Prepare for kombat.

Mortal Kombat 1 has been out for roughly a week now, and so we're wondering what you lot think of NetherRealm's latest effort. An undeniable looker boasting what many consider to be the most enjoyable gameplay that the series has seen in years, the especially gory fighting game seems to have been a hit with most fans — at least on a fundamental level. Indeed, we've heard some complaints about online components, and that the single-player offering is a bit lacking. But overall, a solid soft reboot (that totally isn't a soft reboot).

We gave the title a respectable 7/10 in our Mortal Kombat 1 PS5 review. "Like we said in the beginning, Mortal Kombat 1 is the best and most refreshing entry in the series since Mortal Kombat (2011), but it falls directly into the same traps as those prior entries," we concluded.

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Prepare for kombat.

You may not have realised thanks to a brief period of early access, but today marks the full release of Mortal Kombat 1. The latest instalment in NetherRealm's eternally popular fighting game series, it's got typically impressive visuals, punchy gameplay, and a twisted interest in watching entrails leave the human body in especially gruesome fashion. It's Mortal Kombat, alright!

We gave it a 'good' 7/10 in our Mortal Kombat 1 PS5 review, claiming that the core game's great fun, but the surrounding package is a bit hit and miss. "Mortal Kombat 1 is the best and most refreshing entry in the series since Mortal Kombat (2011), but it falls directly into the same traps as those prior entries," we concluded.

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Baraka in the habit.

Mortal Kombat 1 represents a new era for the fighting game series. However, it also marks the first time in a while that a new Mortal Kombat title has been released where worthy competitors have been present. Games like Guilty Gear Strive and Street Fighter 6 have raised the bar for fighting games significantly since Mortal Kombat 11 released, and it’s on Mortal Kombat 1 to keep up.

Lets get it out the way first, this is the best Mortal Kombat game since Mortal Kombat (2011). Mortal Kombat X took things too far with the three character styles and bringing back Mortal Kombat 3’s terrible run system. Meanwhile, Mortal Kombat 11 went too far in the other direction by making a slower game where zoners like Jacqui ruled online, while still locking moves behind different sets of gear.

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It's koming.

Mortal Kombat 1 releases today for those who’ve podded out on the game’s Premium Edition, so you may have been expecting us to publish our PS5 review. Unfortunately, we’ve only just received access to the game, and that means our verdict is going to be a little late. Obviously, we’re eager to thoroughly test out all the features, including the cinematic story mode and new Invasions, so it’s going to take us a little bit of time to work through everything.

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Shut up and take our money.

Well, that just about seals it: Mortal Kombat 1 looks absolutely incredible. This launch trailer has a bit of everything: slick cinematics, gorgeous gameplay, and even a couple of glimpses of the new Super Smash Bros-esque Invasion mode – this is going to be one for the ages, we reckon. We also get some first footage of pre-order bonus character Shang Tsung and roster padder Reiko.

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At least, not on first glance.

The full list of Mortal Kombat 1 Trophies has hit Sony’s servers ahead of the brawler’s release later this month – and it won’t take long to finish them! Well, that’s assuming there aren’t any nasty secrets lingering in what appears to be a relatively straightforward list. You’ll earn gongs for a variety of straightforward tasks, like completing the training mode and spilling 5,000 pints of blood.

Additional trinkets are rewarded for performing Fatalities with Kameo characters, completing five Klassic Towers with different brawlers, and reaching Level 20 in Invasions mode. On paper, this all looks really quite easy, so unless there’s something we’re overlooking or missing, we reckon the Platinum should have quite a high attainment rate.

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Bloodsport.

Here he is, then – Jean-Claude Van Damme as Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 1. Despite the Belgian actor famously playing Guile in the live action Street Fighter movie, Cage has always been inspired by the Hollywood star, and he’ll finally feature as the character in the reboot’s Premium Edition, which includes access to the first Kombat Pack.

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Real-world vampire becomes virtual vampire.

Mortal Kombat 1’s entire character roster leaked overnight, but NetherRealm Studios has turned the attention back to its own announcement cadence. It’s confirmed that Nitara will return to the series for the first time in almost 20 years – and not only that, she’ll be played by Transformers star, Megan Fox.

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Retailer breaks street date on brawler.

Mortal Kombat 1’s full character roster has leaked approximately two weeks before release, with an errant Nintendo Switch cartridge somehow finding its way into a fan’s hands. While we won’t disclose the complete list of characters here – Warner Bros is already copyright striking any mirrors that are popping up around social media – you can find a list of officially confirmed Mortal Kombat 1 fighters so far through the link, which we’ll be updating through until launch.

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Guest characters being lined up post-launch.

There’s a strong chance Mortal Kombat 1’s pretty cool Kameos system could lead to some crazy crossovers in the future. For those of you who haven’t been following the fighter, the system allows you to tag in a teammate to help during combat, with the allies also aiding during Fatalities and some devastating special moves.

And while a bunch of Kameos have already been confirmed as part of All Mortal Kombat 1 Characters, the potential for even more additions is enormous. According to some marketing materials coming out of Brazil, developer NetherRealm Studios is eager to build on the number of Kameos available post-release – and is even allegedly lining up some guest characters.

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