Mortal Kombat 1 beta first impressions: the best fighting game of 2024?
Over the years, NetherRealm Studios’ Mortal Kombat has risen as one of the world’s most beloved fighting game series. Despite its ups and downs, each new installment generates immense excitement within the gaming community. The very mention of ‘Fatality’ from the game has even entered mainstream culture. When the teaser for Mortal Kombat 1 dropped earlier this year, fans were ecstatic. Initially cautious about the hype surrounding a cinematic teaser, I finally got my hands on the game’s beta over the past weekend—and I’m confident in saying that this might just be the standout fighting game of the year. It’s a bold statement, especially considering the acclaim Street Fighter 6 received upon its release this year (and with Tekken 8 confirmed for January 26th next year, it’s not in contention).
Mortal Kombat 1 beta details
Available Characters
- Liu Kang
- Sub-Zero
- Kenshi
- Kitana
- Johnny Cage
- Li Mei
Kameo Characters
- Kano
- Sonya
- Jax
- Frost
Available Stages
- The Teahouse
- Johnny Cage’s Mansion
First impressions
Playing Mortal Kombat 1 for the first time is an experience in itself. The game’s unique presentation style flows incredibly well and feels dynamic. Moving from one screen to another is seamless, and picking your character and a Kameo character (to assist in battle with specific moves) gets you hyped up for the match. Luckily, this beta version includes some fan-favorite characters like Sub-Zero and Johnny Cage. Personally, Sub-Zero has always been my go-to, and diving into my first match confirmed that I was in for something special.
The game’s speed, stunning graphics, and fluid animations create an unparalleled experience, setting it apart from other fighting games on the market. Characters possess distinct personalities, and their moves reflect their uniqueness. During online matches, I didn’t encounter any connectivity issues or latency problems. Whether it’s the stage designs, the brutal fatalities to finish opponents, or executing combos, the game had me glued to the controller for hours. And knowing that the beta didn’t feature highly anticipated characters like Homelander, Peacemaker, and Omni-Man only amplifies the anticipation for the final release.
Full release details
Mortal Kombat 1 is set for a worldwide release on September 19th and will launch across various platforms including PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Microsoft Windows. You can currently pre-order the game on Steam for Rs 4,499 (Standard Edition) and Rs 6,099 (Premium Edition). PlayStation 5 pre-orders for the same editions are priced at Rs 4,799 and Rs 6,399, respectively.
