LogFAQs > #976049683

Looks like the embargo lifted while I was asleep OOPS

Mortal Kombat is back with its 12th mainline installment where in MK11 Liu Kang took over for Raiden as the God of Earthrealm, defeated Kronika and Shang Tsung to become the new keeper of time and reset the timeline and rebuilt it in his image. Based on the trailers I've seen so far though it looks like he might be just as bad as at his job as Raiden was because look at all these bad guys that are around to mess things up. A lot of characters now have new origin stories and some have completey different movesets from how they used to be. There is also an MvC1 style assist system where you pick a character based on the original MK universe and can call them in during fights to help with attacks. Also as you would expect a bunch of wacky game modes are here including MK's take on Mario Party XD

Not a ton of reviews yet because the game actually isn't out for everyone for another 6 days and the online isn't fully available yet, but the pay extra to have it a few days early edition is out tomorrow so we have a handful of reviews out. So far it's averaging a 86% through 9 reviews which is pretty much in line with how these games have reviewed. The base versions of 9 through 11 were a bit lower though. It was the Komplete editions that ended up with higher scores than this.

Gaming-Age - Grade A
Overall, Mortal Kombat 1 is a polished, beautiful work of art that is a remarkably innovative entry into the long running franchise. You can feel the love and care that went into recrafting existing characters in a way I never knew I would love.

Press Start - 9.5/10
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.

CG Magazine - 9/10
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.

VideoGamer - 9/10
NetherRealm builds on its strengths, sticking to familiar combos and over-the-top violence. The campaign offers more of the explosive setpieces and lethal duels youve come to expect. Invasion mode is a part of that strategy, one that might pay off handsomely if it receives live service-like updates with new gear. The franchise has also made some inroads in greeting newcomers while catering to older fans with its Kameo system. Its a complete package, especially for Mortal Kombat fans. But it lacks the extra oomph of the Drive Gauge system and ambitious World Tour mode that Street Fighter 6 brought in this year.

VG247 - 4/5 Stars
Mortal Kombat 1 is a generally positive step in a new direction. I find myself frustrated with Liu Kang's decision to allow live service DNA to creep into his new universe, and I long for some of the features left behind (like the Krypt). 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.

Screen Rant - 3.5/5 Stars
As someone's first Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat 1 is a perfectly adequate but not ideal place to start (that would still be Mortal Kombat 2011). For returning players who just want to see their favorite characters again, or for anyone itching to hear Johnny Cage come up with great jokes like "Reminds me of a terrible B-movie I was in called The Flesh Pits," while walking around a room that looks just like the old MK level The Flesh Pits, this game will be a must-buy. If you were hoping to see The Great Kung Lao of myth, however, or an entirely new cast of characters, Mortal Kombat 1 isn't essential, and brings very few truly new ideas to the table.

IGN - Unscored
I still need more time with Mortal Kombat 1 before I'll feel comfortable rendering a verdict, mostly to play the full suite of online modes and get some more time playing the game against people rather than bots, but 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.