Mortal Kombat 1: The Beta is convincing and has never been more violent

Nether Realm Studios wanted to go big Mortal Kombat 1, crazy graphics, a very smooth sequence of animations, dozens and dozens of combos for each hero and fatalities more violent than it’s hard to imagine. We played a little bit against the AI ​​and a little bit online and we stayed definitely satisfied of the sensations that the game gives so few weeks after its release.

The fighting games are experiencing a moment of incredible rebirth this year with the main franchises of this panorama released (Street Fighter 6) or about to be released (Mortal Kombat, Tekken), a new chapter designed not only for the next generation from consoles as well of players. If you’re a historical fan of Mortal Kombat, then this reboot of the series (also thanks to the story mode) is a sight to behold. The system of companions with their special moves is very solid and stratified and multiplies playstyles and strategies exponentially because it is no longer just the hero you choose that matters, but you will have to pay attention to the companion and synergies.

The precision in the inputs is just as we expected, as are the refinements of old and new characters. We tried Liu Kang, Sub-Zero, Kenshi, Kitana, Johnny Cage and Li Mei with the most time spent in the company of Kitana, our old protagonist from the past. We can say that to the veterans of the series 80% of your mastery in previous titles will translate into MK1 with just the vibe of tag team mechanics to have in your arsenal of combos and a few special moves that are a bit different or even removed and replaced with something else.

Competitive gamers and longtime Mortal Kombat 1 fans will be able to get their hands on one of the best crafted chapters in Mortal Kombat 1 history when it releases, as everything seems to be made to put a big smile on their faces. Our only concern is the new player experience. Street Fighter 6 completely changed the game in terms of what a newcomer to the fighting game genre can expect from a new game and when we reviewed it we said (and still say) that it would set the new standard for this genre. . In the beta, Mortal Kombat 1 didn’t explain anything to us, no input, no strategy, no combo. In the completed game we expect a full tutorialoptional of course, that explains the mechanics, how Kameo Fighters work with lots of examples to try and solidify the basics.

If Mortal Kombat 1 proves to be a solid experience for beginners and veterans alike, then we can consider 2023 as the year when fighting games officially arrived at the general public and with them their esports leagues.

– by Riccardo Lichen