Unbelievable Mortal Kombat: Mortal Kombat 1 has just launched for early access players, and initial reviews from critics are pouring in, painting a promising picture for this latest installment in the long-running Mortal Kombat series.
Despite its confusing title, Mortal Kombat 1 is actually the 12th game in the franchise and serves as a soft reboot, existing in an alternate universe compared to its predecessors.
While some outlets like GameSpot are still in the process of reviewing the game due to its expansive content, the early impressions are overwhelmingly positive, suggesting that Mortal Kombat 1 could be one of the best entries in the series to date.
Before diving into the gameplay experience, there were some uncertainties regarding how Mortal Kombat 1 would perform on the Steam Deck. While Mortal Kombat 11 ran reasonably well on this platform, Mortal Kombat 1 pushes the boundaries with enhanced visuals and is primarily designed. You may also read Nintendo Direct 2023.
The PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, omitting versions for the older PS4 and Xbox One consoles. Although Mortal Kombat 1 is also available on the Nintendo Switch, it doesn’t appear to have directly influenced the PC version’s performance, at least based on my initial playthrough.
It’s worth noting that Mortal Kombat 1 places significant demands on the Steam Deck. Upon the initial launch, it took a minute or two to compile shaders before presenting the menu with functional controls, which was generally a good start.
However, delving into the settings, I noticed that the game’s frame rate was capped at 30fps. Attempts to unlock it to a stable 60fps proved unsuccessful. Even at the lowest graphics settings, running at 720p with FSR 2 set to Ultra Performance, Mortal Kombat 1 on the Steam Deck struggled to maintain a consistent 60fps during fights.
It typically hovered in the high 50s and occasionally dropped into the 40s. I experimented with different Proton versions, including the bleeding-edge Proton Experimental and the latest Proton GE 8-14, but unfortunately, it didn’t yield any improvement. Consequently, I settled for playing Mortal Kombat 1 at 30fps.
If you’re willing to compromise on frame rate for improved visuals, cranking up the settings for 30fps gameplay can yield a visually pleasing experience. I recommend running the in-game benchmark after adjusting settings to gauge how they perform in real action.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the game’s narrative. In Mortal Kombat 1, Lord Raiden serves as the God of Thunder and the Protector of Earthrealm. His primary responsibility is to assemble champions for the Mortal Kombat tournament, a crucial event that prevents Earthrealm from falling into the hands of the rulers of Outworld.
After a disheartening series of defeats in previous tournaments, Raiden’s last hope lies in Liu Kang, a highly skilled Shaolin warrior whom he believes to be the chosen one. Fortunately, Liu Kang emerges victorious, securing Earthrealm’s safety.
Kung Lao, Liu Kang’s closest friend and rival, is another pivotal character. Unbeknownst to him, Kung Lao is the descendant and reincarnation of the Great Kung Lao, a former Mortal Kombat champion slain by Goro centuries ago. Despite his noble intentions, Kung Lao’s jealousy occasionally leads him to reckless actions, driven by a desire to redeem his family’s name.
In an alternate timeline, the relationship between Raiden and Liu Kang deteriorates due to Raiden’s questionable decisions aimed at altering history. Tragically, Liu Kang meets his demise and becomes a revenant, serving the Netherrealm and later assuming its leadership.
However, these two adversaries eventually reconcile and thwart the schemes of Kronika. Throughout their journey, Liu Kang ascends to godhood, while Raiden relinquishes his divine status, becoming mortal once more.
The new Mortal Kombat 1 is available on various platforms, including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. This installment marks a reboot for the overarching storyline, with Fire God Liu Kang creating a new Mortal Kombat Universe as explained in the narrative.
Mortal Kombat 1 introduces an array of new features, including an evolved fighting system, exciting game modes, and gruesome fatalities, revitalizing the iconic franchise.
The roster boasts the return of iconic and beloved characters such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Jax, Kitana, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and many others. You should also check Federal Judge Deals Blow to DACA Program.
For players who opt for the premium edition, additional characters like Omni-Man, Homelander, and Peacemaker are available for play. However, keep in mind that Mortal Kombat 1, like the entire franchise, carries a mature 17+ rating due to its intense violence, graphic blood and gore, and strong language.
While you may be tempted to pit Omni-Man against Homelander or Peacemaker in epic battles, it’s safe to say that one of these characters would emerge victorious in less than a second. Enjoy the brutal combat and gripping storyline of Mortal Kombat 1, but be prepared for the intense and mature content it offers.
