Highlights
Mortal Kombat 1 will not have a Krypt mode, a fan-favorite feature in recent years, which might result in slightly less replayability than its predecessors.
The Krypt has always been the go-to destination for collectibles in the Mortal Kombat franchise, providing players with rewards and motivating them to unlock all that the game has in store.
While Mortal Kombat 1 will not have a Krypt, it is set to introduce a fresh unlocking system. However, no information has been disclosed regarding its appearance. Fans eagerly anticipate it to be on par with, or even surpass, the brilliance of the Krypt.
Mortal Kombat stands out among classic fighting games for its extensive content offerings. The series continuously expanded its roster of characters and stages, with Midway, the original developer, introducing even more through re-releases. As the franchise transitioned to newer gaming consoles, Mortal Kombat continued to thrive by adding additional characters, stages, and exciting game modes. While the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1 promises to be packed to the brim with content, it regrettably lacks a beloved fan-favorite feature.
Collectibles hold immense significance in the Mortal Kombat franchise. These range from small pieces of concept art and hidden music tracks to complete playable characters and new arenas. For over two decades, Mortal Kombat has followed a consistent structure for its numerous collectibles. However, in a surprising turn of events, Mortal Kombat 1 will break away from this long-standing tradition, potentially resulting in a detriment to the overall experience.
Mortal Kombat 1's Lack of a Krypt Could Seriously Damage its Replayability
Beginning in 2002 with Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, the Krypt has served as the centralized hub for all the collectibles in the past six mainline entries of the Mortal Kombat franchise. While the Krypt has undergone various changes, its core structure has remained consistent for two decades. Players venture into eerie graveyards, labyrinths, or catacombs and utilize in-game currency to acquire an extensive range of collectibles. These items often include new stages, concept art, alternate costumes, music tracks, and occasionally, fully playable characters.
Although the number of collectibles in the Krypt has gradually decreased with each installment, the Krypt itself has evolved into a more intricate and immersive experience. It has transformed from a simple grid-based menu to a first-person horror minigame incorporating quick-time events, and finally into a fully-fledged third-person action-puzzle game in Mortal Kombat 11. With consistently enticing rewards and an addictive gameplay loop, the Krypt has always proven to be a compelling incentive for players to fully explore and unlock every aspect of the game, encouraging them to invest countless hours into their Mortal Kombat experience.
The Krypt mode, although not the most crucial aspect of a Mortal Kombat game, has gained popularity among fans in recent years. The news of Mortal Kombat 1 lacking a Krypt mode has left many fans disappointed. While the core gameplay and mechanics of Mortal Kombat 1 will undoubtedly keep players engaged for a considerable amount of time, the absence of a Krypt mode may result in slightly less replayability compared to previous versions.
However, there is still hope for a collectible system in Mortal Kombat 1. In a recent interview, Ed Boon, the Creative Director at NetherRealm, mentioned a "Whole new system for unlocks" being present in the game. No specific details about this new system have been revealed yet, leaving fans to wonder about its nature and potential rewards. Fans can only hope that this new unlock system will be equally or even more rewarding than the Krypt, offering worthwhile rewards such as alternate costumes, new stages, and new playable characters.
Mortal Kombat 1 releases on September 19 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.