s helicopter or any of Johnny Cage’s, which is a welcome return to form
The story mode follows the same structure introduced in Mortal Kombat (2011), with chapters focusing on different playable characters. However, it still falls into some of the same narrative pitfalls, relying on characters making questionable decisions to advance the plot (e.g., choosing to attack the person they need to capture instead of taking a clear shot at them). Nevertheless, it stands out as one of NetherRealm Studios’ better story modes, particularly due to its wild and off-the-rails final act. However, if you weren’t a fan of the dial-a-combo gameplay and stiff animations of earlier games, Mortal Kombat 1 might not change your mind. The developers still struggle to create a proper grappler character, and the online multiplayer is basic, with King of the Hill being a primary feature. The netcode seems stable, but there isn’t much else to highlight in this department.
The new “Invasions” mode takes on a pseudo-RPG format, where you level up your characters and embark on a map conquest. In this mode, you move your character across a board, engaging in battles and occasional minigames like “Test Your Might.” Challenge towers and boss fights with powered-up characters are also part of the experience. You can unlock cosmetic gear for your character along the way. While the mode is expected to evolve with new boards and scenarios in the game’s ongoing life, its current iteration can feel somewhat grindy and monotonous, as NPCs pose little challenge. On the positive side, the game’s tutorial is comprehensive, offering a thorough introduction to every game mechanic, catering to newcomers and even experienced players.