Mortal Kombat 1 has arrived to a warm reception from critics, marking a strong entry in the enduring fighting game series developed by NetherRealm Studios. Early reviews indicate that the game lands with a solid average on major evaluation platforms, signaling confidence in its revival of a beloved formula while introducing fresh ideas that resonate with players old and new alike.
At the time of publication, Metacritic had gathered impressions from five outlets, focusing on the PlayStation 5 version. The consensus among reviewers leans positive, with Gaming AGe editors giving a perfect score, COGconnected delivering a high mark, CGMagazine also scoring highly, VG247 offering a more tempered assessment, and Screen Rant presenting a still favorable rating. Taken together, the current average sits around 85 out of 100, reflecting a generally strong critical response across the board. These early scores suggest a release that respects the franchise’s heritage while pushing its mechanics toward a more dynamic combat experience.
Critics highlighted the game’s confident stewardship of a long running series, praising how NetherRealm builds on its established foundations. Among the standout features is the Cameo mechanic, a new encounter system that lets players summon non-player characters from classic MK rosters into the arena as assists. This element adds a layer of strategy and spectacle, giving battles expanded possibilities and a fresh sense of tempo without sacrificing the core fighting feel fans expect. The Cameo system also acts as a bridge between past and present MK entries, allowing veterans to relive familiar interactions in new scenarios while offering newcomers approachable access to iconic fighters.
Another major point of praise centers on the single player offering, particularly the Invasion mode. Reviewers note that this campaign extension sustains engagement beyond the main story arc, providing additional challenges, rewards, and pacing variety. The mode gives players a reason to return after completing the central narrative, a factor many critics see as essential to the game’s long tail and replay value. Invasion is often described as a well-considered addition that complements the traditional arcade style with a modern, cinematic loop that encourages experimentation and mastery.
Release timing is also a factor in how the game is perceived. Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to launch on September 19, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and PC. For buyers seeking an early start, the enhanced edition offers early access beginning September 14, granting several days of hands-on play before the standard launch window. The staggered release approach is viewed by many critics as an intelligent strategy that satisfies eager fans while allowing the development team to monitor feedback and refine balance as the game reaches a broader audience. This kind of phased rollout mirrors industry practice for high profile titles and helps ensure a smoother transition when the game becomes widely available.
Earlier updates for the PlayStation 5 version have already set expectations high among the community. A major update introduced prior to launch included refinements to performance, balance, and user interface, signaling that NetherRealm is committed to polishing the game beyond its initial release. Players and reviewers alike have noted improvements in load times, character responsiveness, and the visual presentation, all of which contribute to a more polished overall product. The ongoing support suggests a stable future for post-release content, including potential DLC fighters, balance patches, and additional modes, which often drive continued interest and discussion among fans. The dialogue surrounding these improvements underscores a broader industry trend: successful fighting games increasingly rely on post launch updates to maintain momentum and invite ongoing community participation.