Mortal Kombat 1

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Critics Recommend

Average Score

Total Reviews: 55

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Mortal Kombat 1’s narrative doesn’t always hit the mark, but its core fighting mechanics and range of modes on offer are excellent.

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Critics Recommend

Critic Reviews: 55

Critics Consensus

# Reviews: 55

Mortal Kombat 1's narrative doesn't always hit the mark, but its core fighting mechanics and range of modes on offer are excellent.

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Critic Reviews for Mortal Kombat 1

Critic Reviews

Score Distribution

55

Reviews

Average Score - 85/100

85%

Ranges

3/5

Chris Moyse (Eurogamer)

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.

September 21, 2023 |

Full Review

Even though Mortal Kombat 1 is no Flawless Victory, it still feels like a step forward for the franchise. The core gameplay is the best it’s ever been, which I think is the most important thing for the genre.

September 21, 2023 |

Full Review

8/10

Steven Mills (Destructoid)

8/10

Mitchell Saltzman (IGN)

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.

September 13, 2023 |

Full Review

Chris Moyse (Eurogamer)

3/5 - (Read Review)

Steven Mills (Destructoid)

8/10 - (Read Review)

Mitchell Saltzman (IGN)

8/10 - (Read Review)

**Read all 55 critic reviews on the desktop version of VSG.

Read the Reviews (55 total)

Outlet	Author	Score	Date	Quote	Read
33bits	Juanma F. Padilla	90 / 100	09-22-2023	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.	Read review
Areajugones	Urko Miguel Galparsoro	9.2 / 10	09-14-2023	Every aspect of Mortal Kombat 1 has been polished compared to previous games, with highly refined gameplay that also adds new depth. The title has a huge amount of content that guarantees a months of fun. Before finishing, I would like to make it clear that, if there is something, above all, that has to be highlighted, it is that regardless of the fact that the title does practically everything better than well, what stands out most is that Mortal Kombat 1 is fucking fun.	Read review
Atomix	Aldo López	90 / 100	09-21-2023	If you were eagerly awaiting the new installment of the franchise, we tell you in advance that you are going to enjoy it, especially if you are a fan of fighting games. Also, if you want to enter this interesting genre, I think it is a gateway that will make you feel welcome to the most brutal combats.	Read review
Attack of the Fanboy	Drew Kopp	4.5 / 5 stars	09-14-2023	While the lack of ambition in the game’s narrative and the inability to play as certain characters keep the game from achieving true greatness, Mortal Kombat 1 is still a top-tier fighting game. The depth of the game’s combat provides less-experienced players with enough skills to succeed while rewarding those willing to take the time and effort to learn the system’s intricacies, and the sheer number of unlockable accessories ensures that you have a reason to keep playing. Mortal Kombat 1 may not land every punch it throws, but it does manage to chart a bold new course for the franchise.	Read review
But Why Tho?	Jason Payne	9 / 10	09-18-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 stands out among the best in the franchise, taking some of the best elements from games past and introducing new ways to grab new players.	Read review
CGMagazine	Justin Wood	9 / 10	09-13-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is an excellent entry point for new comers and returning fans. It outshines every previous Mortal Kombat in almost every way, with intuitive controls and interesting modes. NetherRealm cranks the gore up to 11 and I cant wait to see what else they have in store for us.	Read review
Chicas Gamers	Álvaro Bustío	Recommended	09-21-2023	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.).	Read review
COGconnected	Jaz Sagoo	90 / 100	09-13-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 refines and improves on its solid foundation to deliver a devastating tag-team blow.	Read review
Cultured Vultures	Ashley Bates	9 / 10	09-20-2023	Mortal Kombat 1’s New Era might be a bit too familiar, but the core gameplay and range of modes on offer here is undeniable.	Read review
Destructoid	Steven Mills	8 / 10	09-21-2023	Even though Mortal Kombat 1 is no Flawless Victory, it still feels like a step forward for the franchise. The core gameplay is the best it’s ever been, which I think is the most important thing for the genre.	Read review
Dexerto	Andrew Highton	5 / 5 stars	09-15-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 not only reboots its own universe but everything you know and love about fighting games. The way a story is told and how it’s presented. It shows that it listens to its fans and does so by refining its addictive gameplay with noticeable nuances and then slapping on a new Kameo system that serves as more of a game-changer than a game-breaker.	Read review
Digital Trends	Tomas Franzese	3.5 / 5 stars	09-19-2023	Mortal Kombat 1’s creative Kameo system helps reinvent the classic fighting series, but poor single-player offerings feel like a step back.	Read review
Eurogamer	Chris Moyse	Not Recommended	09-21-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 envisions an exciting future with fluid combat, a fantastic story mode, and superb visuals	Read review
Everyeye.it	Antonello Gaeta	8 / 10	09-19-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 presents one of the best combat systems of the saga, creative, rich in variations, deep and complex.	Read review
Game Informer	Brian Shea	9 / 10	09-15-2023	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.	Read review
Game Rant	Liam Ferguson	4 / 5 stars	09-16-2023	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.	Read review
GamePro	Kai Schmidt	90 / 100	09-18-2023	Fantastic sequel that outshines its predecessors in terms of gameplay and scope.	Read review
GAMES.CH	Alain Jollat	90 / 100	09-18-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is an impressive fighting game. Violent to an exaggerated degree, of course, but that is the trademark of the series. Fortunately, the title offers more than just executed losers, but convinces with clever changes to the gameplay, a considerable number of stages and fighters	Read review
GameSpot	Jason Fanelli	8 / 10	09-20-2023	Great mechanics and a wild story make a solid first impression, but a shallow selection of modes keeps MK1 from a flawless victory.	Read review
GamesRadar+	Andi Hamilton	5 / 5 stars	09-19-2023	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.	Read review
GamingBolt	Rashid Sayed	9 / 10	09-18-2023	With its largely satisfying story mode, an intriguing new mode in Invasions, a better progression system for both playable and Kameo characters, and robust online modes, Mortal Kombat 1 delivers the best Mortal Kombat experience ever.	Read review
GamingTrend	Jack Zustiak	80 / 100	09-18-2023	Mortal Kombat’s “new era” takes more from the old ones than the reboot implies. While this allows Mortal Kombat 1 to bring the best elements of the series to the forefront, it also distracts from what should be a bold new beginning.	Read review
Generación Xbox	Gabriel Fuentes	8.3 / 10	09-17-2023	The new installment of Mortal Kombat 1 does almost everything right and opens the door to a new era of the most brutal tournament between the worlds. With modes that promise, completely new mechanics for the franchise and many characters and content to come, the latest version of the saga of NetherRealm Studios will not find any difficulty in making a place in the hearts of fans and also those who take advantage of the reboot to start knowing the IP. It’s never too late for someone to arrive for the first time in Mortal Kombat, especially for an edition that can be considered, perhaps, the best of the IP.	Read review
God is a Geek	Chris White	10 / 10	09-17-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is exceptional, offering the best fighting the series has ever seen, with a thoroughly enjoyable story and Invasion mode.	Read review
Hardcore Gamer	Kevin Dunsmore	3.5 / 5 stars	09-19-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 was pitched as the start of a new era for Mortal Kombat, where NetherRealm Studios had complete freedom to craft the universe they wanted, mostly free from the previous two eras.	Read review
Hobby Consolas	Daniel Quesada	90 / 100	09-14-2023	Netherrealm does not risk too much with its new delivery, but it strengthens a brutal fighting game in every way, comfortable to control and very fun.	Read review
IGN	Mitchell Saltzman	8 / 10	09-13-2023	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.	Read review
IGN Spain	Alejandro Morillas	9 / 10	09-15-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is one of the best fighting games of recent years. A new high point for the series in the form of reimagining, ideal for neophytes and brimming with affection for his legacy for veterans.	Read review
Impulsegamer	Nathan Misa	3.5 / 5 stars	09-20-2023	Unmatched cinematic story mode and core fighting gameplay mechanics marred by baffling content and feature exclusions.	Read review
LevelUp	Fernando Salinas	8.5 / 10	09-21-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is a great example that you can take a step back for good. The reboot of the franchise takes the opportunity to introduce new features that improve the gaming experience and takes risks with a new element that integrates well into the classic formula. The feeling of freedom when doing aerial combos is expanded thanks to the kameo fighter, which adds a multifunction variable in each fight. It is clear that this new installment neglected some sections, but put a lot of effort into offering solid control. A sacrifice that left a mark but had good results.	Read review
Merlin’in Kazanı	Samet Basri Taşlı	87 / 100	09-19-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 successfully brings about the rebirth of the series. Although it is a little weak on the story side, it makes up for all its shortcomings with its magnificent gameplay.	Read review
Metro GameCentral	GameCentral	8 / 10	09-15-2023	The story campaign and, arguably, the fighting are the best they’ve ever been for Mortal Kombat, although there’s currently a lack of other modes and Invasion is a disappointment.	Read review
PC Gamer	Robin Valentine	70 / 100	09-21-2023	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.	Read review
PCGamesN	Dave Irwin	8 / 10	09-21-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 offers smart changes to the series’ gameplay, an entertaining story that still threatens to baffle newcomers and veterans alike, an online mode that works well on PC, and tons of gore. While the seasonal Invasions mode is a fascinating idea, it’s unclear whether it’ll be enough to retain long-term interest. However, this is still a fantastic, horribly gruesome Mortal Kombat game that’s well worth your time.	Read review
PlayStation Universe	Tommy Holloway	8.5 / 10	09-18-2023	Whilst Mortal Kombat 1 has a lack of content, and a frustrating unlockable system, it is the most streamlined iteration to date. Refining the gameplay, the new kameo system, combined with a blockbuster story mode that has shaken the lore up, Mortal Kombat 1 is the most interesting it has been since Mortal Kombat 9.	Read review
Press Start	James Mitchell	9.5 / 10	09-14-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is a joyful reinvention of a series that is continually hitting its stride. A strong and varied roster is bolstered by an ingenious Kameo system that offers up a great degree of player flexibility unlike anything else. While it’s a bit off an odd choice to not have crossplay at launch and the approach to gear is bound to be divisive, Mortal Kombat 1 feels like the most complete Mortal Kombat experience so far. And perhaps even one of the best fighting games I’ve ever played.	Read review
PSX Brasil	Ivan Nikolai Barkow Castilho	85 / 100	09-19-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 has a fun gameplay with several options of combo routes because of the Kameos. However, the Invasions mode gets boring quickly and the final arc of the Story mode doesn’t please either. The customization of the characters could be further improved after what we’ve seen in the other games from NetherRealm Studios and the absence of Krypta is remarkable.	Read review
Push Square	Scott McCrae	7 / 10	09-16-2023	Like we said in the beginning, Mortal Kombat 1 is the best and most refreshing entry in the series since Mortal Kombat (2011), but it falls directly into the same traps as those prior entries. The core fighting is great thanks to the excellent Kameo Fighter system and increased pace (as well as ditching the styles and gear-specific moves), and the return of PS2-era fighters is fantastic. But sadly, the selection of modes and character-specific training options feel extremely dated – especially compared to Street Fighter 6.	Read review
Rock, Paper, Shotgun	Brendan Caldwell	Recommended	09-18-2023	The dependably bloody fighter franchise mixes things up for Mortal Kombat 1, but don’t call it a reboot.	Read review
Screen Rant	Christopher Teuton	3.5 / 5 stars	09-13-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 reboots the series for the second time in 30 years, and while the fighting is good it’s clear everyone is unsure how to move forward.	Read review
SECTOR.sk	Matúš Štrba	9 / 10	09-15-2023	NetherRealm has really managed to make an exceptionally high quality title that is great story-wise and handles the brand boldly, yet with honour. Mortal Kombat 1 may very well be the best fighting game in this busy year, and it ranks among the best that this well-known franchise has ever delivered.	Read review
SpazioGames	Francesco Corica	8.5 / 10	09-18-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 evolves the series in every aspect, resulting both fresh for new users and familiar and satisfying for returning players.	Read review
Stevivor	Steve Wright	8 / 10	09-13-2023	Because of the extremely limited time to play, I’ve spent practically all available time within story mode. It’s a mixed bag.	Read review
The Escapist	KC Nwosu	Recommended	09-19-2023	Video Review	Read review
The Game Crater	Chris Melnyk	9 / 10	09-19-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 provides captivating features for both offline and online gaming, with noteworthy additions like Kameos and Invasions enhancing the gameplay and comprehensive tutorials facilitating skill improvement. The storyline unfolds masterfully without overstaying its welcome. However, online play disappoints with limited modes. Nonetheless, Mortal Kombat 1 offers an exceptional gaming experience for fans, whether you’re a new fighter or a long-time enthusiast.	Read review
The Games Machine	Gabriele Barducci	9 / 10	09-19-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is a triumph in every way. Aesthetically clean, carefully crafted, with a revised and optimized combat approach for each character. The introduction of the Kameo characters amplifies the need to find ever new and lethal combinations.	Read review
TheSixthAxis	Nick Petrasiti	8 / 10	09-14-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a love letter to fans of this thirty-one-year-old franchise and as a pseudo-reboot it also has potential appeal to newcomers alike. There’s still room to grow and I’m sure it will just keep getting better, but Mortal Kombat 1 is already definitely worth your time.	Read review
Twinfinite	Jake Su	4 / 5 stars	09-20-2023	Whether you are a seasoned combatant or a new one stepping into the arena for the first time, Mortal Kombat 1 has something for you. The Kameo system has revitalized the trusted formula, which has improved with the many welcomed changes made by the team, everything looks great in motion, and the story mode is more engaging than ever before. Invasions might not be for everybody, and online play could do with some work, but there is nothing too major holding this game back from shining brightly. A new era of Mortal Kombat has arrived, and things are looking smashingly good.	Read review
Unboxholics	Κυριάκος Στεργιάδης	Recommended	09-21-2023	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!	Read review
VG247	Connor Makar	Recommended	09-13-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 sets the stage for a new era of MK that you can’t help but get pumped up for. NetherRealm, like the characters in its ultraviolent universe, is staring right into the face of a brave new world and locking eyes with the future.	Read review
VideoGamer	Antony Terence	9 / 10	09-13-2023	With gorgeous next-gen visuals, spine-wringing combos, and new Kameo fighters, Mortal Kombat 1 is less a reboot and more an accessible yet fulfilling return to form.	Read review
Washington Post	Gene Park	75FALSE	09-15-2023	Mortal Kombat doesn’t need to and probably shouldn’t “grow up.” Eternal adolescence is the point. But to stay young, it just needs to shed the old.	Read review
Wccftech	Nathan Birch	8.5 / 10	09-14-2023	Mortal Kombat 1 is one of the franchise’s most bloody-entertaining entries to date, offering up refined action, smartly revamped fighters, and a story mode that delivers a surprisingly-coherent plot and plenty of blockbuster thrills. A lack of compelling modes and meaningful character customization does hurt, but Mortal Kombat 1 should be a heart-ripping hit with fans even if the overall package is slightly anemic.	Read review
WellPlayed	Ash Wayling	9.5 / 10	09-14-2023	NetherRealm Studios has scooped up all of their favourite toys and re-distributed them across the playroom in a way that has revivified the Mortal Kombat experience, birthing perhaps the most solid and enjoyable fighting game I have ever encountered.	Read review
Xbox Achievements	Richard Walker	90 / 100	09-20-2023	Outdoing previous Mortal Kombats in the gore stakes, and boasting a slew of meaningful and genuinely exciting single-player content, alongside the usual online offerings, Mortal Kombat 1 outstrips previous efforts, delivering one of the finest fighting games money can buy.	Read review

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Game Info

Game Description / Storyline:

A new era has begun. It’s In Our Blood. Discover a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe created by Fire God Liu Kang. Mortal Kombat 1 ushers in a new era of the iconic franchise with a new fighting system, game modes, and Fatalities!

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Developed by NetherRealm Studios. All titles, content, brand names, trademarks, logos, artwork, and associated imagery are trademarks and/or copyright material of their respective owners. © All rights reserved.

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MAIN STORY

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MAIN + EXTRAS

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COMPLETIONIST

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Mortal Kombat 1

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Critic Reviews for Mortal Kombat 1

Critic Reviews

Score Distribution

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