Author: Greg Lozano
In our current world, saturated with multiverse narratives, the concept feels less novel than it once did. Shows like Rick and Morty or movies like Everything, Everywhere, All At Once have set a high bar. Many video games have tried this storytelling approach with varying success. Bayonetta 3 did it well, but then there’s Mortal Kombat. While the gameplay of Mortal Kombat 1 is enjoyable, its story feels less compelling than a Michael Bay film.
My main gripe with MK1 is its story. As another reboot, it had the chance to redefine characters, but many still blend into the roster. Iconic figures like Mario or Sonic are instantly recognizable, but the MK characters? Not so much. The universe’s changes, like Baraka or Mileena’s new backstories, feel like missed opportunities for genuine redesign.
Reboots should be gateways for newcomers, but MK1’s story feels disjointed. One moment, we see Raiden and Kung Lao as farmers; the next, a massive Mortal Kombat showdown. Netherrealm does poke fun at this, but the narrative still feels like a rushed retelling of older games.
However, it’s not all negative. The game offers a good amount of single-player content and caters to both competitive and casual players. The developers are also commendably responsive to feedback. Plus, MK1’s efforts to accommodate visually impaired players deserve praise.
While MK1 has its moments and stays true to its roots, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of other iconic fighters like Street Fighter 6 or Guilty Gear. It’s not my go-to fighting game, but it’s far from the bottom of the list.
Rating: 2.8/5
Have you played Mortal Kombat 1? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below! Whether you agree or disagree, we’d love to hear from you.