Mortal Kombat has maintained its position as a successful game series for nearly three decades. Beyond the games, the franchise has spawned a Hollywood film adaptation (with a rumored expensive “reboot” movie in 2021), a collectible card game, and a comic book. Since 1992, when Street Fighter 2 dominated arcade halls and Midway responded with Mortal Kombat, a fighting game notable for its “photorealistic” (motion-capture) graphics and extreme violence, much has evolved. The initial release sparked debates and censorship on home consoles, particularly the SNES. Today, with Mortal Kombat 11, both photorealism and violence are prominent features, showcasing the advancements in game development.
The narrative in Mortal Kombat 11 constitutes a significant portion of the overall gaming experience. Similar to Netherrealm’s other franchise, Injustice, the storyline is intricate and engaging. Players encounter familiar characters such as Raiden, who confronts Shinnok, and are introduced to new figures like Cassie Cage, the daughter of Johnny Cage and Sonja Blade. The graphics are impressive during both fights and cutscenes, echoing the high production values seen in Injustice 2. The single-player mode allows players to delve into the backstories of each character. Complementing the story mode, a wealth of game modes are available, including online and local multiplayer, boss rush, and various challenges for unlocking a range of extras, from cosmetic items to gameplay bonuses.
Mortal Kombat 11 presents a remarkably comprehensive fighting game experience, potentially requiring a significant time investment to unlock all content. However, the game’s microtransaction system has drawn criticism. While the exact cost is debated, unlocking all available bonuses (ranging from skins to gameplay advantages) could require a substantial financial investment for players seeking immediate access. The developers continue to refine this system and further adjustments are possible. Ed Boon has disputed claims that unlocking everything would cost over 60,000 SEK, but even a fraction of that amount feels excessive considering the initial purchase price of the game.
From a gameplay perspective, Mortal Kombat 11 delivers a satisfying experience, although it presents a greater challenge compared to Injustice 2. Mastering timing and executing complex combinations is essential for success at higher difficulty levels and against online opponents, demanding dedicated practice. Simple “run and gun” tactics, similar to those employed in Street Fighter 2, will not suffice. A recent patch introduced a very easy mode, which may be too simplistic for experienced players, but the standard difficulty provides a challenging experience, particularly for newcomers to the franchise.
The graphics, animations, and level of detail in Mortal Kombat 11 are exceptional, and the game does not shy away from depicting graphic violence. The censorship of blood splatter in the original SNES version seems almost comical in retrospect. While the violence can be viewed as stylized, the game’s 18+ rating reflects the graphic nature of its content. The depiction of realistic figures subjected to brutal acts, such as skull piercings and eye gouging, can become repetitive and unsettling. While the series is known for its over-the-top nature, the ability to depict such acts does not necessitate their constant inclusion. While the editorial team is not particularly sensitive, this game is not appropriate for minors or even casual viewing, due to its potentially distasteful content.
Overall, Mortal Kombat 11 is a highly polished and content-rich fighting game that demands a significant investment from the player to fully appreciate. Dedicated fans will welcome the game’s evolution, and those who enjoy Injustice will likely find this iteration similarly appealing, albeit more challenging. Potential players may want to try the game before committing to a purchase. While well-crafted, the game features significant violence and a potentially problematic microtransaction system. Players sensitive to such systems should carefully consider their approach before engaging with the game (recalling the controversy surrounding Star Wars: Battlefront 2). However, considering the overall presentation, playability, and extensive content (even the content unlockable through gameplay), Mortal Kombat 11 remains a compelling recommendation.
