Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1 | |
---|---|
Xbox Series X/S | |
Release | September 19, 2023 |
Genre(s) | Fighting |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Mortal Kombat 1 is a 2023
In addition to being a reboot, the game is a sequel to 2019's Mortal Kombat 11, taking place in a new timeline directly created by Liu Kang in his ending of 11's Aftermath expansion.[5] In this new timeline, Fire God Liu Kang assembles a clique of fighters to participate in the latest Mortal Kombat tournament in Outworld while contending with an alliance formed by Titan Shang Tsung.
The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows versions of Mortal Kombat 1 received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise towards its visual fidelity, roster, and new mechanics, but criticism for its microtransactions. The Nintendo Switch version was negatively received for its technical issues, graphics, and long loading times. Mortal Kombat 1 has sold nearly 3 million copies as of November 2023.[6]
Gameplay
Mortal Kombat 1 features a
Fatal Blows, first introduced in Mortal Kombat 11, returns with different functionality. These special moves can still be triggered when a player's health drops below 30% only, however in this game, they are performed as collaborative offensive moves between a player and a Kameo Fighter, with each delivering an attack in tandem. Additionally, the most significant attack performed during the Fatal Blow features the X-Ray effects seen in Mortal Kombat X (2015).[9] Also returning is the Air Kombat combo system which was featured in both Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (2006) and the action spin-off Shaolin Monks (2005).[10]
For single-player, the game features the return of the plot-driven Story Mode and the traditional form of Towers mode from the previous games, while introducing the addition of the seasonal Invasion mode, an online mode combining fighting mechanics with board game and role-playing game elements.[11] The players are tasked to move around the board while completing various challenges on each space they move to, earning rewards such as skins, in-game currency, or concept art for completing the challenges. Each Invasion season lasts around six weeks and has its own board and theme.[12] For multiplayer, the versus modes include Local mode to play a match on the same console, Online mode to play against opponents all over the world, and Tournament mode to host a tournament with a unified rule set for the matches.[11]
Plot
After defeating
After learning from Geras that Shang Tsung has regained his abilities and is serving as an advisor to Outworld's Empress
Liu Kang orders Lin Kuei warriors
With
Forming a temporary alliance to deal with the threat, Shang Tsung hypothesizes that there are more timelines outside his counterpart's knowledge. Geras adds that he had stored Liu Kang's Titan powers should the need for them arise. As the others leave to destroy the Dragon Army, Liu Kang regains his Titan powers and reunites with his friends from the previous timeline to recruit forces for the upcoming battle. Anticipating this, Titan Shang Tsung summons an army of their evil counterparts. Following a grueling battle, Liu Kang's group prevails, allowing him to erase Titan Shang Tsung and his timeline from existence. After returning everyone he recruited to their native timelines, Liu Kang returns to his own to congratulate his champions over dinner before departing to assist Scorpion and Smoke in founding the Shirai Ryu clan and preparing Earthrealm for future conflicts.
In a
Characters
The base roster of Mortal Kombat 1 features 22 playable characters in the form of reimagined versions of past Mortal Kombat characters, including several who have not appeared since
Kameo Fighters are a unique roster of partner characters to assist during matches, creating expanded gameplay possibilities for players. The base game includes 15 Kameo Fighters, with an additional five planned as downloadable content. These characters are chosen separately from the main roster of fighters.[10] Some characters can serve as both Kameo Fighters and main roster fighters. Guest characters can serve as Kameo Fighters.[13]
Main Roster | Kameo Fighters |
---|---|
Kombat Pack
|
Kombat Pack
|
Development
After ceasing support for Mortal Kombat 11 (2019), NetherRealm Studios disclosed that it was working on a new project in July 2021. Johnny Cage voice actor Andrew Bowen indicated that the 12th installment was in development in a hastily deleted tweet.[14] In February 2023, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced during a 2022 fourth-quarter earnings call that a twelfth installment in the series was set to be released later in that year.[15]
On May 18, 2023, NetherRealm Studios announced Mortal Kombat 1 with a release date of September 19, 2023. It is the second reboot of the series and is set in the New Era timeline created by
Marketing
In August 2023,
Release
Mortal Kombat 1 was released for
Downloadable content
A skin for Johnny Cage based on the likeness of
To coincide with the trailer for the second season of the
Reception
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (January 2024) |
Aggregator | Score |
---|---|
Push Square | [46] |
Shacknews | 9/10[47] |
TouchArcade | 3.5/5[48] |
Video Games Chronicle | [51] |
VG247 | [49] |
VideoGamer.com | 9/10[50] |
Mortal Kombat 1 received "generally favorable reviews" from critics, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[29][30][31] 88% of critics recommended the game on review aggregator OpenCritic.[32]
The Nintendo Switch version was critically panned upon release for its poor graphical quality, extensive load times, poor performance, and numerous bugs.[41][42] Mitchell Saltzman of IGN, who had given the version on PlayStation 5 an 8 out of 10,[53] gave the Switch port a 3, stating, "There's a hint of a great fighting game still peeking through the blurry backgrounds, but its horrendous load times, inconsistent framerate, muddy visuals, and plethora of bugs make the Switch version an altogether aggravating way to play what is a great fighting game on other platforms."[54]
Sales
On January 27, 2024, Warner Bros. Games announced that Mortal Kombat 1 has sold 3 million units.[55]
Accolades
Year | Ceremony | Category | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | Golden Joystick Awards | Best Multiplayer Game | Won | [56] |
Best Game Trailer ("It's In Our Blood" trailer) | Nominated | |||
The Game Awards 2023 | Best Fighting Game | Nominated | [57] | |
Innovation in Accessibility | Nominated | |||
2024 | 27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards | Fighting Game of the Year | Nominated | [58][59] |
Outstanding Achievement in Animation | Nominated | |||
22nd Visual Effects Society Awards | Outstanding Visual Effects in a Real-Time Project | Nominated | [60] |
Notes
- Windows version ported by QLOC. Nintendo Switch version ported by Shiver Entertainment and Saber Interactive.
- ^ Additional music by Joel Corelitz, Stephanie Economou, Casey Edwards, Dean Grinsfelder, Dan Negovan, Dan Forden, and Nathan Grigg.[2][3]
- Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath(2020), respectively.
References
- ^ Roget, Will [@WilbertRoget] (May 18, 2023). "So happy to announce I'm returning once again as Principal Composer of #MortalKombat #MK1 !! It's been a wild ride and I'm so proud of what the game team has accomplished" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- YouTube
- YouTube
- ^ McCarffrey, Ryan (June 11, 2023). Ed Boon on Mortal Kombat 1's Secrecy and the Future of Injustice. IGN. Retrieved June 11, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ Cryer, Hirun (May 18, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 acts as a sequel to Mortal Kombat 11 (2019), as well as a reboot of the entire series in September". GamesRadar+. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ "Mortal Kombat 1 has sold nearly 3 million copies since launch". Shacknews. November 9, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ Bosso, Axel Nicolás (September 18, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1: Kameo System, Explained". TheGamer. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Vincent, Brittany (September 18, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 — How to Use Kameo Fighters". Esports Illustrated. Retrieved September 25, 2023.
- GameRant. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Frequently Asked Questions". MortalKombat.com.
- ^ a b Quintanilla, Sebastian (September 16, 2023). "Every Game Mode in Mortal Kombat 1 Explained". Dashfight. Retrieved September 22, 2023.
- GameRant. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ComicBook.com.
- ^ Dinsdale, Ryan (May 18, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 12 Revealed As Mortal Kombat 1". IGN. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Plant, Logan (February 23, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 12 Confirmed for 2023 Release". IGN.
- ^ Bonthuys, Darryn (May 18, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Revealed, Releases In September". GameSpot. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Ivan, Tom (May 18, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 announced for September release with first trailer". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved May 18, 2023.
- ^ Makuch, Eddie (August 29, 2023). "Dave Bautista Stars In Live-Action Mortal Kombat 1 Trailer That Pays Homage To 1993 Video". Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ Fanelli, Jason (September 6, 2023). "Nitara Confirmed For Mortal Kombat 1 And She's Voiced By Megan Fox". Gamespot. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (May 18, 2023). "After 30 years of trying, Jean-Claude van Damme is coming to Mortal Kombat". Polygon.
- ^ McWhertor, Michael (July 21, 2023). "Here's a first look at Homelander and Peacemaker in Mortal Kombat 1". Polygon. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ComicBook.com. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ "J.K. Simmons to Reprise Invincible's Omni-Man in Mortal Kombat 1". Skybound Entertainment. July 25, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Cianciolo, Dominic [@domcianciolo] (August 6, 2023). "Ashrah, Reptile, and Havik return in #MortalKombat1!!! The VO kast: Ashrah - @susaneisenberg1 Reptile - @MorgadoAndrew Havik - @jacobcraner We can also announce the return of @JamiesonPrice as Ermac!! #MortalKombat #MK1" (Tweet). Retrieved August 31, 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ Leri, Michael (August 24, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Peacemaker DLC Will be Voiced by John Cena". PlayStation LifeStyle. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Cruz, Christopher (September 17, 2023). "'Mortal Kombat 1' Creator Got Megan Fox But Still Pines for John Wick". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 23, 2023.
- ^ "Antony Starr confirms he's not voicing Homelander in Mortal Kombat 1". Dexerto. November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023.
- ^ "X". X. November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
- ^ a b "Mortal Kombat 1 for PC Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- ^ a b "Mortal Kombat 1 for PlayStation 5 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- ^ a b "Mortal Kombat 1 for Xbox Series X Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- ^ a b "Mortal Kombat 1". OpenCritic. September 19, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2023.
- ^ Mills, Steven (September 21, 2023). "Review: Mortal Kombat 1". Destructoid. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- ^ Franzese, Tomas (September 19, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review: a morbidly fun fighter with one fatal flaw". Digital Trends. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Moyse, Chris (September 21, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review - a false start in the race for reinvention". Eurogamer. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- ^ Shea, Brian (September 15, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Review - Gory Glory". Game Informer. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ Fanelli, Jason (September 19, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Review - New Era, Familiar Kombat". GameSpot. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Hamilton, Andi (September 19, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review: 'An exceptional, confident fighting game'". GamesRadar+. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Dunsmore, Kevin (September 19, 2023). "Review: Mortal Kombat 1". Hardcore Gamer. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Saltzman, Mitchell (September 15, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Review". IGN. Retrieved September 15, 2023.
- ^ a b Saltzman, Mitchell (September 19, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 For Switch Review". IGN. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- ^ Nintendo Life. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
- ^ Valentine, Robin (September 21, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review". PC Gamer. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- ^ Irwin, Dave (September 21, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review – the best MK in a decade". PCGamesN. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- ^ Minor, Jordan (September 19, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 - Review". PCMag. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
- Push Square. Retrieved September 16, 2023.
- ^ Craddock, David (September 20, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review: Bloody kreative". Shacknews. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ Madnani, Mikhail (September 21, 2023). "'Mortal Kombat 1' Steam Deck Review – Verified but Should've Been a Lot Better". TouchArcade. Retrieved September 21, 2023.
- ^ Makar, Connor (September 13, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review". VG247. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Terence, Anthony (September 13, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 review – as long as the fists fly". VideoGamer.com. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ Scullion, Chris (September 13, 2023). "Review: Mortal Kombat 1 is another outstanding 2023 fighter". Video Games Chronicle. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
- ^ "Test du jeu Mortal Kombat 1". September 22, 2023.
- ^ Saltzman, Mitchell (September 19, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Review". IGN.
- ^ Saltzman, Mitchell (September 19, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 For Nintendo Switch Review". IGN.
- ^ "Mortal Kombat 1 Has Sold 3 Million Units". GamingBolt. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
- ^ Loveridge, Sam (November 11, 2023). "Here are all the Golden Joystick Awards 2023 winners". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- ^ Fanelli, Jason (November 13, 2023). "The Game Awards 2023 Nominees Announced, See Them All Now". GameSpot. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
- ^ "27th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards Finalists". interactive.org. Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
- ^ Chandler, Sam (February 15, 2024). "The D.I.C.E. Awards 2024 winners & finalists". Shacknews. Retrieved January 16, 2024.
- ^ Giardina, Carolyn (January 16, 2024). "'The Creator' Leads Visual Effects Society Feature Competition With 7 Nominations". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 16, 2024.