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Mortal Kombat 1

8.5
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Publisher: WB Games
Released: 2023
Metacritic: 84
10-200h
Avg. Playtime
6 DLC
Expansions
Online
Multiplayer
$19.99
Best Price
PCPS5Xbox Series XSwitch
⭐ Read Review 📖 Beginner Guide 💸 Best Price

About Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1 is NetherRealm Studios' bold series reboot — a timeline reset that reimagines the franchise's iconic characters under Liu Kang's new era of peace, only for a new threat to shatter it. With 23 years of franchise history behind it, MK1 manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh, delivering one of the most cinematic story modes in fighting game history alongside refined mechanics that reward deep mastery.

The headline mechanical addition is the Kameo Fighter system: every match features a second character you can call in for combo extensions, anti-air assistance, wake-up reversals, and zoning. With over 15 Kameo characters available, the combinations create a meta-game of synergy optimization that extends the competitive lifespan dramatically. Main roster fighters are redesigned with cleaner movelists, and the Flawless Block system adds a rewarding defensive skill ceiling.

Invasions, the seasonal single-player mode, provides an ongoing board-game-style campaign with rotating modifiers, gear rewards, and unlockable skins — the most substantial post-launch single-player content NetherRealm has ever shipped with a base game.

Why Players Love It

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Kameo Fighter System

Call in a second assist character mid-fight for combo extensions, reversals, and zoning. Over 15 Kameos create deep pairing synergies that define the competitive meta.

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Cinematic Story Mode

A full cinematic story following Liu Kang's new timeline — featuring multiple playable characters, Hollywood-quality cutscenes, and a storyline that rewards series veterans.

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Invasions Mode

Seasonal single-player board game with rotating modifiers, boss encounters, and exclusive cosmetic rewards — the most content-rich ongoing mode NetherRealm has shipped.

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Fatalities and Brutalities

Series-signature finishing moves return with spectacular production values. Every character has unique Fatalities, Brutalities, and Harakiri options to unlock.

Overview Video

8.5Excellent

Our Verdict

Mortal Kombat 1 is a triumphant series reboot that modernizes the franchise without losing its brutal identity.

Gameplay
8.5
Combat
9.0
Story
8.5
Graphics
9.0
Performance
8.0
Value
8.0
Read Full Review (1,500+ words)
Complete Beginner's Guide
⏱ 15 min · 📊 Medium · ✅ Progress tracking
Start Guide
Best Builds & Character Tips
⏱ 10 min · 📊 Easy · 🔧 Build Guide
View Guide
First Boss Guide & Strategies
⏱ 8 min · 📊 Hard · ⚔️ Boss Guide
View Guide
Tips & Tricks for New Players
⏱ 6 min · 📊 Easy · 💡 Tips
View Guide
Balance Patch 3.0
Mar 2024
  • Major Kameo balance pass — Goro and Kano Kameos adjusted
  • Several main roster frame data corrections
  • Invasion Season 5 content added
  • Ranked mode stability improvements
DLC Wave 2
Jan 2024
  • Omni-Man (Invincible) added to the roster
  • Ermac playable character added
  • New Kameo fighters: Janet Cage and Mavado
  • Invasions Season 4 launched with new rewards

Community Tips

“Sonya Kameo is the best beginner Kameo — her ring toss extends virtually every character's BnB combo without needing tight timing. Start with her while learning the main roster.”
— MKLab · 3241 upvotes
“The Flawless Block window is 2 frames after a block. Landing it refills a small amount of your defensive meter — in long matches this resource advantage adds up significantly.”
— NRSVet · 2876 upvotes
“In Invasions, always complete the secret paths (marked by glowing tiles) before the season ends. They award exclusive gear and cosmetics that cannot be obtained after the season rotates.”
— InvasionsPro · 1987 upvotes
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