Mortal Kombat 11 | Price, Specs and Gameplay

Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat 11

Platform

PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X/S Windows Nintendo Switch Stadia

DESIGN
Genre(s)	Fighting
Developer(s)	NetherRealm Studios
Publisher(s)	Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer
Director(s)	Ed Boon
Producer(s)	Graeme Bayless
Designer(s)	John Edwards
Programmer(s)	Gavin Freyberg
Artist(s)	Steve Beran
Writer(s)	Dominic Cianciolo Shawn Kittelsen
Composer(s)	Wilbert Roget II
Engine	Unreal Engine 3
Series	Mortal Kombat
Release Date	PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One: WW - (April 23, 2019) PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S: WW - (November 17, 2020) Nintendo Switch: NA - (April 23, 2019) EU - (May 10, 2019) Stadia: WW - (November 19, 2019)
Download Link	PlayStation |  Xbox |  Windows |  Nintendo Switch
Price	Standard Edition: PlayStation ($49.99) | Xbox ($49.99)  |  Windows ($49.99)  | Nintendo Switch ($49.99) Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Edition: PlayStation ($59.99) | Xbox ($59.99)  |  Windows ($59.99)  | Nintendo Switch ($59.99) Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate + Injustice 2 Leg. Edition Bundle:  PlayStation ($99.99) | Xbox ($99.99)  |  Windows ($99.99)

Mortal Kombat 11 is a fighting video game developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Serving as the eleventh primary installment in the renowned Mortal Kombat series, the game stands as a direct successor to its predecessor, Mortal Kombat X (2015). Its official announcement took place during The Game Awards in 2018, leading to its subsequent launch in North America and Europe on April 23, 2019. The game was made available on multiple platforms, such as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One, except for the European version on the Nintendo Switch, which saw its release on May 10, 2019. A later addition to its platform roster was Google Stadia, with its release taking place on November 19, 2019.

Following its debut, Mortal Kombat 11 garnered a generally positive reception on console platforms. Its gameplay mechanics, engaging narrative, high-quality graphics, and notable improvements in online networking were commended. However, the game did receive criticism due to the presence of microtransactions and a perceived overemphasis on grinding elements. Subsequently, an expansion titled Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath was introduced on May 26, 2020. This expansion encompassed supplementary story content, the introduction of three new characters, fresh stages, and the revival of stage fatalities and friendship finishing moves.

An enhanced edition of the game, Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate, was later launched. This version included all downloadable content released up to that point and was accessible on various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The release date for this edition was November 17, 2020.

Looking ahead, a sequel by the name of Mortal Kombat 1 is slated for release on September 19, 2023. The continuation of the franchise is eagerly anticipated by fans, and it is poised to build upon the foundation established by its predecessors.

Gameplay

Mortal Kombat 11, like its predecessors in the franchise, such as Mortal Kombat Mobile, maintains the 2.5D fighting game format. Building upon the foundation laid by previous entries, the game incorporates familiar elements like Fatalities, Brutalities, Stage Fatalities, Friendships, and Quitalities. Moreover, it introduces fresh gameplay features, including Fatal Blows and Krushing Blows.

Gameplay Mechanics: Fatal Blows and Krushing Blows

In Mortal Kombat 11, Fatal Blows are special moves reminiscent of the X-ray moves seen in the 2011 reboot and Mortal Kombat X. These powerful maneuvers inflict significant damage. However, they can only be executed when a player's health falls below 30%. Notably, Fatal Blows are limited to one usage per match, adding an element of strategic decision-making.

Conversely, Krushing Blows amplify the impact of specific special moves or combinations. These intensified strikes trigger under specific conditions, delivering visually impactful and devastating effects. This can include graphic representations of bodily harm and dealing substantial damage, often up to 30% of the opponent's health in a single hit.

Enhancements and Novel Mechanics

One novel addition to the series is the Flawless Block mechanic. This mechanism empowers players to seize an opportunity for a counterattack by impeccably blocking an incoming assault. Precise timing is crucial to capitalizing on this comeback window.

Another notable reentry is the Mercy finisher, last witnessed in Mortal Kombat Trilogy. When prompted with the "Finish Him/Her" cue, the victorious player can opt to extend a gesture of clemency. This choice enables the defeated opponent to regain a modest portion of their life.

Character Customization: Kustom Variation Feature

Mortal Kombat 11 introduces the Kustom Variation feature, a robust character customization system. Drawing inspiration from NetherRealm Studios' earlier DC Comics fighting game, Injustice 2, this system evolves the Variation concept seen in Mortal Kombat X. Each character possesses an initial collection of skins, gears, and moves, which players can further tailor to their preferences.

However, unlike Injustice 2, character appearances do not dictate their abilities in Mortal Kombat 11. This separation allows players to construct personalized move lists independently from their character's visual appearance. This innovation grants players greater flexibility and creative agency in shaping their chosen fighter's combat style.

Synopsis

Setting and characters

The game's story takes place 25 years after the events of Mortal Kombat X. The realms have been merged into one, and Earthrealm is under threat from Kronika, the Keeper of Time. Kronika is trying to rewind time and create a new timeline where her chosen champions will always win.

The game features a roster of over 30 playable characters, including both new and returning fighters. Some of the new characters include Geras, a servant of Kronika who can control time; Cetrion, Kronika's daughter who controls nature; and Kollector, a collector of artifacts from across the realms.

The game's setting is the merged realms, which features a variety of different locations from the Mortal Kombat universe. Some of the locations include the ruins of Shang Tsung's island; the Netherrealm; and the city of Outworld.

The game has received positive reviews from critics, with praise for its graphics, gameplay, and story. The game has also been a commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide.

Characters

The roster of the game comprises a total of 37 characters available for gameplay. The base game features 25 characters in its roster, with 2 of them being unlockable, while an additional 12 characters are accessible through downloadable content (DLC), including 5 guest characters. Notably, characters in bold are newcomers to the series, whereas those in italics are considered guest characters.

Base Roster:

- Baraka

- Cassie Cage

- Cetrion

- D'Vorah

- Erron Black

- Frost (Initially locked, unlockable by playing Story Mode or via online purchase)

- Geras

- Jacqui Briggs

- Jade

- Jax Briggs

- Johnny Cage

- Kabal

- Kano

- Kitana

- Kollector

- Kotal Kahn

- Kung Lao

- Liu Kang

- Noob Saibot

- Raiden

- Scorpion

- Shao Kahn (Available first as a preorder bonus, and later as an online purchase)

- Skarlet

- Sonya Blade

- Sub-Zero

Kombat Pack 1:

- The Joker

- Nightwolf

- Shang Tsung

- Sindel

- Spawn

Aftermath:

- Fujin

- RoboCop

- Sheeva

Kombat Pack 2:

- John Rambo

- Mileena

- Rain

In addition to the iconic series veterans such as Kano, Raiden, Scorpion, Sonya Blade, and Sub-Zero, as well as returning characters like Skarlet from the 2011 reboot, the game introduces four new fighters, three of whom are playable. Among them, Kronika stands out as the series's inaugural female boss character, wielding power over time manipulation and overseeing the timelines' events since the outset of the Mortal Kombat saga. Although she doesn't join the playable cast, her influence is profound. The new playable characters include:

1. Geras: An entity created by Kronika, Geras shares her temporal powers and employs sand-based attacks.

2. Cetrion: An Elder Goddess and the daughter of Kronika, she commands elemental forces and is the sibling of Shinnok.

3. Kollector: A six-armed Naknadan who serves the Outworld empire by collecting tributes.

The game also features several non-playable characters, including:

- Shinnok, who appears in the story mode's introduction and within a stage (albeit only as a head)

- Sektor and Cyrax, who make appearances as non-playable opponents in the story mode

- Ermac, Reptile, and Smoke, integrated into Shang Tsung's moveset and one of Rain's fatalities

- Kintaro, who features in one of Shang Tsung's fatalities.

Key characters in Mortal Kombat 11 and Their Abilities:

Kronika: The main antagonist of the game, Kronika is the Keeper of Time who is trying to rewind time and create a new timeline where her chosen champions will always win.

Geras: A servant of Kronika, Geras can control time and is one of her most powerful warriors.

Cetrion: Kronika's daughter, Cetrion controls nature and is a powerful opponent.

Kollector: A collector of artifacts from across the realms, Kollector is a dangerous foe who will stop at nothing to get what he wants.

Liu Kang: The chosen one of Earthrealm, Liu Kang is a powerful fighter who is determined to stop Kronika and save the realms.

Raiden: The God of Thunder, Raiden is a powerful ally who is fighting alongside Liu Kang to stop Kronika.

Shang Tsung: The sorcerer of Outworld, Shang Tsung is a formidable opponent who will do anything to win.

Sub-Zero: The cryomancer of Earthrealm, Sub-Zero is a powerful warrior who is fighting alongside Liu Kang to stop Kronika.

Scorpion: The spectre of vengeance, Scorpion is a powerful warrior who is fighting alongside Liu Kang to stop Kronika.

These are just a few of the many characters that appear in Mortal Kombat 11. The game features a diverse cast of fighters, each with their own unique abilities and fighting style.

Plot

After the defeat of Shinnok, Dark Raiden devises a strategy to safeguard Earthrealm by eliminating its adversaries, symbolized by his decapitation of Shinnok. This audacious act serves as inspiration for Kronika, the keeper of time and Shinnok's mother. She takes it upon herself to rewrite history, erasing Raiden from existence and undoing his meddling. Two years later, a Special Forces strike team led by Sonya Blade, Cassie Cage, and Jacqui Briggs launches an assault on the Netherrealm, with Raiden lending his assistance. Despite their victory in obliterating the Netherrealm castle, the triumph comes at the price of Sonya's life. Immediately thereafter, Kronika forms an alliance with the revenants and the rulers of the Netherrealm, Liu Kang and Kitana.

Concurrently, Kotal Kahn, the reigning emperor of Outworld, seeks to execute Kollector, a loyalist of Shao Kahn. However, an unforeseen time storm interrupts the execution, bringing forth Shao Kahn, Skarlet, Baraka, and younger iterations of various warriors. This temporal upheaval also erases Dark Raiden from the timeline. Chaos ensues within Kotal's Koliseum, culminating in D'Vorah transporting key individuals to her hive. Here, Kronika solidifies her alliance by recruiting Baraka, Kollector, Skarlet, Shao Kahn, Black, and Kano.

In a parallel development, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Raiden establish an alliance with Kotal Kahn. Simultaneously, Jade and Kitana aid Kotal in defending Outworld against Kronika's forces. During their efforts, Liu Kang and Kung Lao cross paths with Geras, Kronika's chief operative, at the Wu Shi Academy. A confrontation ensues, ultimately resulting in Geras utilizing his mastery of chronokinesis to escape with potent energy capsules containing Earthrealm's life force.

Amidst these events, the Special Forces uncover a resurgence of the Cyber Lin Kuei, led by Sektor with the support of Noob Saibot and a cyberized Frost. These factions aim to amass a formidable army of cyborgs, utilizing kidnapped Lin Kuei warriors for Kronika's cause. The united efforts of Grandmasters Sub-Zero and Hanzo Hasashi bring an end to Sektor's factory, prompting Geras, Black, and both versions of Kano to regroup and rebuild the cybernetic army within Kronika's Keep.

In the meantime, Raiden seeks counsel from the Elder Gods. Despite their inability to directly intervene due to the draining effects of the time storm, Shinnok's twin sister, Cetrion, provides Raiden with a pivotal clue on how to overcome Kronika. In a subsequent attempt to unravel the mystery, Raiden stumbles upon a shocking revelation: Cetrion has forsaken the Elder Gods to align herself with her mother, Kronika. Additionally, Kotal Kahn and Jade approach a Tarkatan encampment to rally support against Shao Kahn. Tensions flare between Kotal and the Tarkatans, leading to a skirmish before Shao Kahn's appearance and subsequent capture of Kotal.

The destruction of the Special Forces base at the hands of the Black Dragon gang and Kronika's cybernetic forces unfolds, resulting in the capture of the younger Johnny and Sonya, and the injury of the elder Johnny. Sektor's self-destructive maneuver further compounds the situation. Consequently, Earthrealm's champions regroup at Hasashi's Fire Garden. Cassie Blade spearheads a mission to rescue her parents, culminating in Sonya's act of eliminating the younger Kano, thus erasing his existence from the timeline. In parallel, Kitana, Liu Kang, and Kung Lao engage Baraka in a strategic effort to secure his allegiance alongside Sheeva. This collaboration enables Kitana to overcome and incapacitate Shao Kahn, solidifying her leadership and uniting Outworld's factions.

Raiden dispatches Jax and Jacqui to retrieve the Crown of Souls from Shang Tsung's deserted island. Their endeavor encounters resistance from Cetrion, who ultimately escapes with the Crown. Present-day Jax, deceived by Kronika, is manipulated into assisting her by preventing his future revenant state. Hasashi's mission involves enlisting Kharon, the ferryman of Netherrealm's souls, to join their cause. After a battle and persuasive efforts, Scorpion joins their ranks, but not without enduring a fatal wound inflicted by D'Vorah. Scorpion's return to the Fire Garden honors Hasashi's final wish. A confrontation between Raiden and Scorpion ensues, with the revelation of their intertwined history across multiple timelines and Kronika's orchestrations driven by her fear of their combined might. Liu Kang is subsequently abducted by Kronika, setting the stage for the climactic showdown.

With Kharon enlisted, a coalition of Earthrealm and Outworld forces embarks on an assault against Kronika's stronghold. In the ensuing battle, Geras is cast into the Sea of Blood, Frost is deactivated, and the present-day Jax aligns himself with the heroes. Revenant Liu Kang absorbs the soul of his past self, elevating his power. Subsequently, Kronika manipulates time, leading to a confrontation between Fire God Liu Kang and the remaining revenants, including Cetrion. Kronika absorbs Cetrion's essence, further enhancing her might with the intention of reverting the universe to its primordial state, effectively erasing the franchise's events from existence. However, the divine stature of Fire God Liu Kang renders him immune to this temporal reset.

The ultimate struggle between Kronika and Fire God Liu Kang unfolds, precipitating a pivotal moment that determines the fate of the New Era. Depending on the outcome of this climactic clash, the ensuing epilogue takes different paths:

Should Kronika emerge victorious, she severs Liu Kang's head, heralding the dawn of the New Era. Players are prompted to revisit and replay this decisive confrontation.

Alternatively, if Liu Kang prevails but loses one round, he encounters a mortal Raiden who offers his guidance until the end of his lifespan. This canonical ending paves the way for the subsequent expansion, "Aftermath."

In the event of Liu Kang's consecutive victory in two rounds against Kronika, he is met by a mortal Raiden. This time, Liu Kang is granted the privilege of selecting a companion to accompany him via the Hourglass. Opting for Kitana, they pledge to forge a superior timeline, undoing Kronika's misdeeds and shaping a brighter future.

Aftermath

Following the defeat of Kronika, Fire God Liu Kang and Raiden endeavor to harness Kronika's Hourglass to restore the course of history. Their efforts, however, are disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Shang Tsung, Fujin, and Nightwolf. These three had been ensnared in a timeless void by Kronika due to their refusal to join her cause. Shang Tsung expounds that the Hourglass, now rendered unstable due to the Crown of Souls' destruction during Liu Kang's triumph over Kronika, cannot be employed to alter history without catastrophic repercussions. He persuades Liu Kang to permit him, Fujin, and Nightwolf to journey back in time and retrieve the Crown of Souls before Cetrion seizes it. Despite Raiden's skepticism about Shang Tsung's intentions, Liu Kang concurs, opting to safeguard the Hourglass himself.

Transported to the Koliseum during Kitana's confrontation with Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung, Fujin, and Nightwolf seek to remain inconspicuous, yet their presence becomes known, triggering a swift retaliation from Kronika. To confront Cetrion on her own terrain, Shang Tsung deems it imperative to resurrect Sindel. The trio journeys to the Netherrealm, where they manage to capture Sindel's revenant form. Returning to Outworld, Shang Tsung exploits Sheeva's blood debt to Sindel, allowing them access to the Soul Chamber. Despite facing fierce opposition from figures such as Kitana, Jade, Kotal, Black, and Baraka, they successfully restore Sindel to her former self.

With Sindel now part of their group, Shang Tsung, Fujin, and their allies proceed to the island. There, Fujin triumphs over Kronika's forces and persuades a younger Jax to defect early on, while Sindel manages to overcome Cetrion, facilitating the capture of the Crown. Fujin and Shang Tsung subsequently approach Raiden at the Fire Garden to establish Shang Tsung's sincerity. Kronika attempts to thwart their efforts, but Raiden, Fujin, and Shang Tsung successfully repel her, unveiling the revelation that Shang Tsung designed the Crown.

As they prepare to launch an assault on Kronika's stronghold, Shang Tsung signals Sindel to restore Shao Kahn. Seizing this opportunity, the duo betrays and defeats Sheeva, taking control of her forces. They proceed to eliminate Geras, imprison the Cage family, subdue Kitana, Liu Kang, and Jade, dispatch Kung Lao into the Sea of Blood, and ultimately vanquish Kotal. It is revealed that Sindel's marriage to Shao Kahn was not a result of manipulation, but a choice she made after his conquest, following the demise of her former spouse and Kitana's biological father. Amidst Fujin's offensive at Kronika's stronghold, Raiden becomes aware of Shang Tsung's machinations and Sindel's betrayal while combating the revenant Liu Kang, who sustains injuries from his past self.

Raiden's intervention comes too late to prevent Shang Tsung from deceiving Fujin into surrendering the Crown. Seizing the Crown, Shang Tsung harnesses Kronika's full power, unveiling a meticulously orchestrated plan that he set in motion following his imprisonment by Kronika. He absorbs the souls of Raiden and Fujin, with the assistance of Sindel and Shao Kahn, to access the Hourglass. After eliminating Kronika's remaining revenants, Shang Tsung turns on Sindel and Shao Kahn, absorbing their souls as well. Subsequently, he erases Kronika from existence, obtaining the last vestiges of her power. As Shang Tsung approaches the Hourglass, Fire God Liu Kang makes his presence known. Liu Kang reveals his awareness of Shang Tsung's intentions and acknowledges his role as the sole individual capable of vanquishing Kronika. Liu Kang spared Shang Tsung to safeguard the Crown, which serves as the focal point for what lies ahead.

From this juncture, players can determine their "final destiny" and assume the role of either Shang Tsung or Liu Kang. Depending on the outcome of this pivotal clash, the narrative unfolds in one of two possible scenarios:

Should Shang Tsung emerge triumphant, he absorbs Liu Kang's soul, attaining godlike power and reducing Liu Kang to a desiccated husk. Utilizing the Hourglass, Shang Tsung asserts dominion over multiple realms, with Dark Raiden and Fujin becoming his loyal subjects.

Conversely, if Liu Kang prevails, he erases Shang Tsung from existence and reclaims the Crown. With the Crown in his possession, Liu Kang wields mastery over the Hourglass, ushering in a New Era. He embarks on a journey to the Shaolin temple, where he trains the Great Kung Lao, Kung Lao's illustrious ancestor, to become a formidable champion in Mortal Kombat. This definitive outcome sets the stage for the ensuing storyline in Mortal Kombat 1.

Development

"Mortal Kombat 11" was both developed and published by NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the same entities that were also responsible for the game's predecessor, "Mortal Kombat X". The game's announcement was made by Ed Boon, one of the co-creators of the series, in December 2018, during The Game Awards 2018. The announcement was accompanied by a trailer showcasing a battle between Dark Raiden and Scorpion. The trailer also revealed that players who pre-ordered the game would have access to Shao Kahn as a playable character. Notably, the trailer featured an original song titled "Immortal" by the artist 21 Savage.

Following the initial announcement, a community reveal event was held on January 17, 2019, simultaneously in Los Angeles and London. This event included various features, one of which was a filmed interview with Ronda Rousey, who lent her voice to the character Sonya Blade. Subsequently, on March 22, 2019, just prior to the game's release, it was revealed at C2E2 that actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa would be reprising his role as Shang Tsung from the 1995 film adaptation and the second season of "Mortal Kombat: Legacy." This announcement coincided with the revelation that Shang Tsung would be available as downloadable content.

To test the game's online mode, a public stress test was conducted from March 15 to 17. Additionally, a closed beta was accessible to pre-order buyers for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One between March 27 and April 1, 2019. At the 2019 Brasil Game Show, Ed Boon disclosed that the story mode in "Mortal Kombat 11" served as a conclusive ending to the narrative arc that had been established since the original "Mortal Kombat" title and further developed in the 2011 reboot. Notably, the game was developed using the Unreal Engine 3.

Downloadable Content

At the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) held on March 22, 2019, the renowned character Shang Tsung was unveiled as the inaugural downloadable addition for Mortal Kombat 11. Notably, Shang Tsung marked his return from the 2011 reboot of the franchise. This rendition of the character was brought to life through the vocal talents and visual resemblance of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, known for his portrayal of Shang Tsung in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film and the second season of Mortal Kombat: Legacy. 

Subsequently, on May 31, 2019, an announcement was made regarding five more combatants set to be introduced as part of the initial Kombat Pack. Among these, three were familiar faces from the 2011 Mortal Kombat game: Nightwolf, Sindel, and Spawn. Notably, Spawn hails from Image Comics, with Todd McFarlane as its creator. Making a guest appearance, Spawn was accompanied by the reprisal of the title role's voice acting by Keith David, known for his work in the HBO animated series Todd McFarlane's Spawn. 

Worth noting is that McFarlane had previously granted Netherrealm permission to feature Spawn as a guest character for their titles during a limited time frame, beginning in February 2015. Interestingly, the inclusion of Spawn was under consideration during the early development stages of Mortal Kombat 11, although Ed Boon, the creative mind behind the franchise, revealed that he was unaware of McFarlane's offer until after the release of Mortal Kombat X in April 2015. Clues leading up to Spawn's eventual inclusion were dropped, including a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session in December 2018 by McFarlane, hinting at his character's involvement.

The unveiling of Spawn in gameplay form occurred on March 8, 2020, during the "Final Kombat" tournament. This event also featured the debut of a red band trailer for the animated film Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge, accompanied by Keith David's presence as a guest.

Subsequently, on August 21, two additional guest characters were revealed. One was the T-800 model from the Terminator franchise, accompanied by the Joker from DC Comics. This marked the Joker's return to the Mortal Kombat series after his previous appearance in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. Richard Epcar provided the voice for the Joker, reprising his role from both the Injustice series and Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. Of note, the Terminator's facial features and likeness were provided by none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger, with Chris Cox lending his voice to the character.

Interestingly, during a December 2015 interview, Ed Boon disclosed that, much like Spawn, the Terminator had been contemplated as a guest character for Mortal Kombat X. The reception to the initial design of the Joker was unfavorable, with comparisons being drawn to subpar cosplay. A teaser trailer later addressed this backlash and showcased a redesigned version of the Joker in December 2019. The new design garnered positive feedback for its improved facial features. Ed Boon originally described the Joker's presence as "Vicious," contrasting with his comparatively toned-down appearances in prior games. Additional teasers were shared, building anticipation for the character's inclusion, and the gameplay trailer was unveiled on January 16, 2020.

In a manner reminiscent of Mortal Kombat X, Mortal Kombat 11 introduced skin packs as part of the Kombat Pack. These packs typically contained three character skins, totaling eighteen skins overall. Some standalone skins were also released for free, such as a Cassie Cage skin inspired by Harley Quinn and a Sub-Zero skin featuring the likeness and voice of Dimitri Vegas. Throughout the summer of 2019, two Klassic skin packs emerged, featuring Klassic Ninja skins in June and Klassic Arcade Fighter skins in August. Subsequent releases included a Double Feature skin pack in October, a Halloween skin pack (provided free of charge), and a Gothic horror skin pack in November. Additionally, an Elseworlds-themed skin pack was revealed in January 2020, coinciding with the Joker's inclusion, along with a Darkseid skin for Geras. A Matinee skin pack followed in March 2020, featuring Spawn and a "Hellspawn" themed skin for Jacqui Briggs.

On May 5, 2020, a teaser hinted at forthcoming story mode DLC, to be officially announced the following day. This DLC, titled "Aftermath," included new story content and introduced three characters: Fujin, last playable in Armageddon; Sheeva, previously seen as a non-playable character in the game's story mode; and an additional guest character, RoboCop. Notably, actor Peter Weller reprised his role as RoboCop for the first time since RoboCop 2. In July 2020, three more skin packs were announced as post-Aftermath releases, arriving between August and September of that year.

On October 6, 2020, a teaser trailer previewed an upcoming DLC pack, with further details set to be unveiled on October 8. This subsequent release was revealed as "Kombat Pack 2," featuring three playable characters: Mileena, last seen in Mortal Kombat X; Rain, returning from the 2011 reboot via previous DLC; and an additional guest character, John Rambo from the Rambo franchise. Remarkably, Sylvester Stallone provided both his voice and likeness for the character. This Kombat Pack, alongside all prior downloadable content, was included in the enhanced "Ultimate" re-release of Mortal Kombat 11. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sylvester Stallone contributed his dialogue remotely, engaging in Zoom conference calls with the Netherrealm team.

The inclusion of Mileena in Kombat Pack 2 was prompted by fan demand, stemming from her absence in the base game. Ed Boon expressed the team's intention to cultivate an enhanced appreciation for the character by withholding her initially. A comprehensive version of the game, titled "Mortal Kombat 11: Ultimate," featuring all downloadable content, was launched on November 17, 2020, across multiple platforms. Additionally, a "Klassic MK Movie" skin pack, released on November 24, 2020, introduced new skins for Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Raiden, featuring the voices and likenesses of Linden Ashby, Bridgette Wilson, and Christopher Lambert, who portrayed these characters in the 1995 Mortal Kombat film.

On July 2, 2021, NetherRealm Studios made an announcement signaling the cessation of DLC and update support for Mortal Kombat 11. Instead, the studio shifted focus towards their forthcoming projects, "Mortal Kombat 1" and "Mortal Kombat: Onslaught."

Release

The video game was launched on April 23, 2019, for multiple platforms including Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. A port for Google Stadia was subsequently released on November 19, 2019.[40] Approximately three years following its initial release, a patch was issued for the PC edition of the game on March 22, 2022. This update notably eliminated the Denuvo Anti-Tamper technology and incorporated various minor adjustments.

Reception

Mortal Kombat 11 garnered generally favorable reviews as indicated by scores from the review aggregator website Metacritic. The game received commendation from IGN for its deliberately slower-paced combat in contrast to its predecessor, along with its expanded tutorial, enriched story mode, and enhanced netcode. However, IGN also expressed disapproval of the game's protracted progression and the unlock system for customization, labeling it as "frustratingly gimmicky and grindy".

GameSpot bestowed a rating of 9 upon the game, lauding its fighting mechanics for being both accessible and deep, evoking excitement. The story mode also received praise from GameSpot. Yet, they raised concerns about the mandatory "always-online" requirement for progression and criticized the random distribution of rewards within the Krypt feature.

The Nintendo Switch iteration of Mortal Kombat 11 also garnered positive feedback. Pure Nintendo awarded the game a score of 9, extolling the story mode, customization options, and tutorials. However, they noted that the online features were a weaker aspect of the Nintendo Switch version. In a similar vein, Nintendo Life rated the game at 8 out of 10, commending its array of features while critiquing its graphics. The review noted that the game prioritizes performance with a consistent 60fps, encompassing all modes and mechanics found in other versions, albeit with a discernible reduction in visual aesthetics.

Sales

In April, Mortal Kombat 11 emerged as the top-selling video game software in North America. This achievement, in tandem with the popularity of Fortnite, played a significant role in driving digital game sales to an impressive total exceeding $8.8 billion for the same month. By June 2019, Mortal Kombat 11 had outperformed Kingdom Hearts III in sales figures, marking a notable milestone in its success trajectory. Notably, Mortal Kombat 11 continued its triumphant march in the gaming market by maintaining its position as the best-selling video game software in North America during May. This feat was particularly pronounced on both the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 platforms, where the game's sales nearly doubled when compared to prior installments in the series.

On the global front, Mortal Kombat 11 achieved noteworthy rankings in various regions. It secured the top spot in Australia and attained the second position in New Zealand during May 2019. In Switzerland, the game also made a strong showing, securing the second rank as well. In the European context, the game claimed the fourth position in terms of downloads on the PlayStation Store charts for April 2019.

The overall performance of Mortal Kombat 11 in the gaming market for the year 2019 is impressive. It clinched the fifth spot among the best-selling games of that year and further cemented its standing as the fourth best-selling game specifically for the PlayStation 4 platform. This upward trajectory continued, and by the year 2022, the game's cumulative global sales had surged past the remarkable milestone of 15 million copies sold.

Awards and Accolades

Throughout its release years, Mortal Kombat 11 garnered recognition and acclaim from various esteemed awards ceremonies within the gaming industry. In the 2019 Golden Joystick Awards, the game secured nominations in the categories of Best Storytelling and Best Multiplayer Game. Similarly, at The Game Awards 2019, Mortal Kombat 11 was nominated for the title of Best Fighting Game, showcasing its impact within the fighting game genre. The game's unique appeal was acknowledged at the Steam Awards 2019, where it emerged victorious in the "Best Game You Suck At" Award category.

In the subsequent year, Mortal Kombat 11's excellence continued to shine at the 23rd Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. The game secured the title of Fighting Game of the Year, a testament to its exceptional gameplay and design. Furthermore, Mortal Kombat 11 received nominations in categories such as Outstanding Achievement in Audio Design and Outstanding Achievement in Original Music Composition, underlining its remarkable audiovisual aspects. The NAVGTR Awards recognized the game's prowess as a franchise fighting game by nominating it in the Game, Franchise Fighting category.

In the realm of animation and multiplayer experience, Mortal Kombat 11's contributions were acknowledged at the SXSW Gaming Awards. The game received nominations for Excellence in Animation, Excellence in Multiplayer, and Excellence in SFX, reaffirming its innovative gameplay mechanics. The 18th Annual G.A.N.G. Awards recognized Mortal Kombat 11's auditory accomplishments, presenting nominations for Audio of the Year, Sound Design of the Year, and Best Original Instrumental.

Continuing its winning streak, Mortal Kombat 11 secured the title of Best Fighting Game (Ultimate version) at The Game Awards 2020, solidifying its position as a standout within the fighting game genre. The following year, at the 24th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards, the Ultimate version of Mortal Kombat 11 once again claimed victory in the Fighting Game of the Year category, reaffirming its continued relevance and impact within the gaming community.

Mobile game

In February of 2019, the mobile gaming application that was initially introduced to the market under the title of "Mortal Kombat X" for both iOS and Android platforms underwent a rebranding, assuming the new designation of "Mortal Kombat Mobile." This transformation coincided with the release of its 2.0 update, a significant overhaul that seamlessly integrated content from "Mortal Kombat 11" into the game's framework. Noteworthy adjustments encompassed the migration of the graphics engine from Unreal Engine 3 to the more advanced Unreal Engine 4.

Presently, "Mortal Kombat Mobile" can be readily accessed and obtained from both the App Store and Google Play, catering to users of both major mobile operating systems. Evidencing its widespread popularity, the application has garnered an impressive 50 million downloads on the Google Play platform alone.

Merchandise

Toys

McFarlane Toys is a toy company that is known for producing high-quality action figures. In 2019, they partnered with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to produce a line of action figures based on the video game Mortal Kombat 11.

The line of action figures includes over 20 different characters from the game, including Kronika, Geras, Cetrion, Kollector, Liu Kang, Raiden, Shang Tsung, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion. The figures are all highly detailed and poseable, and they come with a variety of accessories, such as weapons and interchangeable heads.

The Mortal Kombat 11 action figures were released in waves throughout 2019 and 2020. They were met with positive reviews from fans and collectors, who praised the figures for their high quality and accuracy. The figures were also a commercial success, selling over 1 million units worldwide.

The Mortal Kombat 11 action figures are a great way for fans of the game to collect their favorite characters and recreate their favorite scenes. The figures are also a great way for collectors to add to their collection of high-quality action figures.

Sequel

In the month of February in the year 2023, David Zaslav, the Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery, made an announcement during a corporate earnings call for the fourth quarter of the previous year, 2022. The announcement detailed plans for the release of the twelfth installment within a certain series, with the release date set for later within the same year. Subsequent information disclosed the specific title of this installment as Mortal Kombat 1.