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CRITIK

Mortal Kombat 11

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Mortal Kombat 11
Item: Mortal Kombat 11
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Old-School Style, Side View Perspective, Fighting, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableApr 22, 2019

PlatformPC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperNetherRealm Studios, Shiver Games

Overview

Mortal Kombat is back and better than ever in the next evolution of the iconic franchise. The all new Custom Character Variations give you unprecedented control of your fighters to make them your own. The new graphics engine showcases every skull-shattering, eye-popping moment, bringing you so close to the fight you can feel it. Featuring a roster of new and returning Klassic Fighters, Mortal Kombat's best-in-class cinematic story mode continues the epic saga over 25 years in the making.

Elsewhere

7.9

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Mortal Kombat 11 are largely positive. Many critics praise the story mode for its engaging narrative, cinematic experience, and fan service. Gaming Age mentions that the story mode is the best in the series and serves as a character tutorial, while Cheat Code Central highlights the introduction of a goddess of time that creates a new timeline, offering opportunities for comedy, drama, nostalgia, and thrills. The New York Daily News describes the story mode as a truly cinematic experience with time continuum ideas, and GamesRadar++ mentions that it has a wonderful story about a universe warped by time. These positive opinions highlight the strengths of the story mode, such as its well-told narrative, interesting reunions, and variety of characters. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Mortal Kombat 11. GameSpew mentions a narrative disconnect between story mode and fatalities, while Game Rant criticizes the story mode for its ridiculous B-movie plot and some scenes that run too long. Additionally, Gamers Heroes criticizes the story mode execution for its laughably bad dialogue and repetitive battles, and IGN Italia mentions that the narrative component follows a logical thread but may not maintain the same charm as the birth of movies and TV series. These negative opinions highlight some weaknesses of the story mode, such as narrative inconsistencies, weak dialogue, and repetitive gameplay elements. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story mode of Mortal Kombat 11 is a strong aspect of the game. Critics like Guardian and Telegraph describe it as the main attraction of the game, with the former mentioning that it is ridiculous yet entertaining, and the latter stating that it makes Mortal Kombat 11 an entirely viable purchase purely as a single-player experience. Push Square praises the story for its smart writing, excellent voice acting, and effective moments, while PC Gamer compares it to the best bits of a Marvel movie, with moments of genuine pathos alongside the pathological violence. These positive opinions, along with others, indicate that the story mode successfully combines engaging narrative, fan service, and cinematic experience, making it a standout feature of the game. However, there are also criticisms regarding narrative inconsistencies, weak dialogue, and repetitive battles, which suggest that there are some areas for improvement. Overall, the story mode of Mortal Kombat 11 is well-received by the critics, offering an engaging and entertaining experience for fans of the franchise.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics mostly love Mortal Kombat 11's story mode for its engaging narrative, fan service, and cinematic experience. Some praise it as the best in the series, while others highlight the introduction of a new timeline and well-told narrative. However, there are criticisms about narrative inconsistencies, weak dialogue, and repetitive battles. Despite these flaws, the story mode is considered a strong aspect of the game, offering fans an entertaining experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Mortal Kombat 11, with many highlighting its positive aspects. Gaming Age commends the combat mechanics, particularly the streamlined X-Ray moves and the addition of the Final Blow mechanic, stating that each element of combat blends together harmoniously. Cheat Code Central mentions that the game offers various modes with different difficulty options, tutorials, and Konsumables to give players an edge. IGN, on the other hand, criticizes the lack of character-specific tutorials and the omission of moves with Krushing Blow requirements in the movelist. However, despite these minor criticisms, the core gameplay of Mortal Kombat 11 holds its own and feels great, as stated by God is a Geek. The negative aspects of the gameplay are relatively few and minor. IGN Italia, for example, praises the developed game mechanics, but does not provide any specific details or criticisms. The Washington Post highlights the familiarity and ease of picking up the gameplay, thanks to the robust tutorial system and the reviewer's previous experience with fighting games. However, they do not delve into any specific negatives about the gameplay. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Mortal Kombat 11 is very good. New York Daily News describes it as fast, furious, and precise, striking a strong balance between preventing button-mashing and forcing players to learn mechanics. GamesRadar++ praises the game for feeling faster, tighter, and more challenging than previous entries, with accessible mechanics and an extensive tutorial. The Sydney Morning Herald highlights the deep but logical fighting system, combo-heavy setup, and rewarding players for sticking with their favored characters. Additionally, the step-by-step tutorial mode is highlighted as brilliant. The majority of the critics agree that Mortal Kombat 11 offers a pleasing balance of accessibility and challenge, with extensive tutorials for new players and new abilities for veteran players to master, as mentioned by Guardian. The Digital Fix also mentions that the combat system is easy to learn with enough depth for those who want the challenge of competition. In conclusion, the gameplay of Mortal Kombat 11 is highly praised by the majority of the critics. The positive aspects include the streamlined combat mechanics, diverse characters, extensive tutorials, and the balance between accessibility and challenge. While there are some minor criticisms regarding the lack of character-specific tutorials and missing move information, these do not significantly detract from the overall positive sentiment towards the gameplay. Mortal Kombat 11 is considered a top-tier fighter, with satisfying combat, engaging mechanics, and rewarding gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Mortal Kombat 11's gameplay, praising its combat mechanics, extensive tutorials, and balance between accessibility and challenge. Minor criticisms include missing character-specific tutorials and move information, but overall, the game is hailed as a top-tier fighter with satisfying combat and engaging mechanics.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

63%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Mortal Kombat 11 are largely positive. Many critics praise the game for its impressive character designs and environments. Gaming Age mentions that the game includes impressive character designs and environments, while Cheat Code Central appreciates the great character models and customization options for skins, animations, and weapons. The Sydney Morning Herald describes the graphics as graphically realistic, with cool new character designs and bespoke personalities. Metro GameCentral considers the graphics outstandingly good, with NetherRealm's facial animation system being one of the best in the business. Push Square praises Mortal Kombat 11 for being one of PlayStation 4's prettiest titles, with impeccable in-game and cutscene presentation. VideoGamer describes the game as stunning-looking, with impressively nuanced facial animations and lavishly detailed combat zones, considering it the prettiest Mortal Kombat game to date. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. IGN points out that the sudden switch in character model and texture quality during transitions can be jarring. God is a Geek mentions visual issues in cinematic moments and the lack of a native resolution interface. Switch Player criticizes the Nintendo Switch version for having a drop in resolution and lower quality art assets, resulting in a blurred haze over everything and difficult-to-read menus. The Overpowered Noobs highlights a severe audio desync issue during cutscenes. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the Graphics and Visual Design of Mortal Kombat 11 is positive. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mortal Kombat 11 has impressive graphics and visual design. The game is praised for its stunning character designs, detailed environments, and impressive facial animations. Critics like Gaming Age, Cheat Code Central, and Metro GameCentral specifically mention the outstanding quality of the graphics. While there are some negative aspects mentioned, such as jarring transitions and visual issues in certain moments, the positive aspects outweigh the negatives. The overall sentiment is that Mortal Kombat 11 is visually stunning and one of the best-looking games in the series.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Mortal Kombat 11's impressive graphics and visual design, praising its stunning character designs, detailed environments, and outstanding facial animations. Despite some minor flaws like jarring transitions and visual issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making it one of the best-looking games in the series.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Mortal Kombat 11, it is evident that there is a general consensus among critics that the voice acting in the game is exceptional. Cheat Code Central, Softpedia, and GamingTrend all praise the voice acting, with Softpedia even going so far as to describe it as "outstanding." This positive feedback indicates that the voice actors successfully bring their characters to life and enhance the overall immersion of the game. Furthermore, ZTGD specifically highlights the sound design and effects in Mortal Kombat 11, stating that they are "second to none." The reviewer emphasizes the impact of every hit, the gruesome squish of the Fatalities, and the outstanding music. This positive assessment suggests that the sound design successfully contributes to the immersive experience of the game, making each action and moment feel powerful and engaging. However, there is some criticism directed towards Ronda Rousey's portrayal of Sonya Blade. Cheat Code Central, Guardian, and NintendoWorldReport all mention her performance as being subpar compared to the rest of the voice acting. Cheat Code Central specifically describes it as "wooden," indicating a lack of emotion or depth in the delivery. This negative feedback suggests that Rousey's portrayal may have fallen short in capturing the essence of the character. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Mortal Kombat 11 are strong aspects of the game. The exceptional voice acting, highlighted by Softpedia and GamingTrend, adds depth and immersion to the gameplay experience. The praise for the sound design and effects from ZTGD further reinforces the positive impact of the audio elements. While there is criticism towards Ronda Rousey's performance as Sonya Blade, it does not detract significantly from the overall positive reception of the sound design and music in Mortal Kombat 11.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise exceptional voice acting in Mortal Kombat 11, with standout sound design and effects adding to the immersive experience. However, Ronda Rousey's portrayal of Sonya Blade receives criticism for lacking emotion. Overall, the game's sound design and music are lauded as strong aspects that enhance gameplay.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the voice acting in Mortal Kombat 11, it is evident that there is a mix of positive and negative feedback. Several critics, such as Cheat Code Central and GamingTrend, praise the voice acting, stating that it is well done and brings the characters to life. They appreciate the performances and believe that the voice actors played their counterparts perfectly, contributing to the believability of the characters. Softpedia goes a step further and describes the voice acting as outstanding, highlighting the high quality of the performances. Guardian and Push Square also mention that the voice actors are excellent, emphasizing their skill in portraying the characters effectively. However, there is a notable negative opinion regarding Ronda Rousey's portrayal of Sonya Blade. Critics like NintendoWorldReport, Game Rant, and Cheat Code Central criticize her performance as wooden, distracting, and flat. They feel that her voice acting lacks the emotional weight required for the character, which can be jarring and takes away from the overall experience. This negative feedback stands out amidst the generally positive reception of the voice acting in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Mortal Kombat 11 is largely praiseworthy. The majority of reviewers appreciate the performances, with some even describing them as excellent, outstanding, and surprisingly strong. The positive feedback focuses on the overall quality of the voice acting, the believability of the characters, and the effective portrayal of their counterparts. While the negative feedback regarding Ronda Rousey's performance as Sonya Blade is notable, it does not overshadow the positive sentiments expressed by the majority of critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Most videogame reviewers praise the voice acting in Mortal Kombat 11 for bringing characters to life with excellent performances, although some criticize Ronda Rousey's portrayal of Sonya Blade as lacking emotional depth. Overall, the majority of critics find the voice acting praiseworthy despite some mixed opinions.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

62%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Mortal Kombat 11 vary depending on the gaming platform. On the PlayStation 4, the game generally performs well with solid frame rates and no noticeable lag or connectivity issues. Critics such as GameCritics and Push Square have mentioned no complaints about the game's performance on this platform. Additionally, Cheat Code Central appreciates the game but mentions the unnecessary constant online check-ins and requirements, which may be a minor drawback for some players. On the Nintendo Switch, the game also receives positive feedback in terms of performance. Pure Nintendo notes that the game runs smoothly at a constant sixty frames per second, which is impressive for a portable console. IGN and God is a Geek also acknowledge the smooth performance of the game on the Switch. However, IGN points out that there are occasional framerate drops during online matches, which can be a bit disruptive to the overall experience. NintendoWorldReport highlights the issue of being kicked out of the game if the console loses internet connection during a Towers run, which is a downside to the always-online structure and strict online connection requirements. For the PC version of Mortal Kombat 11, The Overpowered Noobs mentions a severe audio desync issue during cutscenes that even a reinstall did not fix. However, PC Gamer compliments the game for being designed with PC players in mind, with good performance and PC-specific features. The game being locked at 30 frames per second unless playing online or enabling frame skipping, as mentioned by The Overpowered Noobs, can be seen as a limitation for some PC players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mortal Kombat 11 delivers a solid technical performance across all gaming platforms, with only a few minor issues. The game's netcode and online experience are generally praised, with Game Rant considering it one of the best online fighting game experiences. The post-launch patch addressing grind-y aspects and unfair difficulty spikes, as mentioned by AusGamers, showcases the developers' commitment to improving the game's technical performance. However, the always-online structure and strict online connection requirements, as highlighted by NintendoWorldReport, can be problematic for some players. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive, with the game running smoothly and providing an enjoyable gaming experience on multiple platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Mortal Kombat 11 impresses critics with solid technical performance on PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, though occasional hiccups noted. PC version faces audio desync issues, but overall delivers good performance. Despite minor drawbacks like constant online check-ins, the game is praised for its netcode and post-launch improvements, offering an enjoyable gaming experience across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

48%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Mortal Kombat 11 are generally positive. Many critics highlight the various modes and content available in the game, which contribute to its replayability. Gaming Age mentions that there is enough justification to consistently revisit the game to unlock gear, skins, and experiment with the roster. Cheat Code Central and New York Daily News both mention the variety of modes, including a traditional campaign, arcade mode, Towers of Time challenge mode, and offline and online multiplayer options, which provide ample opportunities for replay. GamesRadar++ also praises the multiple modes and ways to utilize the characters, offering a ton of replay value. Guardian mentions the "Krypt" area where players can exchange in-game currency for random rewards, which adds to the overall replayability. The Digital Fix and GameCritics highlight the amount of content to unlock, with The Digital Fix mentioning addictive extra activities and a wide gamut of content, while GameCritics states that there is a lot of content to unlock, albeit with some grinding required. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the replay value of Mortal Kombat 11. Telegraph criticizes the unbalanced and not-so-fun Towers of Time mode, as well as the grind and real-world money requirements for customization options. NintendoWorldReport and Switch Player echo similar sentiments, with NintendoWorldReport mentioning the excessive grind for cosmetic items and the always-online structure limiting portability and replayability, especially in the Towers of Time mode, and Switch Player stating that the Towers of Time mode is not fun and the grind for unlockables is imposed. Push Square also criticizes the grind for unlocking content and the presence of loot boxes, which dilutes the pool of cosmetics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mortal Kombat 11 offers a significant amount of content and modes, providing replay value for players. Critics such as GamingTrend, PC Gamer, and Game Rant mention the various modes and customization options that keep players busy for extended periods. VideoGamer highlights the stonking story mode and multiplayer infrastructure that accommodates various types of brawls. Pure Nintendo praises the Krypt mode with hundreds of hours of replayability, while ZTGD mentions the abundance of single-player and online modes that can keep players engaged for years. While there are criticisms regarding the grind and unbalanced aspects of certain modes, the overall sentiment is that Mortal Kombat 11 offers enough content and variety to keep players coming back for more.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Mortal Kombat 11 for its replay value, highlighting the diverse modes and content that keep players engaged. Positive aspects include unlocking gear, skins, and experimenting with the roster, along with various gameplay modes like campaign, arcade, and multiplayer options. Despite some criticisms about unbalanced challenges and excessive grinding for unlockables, the consensus is that the game offers a wealth of content and customization options to keep players entertained for hours on end.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

82%

Mixed (50-79)

18%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Mortal Kombat 11, it is evident that the majority of critics found the game to be highly enjoyable and praised its positive aspects. Many critics commended the game for its extensive content, with Gaming Age describing it as having the most content they've seen in a fighting game. AusGamers also highlighted the rich character-driven story, deep gameplay mechanics, and cohesive world, which they believed catered to both casual players and super-fans. Additionally, GamesRadar++ praised Mortal Kombat 11 for its fantastic fighter with a great story, challenging gameplay, and high replay value. However, there were some negative aspects pointed out by the critics. The grind and online restrictions were mentioned by Cheat Code Central as potential downsides, but they believed that if these issues were addressed, Mortal Kombat 11 could become one of the most solid and beloved entries in the series. The Sydney Morning Herald criticized the greasy and convoluted customization system driven by loot boxes and grinding, while NintendoWorldReport expressed frustration with the arduous grind for cosmetics and the always-online restrictions, which made the game less recommendable for them. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mortal Kombat 11 is a highly enjoyable and accomplished fighting game, with many reviewers considering it the best in the series in a long time. The Guardian praised its competitive multiplayer experience and the most accomplished single-player experience of any recent fighter. The Digital Fix described it as one of the best fighters on the market right now, while VideoGamer concluded that it achieved something close to a Flawless Victory. The positive aspects highlighted by these critics, such as the compelling story, intricate gameplay, stunning graphics, and extensive content, contribute to the overall positive reception of Mortal Kombat 11. However, the negative aspects mentioned by some critics, such as the grind and online restrictions, should be taken into consideration by potential players.

TL;DR

Critics widely praise Mortal Kombat 11 for its rich content, compelling story, and challenging gameplay, making it a top contender in the fighting game genre. However, concerns about grind and online restrictions are noted. Overall, Mortal Kombat 11 is hailed as a highly enjoyable and accomplished game with potential for even greater success if certain issues are addressed.

CRITIK

Reviews

218 reviews found

100

New York Daily News

PlayStation 4

May 1, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mortal Kombat 11 is a fighter that brings action and fun. It is one of the best fighting games seen in years.

COGconnected

PlayStation 4

Apr 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mortal Kombat 11 is a culmination of great features from across the franchise. It is approachable for newcomers and offers a fun and rewarding experience. The lack of certain established characters is a downside.

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IGN Italia

PlayStation 4

Apr 25, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Il gioco è apprezzato e non passa inosservato

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Apr 23, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer states that Mortal Kombat 11 is a game they weren't excited for until they played it, and they haven't put it down since. They believe it has the most content they've seen in a fighting game.

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The Digital Fix

PlayStation 4

Apr 30, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mortal Kombat 11 is one of the best fighters on the market right now.

VideoGamer

Xbox One

Apr 26, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Mortal Kombat 11 is a top-notch game with a compelling story, intricate gameplay, and stunning graphics. It mentions a few minor gripes but considers them inconsequential in the long run. The game is described as achieving something close to a Flawless Victory.

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Softpedia

PlayStation 4

Apr 22, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mortal Kombat 11 is the best game in the series with deep combat mechanics, customization options, and addictive extra activities.

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GameCritics

PlayStation 4

May 15, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mortal Kombat 11 is a polished and tuned game with a mountain of content and strong designs, making it a far cry from its 1992 predecessor.

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GamingTrend

PlayStation 4

May 2, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Mortal Kombat 11 delivers on the brutal combat and over-the-top violence that the series is known for. It offers an interesting story, satisfying gameplay, and various modes to keep players engaged. However, the grinding in the Krypt may be a downside for some players.

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Cheat Code Central

PlayStation 4

Apr 26, 2019

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

If the grind is reduced and the online restrictions relaxed, Mortal Kombat 11 has the potential to become one of the most solid and beloved entries in the series.

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