Mortal Kombat 1 – Review Roundup

Mortal Kombat 1 is another great entry in this legendary series, but it’s not one without issues. The new Kameo system is excellent, there are smart changes to the fighting mechanics that address many of the fundamental issues that cropped up over Mortal Kombat 11’s life, and predictably, the fantastic single-player story mode that continues to be the gold standard of the genre.

IGN rating: 8/10

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.

Attack of the Fanboy rating: 4.5/5

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.

GameInformer rating: 9/10

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.

TheSixthAxis rating: 8/10

Mortal Kombat 1 is a slightly odd sequel (reboot, whatever) in that some parts are the best it’s ever been and others are inarguably inferior to the last few entries. That means it misses the opportunity to become the definitive modern day Mortal Kombat, but since it’s the more important elements that excel it’s still a very worthwhile entry. We just hope it doesn’t take until the next reboot before it manages to get everything running at full strength in one game.

Metro GameCentral rating: 8/10

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. Keeping those eyes in its head, though, may remain a challenge.

VG247 rating: 4/5

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.

PushSquare rating: 7/10