Is the new Mortal Kombat X-Citing?
Those who have read my reviews in the past will know that I’m terrible at fighting games, with the exception of Smash Bros and even then the most recent entry had me struggling against my opponents. Mortal Kombat has always stuck out due its combos, characters and the most memorable of all…fatalities. Each character always has one that is tough to do, but is so rewarding if you get the combo just right.
Mortal Kombat X is the first game in the series that I’ve played in years, so I was more than a little rusty…however, I did play Injustice: Gods Among Us and managed to beat the story, so I can’t be THAT bad…right? Well, I dived into MK X with open eyes and they were immediately gouged out due to my inexperience. But, as with Injustice…I did overcome X’s story mode, which I have to say is the best I’ve come across in any fighting game, it was truly amazing and the cutscenes were brilliantly done too.
The roster of characters is impressive, with classic favourites like Sub-Zero and Scorpion to newcomers like Erron Black and Cassie Cage. There’s something for everyone, while there are DLC characters like Jason from Friday the 13th and more coming like the Predator. It’s a bit disappointing that you have to pay extra for some of these characters, but you can still have a great time without them if you choose not to get them.
The game’s play modes include Story, 1 vs. 1 Ranked, King of the Hill, Survivor, and Test Your Luck. There’s also a mode which pits you in first-person as you search for upgrades in almost a puzzle-style scenario, it’s interesting and one that I hope will continue in other games. On the whole, X has a brilliant package of content for the admission fee, but how does it handle?
Well, as I have said…I’m far from an expert when it comes to this genre, but I personally thought it handled well, it doesn’t shake up the formula too much…which is great for veterans, not so much for newcomers. But it is definitely more accessible and I actually pulled off fatalities for the first time in the series, so they’ve definitely done something right.
Visually, Mortal Kombat X looks stunning. It’s a beauty to watch…everything from the backgrounds to the characters and of course, the blood and guts are incredibly detailed and memorable. Voice-acting is a mixed bag, but definitely a vast improvement overall while the music is epic and matches the nature of each bout.
The Verdict
Mortal Kombat X plays it a little safe, but it does take risks in some areas that I’m proud of. It’s the first game that I’ve felt moderately good at, even though I know I suck at it. What are you waiting for? Go out there and inflict some fatalities right now!
