Mortal Kombat X: Fatality For Boredom
One of the bloodiest, goriest fighting games makes its return on next generation consoles; it’s time to once again settle the score in Mortal Kombat X. The game was developed by NetherRealm Studios, and is the 10th entry in the Mortal Kombat series. And I have to say, this is the best Mortal Kombat game to date.
Story mode is pretty in depth for a fighting game, and a continuation of MK9’s story mode, spanning 25 years after the events of Shao Khan’s Earthrealm invasions. Veteran characters like Raiden, Sub Zero, and series mascot Scorpion make their return looking older, and we have eight newcomers. The story is impressive, giving backstory to fill in the gap between MK9 and MKX. Though the story is pretty dull at few parts, and some moments left me with a few questions that were not answered, the story keeps a steady pace and follows the same story telling narrative as the DC Comics fighting game Injustice: Gods Among Us (also made by NetherRealm), and MK9. They all use chapters to highlight certain characters while maintaining a great balance between giving exposition and action. Some chapters are more impressive than others, however.
NetherRealm Studios definitely paid attention to feedback from their last title Injustice, and MKX shows this. With intractables on each stage, and new gameplay mechanics, MKX combat is leaps and bounds ahead of previous NetherRealm games. Fighting is fluid, and each character is unique. However the combo window is very strict, and suffers from input delays from time to time. But despite this, fighting is still very well done, and a series first has playstyles that can be changed with the introductions of variations.
Each character has three different variations which change their move sets, adds new traits, and combo possibilities. Also making a return are the X-ray attacks, which are even better than the previous installment — much more gory, and bloody than before. Speaking of gore, the fatalities are impressive, and the goriest in series history. A lot of these might not be for the squeamish, but needless to say, just when you think they couldn’t get worse, the team surprises us with these.
Mortal Kombat X is a beautiful game. Not only are the graphics in gameplay running at 1080p, 60 frames per second, the character models have seen a huge overhaul. Each character looks spectacular, however some outshine others. Characters like Kotal Kahn, D’Vorah and Erron Black look amazing while characters returning to the series like Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Jax have aged. Stages are stunning, and the attention to detail shows — especially on stages like the sky temple, in which the rain effects on each characters are phenomenal, and tornadoes form in the background.
The most important aspect of any fighting game is the online component. While we all love an offline match with friends, fighting games have evolved to the point that we can take the fight online to others. So what’s the verdict on this? The online works… now. In the first few days of the games launch I had issues with online matches, and connectivity issues in general. And when I was able to connect to matches, lag was awful. However there was a patch and it helped a lot! Online modes is also improved with new modes like King Of The Hill, which adds a more social aspects allowing you to watch games with friends, and rate matches afterwards.
Also added into multiplayer is the faction component. Everything you do in the game, offline or online, contributes points to whichever faction you choose. There are five different factions: The Black Dragons, Lin Kuei, White Lotus, Special Forces, and Brotherhood of Shadows. Each faction has their own rank you can join, adding a new component to online gameplay. what I loved most about this is that each faction has their own unique faction kills. My favorite is the Lin Kuei faction kill in which smoke appears to finish off your opponent
Mortal Kombat X is a vast improvement over previous titles. The story mode is pretty amazing for a fighting game; the fighting is fresh and ever-changing with the different variations. And the functioning online makes it so you will never get bored playing against people in remote locations or around the globe. Also with modes like Test Your Might, the multiple challenge towers, and the Krypt adding more to the gameplay, this game will keep you entertained for quite a while. I give Mortal Kombat X a 4 out of 5, here is hoping for more DLC to increase the longevity of this game. If you are looking for a fighting game for you and your friends to enjoy, this is the one for you.
