Mortal Kombat 1 Reviews

Mortal Kombat 1 is ranked in the 91st percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
9 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2023

I’m amazed at the progress in overall design at NetherRealm Studios. They’ve nailed the gameplay, which is the biggest component for succeeding in this genre where the average gamer just wants to jump in and play a couple matched with their buddies. The variety of modes lends itself to the fun; by giving more ways to play, you enjoy movies. Play the story mode; it’s amazing! The invasion mode will be right up your alley! Do you want to be the next EVO champ like SonicFox? The training mode is a big step for you to overcome, but if you do, you’ll be well on your way. The graphics are pretty spectacular on every console (except the Switch), and the framerate holds up pretty well, even during the action. The only downside Mortal Kombat offers is the servers for online play, and even that’s improved a bit since the official launch. Every fan of Mortal Kombat owes it to themselves to check out this game. If you weren’t a fan of the previous games for any reason, Mortal Kombat 1 changes enough to give it another look.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 18, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 is a welcome addition to a thriving fighting game landscape. The new systems build on top of the already established foundation created in Mortal Kombat 11 but in a more refined way. It doesn’t shy away from its gorey roots, and thankfully the Kameo system is far better than the voice cameos heard throughout the campaign. Essentially, this is Mortal Kombat done in a way that embraces more powerful hardware and delivers an experience that lives up to the legacy of the series.

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8.4 / 10.0
Sep 27, 2023

NetherRealm Studios plays it safe. The Reboot resets the story via a multiverse approach. From a gameplay perspective MK1 brings a classic Mortal Kombat experience with no experiments. Besides the abyssmal Switch port, there aren't any major hiccups technical wise.

Review in German | Read full review

Sep 27, 2023

If, like me, you’re a Mortal Kombat fan then Mortal Kombat 1 is a no-brainer – it’s as fun as ever with a great roster and an excellent new Kameo system. However, if you’ve found yourself tiring of the MK formula over the past few games and were hoping the timeline reboot would herald a big new change, then MK1 isn’t going to change your mind. It’s a very safe release, and considering how incredibly popular the modern Mortal Kombat games are it’s understandable that Netherealm don’t want to change the formula too much lest it all end in a brutal Fatality.

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Sep 21, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 has proven itself to be continually compelling throughout its early access and launch period, a remarkably refined and confident instalment of a series that had already secured its identity long ago. The story campaign is an entertaining rollercoaster ride, its foundational fighting mechanics remain strong, and the game’s focus on wide-ranging approachability in service of broadening the fighting game community must be applauded.

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8.5 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2023

Although Mortal Kombat 1 may have some flaws, they do little to dampen the expanded toolkit that Kameos add to the highly entertaining and gory combat that will keep fans coming back for more.

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8 / 10.0
Sep 26, 2023

its gameplay is one of the best we've seen in a Mortal Kombat title, changing the rules again, with the addition of additional tools for special maneuvers in battles

Review in Greek | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 23, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 offers a beautiful experience for fans of the series with excellent story and events, thanks to the game engine Unreal Engine 5, the visual effects and details of the game were wonderful and kept in pace with the developments of the story and was able to satisfy all of the fans of the series. Unfortunately, it is suffers from the lack of game modes and some technical problems.

Review in Arabic | Read full review

9 / 10
Sep 21, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 is the best installment in the series. The reboot of the timeline made room for new, but also old chaotic plots that are now gripped a little more steadily. Beginners needn't fear starting off with this installment. Thanks to the cameo fighters, you get something new again. Unfortunately, the interactivity of the arenas has fallen off with this option, but given the dynamics of the combat, that's not entirely a bad thing. The soundtrack in Mortal Kombat is more ambient than some dynamic pumper. The changes from the last installment are many, but I can't say they're detrimental. On the contrary, I really enjoyed this fresh start.

Review in Czech | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 22, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 is a fantastic reboot that reintroduces the fan-favorite MK characters and paints a fresh color on their story and design.

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9 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 is a glorious fighting experience that offers some of the best combat and storytelling seen across the series. The new Kameo system offers a whole new way to approach battles with your foes, whilst the way that the game leans into both the new and old with its overall theming ensures that it manages to feel both fresh and familiar at the same time. The Story Mode remains as excellent as expected, whilst the Invasion mode gives players a creative way to experience the game’s brutal action. There are some disappointing omissions, such as the lack of the Krypt, interactive environments, and new characters, but they don’t stop Mortal Kombat 1 from offering some of the most exciting (and gory) thrills that the series has ever seen.

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8.9 / 10.0
Sep 18, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 is a technically excellent fighting game with galvanizing and violent gameplay that, in keeping with the tradition for the series, cannot live by half measures and can only be loved or hated.

Review in Italian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 may not be a massive evolution of the fighting game formula, but what's on offer is still incredibly detailed and lovingly implemented. From the camp fun of the game's main campaign, to the beautiful flow of online fights, to the string of new ideas found in the seasonal Invasions Mode. There's a lot to digest here and a lot to enjoy. Another success by NetherRealm Studios, solidifying them as a masterful fighting game force.

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7.8 / 10.0
Sep 25, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 can be seen as a worthy addition to the legendary series. Its cinematic campaign and introduction of Kameos in fights contribute significantly to its success. However, the game's relatively unchanged overall structure makes us lean more towards an upgraded version of Mortal Kombat 11 rather than an entirely new iteration. We hope that NetherRealm Studios will consider implementing more substantial changes in future releases for this beloved series.

Review in Persian | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Sep 23, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 is the perfect entry point for newcomers to the series, while at the same time winking at veterans with constant references and familiar situations. Also outstanding are the design and gameplay twists on historical characters, as well as the novelty of the Kameo successfully paving the way for new strategies and mechanics. An excellent fighting game, recommended both to fans and to those who want to approach the saga for the first time.

Review in Italian | Read full review

90 / 100
Sep 22, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 is the second soft reboot of the saga, allowing both newcomers and veterans to enjoy what is surely the best installment in many aspects so far. The small adjustments to the gameplay increase the balance of the combats and the addition of kameos is an interesting novelty. If you are new, this is an ideal time to get on the bandwagon, and if you are a fan of the saga, you cannot miss this installment.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

Worth your time
Sep 21, 2023

The bottom line about Mortal Kombat 1 is that it has a flowing story that's enjoyable in its own cinematic way. The spectacle takes off thanks to an incredible and flawless technical field, with graphics that are a joy to behold, but also a robust, tried and tested and updated gameplay. It breaks down in the "what to do after the story" section, Because if you're not competitive and experienced enough for the online part, it's hard to keep you going for long. There is always of course the traditional couch co-op where with friends fun is guaranteed. Mortal Kombat 1 may be the second reboot in the series, but it manages to renew rather than reinvent itself, without risking losing its bloody, super violent and fun fighting nature!

Review in Greek | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Sep 21, 2023

Mortal Kombat 1 looks incredible, has several fun play types depending on what you want to do, constantly rewards you for the time you spend on it, and offers so much customization to the combat through the Kameo system.

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7 / 10.0
Sep 21, 2023

Unfortunately, Mortal Kombat 1 is not the reboot the brand deserves, but it is a pretty enjoyable next installment in the series. If you've played the MK series for the past 10 years, then this installment will probably appeal to you, if you haven't already become tired of the formula. The ending of MK1, however, gives me a positive outlook for the future, if this direction will be continued.

Review in Polish | Read full review

Unscored
Sep 21, 2023

NetherRealms Studios can be proud to present its most fun and entertaining Mortal Kombat yet. Mortal Kombat 1 is a breath of fresh air for older players as well as an opportunity for newer players to get hooked on the franchise. A game that will provide us with many hours of fun, almost infinite thanks to its seasonal invasion system, and of which we will invest a lot to complete the towers mode in order to obtain the personalized endings for each character and meet the challenges of the mode. training (combos, perfect blocks, etc.). For the first time in the franchise, we will also have a pretty good online mode with which to face and literally "bust heads" with fighters from all over the globe, without a doubt the perfect final icing on the cake for a very good fighting game that features also with spectacular graphics and impeccable artistic direction. A totally recommended game for any player who loves fighting games.

Review in Spanish | Read full review