'Mortal Kombat 11' Packs Nostalgia and Improved Gameplay But Lacks Originality

'Mortal Kombat 1' reboot repeats old story beats and character arcs from previous games instead of trying something new.
Fighting mechanics and animation see improvements, with more fluidity and realism.
Huge amount of content as usual, including new Invasion mode board game unlocking cosmetics.
Excellent cinematography and set/scene design create a tangible sense of place.
'Mortal Kombat' doesn't need to mature, but needs to move past reliance on nostalgia and reuse of old material.

washingtonpost.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/12/2023

Mortal Kombat 11 Trailer Reveals Gruesome Fatalities for Shang Tsung and Reiko, Launches September 19

The Mortal Kombat 1 launch trailer reveals gameplay for characters Reiko and Shang Tsung, showcasing their gruesome fatalities, and also introduces accessibility options for players, with the game set to launch on September 14.

9/13/2023

Mortal Kombat 1 Reboot Brings Back Classic Characters and Violence in Enhanced Graphics

"Mortal Kombat 1" is a complete reboot of the beloved video game franchise, featuring intense violence, new characters, and a time travel element in the storyline.

9/15/2023

Mortal Kombat 1's Character Locks Feel Outdated in 2023, Frustrate Players and Organizers

The Premium Edition of Mortal Kombat 1 has received positive feedback from fans, but the practice of locking main roster characters and Kameo Fighters behind required playing of different single-player modes feels outdated and frustrating in the current gaming landscape of 2023.

9/16/2023

Mortal Kombat 11 Day-One Patch Adds Accessibility Options, Visual Upgrades, and Gameplay Improvements

NetherRealm has released a day-one patch for Mortal Kombat 1 on consoles and Switch, which includes improvements to accessibility options, character tuning, UI enhancements, and additional finishing moves, as well as bug fixes and new features for Switch players.

9/17/2023

After 30 Years, Mortal Kombat Still Delivers - From Controversy to Cult Status

Prolific game developer Ed Boon reflects on the history of Mortal Kombat and finally achieving the inclusion of Jean-Claude Van Damme in the game after 30 years.

9/17/2023

Mortal Kombat 1 on Switch Marred by Glitchy Graphics and Visual Bugs Compared to Other Platforms

Despite being released on the underpowered Nintendo Switch, Mortal Kombat 1 has disappointed fans with its graphics and visual bugs, making it an inferior version compared to other platforms.

9/24/2023

Mortal Kombat's Comic Relief Johnny Cage: 30 Years of Violence, Death, and Jean-Claude Van Damme Cameos

Johnny Cage, one of the iconic characters in Mortal Kombat, played a crucial role in the game's creation and is known for his Hollywood persona, comic relief, and association with the Fatality feature, despite facing multiple deaths and reboots throughout the franchise's history.

10/12/2023

Mortal Kombat 1 on Switch Gets Visual and Performance Upgrades in New Update

The latest update for Mortal Kombat 1 on Switch includes balance changes, fixes, visual improvements, and performance upgrades, and there are rumors of a possible game reveal at New York Comic Con 2023.

10/12/2023

Mortal Kombat 11 on Switch Gets Major Update to Improve Visuals, Fix Bugs and Boost Stability

The Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1 has received a new update that promises visual improvements, bug fixes, performance improvements, stability fixes, and the addition of the first season of the single-player Invasions mode.

10/14/2023

Mortal Kombat 1 DLC Revealed: Janet Cage Replaces Johnny, Tremor Coming in Nov. 2023

NetherRealm Studios revealed new information about Mortal Kombat 1's first Kombat Pack, including the replacement of Johnny Cage with Janet Cage and the release windows for upcoming DLC fighters.