Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1 marks a bloody return to form for the classic fighting game franchise. This reboot brings back the controversial gore and violence that defined the series’ early years. Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero and other iconic characters are back with upgraded visuals, though the gameplay doesn’t quite live up to modern titles in the market.

The Story mode follows Liu Kang as he enters the Mortal Kombat tournament in a desperate bid to save Earthrealm from invasion by Outworld forces. It hits all the classic narrative beats, though won’t win any awards for writing. There’s some fun references to the older games that long-time fans will appreciate. Graphically, the game is a big step up from previous entries, with detailed character models and lavishly rendered backgrounds. The gore is cranked up to 11 - fatalities are more brutal than ever, for those who enjoy that kind of thing.

Satisfying Combat and Gory Finishers Let Down By Simplistic Controls

Despite the visual upgrades, Mortal Kombat 1’s gameplay feels dated. The combat itself is as viscerally satisfying as ever, especially the grisly finishing moves. However, the basic controls and movesets lack the depth of something like Street Fighter 6 or Tekken 7. Button mashing can get you fairly far against the average opponent or AI. Combos feel simplistic, with not much variety beyond stringing together the same 2-3 hit combos. It’s fun in short bursts but could use more complexity for serious fighting game fans. The starting roster also feels small at just 10 characters.

Stunning Visuals Undermined By Stiff Animation

Without a doubt, the graphics are the highlight of Mortal Kombat 1. Fighters look better than ever with intricate details on their costumes and lifelike facial textures. Stages are similarly gorgeous, with opulent backdrops like Shang Tsung’s Courtyard. The game runs smoothly at 4K 60fps on PS5 and Xbox Series X. My only knock is that the character animations themselves feel a bit stiff and unnatural. Modern games like Street Fighter 6 have really nailed making hits and reactions look seamless and fluid. In MK1, it’s slightly jarring when a punch doesn’t quite connect correctly. But overall, still a huge graphical jump from Mortal Kombat X.

Audio Design: Classic Tunes Meet Unspectacular Voice Work

The original synthetic-sounding Mortal Kombat tunes are back and sure to satisfy fans. The over-the-top punch and squish sound effects add visceral impact to the violence. However, the voice acting is uneven. Liu Kang and Scorpion’s actors do a great job, but others like Raiden and Sonya sound flat. More variety in the music would’ve been nice too - after a few hours the songs start to blend together. But it gets the job done for a fighting game.

Review: 7/10

Mortal Kombat 1 is a fun nostalgia trip that will please long-time kombatants, even if the gameplay doesn’t quite live up to modern standards. The graphics, gore, and attention to detail show respect for the franchise's roots.

Pros:

• Visuals are a huge step up
• Satisfying, gory combat
• Classic Mortal Kombat soundtrack

Cons:

• Controls and movesets feel simplistic
• Uneven voice acting
• Character animations could be smoother