Mortal Kombat 2011, also known as MK9, is the greatest modern Mortal Kombat game.
This game was a return to the classic 2D-style Mortal Kombat gameplay, and was made specifically to be a competitive fighting game. MK had had years of mediocre-at-best 3D games. Lackluster graphics, uninspired and often broken gameplay, and horrific balance were the hallmarks of MK games for many years. Then along comes MK9 to revitalize the franchise.
This game was basically a reboot for the entire franchise. It featured a roster filled with the every beloved, classic character from the early games. Basically every character from MK1-MK3 returns here with a fresh take on the character, as well as characters like Quan Chi, who originally premiered in MK4.
The gameplay is lightning fast but not overwhelming, and the meter system is one of the best I can think of in modern fighting games. 1 bar allows an EX special move, 2 bars act as a combo breaker, and all 3 bars allow you access to a powerful, armored X-Ray super move for about 40% damage. X-Rays are also unbreakable, and can be great combo enders to close out a round.
Yeah, the balance is ultimately all over the place, and that’s maybe my only slight complaint. Kabal, Kenshi, Freddy, and Sonya are all stupidly strong, with Sonya having, for example, an armored EX move that both launches and is safe on block. Anyone who knows anything about fighting games knows how insane that is!
That said, everyone is fun, and even lower tier characters like Scorpion, Sub Zero, Kano and Stryker are viable at most levels of play. Yeah, if you’re fighting against Kabal in the grand finals of a major tournament, you’re probably going to struggle in those matchups. But for 99.999% of players, everyone is viable, and that’s glorious.
If you’ve never played this game, pick up the Komplete Edition which has all content and patches, and go to town!