Mortal Kombat is a 2011 fighting video game developed by NetherRealm Studios, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation Vita, and Microsoft Windows.  It is the ninth main installment in the Mortal Kombat series and follows the protector of Earth, Raiden, attempting to change the aftermath of the events of Armageddon by contacting his past self as he faces defeat at the hands of the evil emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn.

Positives:

• Tons of unlockable content
• Extensive campaign
• Awesome gameplay
• Good soundtrack
• Great voice performances
• Great graphics
• Great story

Negatives:

• Linear campaign
• Repetitive cinematics

Campaign:  Mortal Kombat features an extensive campaign with an immersive story which is separated into several chapters where the narrative swaps between different characters.   The storyline involves the divine protector of Earth, Raiden, attempting to change the aftermath of the events of Armageddon by contacting his past self as he faces defeat at the hands of the evil emperor of Outworld, Shao Kahn.  The story is just so immersive featuring some of the most prominent and popular Mortal Kombat characters. (5 out of 5)

Gameplay:  Mortal Kombat is a fighting game where players controls characters with different fighting styles and special attacks, engaging in one-on-one combat to deplete their opponent’s life gauge. The combat system, which consists of a light, medium, and heavy attacks, as well as a button for special abilities, allows for innovative combos.  Players can interact with their environment whether its launching or triggering certain objects or triggering stage transitions.

A new feature is the “super meter”, which can be charged by various actions during battle such as performing special moves, getting blocked by the opponent, or getting hit by them.  The super meter can be charged to three levels, each of them enabling a different action to be performed. At the first level, it can be used to deliver an enhanced version of one of the character’s special attacks; two levels can be used to interrupt a combo attack, and the full three levels allow for the delivery of a special attack called an “X-ray move”. (5 out of 5)

Graphics:  This is the best looking MK game to date and definitely an improvement over previous installments.  The character designs look really good and fans will appreciate the updates.  I like the throwbacks to the original designs while introducing new concepts.  The level designs feel active with the movement of other characters as well as the weather. The cinematics are well shot and do help keep the story engaging.  There are some moments in cinematics where the character designs do look…odd…whether its their eyes, facial expression, or clothing..but it should’ve been tightened up. The fatalities are pretty gruesome with plenty of blood and gore.  (4 out of 5)

Score:  Thumbs up the game for the great score.  The voice performances are just great and perfectly cast for the characters.  The music is just awesome, both in-game and during the cinematics.  Also, the sound effects are pretty good with the blows, weapons, equipment, and environmental sounds are done really well and sound specific. (4 out of 5)

Replay Value:  Outside of the story mode, Mortal Kombat features a ton of replayabilitiy.  For the hardcore fans, they can enjoy the Challenge Tower mode which includes 300 specific challenges of varying difficulties and conditions which reward players with in-game currency which can be used to unlock new content.  Tag team fighting allows two players to fight two-on-two or four players two-on-two.  Really like how team members can add an assist or add to the combos which emphasizes the team work.  The online multiplayer is incredibly competitive.  The “King of the Hill” feature is really good as players can spectate the winner of the fights.  Also, there is the Krypt, which players spend their currency to unlock concept art, alternate costumes, Fatalities, Kombat Kodes, and more hidden content. Also, there is plenty of DLC with some extra characters (including Skarlet, Cyborg Sub-Zero, Kenshi, and Rain) as well as alternate costumes and fatalities. Awesome that Freddy Kreuger is among the dlc and he actually plays pretty well. (5 out of 5)

The Verdict:  In the end, Mortal Kombat is definitely the game to refresh the series and deserves thumbs up all around.  Though the campaign can feel linear it is far better on nearly every level.  The graphics are awesome, the combat innovative and fun, the score awesome, great story, extensive campaign, competitive multiplayer, tons of unlockable content, and multiple game modes.  Mortal Kombat is definitely one of the best fighting video games of all time and definitely deserves 5 out of 5.