Mortal Kombat 1 Review

The world of gaming is about to be shaken to its core once again as the highly anticipated Mortal Kombat 1 is set to make its debut. This next entry in the long-running and iconic Mortal Kombat series is not just a game; it's a reset button on the franchise's timeline, promising a fresh take on the epic saga of Earthrealm, Outworld, and the countless other realms that have captivated gamers for decades.

Developed by NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 1 is poised to continue the series' legacy of brutal combat, over-the-top fatalities, and a gripping storyline that keeps fans coming back for more.

The Mortal Kombat Plot Unveiled

For those new to the Mortal Kombat universe, the franchise revolves around a series of otherworldly tournaments, aptly named Mortal Kombat, which pits the most formidable fighters from different realms against each other. These realms are governed by gods, sorcerers, and warriors, and each tournament holds the fate of these realms in the balance.

In the previous instalment, Mortal Kombat 11, a malevolent force named Kronika, possessing control over time, sought to manipulate reality itself by erasing Raiden, the Thunder God and protector of Earthrealm, from existence.

In a desperate bid to thwart Kronika's ambitions, Raiden bestowed his divine powers upon Liu Kang, Earthrealm's champion, transforming him into the Fire God. This sacrifice set the stage for an epic battle against Kronika, ultimately resulting in the creation of a new timeline known as the "new era," guarded by the empowered Liu Kang.

Reimagining the Mortal Kombat Universe

Mortal Kombat 1 boldly steps into this new era, severing the connections that once bound the series' heroes and villains. However, fans can expect a familiar face to make a menacing return – Shang Tsung. This enigmatic sorcerer is one of the franchise's most iconic villains and is sure to shake things up once again, setting the stage for another round of intense Mortal Kombat gameplay.

Gameplay: Faster and More Offencive

While Mortal Kombat 1 may appear somewhat similar to its predecessors at first glance, the game has undergone a significant overhaul. The most notable change is the increased speed of combat, pushing players to adopt a consistently offencive approach. This new style also emphasises aerial combos, a feature not seen in the series since 2006's Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

What truly distinguishes Mortal Kombat 1 is its innovative Cameo system. Cameo Fighters are unique partners who can assist players during matches. These fighters are selected separately from the main roster and can be summoned with a press of a button, adding depth and strategy to the combat. Some Cameo Fighters are also available as playable characters, each boasting designs inspired by the series' earliest entries.

Invasion Mode: A Single Player Extravaganza

Beyond the campaign and multiplayer modes, Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a new single-player mode called Invasion. Described as an amalgamation of Mortal Kombat 11's Towers of Time mode and Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate's World of Light, Invasion mode offers players a board game-like map filled with fights, mini-games, and upgrades. For fans on the hunt for Easter eggs and hidden surprises, Invasion mode promises to be the place to explore.

Release Date and Editions

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to launch on September 19th, 2023, with early access beginning on September 14th for those who pre-order special editions of the game. It will be available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X and S. A version for the Nintendo Switch is also in the works, developed by Shiver Entertainment and Saber Interactive, with NetherRealm providing oversight.

There are multiple editions available, with a $110 premium version offering early access to DLC characters, in-game currency, and a unique Johnny Cage skin. The collector's edition, priced at $250, includes all of the above, along with a steel case, art prints, even more in-game currency, and a statue of Liu Kang.

The Future of Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat 1 is just the beginning, as the game's first combat paths are set to introduce non-Mortal Kombat characters into the roster, including DC's Peacemaker, The Boys' Homelander, and Invincible's Omni-Man. With a rich history and a future brimming with exciting possibilities, Mortal Kombat 1 promises to be a thrilling addition to this iconic franchise.

Whether you're stepping into the arena on September 19th or gearing up for early access on the 14th, prepare for a blood-soaked, spine-ripping, and heart-pounding experience that only Mortal Kombat can deliver. It's time to test your might once again!