Excitement is building as Mortal Kombat 1, the latest installment in the iconic Mortal Kombat series, hits the gaming scene. With early access available to players and critics getting their hands on the game, the initial reviews are in, and they paint a promising picture. Could Mortal Kombat 1 be a game-changer for the franchise? Let’s delve into the early impressions and critics’ scores to find out.
Mortal Kombat 1: A Soft Reboot in an Alternate Universe
First things first, let’s clarify the somewhat confusing name. Mortal Kombat 1 is, in fact, the 12th entry in the Mortal Kombat series. This game serves as a soft reboot for the franchise, introducing players to an alternate universe, distinct from the previous titles. The combination of this fresh narrative perspective and the impressive scope of the game has left many reviewers astounded.
While some outlets, including GameSpot, are still in the process of crafting their full reviews, enough early impressions are available to warrant a preliminary score on Metacritic. Currently, the PS5 version of Mortal Kombat 1 boasts an impressive score of 86. However, it’s worth noting that with more reviews yet to be released, this score may undergo further adjustments. Additionally, the scores for other platform versions of the game remain pending.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the early reviews:
1. Video Games Chronicle – 5/5 “Mortal Kombat 1 is the best Mortal Kombat game to date. It looks stunning, has a brilliant Story mode, its new Invasions mode will keep solo players busy and, above all else, it’s an absolute joy to play. Thoroughly essential for die-hards, lapsed fans and newcomers.” — Chris Scullion
2. Bloody Disgusting – 4.5/5 “I’m impressed with what Mortal Kombat 1 has to offer. From the ambitious Story mode, to the new addition of Kameos to the combat. From the relegating of the gear system to be cosmetic only, to the all-new RPG Invasions mode. Mortal Kombat 1 feels like a return to form for the series while pushing it in new meaningful directions. It’s the perfect entry point for newcomers and long time fans of the series.” — Reyna Cervantes
3. Screen Rant – 3.5/5 “As someone’s first Mortal Kombat game, Mortal Kombat 1 is a perfectly adequate but not ideal place to start. 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.” — Christopher Teuton
4. VG247 – 4/5 “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.” — Connor Makar
5. Well Played – 9.5/10 “The new era isn’t some rehash or reboot, it’s a rebirth. It revels in all the things that make Mortal Kombat great, acknowledging everything a fan would expect – but also carefully delivering a fresh perspective to keep things unique and interesting. The stellar roster of faces, both base and Kameo alike, provide a foundation for players to immerse themselves in a violent realm of near infinite possibilities. Spilling blood has never been so approachable, or fun.” — Ash Wayling
6. IGN – Unscored (Review In Progress) “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.” — Mitchell Saltzman
7. Games Hub – 4/5 (Review In Progress) “Based on my first dozen hours with Mortal Kombat 1, it’s proven itself to be a remarkably refined and confident installment of a series that had already secured its strong, unique, and entertaining identity long ago. The story campaign is an entertaining journey, its foundational fighting mechanics remain strong, and the game’s focus on wide-ranging approachability and accessibility must be applauded.” — Edmond Tran
As these early reviews pour in, Mortal Kombat 1 appears to be making waves, garnering praise for its gameplay innovations, immersive Story mode, and fresh direction for the series. While IGN and Games Hub are yet to deliver their final verdicts, the overall sentiment suggests that this installment could be a significant milestone for Mortal Kombat enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Stay tuned for more updates as additional reviews roll in, shaping the final consensus on this highly anticipated release.
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