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The 2011 Mortal Kombat reboot was a spectacular return to form for the long-running fighting game franchise. It not only revitalized the classic 2D gameplay but also reimagined the storyline of the original Mortal Kombat trilogy. With Mortal Kombat X, NetherRealm Studios promised to build on that success, elevating the gameplay while retaining the core elements that made the reboot so popular. Did they succeed? Largely, yes, but not without some significant stumbles.

Mortal Kombat X

A New Generation of Kombatants

One of Mortal Kombat X‘s greatest strengths is its impressive roster of 24 fighters (excluding Goro), featuring a mix of familiar faces and exciting newcomers. While some fan favorites like Noob Saibot and Kabal are absent, new characters like Takeda, Erron Black, and Kung Jin fill the void admirably. Cassie Cage and D’Vorah are particularly noteworthy additions. Cassie, daughter of Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage, inherits her mother’s agility and some of her father’s signature moves, allowing for easy juggling combos. D’Vorah, a member of the insectoid Kytinn race, wields sharp appendages for effective mid-range attacks and excels at corner pressure.

The symbiotic duo of Ferra/Torr is perhaps the most unique addition. Serving as a replacement for Baraka, Torr acts as the primary damage dealer, while Ferra provides support. This dynamic leads to some interesting tag-team maneuvers, including Torr throwing Ferra as a projectile and a brutal X-Ray move showcasing their combined power. Other newcomers like Kotal Kahn, with his powerful attacks and solar-powered regeneration, and Erron Black, a stylish gunslinger with unique bullet-based attacks, add further depth to the roster. The younger generation of fighters, including Jacqui Briggs, Kung Jin, and Takeda Takahashi, also play significant roles in the storyline. Each new fighter brings a distinct fighting style, strengths, and weaknesses, offering a diverse range of strategic options for players of all skill levels.

Mortal Kombat X

Refined and Revamped Gameplay

Mortal Kombat X elevates the gameplay of its predecessor to new heights. Attacks, blocks, and dashes feel fluid, impactful, and precise. The overall pace is faster and more dynamic, with matches unfolding in unpredictable ways thanks to several innovative additions. Interactive objects within the environment, such as ledges for jumping attacks and weapons for surprise counter-attacks, add a new layer of strategy.

However, the most significant improvement is the “Variations” system. Each fighter has three variations, each representing a different playstyle: offensive, defensive, or trap-based. These variations unlock new moves, weapons, and even alter the character’s appearance. For example, Sub-Zero’s “Cyromancer” variation allows him to summon ice weapons, “Unbreakable” grants him ice armor and enhanced defense, and “Grandmaster” allows him to create ice clones for both offensive and defensive purposes. The Variations system adds immense replayability, allowing players to experiment with different styles and find the one that best suits their preferences. Mastering all three variations for each character presents a significant challenge for dedicated players.

Mortal Kombat X

The “Super Meter” from Mortal Kombat (2011) returns with its three functions: “Enhance” for increased damage or combo extensions, “Breaker” for quick counter-attacks, and “X-Ray” for devastating, cinematic combos. The X-Ray moves are even more brutal and visually impressive than before, often overshadowing the iconic Fatalities. Brutalities, a variation of Fatalities from Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, also make a welcome return, offering quick and stylish finishing moves that require specific combo execution. Finally, the new “Faction” system introduces a global meta-game where players choose one of five factions and compete for weekly dominance based on their performance in both single-player and online modes. This system adds a sense of community and rivalry, making every match feel meaningful. Faction Kills, exclusive finishing moves for members of the winning faction, further enhance this competitive element.

Mortal Kombat X

A Disappointing Narrative and Technical Issues

Despite its gameplay advancements, Mortal Kombat X falters in its story mode. After the surprisingly well-crafted narrative of the 2011 reboot, the story in Mortal Kombat X feels shallow and convoluted. The five-hour campaign is bogged down by excessively long cutscenes, many of which recount past events in a repetitive and unnecessary manner. The frequent jumps between different time periods add to the confusion, and the motivations of many characters are poorly explained. The plot feels disjointed and lacking in impact.

Mortal Kombat XMortal Kombat X is a significant step down from its predecessor.

Furthermore, the PC version at launch suffered from significant technical problems. A massive 15GB patch, equivalent to half the game’s size, failed to address many of the issues. Subsequent patches introduced new problems, including graphical glitches for AMD users. Network instability made online play nearly impossible, with frequent disconnections and severe input lag.

Mortal Kombat X

Conclusion

Mortal Kombat X delivers a brutal and refined fighting experience with a diverse roster, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a compelling meta-game. However, its disappointing story and technical issues, especially on the PC platform, hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the core gameplay is undeniably excellent, the flawed narrative and technical shortcomings prevent it from surpassing the 2011 reboot in overall quality.