Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) Review – A New Era of Kombat Unleashed
- Game Name: Mortal Kombat
- Developer: NetherRealm Studios
- Initial Release Date: September 19, 2023
- Genre: Fighting
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Introduction
Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), the twelfth main installment in the iconic Mortal Kombat series, is both a sequel to Mortal Kombat 11 and a second reboot of the franchise. Developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Games, this iteration is set in a new timeline created by Fire God Liu Kang and features an alliance formed by Titan Shang Tsung. Read on for all the details, in our Mortal Kombat 1 review!
Gameplay Overview
The game offers a story mode, online multiplayer with rollback netcode, and offline gameplay. A new feature, “Kameo Fighters,” provides in-fight assistance, adding depth to the combat system. These Kameo Fighters, separate from the main roster, can perform summons and ambushes, and even execute their own Fatalities and Brutalities. The game also reintroduces Fatal Blows from Mortal Kombat 11, now executed collaboratively with a Kameo Fighter, and includes the Air Kombat combo system from previous games.
Single-Player and Multiplayer Modes
Single-player modes include the story-driven Story Mode, traditional Towers mode, and the new seasonal Invasion mode, which combines fighting mechanics with board game and role-playing game elements. Multiplayer modes include Local, Online, and Tournament modes.
Plot
Set after the events of Mortal Kombat 11, the game’s plot revolves around Liu Kang, who has become Earthrealm’s protector, and his efforts to continue the Mortal Kombat tournaments. The story follows Liu Kang as he assembles a team of fighters, including Raiden, Johnny Cage, and Kenshi Takahashi, to compete in the latest tournament against the schemes of Shang Tsung.
Character Roster and Kameo Fighters
The base roster features 22 playable characters, reimagined versions of past Mortal Kombat characters, with Shang Tsung as a pre-order bonus. The game also includes Kameo Fighters, a unique roster of partner characters to assist during matches.
Development and Marketing
Development of Mortal Kombat (2023) was announced in July 2021, with its release date later revealed as September 19, 2023. The game features cross-platform play and cross-progression. Marketing for the game included a trailer featuring Dave Bautista and voice work by Megan Fox as Nitara.
Release and Reception
The game was released on September 19, 2023, with the Nintendo Switch version criticized for its graphics and technical issues. Mortal Kombat (2023) sold nearly 3 million copies as of November 2023 and received generally favorable reviews, though the Switch version was notably less well-received.
Verdict
Rating: 7/10
Mortal Kombat (2023) successfully reboots the series while retaining its core essence. The introduction of Kameo Fighters adds a fresh layer to the gameplay, and the extensive character roster ensures replayability. However, the technical shortcomings of the Nintendo Switch version and some missed opportunities in innovating the series formula slightly mar an otherwise solid release.