Introduction

Mortal Kombat 1 on the Nintendo Switch. The latest entry in the legendary fighting game franchise has arrived, promising a rebooted universe and a fresh take on classic gameplay. But does it deliver on the Switch? After extensive playtime, I’m ready to share my experience with this portable powerhouse of brutality.

Features

Mortal Kombat 1 boasts a stunning roster of fighters, both familiar faces and exciting newcomers. The Kameo Fighters mechanic adds a strategic layer to combat, allowing you to call upon allies for devastating assists. The visuals are vibrant and gory, showcasing the signature Mortal Kombat style with impressive detail (considering the Switch’s limitations). The story mode is an engaging journey through the reimagined universe created by Liu Kang, and the online multiplayer is surprisingly smooth, offering a competitive experience on the go.

The inclusion of Shang Tsung as a pre-order bonus is a nice touch, adding immediate value for those who jumped in early. His varied moveset and unique playstyle make him a welcome addition to the roster.

Performance

While the visuals are impressive, it’s undeniable that the Switch version of Mortal Kombat 1 makes some compromises. Frame rate can dip occasionally during particularly intense moments, especially in online matches with multiple Kameo characters active. However, these dips are generally short-lived and don’t significantly detract from the gameplay experience. The portability is a huge win, allowing you to enjoy the brutal action anywhere. Load times are surprisingly reasonable for a game of this scale.

Playing in handheld mode is a testament to the Switch’s capabilities; the game remains remarkably playable, even with the occasional frame rate hiccup. The controls are responsive and intuitive, whether you’re using the Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Reimagined Mortal Kombat Universe
• Innovative Kameo Fighter system
• Visually stunning (for the Switch)
• Engaging story mode
• Surprisingly smooth online multiplayer
• Portability

Cons:

• Occasional frame rate drops
• Some graphical compromises compared to other platforms

Final Verdict

Mortal Kombat 1 on the Nintendo Switch is a worthy addition to the franchise. Despite some minor performance hiccups, the game offers a compelling fighting experience that’s both brutal and beautifully rendered. The portability factor alone makes it a strong contender for Switch owners. If you’re a fan of fighting games and have a Nintendo Switch, I highly recommend picking up Mortal Kombat 1. The compromises are minimal, and the fun is maximized.