Mortal Kombat X is a landmark title in the fighting game genre, developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Released in April 2015, the game quickly became a favorite for both casual players and competitive fighting game fans alike. As the tenth main installment in the Mortal Kombat series, Mortal Kombat X not only honors the brutal legacy of the franchise but also introduces modern mechanics, stunning visuals, and deep gameplay elements that make it a standout entry.
This article will explore everything you need to know about Mortal Kombat X, from its game mechanics, character roster, story mode, and DLC content, to why it remains relevant in the world of fighting games today.
Cutting-Edge Graphics and Brutality
One of the most impressive aspects of Mortal Kombat X is its cutting-edge visuals. Built on a modified Unreal Engine 3, the game’s graphics were state-of-the-art at the time of release, delivering highly detailed characters and jaw-dropping backgrounds. The environments are immersive and interactive, providing players with the ability to use the terrain to their advantage during fights. This adds a dynamic element to the combat experience, as players can grab objects in the environment to attack their opponents or use them to evade attacks.
Of course, Mortal Kombat wouldn’t be Mortal Kombat without its infamous brutality. Mortal Kombat X pushes the boundaries with its Fatalities—the series’ signature finishing moves that are more gruesome and cinematic than ever before. The introduction of X-Ray moves further emphasizes the game’s focus on over-the-top violence. These bone-crunching attacks offer a zoomed-in view of internal damage, allowing players to witness every shattered bone and ruptured organ in grotesque detail.
Enhanced Combat Mechanics
At its core, Mortal Kombat X retains the traditional 2D fighting gameplay but introduces several new mechanics that add depth and complexity to the game. One of the most significant additions is the Variation System. Each character in the game has three different variations, each with unique moves, combos, and strategies. This system greatly increases the replay value, as each variation provides a distinct playstyle, allowing players to experiment with different tactics and find what works best for them.
For example:
- Scorpion‘s “Ninjutsu” variation focuses on weapon-based combat, while his “Hellfire” variation emphasizes fiery projectile attacks.
- Sub-Zero’s “Grandmaster” variation allows him to create ice clones, while his “Cryomancer” variation enhances his hand-to-hand combat with ice weapons.
This system makes the game accessible to both newcomers and veterans, as players can explore the variations to match their preferred fighting style. The choice of variations adds a layer of strategy that is not found in many other fighting games.
Faster, Fluid Combat
In addition to the Variation System, Mortal Kombat X boasts faster, more fluid combat than its predecessors. The game features a run mechanic, which allows players to close gaps quickly, adding a sense of urgency and aggression to each match. The enhanced pacing, coupled with responsive controls, ensures that each fight feels intense and thrilling, rewarding both offensive and defensive playstyles.
The combo system has also been refined, with smoother transitions between moves and more opportunities for juggle combos. Mastering these combos requires practice and timing, making Mortal Kombat X a rewarding experience for those who enjoy high-skill gameplay.
Character Roster: Newcomers and Fan Favorites
Mortal Kombat X features a robust roster of characters, combining classic fighters from the Mortal Kombat universe with a lineup of new characters. The roster contains 24 playable fighters at launch, with additional characters added through DLC packs.
Classic Characters
Fans of the franchise will be pleased to see many of their favorite characters return, including:
- Scorpion: The vengeful specter and one of the most iconic characters in the series, known for his “Get over here!” spear attack.
- Sub-Zero: The cold-blooded ninja who can freeze opponents in their tracks.
- Raiden: The thunder god who uses his control over lightning to defeat enemies.
- Johnny Cage: The Hollywood actor and martial artist with a cocky attitude and powerful attacks.
- Liu Kang: The chosen one and champion of Earthrealm, specializing in fiery punches and kicks.
These returning characters have been given new looks, enhanced movesets, and updated abilities, keeping them fresh while maintaining their core identities.
New Characters
Mortal Kombat X also introduces a variety of new characters, many of whom are the offspring of classic fighters:
- Cassie Cage: The daughter of Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade, who combines her parents’ fighting styles with a modern flair.
- Jacqui Briggs: The daughter of Jax, a powerful fighter who uses advanced technology to enhance her attacks.
- Takeda Takahashi: Trained by Kenshi, Takeda wields whips and telekinetic abilities, bringing a unique playstyle to the game.
- Kung Jin: A descendant of Kung Lao, Kung Jin is an archer who fights with both melee attacks and long-range projectiles.
These new characters not only bring fresh blood to the series but also help to expand the Mortal Kombat universe, creating interesting dynamics between the old guard and the next generation of fighters.
Engaging Story Mode
Mortal Kombat X features a cinematic Story Mode that spans several chapters, following the events of Mortal Kombat (2011). The story takes place 25 years after the events of the previous game, with Earthrealm facing new threats from the forces of Outworld. Characters such as Shinnok and Kotal Kahn play pivotal roles in this new chapter of Mortal Kombat lore.
The Story Mode introduces players to both classic and new characters, offering insights into their backgrounds and motivations. The narrative weaves together personal rivalries, political intrigue, and the fate of realms in true Mortal Kombat fashion. With impressive cutscenes and seamless transitions into gameplay, Mortal Kombat X’s story is one of the most polished and engaging in the fighting game genre.
DLC Content and Expansions
Mortal Kombat X received several downloadable content (DLC) expansions that added even more characters and features to the game. The most notable DLCs include the Kombat Packs, which introduced new fighters, skins, and additional content.
Kombat Pack 1 and 2
The Kombat Packs brought in some of the most iconic characters from both the Mortal Kombat universe and popular culture:
- Tremor: A ninja with earth-based powers.
- Predator: The alien hunter from the Predator film series.
- Jason Voorhees: The infamous slasher from the Friday the 13th movies.
- Alien (Xenomorph): The terrifying creature from the Alien franchise.
These guest characters add a fun and unexpected twist to the game, allowing players to experience dream matchups between beloved movie icons and Mortal Kombat’s brutal fighters.
Mortal Kombat XL
Mortal Kombat XL is the definitive edition of Mortal Kombat X, which includes all of the DLC content from the Kombat Packs and additional improvements. This version offers the most complete Mortal Kombat X experience, making it the ideal choice for new players who want to dive into the game with all the content available.
Competitive Scene and Longevity
Mortal Kombat X has maintained a strong presence in the fighting game community (FGC), appearing in major tournaments such as EVO and Combo Breaker. The game’s balance, fast-paced combat, and diverse character roster make it a favorite among both casual players and professional competitors. Its accessible mechanics, combined with its depth, make Mortal Kombat X a game that is easy to pick up but difficult to master, which is a hallmark of any great fighting game.
Conclusion
Mortal Kombat X is a brutal, thrilling, and visually stunning entry in the iconic Mortal Kombat series. Its combination of innovative combat mechanics, an expansive roster, and an engaging story mode make it a must-play for any fighting game enthusiast. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or new to the world of Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat X offers a deep and rewarding experience that continues to resonate with players years after its release.
