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Mortal Kombat 11: Teaching Valuable Lessons to MK1

Five years since its release on April 23, 2019, Mortal Kombat 11 continues to offer insights that could benefit its predecessor, MK1.
Mortal Kombat 11: Teaching Valuable Lessons to MK1

Highlights

  • Mortal Kombat 11 showcases enduring graphics and gameplay with vibrant arenas and satisfying combos, holding advantages over MK1.
  • MK1 features a robust campaign, Challenge Tower, and Invasions mode but lacks the immersive Krypt found in MK11, making its unlocks less appealing.
  • MK11 Aftermath DLC sets a high standard with a 3-hour campaign and new characters, providing a game refresh that MK1's story DLC could learn from.

Originally hitting the shelves for PS4, Xbox One, and PC on April 23, 2019, Mortal Kombat 11 has reached its fifth anniversary, surprising many fans with its lasting appeal. The game has gracefully aged in both visual quality and gameplay mechanics. While it may not outshine the aesthetics of the original Mortal Kombat 1, MK11's arenas still exude vibrancy, and its combos remain satisfying to execute. But the comparison between these two titles runs deeper than surface qualities.

Even though Mortal Kombat 1 was released four years after its forerunner, some fans still consider it slightly inferior. Amidst the common trend in the fighting game community to laud the previous installment, there are valuable lessons that Mortal Kombat 11 can impart to its younger sibling.

Insights for Today from Mortal Kombat 11

Embracing MK11's Krypt: A Lesson for MK1

At launch, Mortal Kombat 1 offered a decent amount of content, with its main story lasting around six hours and standing out for its exceptional storytelling, writing, and set designs. The game's iconic Challenge Tower and the intriguing Invasions mode, resembling a board game, further enriched the experience with seasonal updates.

However, a significant miss in Mortal Kombat 1 was the absence of a Krypt feature. The extensive Krypt mode in Mortal Kombat 11 was a highlight that MK1 lacked entirely. While Invasions provided similar rewards to the Krypt, the satisfaction of unlocking them in Invasions pales in comparison to the experience in MK11's bonus mode.

Taking Cues from MK11 Aftermath: A Message for MK1's DLC

When it comes to story DLC, Mortal Kombat 11 presents valuable lessons for MK1. Announced casually by Ed Boon in December last year, Mortal Kombat 1 is set to receive a second part with an expanded story akin to what NetherRealm did with MK11. The Aftermath DLC for Mortal Kombat 11 arrived just over a year post-release, introducing a 3-hour campaign and new playable characters that balanced franchise favorites and guest appearances, advancing the main story significantly.

The Aftermath DLC revitalized Mortal Kombat 11, and if Mortal Kombat 1's story DLC matches this level of content and quality, it could mark a significant rejuvenation. While MK1 continues to engage players with drip-fed DLC characters, enhancing its active player base requires a refreshing update, mirroring the impact Aftermath had on MK1.

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