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Mortal Kombat has always been a name synonymous with over-the-top violence, pushing boundaries and sparking controversy since its 1995 debut. Mortal Kombat 11, released in 2019, continues this tradition, but unfortunately, it also comes with its own share of controversies, from reports of a toxic work environment at NetherRealm Studios to excessive grinding mechanics that feel out of place in a AAA title. Despite these issues, MK11 arguably delivers the most polished and complete Mortal Kombat experience since the series’ 2011 reboot.

A Deep and Rewarding Combat System

altMK11’s 2D fighting system is as intricate and rewarding as fans have come to expect. Landing a hit is only the first step in a complex dance of high and low attacks, overheads, projectiles, special moves, and combos. Juggles, breakaways, amplifies, flawless blocks, and wake-up options add layers of strategic depth. Newcomers might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of mechanics, but the game provides an excellent tutorial that covers everything from basic moves to advanced techniques, even including frame data information typically found outside the game.

altWhile MK11 may not be the most hardcore fighting game on the market, its slower pace compared to previous entries allows for more counterplay opportunities and emphasizes strategic decision-making. The new Fatal Blow mechanic adds a high-stakes comeback element, while flawless blocks reward precise timing. Long, intricate combos still require practice and experimentation, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment when executed successfully.

altBuilding on the customization options introduced in Mortal Kombat X, MK11’s Variation system lets players create unique loadouts for each character. Players can customize their move sets, appearance, and even equip gear with augments to enhance their stats. However, it’s disappointing that ranked modes like Tournament restrict players to pre-set variations, limiting the potential for personalized playstyles.

Of the new characters, Geras stands out as a powerhouse with excellent combo potential, stun abilities, and numerous grabs. Kollector excels at corner pressure and boasts unpredictable combos, while Cetrion, despite being marketed as a zoning character, feels underwhelming due to unsafe zoning tools and difficult-to-execute close-range combos.

A Story Mode So Bad It’s Good

altLet’s be clear: Mortal Kombat 11’s story is ridiculous. Its time-travel plot is riddled with inconsistencies, neglecting established rules and conveniently sidelining a majority of its large cast after the first third of the game. The writing is often cheesy and nonsensical, undermining the seriousness of some characters while elevating others in baffling ways. Kotal Kahn, in particular, deserves an apology from the writers.

altHowever, if you approach MK11’s story expecting nuanced storytelling, you’ve come to the wrong place. This is a franchise built on the spectacle of heroes, villains, monsters, and gods engaging in brutal combat, often resorting to ludicrously violent finishing moves. MK11 simply needs a reason for the fight, regardless of how flimsy that reason may be.

altThe story is a series of betrayals and petty squabbles, driven by contrived motivations and nonsensical plot twists. The ending even sets up another timeline reset, potentially invalidating the character developments and plot points established in the last two games.

altObjectively, MK11’s narrative is a mess. Yet, it’s a visually impressive mess, with surprisingly well-developed character relationships (despite the weak dialogue) and a hilariously predictable “good guys always win” resolution that almost makes you forgive its illogical nature. The four-hour runtime ensures that, even if you’re bored, you’ll likely forget how nonsensical it all was once you move on to other game modes.

The Grind: A Fatal Flaw

altIn 2019, players expect to unlock content in a AAA game through reasonable progression systems. For some inexplicable reason, NetherRealm Studios decided to lock a significant portion of MK11’s content behind random loot boxes and time-gated challenges. Cosmetics, augments, gear, fatalities, brutalities, and even intro/victory poses are primarily earned through the Krypt (a dungeon crawler with randomized chests) or the Towers of Time (challenges with rotating modifiers that can be incredibly frustrating).

altThis system forces players to grind endlessly for specific items, with no guarantee of ever obtaining what they want. Why can’t players simply purchase desired items with in-game currency? What does NetherRealm gain from this needlessly time-consuming system? Is it designed to cater solely to hardcore grinders while ignoring casual players?

altWhile updates have addressed some of the Towers of Time’s difficulty and increased Koin rewards, the core issue of randomized rewards remains. Cosmetics are a significant part of the experience, allowing players to personalize their characters and express their individual style. Locking them behind an excessive grind diminishes the overall value proposition of the game. Players deserve to enjoy the content they paid for without resorting to tedious and unrewarding grinding.

In conclusion, Mortal Kombat 11 delivers a fantastic fighting experience with deep mechanics and satisfying combat. However, its nonsensical story and egregious grind severely detract from the overall package. While the core gameplay shines, the frustrating unlock system leaves a sour taste, reminding players that even the most brutal fighters can be brought down by a tedious grind.