Is Mortal Kombat X Worth Buying? Reviewing Content, Gameplay, And Value
Mortal Kombat X stands out as one of the goriest and content-rich entries in the iconic fighting game franchise. But several years after its 2015 launch, is Mortal Kombat X still worth picking up today?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick take: Absolutely. Mortal Kombat X offers deep gameplay, tons of modes and fighters, and excellent graphics, especially for the price today. It’s aged wonderfully.
In this comprehensive re-review of Mortal Kombat X, we’ll assess the amount of content, roster of fighters, different gameplay modes, graphics and gameplay engine, and overall value proposition in 2023 to help you decide if it’s worth buying.
Wealth of Content and Modes
Huge Roster of Fighters
Mortal Kombat X features an impressive roster of over 30 playable fighters. Fan favorites like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden return along with exciting new characters unique to MKX. There’s a diverse cast of brawlers, sorcerers, cyborgs, and more, each with their own fighting styles and abilities.
Unlocking and mastering every fighter provides tons of gameplay variety.
Variety of Single and Multiplayer Modes
In addition to standard 1v1 fights and multiplayer modes like Faction Wars, MKX offers a wealth of content like Challenge Towers, Test Your Might mini-games, and the Krypt area to explore. There are literally hundreds of Towers, missions, and objectives to complete, providing near endless gameplay.
The Test Your Luck mode also randomizes fight modifiers for exciting unpredictability.
Cinematic Story Mode
MKX features an epic Story mode with cinematic cutscenes and seamless transitions into fights. It’s like enjoying a violent MK movie while controlling the over-the-top fight scenes. The Story mode lasts around 5-8 hours and is a thrill ride for fans to see their favorite characters in a fresh narrative.
Fighting games aren’t known for robust story modes, so MKX goes above and beyond.
Gameplay and Mechanics
One of the standout features of Mortal Kombat X is its solid combat mechanics. The game offers a smooth and responsive control scheme, allowing players to execute precise movements and combos with ease.
The fighting mechanics strike a great balance between accessibility and depth, making it enjoyable for both casual players and competitive gamers. Whether you’re a seasoned fighting game enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Mortal Kombat X offers an engaging experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Solid Combat Mechanics
The combat mechanics in Mortal Kombat X are finely tuned, providing players with a satisfying sense of control over their chosen character. The combination of punches, kicks, and special moves flow seamlessly, allowing for fluid and dynamic battles.
The game also introduces new gameplay elements, such as the ability to interact with the environment, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the fights. With a wide range of characters to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles, the combat mechanics offer a great deal of variety and replayability.
Gory Fatalities and Brutalities
Mortal Kombat X is known for its over-the-top and gory fatalities and brutalities. These finishing moves are the epitome of the game’s signature violence, showcasing gruesome and creative ways to end a fight. From ripping out spines to decapitations, the fatalities are not for the faint of heart.
However, they add a sense of satisfaction and spectacle to the gameplay, rewarding players for their victories in a visually stunning manner.
Variations System Adds Depth
The variations system in Mortal Kombat X is a game-changer. Each character has multiple variations, which offer different movesets and playstyles. This adds a layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay, as players can choose a variation that suits their preferred playstyle.
It also adds variety to the matches, as players can experiment with different combinations and strategies. The variations system allows for a high level of customization, ensuring that each battle feels unique and exciting.
Graphics, Sound, and Presentation
When it comes to the overall experience of Mortal Kombat X, one cannot ignore the stunning graphics, immersive sound design, and impressive presentation. The developers have truly outdone themselves in bringing the game’s virtual world to life.
Great Character Models and Animations
The character models in Mortal Kombat X are incredibly detailed and realistic. Each fighter is meticulously crafted with attention to even the smallest of details, from the texture of their skin to the intricate designs on their costumes.
The animations are smooth and fluid, making every move and attack feel impactful and authentic. Whether you’re performing a bone-crushing combo or executing a finishing move, the character models and animations elevate the visual experience to a whole new level.
Bloody Visual Effects
Mortal Kombat X is notorious for its intense and gory battles, and the visual effects in the game only amplify this aspect. The blood and gore effects are incredibly well-done, adding a visceral and realistic element to the fights.
Each punch, kick, and fatal blow is accompanied by splatters of blood, bone-crunching impacts, and gruesome dismemberments. These visual effects not only add to the overall immersion but also serve as a testament to the game’s commitment to staying true to its roots.
Hard-Hitting Sound Design
The sound design in Mortal Kombat X is nothing short of exceptional. From the bone-breaking sound effects to the thumping soundtrack, every aspect of the audio is designed to make the player feel fully engaged in the brutal combat.
The punches and kicks land with a satisfying impact, and the screams and grunts of the fighters add to the intensity of the battles. The sound effects are complemented by a well-curated soundtrack that sets the perfect tone for the game’s adrenaline-pumping fights.
Online Multiplayer
One of the key features that makes Mortal Kombat X worth buying is its engaging online multiplayer mode. This mode allows players to challenge opponents from around the world, adding a new level of excitement and competition to the game.
Good Netcode
Mortal Kombat X boasts a well-developed netcode, which ensures smooth and lag-free online gameplay. The netcode is the underlying technology that determines the quality of the online experience, and Mortal Kombat X does not disappoint in this regard.
Players can enjoy fast-paced matches without any significant delays or interruptions, making the online multiplayer mode highly enjoyable.
Variety of Online Modes
The game offers a wide range of online modes, catering to different preferences and playstyles. From traditional ranked matches to team battles, Mortal Kombat X provides a variety of options to keep players engaged.
Additionally, the game includes a King of the Hill mode, where players can spectate matches and interact with other spectators. This mode adds a social element to the online experience, making it even more entertaining.
Sad Decline of Playerbase
However, it is important to note that Mortal Kombat X was released in 2015, and over time, the playerbase has seen a decline. This can sometimes result in longer wait times to find matches, especially for players in less populated regions.
While the game still has an active community, it may not have the same level of activity as newer titles. It’s worth considering this aspect when deciding whether to purchase Mortal Kombat X primarily for its online multiplayer mode.
Value and Price Considerations
Often Discounted Nowadays
If you’re considering buying Mortal Kombat X, you’ll be happy to know that the game is often discounted nowadays. Many retailers and online platforms offer special deals and promotions, making it more affordable for gamers of all budgets.
Keep an eye out for discounts and sales, as you may be able to snag this popular title at a great price. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the thrilling action and intense fights that Mortal Kombat X has to offer.
No Pay-to-Win Microtransactions
One of the great things about Mortal Kombat X is that it doesn’t rely on pay-to-win microtransactions. Unlike some other games in the market, where you have to constantly spend money to stay competitive, Mortal Kombat X offers a fair and balanced gameplay experience.
You won’t have to worry about emptying your wallet just to have a chance at victory. This aspect of the game is highly appreciated by players who value skill and strategy over pay-to-win mechanics.
Lots of Content for the Money
Mortal Kombat X is known for its abundance of content, offering players hours upon hours of gameplay. From the gripping story mode to the challenging towers and online multiplayer, there’s something for everyone in this game.
With a diverse roster of characters, each with their own unique abilities and fatalities, Mortal Kombat X provides endless entertainment. Whether you prefer to play alone or compete against friends, you’ll find plenty of value in this game.
Conclusion
Thanks to deep gameplay, excellent graphics, and tons of quality content, Mortal Kombat X has aged extremely well. It remains one of the best Mortal Kombat games, especially for the bargain prices it can be found at today.
If you’ve yet to experience MKX and love fighting games, it’s absolutely still worth buying years later. There’s endless hours of fun to be had for little money.
