Mortal Kombat X: A Brutal Deep Dive into NetherRealm’s Masterpiece

Released in 2015, Mortal Kombat X stands as a pivotal entry in the long-running and iconic fighting game franchise. Developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Mortal Kombat X delivered a potent combination of visceral combat, a compelling storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics, solidifying its place as a modern classic. This article delves into the various aspects of Mortal Kombat X, exploring its gameplay, story, characters, reception, and lasting impact on the fighting game community.

Gameplay: Refined Brutality and Strategic Depth

The core gameplay of Mortal Kombat X builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, Mortal Kombat (2011), while introducing significant enhancements and refinements. The most notable addition is the Variation system, which allows players to choose from three distinct variations for each character. Each variation offers a unique set of moves, combos, and special abilities, effectively tripling the number of playable characters and adding a layer of strategic depth to character selection and matchup knowledge.

• Variations: The Variation system is the defining feature of Mortal Kombat X‘s gameplay. For example, Scorpion could be played as Ninjutsu (focusing on sword attacks), Inferno (summoning hellfire), or Hellfire (manipulating hellfire projectiles). This system encourages experimentation and allows players to tailor their playstyle to their preferences.
• Combat Mechanics: The game retains the familiar 2D fighting plane but incorporates a three-section meter that governs enhanced special moves, combo breakers, and X-Ray attacks. Enhanced special moves provide more powerful versions of existing attacks, while combo breakers allow players to escape enemy combos. X-Ray attacks deliver devastating blows depicted with gruesome anatomical detail, adding to the game’s signature over-the-top violence.
• Environmental Interactions: Similar to Injustice: Gods Among Us, Mortal Kombat X features interactive environments that players can use to their advantage. These interactions range from using objects as projectiles to vaulting off walls to extend combos.

Story Mode: A New Generation Rises

Mortal Kombat X boasts a cinematic story mode that continues the narrative from the previous game. Set 25 years after the events of Mortal Kombat (2011), the story focuses on a new generation of fighters, including Cassie Cage (daughter of Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade), Jacqui Briggs (daughter of Jax), Takeda Takahashi (son of Kenshi), and Kung Jin (cousin of Kung Lao). These new characters must confront Shinnok, a fallen Elder God who seeks to corrupt Earthrealm.

The story mode is well-paced, featuring a blend of cutscenes and gameplay sequences. It provides context for the characters’ motivations and relationships, while also showcasing the game’s impressive roster. The narrative is engaging and features several twists and turns, keeping players invested in the outcome. The game also features a multitude of character-specific endings available in arcade mode, further expanding the lore.

Characters: A Diverse and Iconic Roster

Mortal Kombat X features a diverse roster of both returning veterans and new faces. Fan-favorite characters such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and Kitana make their return, alongside newcomers like Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, and Erron Black. Each character is meticulously designed, with unique movesets, fatalities, and backstories that contribute to the rich lore of the Mortal Kombat universe.

The inclusion of guest characters, such as Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th franchise, Predator from the Predator franchise, Leatherface from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Alien from the Alien franchise, added further appeal to the game. These guest characters are seamlessly integrated into the Mortal Kombat X universe, with their own unique fatalities and interactions with the existing roster. [See also: Mortal Kombat 1 Guest Characters]

Reception and Legacy: A Critical and Commercial Success

Mortal Kombat X was met with critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its gameplay, story mode, character roster, and overall presentation. The game was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling fighting games of all time. Critics lauded the variation system for adding depth and replayability, while the story mode was praised for its cinematic presentation and engaging narrative. However, some criticized the game’s microtransactions and the presence of “easy fatalities”.

The game’s competitive scene flourished, with numerous tournaments and events held around the world. Mortal Kombat X helped to further popularize the fighting game genre and solidified NetherRealm Studios’ reputation as a leading developer of fighting games. The game’s success paved the way for its sequel, Mortal Kombat 11, which further refined the gameplay mechanics and expanded upon the storyline. [See also: Mortal Kombat 11 Review]

Brutalities and Fatalities: The Art of the Finish

No discussion of Mortal Kombat X would be complete without mentioning its signature fatalities and brutalities. Fatalities are gruesome finishing moves that are performed at the end of a match, showcasing the game’s over-the-top violence. Brutalities, introduced in Mortal Kombat X, are special moves that can be triggered under specific conditions, resulting in a brutal and often unexpected finishing move. Both fatalities and brutalities are a staple of the Mortal Kombat franchise and are a major draw for fans.

The fatalities in Mortal Kombat X are particularly creative and inventive, ranging from ripping opponents in half to melting them with acid. The brutalities add another layer of depth to the gameplay, rewarding players for mastering their character’s moveset and understanding the conditions required to trigger them. These finishing moves are not for the faint of heart, but they are an integral part of the Mortal Kombat experience.

The Krypt: Unlocking Secrets and Treasures

The Krypt, a staple of the Mortal Kombat franchise, returns in Mortal Kombat X as a first-person exploration mode where players can spend Koins (in-game currency) to unlock various items, such as costumes, fatalities, brutalities, concept art, and music. The Krypt in Mortal Kombat X is particularly expansive and features a variety of environments to explore, including the Cemetery Grounds, the Spider Caves, and the Netherrealm. Players must solve puzzles and navigate treacherous traps to uncover all of the Krypt’s secrets.

The Krypt provides a compelling incentive for players to continue playing the game, even after they have completed the story mode and mastered their favorite characters. It also adds a layer of mystery and intrigue to the Mortal Kombat X universe, encouraging players to delve deeper into the game’s lore.

The Mobile Game: Kombat on the Go

In addition to the console and PC versions, Mortal Kombat X was also released as a mobile game for iOS and Android devices. The mobile game features a card-based combat system, where players collect and upgrade cards representing different characters from the Mortal Kombat universe. The mobile game is free-to-play, but it offers in-app purchases that allow players to acquire new cards and speed up their progress.

The mobile version of Mortal Kombat X provides a convenient way for fans to enjoy the game on the go. While the gameplay is different from the console and PC versions, it still captures the essence of the Mortal Kombat franchise, with its brutal combat and iconic characters. The game also features cross-connectivity with the console and PC versions, allowing players to unlock content in both versions by completing challenges in the mobile game.

Conclusion: A Landmark Achievement in the Fighting Game Genre

Mortal Kombat X is a landmark achievement in the fighting game genre, delivering a potent combination of visceral combat, a compelling storyline, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game’s variation system adds depth and replayability, while the story mode provides a compelling narrative that keeps players invested in the characters and the world. With a diverse roster of characters, gruesome fatalities, and a wealth of unlockable content, Mortal Kombat X offers a complete and satisfying fighting game experience. Its lasting impact on the fighting game community is undeniable, and it remains a beloved title among fans of the franchise.