Like previous installments Mortal Kombat 11 multiple games modes such as Klassic Towers, its live service Towers of Time, and Adventurous loot boxing Krypt, with of course the mandatory online mode. However, the story is the icing on the cake.
Story/Visuals
First off I would like to point out how visually stunning this game is. From the beautiful depth and contrast of the stages and backgrounds to the gore and blood from ripping your opponent apart will surely send chills down your spine…if it is still there. The facial animations and are truly amazing as it captures very detailed emotions and expressions even for a masked hooded bloodthirsty assassin such as Scorpion you can see much detail in his eyes compared to previous installments. It’s pretty obvious that Netherealms Studios of reused graphical assets from Injustice 2 as that game is just as much visually similar and good looking.
All of these elements bring us a truly intriguing Cinematic story on par with even Hollywoods best visually CGI crowded films such as Lord of The Rings. Mortal Kombat 11‘s story takes place not long after the events of MKX which left us off with a defeated Shinnok and a spiritual Corrupted or hardened Raiden. Raiden even went as far as decapitating an immortal Shinnok to suffer on headless. MK11’s main antagonist, Kronika, was shortly introduced afterward with her intention to restore time to its natural course which Raiden had previously disrupted in MK9. In Short, without spoiling too much I enjoyed every moment of the story with its new and stylish characters, plus old characters who will still have familiarity with veteran players of the franchise. The voice acting was also great and didn’t feel cringy…with the exception of Ronda Rousey as Sonya.
Gameplay/Modes
MK11 introduces high levels of customization and game modes across the board.
Like Injustice 2 Multiverse Mode, MK11‘s Towers of Time is a live service introducing challenges on a daily and weekly basis. Despite much criticism of the Towers difficulty and how it instigates micro-transactions, I enjoyed all of them for what it is. Especially with the fun modifiers which are either power-ups or tag-ins of other characters as they help assist you in combat. Also if you’re having trouble in the towers just use the added AI system to help fight the battles you can’t, sit back, grab the popcorn and enjoy (be sure that you pay attention to your enemy’s modifiers as even your deadliest AI can have his /her ass handed to them).
Kustomization
Character Customization has a large variety and categories to choose from for all characters. As seen above in the image; gear, Kosmetics, Abilities, AI Behavior are the 4 categories to customize from. Gear usually revolves around the characters equipment items or mask. these three gears of the gear contain augment slots which will modify or enhance the players’ feats.
On a cosmetic level for a small example, you can change Scorpion’s spear, mask, and side blades to dozens of different looks like a fire glowing chain spear or classic MK2 Scorpion mask. You can even change his outfit color patterns to different ones other than his iconic yellow such as black, orange, or white.
Abilities are one of the most interesting additions to the game. Here you can change characters abilities like changing sub zeros slide to an ice shoulder charge or Jax Thumper Grenade Launcher to a Shotgun. Some powerful stabilizes can take up 2 slots of space (D’Vorahs Mother Bug seen in the image above) so be aware you only have 3 spaces.
A.I. Behavior lets you adjust the computer/A.I. settings of your fighter. This comes in handy when you’re grinding away the Towers of Time or hard boss fights while you’re doing chores at home.
The Krypt
This new 3rd person rendition of The Krypt brings back small memories of Mortal Kombat Deception’s Konquest mode, as the Krypt is now a 3rd person loot adventure. You are greeted on Shang Tsung’s island by Shang Tsung (played and modeled by actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, who played Shang Tsung in the Mortal Kombat live-action movie) himself where he mysteriously indulges you to open the riches among the deadly and haunted island.
The Krypt is a loot haven of the game achieved through three types of in-game currencies – Coins (the basic currencies of the game, Souls (Earned through various Towers of Time), and Hearts (Primarily earned by Fatalities). With enough Coins or other valuables, you are enabled to open various chest throughout the island earning you prizes such as emblems/backgrounds, Concept Art, Character Skins, Fatalities/Brutalities, Character Intros and much more. You’ll also pick up key items that will allow you to progress further and discover secret areas on the island such as Shao Kahn’s Hammer allowing you to destroy weak-walled structures. However, be very wary of some traps throughout the island.
*Review copy was provided by Warner Brother Games / NetherRealm Studios.
- Story – Completed
- Level – 40