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Mortal Kombat (Reboot) Review

· superuser

Mortal Kombat (Reboot)

Review Ratings

Art/Style: 
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Production Value: 
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final_score: 8.9
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final_score: 8.9
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final_score: 8.9
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final_score: 8.9
Content: 
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final_score: 8.9
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Personal Enjoyment: 
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final_score: 8.9
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Overall Popularity: 
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final_score: 8.9
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final_score: 8.9
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final_score: 8.9
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final_score: 8.9

Final Review Score

8.9 / 10

Amazing

Directed by series co-creator Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat (2011)—commonly referred to as Mortal Kombat 9—served as the debut title from NetherRealm Studios under Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Effectively resurrecting the franchise after Midway Games’ collapse, the ninth main entry abandoned the full 3D movement of the previous era to return to classic 2.5D fighting plane roots. In this detailed Mortal Kombat (2011) game review, we explore how time-travel narrative resets, bone-crunching X-Ray moves, fluid combo physics, and a massive story mode redefined modern fighting games for the 2010s.

Armageddon’s End, Timelines Reset, and Retelling the Trilogy

The story begins at the apocalyptic climax of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, where Outworld emperor Shao Kahn stands victorious over a dying Raiden. In a desperate final move, Raiden sends a cryptic mental message back through time to his younger self during the original 1992 tournament: “He must win.” The narrative shifts to reset the timeline across the events of Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Mortal Kombat 3. Players experience an expansive, chapter-based cinematic campaign, controlling iconic champions like Raiden, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero as they attempt to alter fateful decisions, avoid tragic deaths, and prevent Shao Kahn’s impending invasion of Earthrealm.

2.5D Plane Fighting, Super Meters, and Visceral X-Ray Attacks

NetherRealm re-engineered combat back onto a strict 2D plane with 3D-rendered characters, producing tighter hitboxes, faster pacing, and competitive tournament fluidity. The game introduced a three-tiered Super Meter that enabled enhanced special moves, combo breakers, and devastating cinematic X-Ray Attacks—internal bone-fracturing moves that showcased real-time skeletal damage. Fatalities returned with unprecedented visual detail alongside Tag Team mechanics, Challenge Tower modes, and robust online netcode.

Cinematic Benchmarks and Sound Design

Built on a heavily modified Unreal Engine 3, Mortal Kombat (2011) established the gold standard for fighting game story modes, setting a bar industry rivals scrambled to emulate. Composer Dean Grinsfelder delivered a dark, sweeping orchestral soundtrack that reimagined classic arcade stage themes with modern symphonic weight, complemented by visceral impact audio and iconic character voice work.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, this Mortal Kombat (2011) review celebrates a complete masterpiece and one of the greatest fighting game comebacks in history. Driven by Ed Boon’s vision, NetherRealm’s tight 2.5D mechanical refinement, an incredible story campaign, and visceral presentation, it stands as a legendary triumph that launched the modern era of fighting games.

Information

  • Title: Mortal Kombat
  • Release Date: April 19, 2011
  • Developers: NetherRealm Studios, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
  • Key Characters: Raiden, Liu Kang, Shao Kahn, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Mileena, Kitana
  • Genre: 2.5D Fighting, Action

This post is part of Mortal Kombat Games Ranked