Why Mortal Kombat 1 Deserves a Flawless Victory

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 is undergoing significant changes, including a reboot of the universe, expanded movesets for characters, and a new mix of environments.

Mortal Kombat 1 should prioritize enjoyable gameplay and reduce time-consuming tasks, while still providing a substantial experience.

Mortal Kombat 1 is undergoing a significant overhaul with numerous changes in the works. Fans are eagerly anticipating how these changes will unfold. Following the completion of a trilogy that began with the 2011 version of Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 1 has chosen to reboot the universe of MK entirely. Every aspect, from characters and stages to the overarching plot, music, and gameplay, has been given a fresh and distinct feel. While it is expected for fighting games to introduce new features between entries, this 31-year-old franchise is determined to provide a truly unique experience.

Having taken important lessons from previous titles, Mortal Kombat 1 has made adjustments to address complaints. In response to criticisms regarding the stiffness and limitations of Mortal Kombat 11's combat, characters now possess expanded movesets, increased aerial abilities, and additional Kameo Fighters to enhance their battle skills. The stage selection has also been revamped to include both cleaner and brighter environments as well as the dark and grim locales traditionally associated with Mortal Kombat. However, it remains uncertain whether specific concerns have been adequately addressed until the release of Mortal Kombat 1. Achieving this feat would truly be a fresh and noteworthy accomplishment in its own right.

Mortal Kombat's Achievements and Trophies Need a Do-Over

Mortal Kombat, as a franchise, has gained recognition for its extensive content, particularly compared to other high-profile fighting games. After discontinuing its arcade support with Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance in 2002, the franchise had the freedom to expand its modes on home consoles. Although the number of additional features decreased after the release of Mortal Kombat in 2011, each entry still offers a plethora of special arcade towers, alternative online modes, mini-games, and unexpected surprises.

Regrettably, when NetherRealm Studios transitioned to the PS3 and Xbox 360 platforms in 2011, they unintentionally overlooked a specific group of players. The abundance of activities in each game resulted in Mortal Kombat 9, Mortal Kombat X, and Mortal Kombat 11 launching with 50 or more Trophies and Achievements, with an additional 13 introduced in MKX's downloadable content. Based on data provided by a small number of players who were able to unlock all of them, completely mastering Mortal Kombat X and 11 can require 40-60 hours, while accomplishing MK9's Trophy list could easily exceed 100 hours, assuming it is still even possible nowadays.

Achievements Shouldn't Be A Chore in Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat is notorious for its extensive completion requirements, making it a time-consuming endeavor to achieve 100% completion. Players are expected to fully explore each character's abilities, participate in online factions, and level up their profiles. Time-consuming tasks like discovering secrets, conquering the Krypt, and completing the storyline are common. In addition, witnessing every Fatality and Brutality, progressing through all character arcade towers, and finishing mini-games can be an endless endeavor. The most challenging objective, however, was thankfully removed in MK11, which involved earning a specific amount of Respect from other players in the online King of the Hill mode.

Any dedicated completionist would greatly appreciate it if Mortal Kombat 1 were to ease up on these requirements. While completing the main story, tutorials, and arcade towers is to be expected, some reductions are necessary. Discovering secrets is enjoyable, but tasks out of the player's control, such as gaining Respect, should be eliminated. Instead of the lengthy process of leveling up online, it would be preferable to follow the example of other fighting games that typically only require one online victory, along with a few additional participating matches.

NetherRealm Studios should avoid tasks that are clearly time-consuming and tedious, such as completing numerous Living Towers or collecting enough currency to open countless Krypt chests. They have the ability to create a fully-developed Mortal Kombat game without overwhelming players who want to experience everything the game has to offer.

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to release on September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.