Initial release date: September 24, 2024
Genres: Fighting game, Action game, Adventure game
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
In terms of fighting, Mortal Kombat 1 is nearly ideal. The original version was definitely worth playing because to its fluid movement, several opportunities to create interesting combos, and stunning visuals. Even though the timeline concept was heavily emphasized, the tale was interesting and well-developed. That’s why the Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns expansion is so frustrating in terms of where it takes the story, constantly suffocating you with the concept of so many timelines, forcing you to suspend reality and just go with the ridiculousness of it. It could have done so much more, but instead decided to do so little.
The plot is as generic as it gets, particularly for Mortal Kombat. Following the events of the basic game, in which Lui Kang and his comrades defeat Shang Tsung, Havik seeks to take over all timelines and infuse anarchy. He kidnaps Geras to speed up the process, leaving the newly introduced characters to visit his hideaway and prevent the villain from attaining his aim. There are some excellent portions in Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns, such as the wedding scene at the start, and Noob Saibot’s modern-day debut is another highlight, but the overall experience is largely the same.
There is a focus on Cyrax and Sector, two new combatants who are both enjoyable to play as, although their backstories are never fully developed. Fans will enjoy seeing Sub-Zero turn into Noob Saibot, and despite being a superb fighter with a rich moveset, he has never been used to his full potential. It doesn’t help that the tale offers nothing fresh, and defeating such a low-level enemy as Havik, who appears to be a two-dimensional guy with little appeal, doesn’t hit as hard. The Infinity Stone-esque plotline detracts from the novelty of the underlying game, turning it into a generic good vs evil conflict with little incentive to find out what occurs. No spoilers, but I was disappointed with how NetherRealm opted to conclude things.
It’s also a lot to ask gamers to engage in an expansion with a story that barely lasts three hours, and while the three new characters have different movesets, it simply isn’t worth the money. Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns looks great, and like with prior installments, the character motions and settings are excellent. There are a few interesting moments, but the general story does nothing to fill out the new characters. Havik is a weak enemy in comparison to Shang Tsung and Kronika, resembling a paint-by-numbers enemy designed to entice gamers to try out different fighters.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 89%
Controls: 87%
Aesthetics: 90%
Content: 84%
Accessibility: 80%
Value: 85%
Overall: 85%
VERY GOOD!
Summary: “Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns” reimagines the renowned franchise, fusing old features with unique gameplay that will appeal to both new and returning gamers. The combat system is fluid, the sights are spectacular, and the content is plentiful, resulting in an unforgettable experience. While balancing flaws and a shorter story mode may be minor downsides, the overall product exemplifies Mortal Kombat’s long legacy. This installment is a must-play for lovers of the genre, cementing its place in fighting game history.