A few days after its parole, Mortal Kombat 1 entered Metacritic with user reviews enabled. In a short span, the title drew a flood of negative feedback from the community.
At the time of tallying, Mortal Kombat 1 sat at a user score of 2.8 out of 10 on Metacritic. A large portion of the harsh ratings come from players in Russia, where the developers blocked access to multiplayer servers. That restriction prevents entry to online modes such as multiplayer battles, the Invasion mode, fighter customization, and even the in-game storefront. Beyond the access issue, some players voiced pure dissatisfaction with the overall design, narrative direction, and character aesthetics.
One commenter complained, “Please restore online play for Russian speakers.”
Another wrote, “Bring back the servers, or I won’t be able to play with friends in Russia.”
A third user stated, “No online access despite paying for the game makes it hard to review properly.”
Yet another user urged, “Reinstate online services so the experience is complete for everyone.”
The game debuted on September 14 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. For other platforms, the release window extended to September 19, widening the audience but also inviting fresh scrutiny across different systems.
Earlier conversations around the franchise noted mixed reactions to additional voice acting choices and casting decisions. In this installment, some fans reacted to the portrayal of Nitara by the actress, and there have been online comparisons of the PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch versions. The discourse spans performance, fidelity across platforms, and how the new chapters fit into the broader Mortal Kombat mythos. It remains a live topic in fan communities and media outlets alike.
Improvements and new content prompts continue to surface, including discussions about integrating cross-universe character rosters, narrative thread choices, and evolving combat systems. The ongoing dialogue reflects a community that is attentive to translation between the game’s ambition and its execution, with players weighing the balance between challenge, accessibility, and replay value. The evolving conversation also highlights how platform differences can influence perception and enjoyment, from frame rates to control responsiveness and menu design.
Overall reception underscores a broader pattern: when a flagship fighting game shifts tone, structure, or online strategy, expectations rise quickly and scrutiny follows. The discussion cycles through server stability, online feature availability, and the degree to which the campaign and multiplayer experiences meet the standards fans have come to expect from the series. As with many recent launches, feedback continues to shape post-release updates, patches, and potential rebalancing that could alter player sentiment in the weeks ahead.
Audience sentiment remains divided—but the conversation is lively, spanning technical performance, content gaps, and the practical realities of online ecosystems. In this climate, developers and publishers are under pressure to address connectivity, preserve competitive integrity, and deliver a satisfying, cross-platform experience that resonates with veteran players and newcomers alike.
— Endnote discussions across forums and outlets indicate a persistent interest in evaluating how Mortal Kombat 1 evolves beyond launch, with ongoing attention to multiplayer access, progression systems, and character design choices that define the game’s ongoing appeal.