Mortal Kombat always had the reputation of being the goriest of fighting games, given that, the game is better known for its gore and brutality than for its gameplay.
Things have evolved since then, with MK9 and MKX raising the level of playability to match the level of brutality. That increasing trend remains with Mortal Kombat 11, which is not just the finest Mortal Kombat yet, but also probably Netherrealm’s best game to date.
This is one of the most comprehensive fighting games available, featuring single and multiplayer modes that will keep either casual or professional audiences entertained for a long time.
Mortal Kombat’s fighting is unique among 2D fighters in that it revolves around two punch buttons, two kick buttons, and a block button.
This is considerably more unusual than it appears. Other 2D fighters often contain a mix of light, medium, and/or heavy attacks, with lesser attacks tying into stronger ones, while Mortal Kombat does not.
MK instead uses a “dial-a-combo” system that needs mastery of highly particular button combinations to generate a combo. It’s not the most user-friendly combat system for newbies, but Mortal Kombat 11 has one of the most comprehensive fighting game tutorials I’ve ever seen.
It covers everything from basic basics to sophisticated methods like frame traps, jailing, and block strings, all while emphasizing crucial concepts and providing explicit instructions on how to use these techniques.
Mortal Kombat 11 maintains all of the series’ distinct gameplay, as well as the wonderfully excessive over-the-top, and often comic brutality of its infamous Fatality finishing techniques.
Yet, new battle mechanics that are beyond anything the franchise has seen before surround all of that, and Mortal Kombat 11 is far superior for being ready to take these daring leaps to keep things fresh.
One of the best aspects, in my opinion, is the option to modify every one of the characters. The legendary undead ninja Scorpion, for example, is front and center, yet he originally comes in two kinds. Both have a few techniques in common, but there are significant variances — for example, one has a chain swing while the other has a scorching air grab.
Character and weapon skins, “augments,” crafting recipes, fatalities, and other items must be unlocked, as has become standard for recent NetherRealm games, either through some of the peripheral modes or in the Krypt, an area full of randomized chests that must be unlocked with Kurrency earned through play, though some items (not all) can be had for real money via microtransactions.
The online community is valid, as expected. It’s the lament of the reviewer, but I frequently lost to individuals who have spent more time perfecting the game than I have. This is also to be anticipated. Despite my poor win/loss record, I have no issues with the MK11’s performance in terms of latency, connectivity, or anything else.
Furthermore, I focused on the story mode, where NetherRealm yet again demonstrates why they are today’s leaders in single-player fighting game storytelling.
The primary attraction this time uses the majority of the ensemble to weave a twisting, turning soap opera of a narrative, much as they did in MK9 when their particular type of epic tragedy first surfaced. Each character has a quick, individualized finale in the ladder mode.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Mortal Kombat 11 is a comprehensive product with many modes, a fantastic plot, outstanding and diverse characters, and hard-hitting action. I’m having a great time playing ranked mode and also uncovering all of Krypt’s mysteries along the road. The grind is a constant source of annoyance, although it is also something I am prepared to push through.
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