The latest entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise, Mortal Kombat 1, drew sharp attention after NetherRealm Studios restricted online play in Russia and Belarus. Reports from DTF discuss this decision and its reception among fans.
At launch, Metacritic showed a user score of 4.7 out of 10 for Mortal Kombat 1. Since the game entered Early Access on September 14, player feedback totaled 451 points, with 241 negative (52%), 204 positive (44%), and 19 neutral (4%).
DTF highlights that the main source of criticism centers on the absence of online modes in Russia and Belarus. Many players view this restriction as hypocritical because online functionality had been available during the beta test phase for the listed countries.
Online modes are a core element of Mortal Kombat 1’s gameplay. Without online play, players are limited to the story campaign, missing the opportunity to face others from different regions and to complete daily missions that rely on online competition.
Mortal Kombat 1 stands as a soft reboot of the long running series. The game first appeared in Early Access on September 14, with a full release slated for September 19. Platforms include PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch.
Early reviews from critics also noted anticipation for Mortal Kombat 1, signaling a broader conversation around how regional access decisions impact the overall reception and the future of the franchise.