Mortal Kombat 11 Review (Patch Update) – A Throne of Games
(Note: this review was written after a crucial update that fixes grinding/loot/economy issues and adjusts the tower modes – in-game resources/currency have also been dished out as an apology).
What is it? Mortal Kombat 11 is a fighting game and direct sequel to MKX that mixes things up by exploring a crazy time-travelling crossover event that sees characters from previous Mortal Kombat games joining the same timeline as the current ones. Shenanigans ensue.
- PROS: Visually smooth and stunning | Fun fighting mechanics | Lots of modes | Fun story mode | Very smooth online | Entertaining fatalities | Comprehensive tutorial section.
- CONS: Progression system (now patched) | Tower modes not fun (now patched) | Krypt mode could be so much more | Convoluted storyline.
Verdict: A fun, solid entry for die-hard and casual MK fans
Reviewed on: PS4 Pro | Also available on Xbox One, PC, Switch
Review
What you need to know right away is that this latest MK continues to deliver the goods that keeps both casual and committed fans interested in MK games after all this time. The fighting is really fun to pick up and offers instant joy to those who don’t know what they’re doing, and yet once you take a deep dive it gets even more solid – and you can, thanks to maybe the best, most comprehensive fighting game tutorial I’ve ever worked through (how I wish I had something like this back in my Street Fighter 4 days).
NetherRealm’s story modes are one of their best features of late (I especially LOVED Injustice 2’s) and while MK11’s story is convoluted as hell and quite ridiculous at times, it’s a lot of fun, has some real shining moments and even punches a little bit above its weight in terms of how big the scope of their ideas turn out to be. Thanks to some choices along the way, you can go back and play sections again as the other character.
The Krypt mode lets you walk an avatar around Shang-Tsung’s island in 3rd person, but feels like nothing more than a glorified interactive loot mode with a few puzzles, and I think it could be so much more, especially if they added some JRPG-like random fight encounters that whisk you away while you’re wondering around. It must also be said that the online netcode is basically black magic, and feels unbelievably smooth when playing online – well done to them for that. Unlockable skins and gear does give you reason to keep coming back, but I must be honest that I’m not that much of a fan of the grind required. If anything, I’d actually just be happy if each character started with one classic skin available immediately to help it feel a little more familiar.
As a package, MK11 delivers a great range of modes and ways in which to experience it. So whether you’re doing tutorials, playing through towers, unlocking loot in the Krypt or beating the snot out of your friends online – you’ve got reasons to keep coming back.
Want a little more? Click here to read our initial impressions from the preview that we posted.
