Mortal Kombat 1 beta impressions: A return to form

With the Mortal Kombat 1 pre-order beta weekend closing up, we now have a good taste of what this latest Mortal Kombat game will feel like once it releases. This action fighting game franchise by NetherRealm Studios is back with a punch, with a reborn version of its universe. Although it was a much smaller beta experience than what I was expecting, it was still a good enough peak at the full release to give fans a glimpse of what’s to come. Mortal Kombat 1 is a return to form and displays how great NetherRealm knows how to be, so let’s dive into more details in this beta impressions.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Mortal Kombat 1 beta impressions: A next-gen marvel

As much as we’ve already been in the newest console generation for a couple years now, this is Mortal Kombat’s first game in this new generation. Mortal Kombat 11 is still highly enjoyable and barely looks four years old. But once you get your hands on Mortal Kombat 1, the jump in quality really shows. The first thing I noticed when playing Mortal Kombat 1 for the first time on my PS5 was just how beautiful it looks.

The graphics look incredible, it plays buttery smooth, and there are practically no loading screens. From the title screen to match, it’s more seamless than ever before. Sure, you’ll occasionally find yourself staring at a black screen for two seconds, but it’s barely noticeable. Mortal Kombat 1 definitely showcases just how beautiful this new generation of games can look.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Riveting and challenging fights

No matter if you’re a die-hard Mortal Kombat fan, or a casual fighting game player—that would be me—you’ll definitely enjoy Mortal Kombat 1 matches. It’s the bread and butter of this game and its franchise, and it’s still just as enjoyable as the last game. Because I loved playing Mortal Kombat 11 with friends, but absolutely got trashed by players online, I was worried jumping into online matches in this beta.

I was right to be worried. Facing off against players who’ve preordered this game was definitely demeaning on my own fighting skills, but it made me want to return back to the Towers mode and brush up on my skills. In the beta, the only single-player experience was Towers, which had you face off against pairs of fighters, going from easiest, to most difficult. I really enjoyed beating each pair, and getting closer to the top of the tower.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

A fresh coat of paint

How new does Mortal Kombat 1 feel though? Well, instead of just choosing one fighter, you choose two. A main fighter, and a Kameo fighter. There have been similar mechanics in other fighting games, and it’s nice to have some variety show up with the latest NetherRealm game. It’s nice to have the secondary fighter pop in once in awhile, but I do wish you could fully swap between two characters, such as in games like Marvel vs. Capcom.

Nevertheless, it’s clearly not the direction it was going for, so I can respect that. What’s also new are the characters’ looks, as this is a reborn universe. Because of this, it’s now a good time for me to appreciate what Mortal Kombat’s upcoming campaign can offer. When playing the last game, I really only played co-op matches with friends, so experiencing a reborn universe will hopefully make this campaign an enjoyable one for me. It’s just too bad we didn’t get a look at the campaign during the beta.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

A promising start to a new universe

I have no idea where NetherRealm will go with future Mortal Kombat games with its new reborn universe, but I can see it has a bright future ahead. Fighting-game fans will hopefully play Mortal Kombat 1 for years to come. Its methodical yet fast-paced combat is highly enjoyable, the visuals are stunning, and it knows how to bring fresh ideas to the table, while not forgetting what makes Mortal Kombat special.