Complex fighting games where you fight as flaming demon ninjas and bug-inhabited corpses is what the Mortal Kombat franchise is all about. Interesting characters coupled with easy to learn but hard to master fighting game concepts is why Mortal Kombat is so beloved by hardcore and casual fans alike. “Mortal Kombat 11” absolutely delivers on those concepts and makes not only a fun fighting game but an interesting one, with plenty of extra content for diehard fans.

The core mechanics of “Mortal Kombat 11” are refreshing and incredibly fun. The new meter system allows you to take risks with what you want to do with your resources. The game is much more neutral-based than the games preceding it and allows for more expressive gameplay. The game isn’t quite as balanced as I’d like it to be, though. A few characters in the game are severely underpowered and need buffs. Characters such as Shao Kahn are absolutely overshadowed compared to the high-tiers such as Geras. Other than the slight balancing issues though, the fighting is great.

The only other part of the game that bugs me is the content that isn’t exclusively the fighting. The progression system regarding the Krypt is extremely frustrating and time-consuming compared to the older games. Although the concept of the Krypt is a love letter to the fans with the immense amount of easter eggs, progression feels tedious and boring. The towers of time that allow you to progress have an option where an A.I. plays for you; this should be a red flag. When you opt out of playing a game simply to progress is a definite bad sign.

Other than the immense grind and the luck involved in the Krypt, the other extra content is very fun. The story mode is truly a blast to watch unfold, Mortal Kombat favorites return and make the story intense and involved. The story itself is very good and one of the best in the Mortal Kombat series so far. Other than the Krypt and slight balancing issues, the core gameplay and story of “Mortal Kombat 11” are a huge hit. “Mortal Kombat 11” will absolutely be one of my favorite games of 2019.