Mortal Kombat 1

MightyMortal Kombat 1 header image
84

Top Critic Average

87%

Critics Recommend

Eurogamer
3 / 5
PC Gamer
70 / 100
IGN
8 / 10
Game Rant
4 / 5
TheGamer
4 / 5
GamesRadar+
5 / 5
Game Informer
9 / 10
GameSpot
8 / 10
Creators: NetherRealm Studios, Warner Bros. Games, Shiver Entertainment, Saber Interactive, QLOC
Release Date: Sep 19, 2023 - PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S

Mortal Kombat 1 Review Summary

MightyCritic Consensus

Excellent combat mechanics

High-quality visuals and fatalities

Slow progression in some game modes

Mortal Kombat 1 is a fighting game that revitalizes the iconic franchise with fresh mechanics and engaging content. Critics praise its fluid combat, the Kameo system, and an exciting story mode that complements the new timeline. The visuals and fatalities are top-notch, further immersing players into its violent universe. However, some feel the progression system is slow, and the lack of certain modes and online features holds it back from perfection. While not groundbreaking, it is a strong entry that builds on the franchise’s strengths.


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Mortal Kombat 1 Media

Mortal Kombat 1 - Official Announcement Trailer thumbnail

Mortal Kombat 1 - Official Announcement Trailer

Mortal Kombat 1 Screenshot 1
Mortal Kombat 1 Screenshot 2

Critic Reviews for Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1 envisions an exciting future with fluid combat, a fantastic story mode, and superb visuals - but receding features, underbaked mechanics, and a dated online experience keep it in the past.

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There's the skeleton of a good Mortal Kombat here, but it's lacking in meat. Low on personality and half-baked in its attempt to reboot the story, it feels fated to be remembered as the least interesting of the modern MK games.

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So far, the Kameo system and smart changes to the fighting make MK1 feel fresh and exciting, the story mode is predictably great, even if Invasions seems like more of a grind than I'm willing to put myself through to unlock the best cosmetic items.

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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.

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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.

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Mortal Kombat 1 is a superbly presented fighting game with something to offer players of all experience and familiarity with NetherRealm's sprawling MK universe. The Kameo fighter system injects new strategic depth into combat, the rebooted timeline feeds a ridiculous story, and the suite of game modes are both varied and well made.

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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.

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Great mechanics and a wild story make a solid first impression, but a shallow selection of modes keeps MK1 from a flawless victory.

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Industry Coverage

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ghostface's Bloody Arrival in Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns

I Scream, You Scream, We all Scream for Ghostface's Bloody Arrival in Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns

What's your favorite scary movie? NetherRealm Studios hopes its Scream after watching the latest gameplay trailer for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns.

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Get Ready To Scream, As Gameplay Footage Of Ghostface In Mortal Kombat 1 Has Surfaced

Get Ready To Scream, As Gameplay Footage Of Ghostface In Mortal Kombat 1 Has Surfaced

Do you like scary movies?

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Mortal Kombat 1 Announces Ghostface's Release Date And Shows Off Some Spooky New Masks

Mortal Kombat 1 Announces Ghostface's Release Date And Shows Off Some Spooky New Masks

Ghostface looks fantastic!

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Mortal Kombat 1's Performance On PC Has Seemingly Tanked After Latest Update

Mortal Kombat 1's Performance On PC Has Seemingly Tanked After Latest Update

Mortal Kombat 1's frame rate on PC has started dropping to 15fps in some cases.

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