Mortal Kombat X

Mortal Kombat X

Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	2015 (2015)
Founder	NetherRealm Studios
Headquarters	United States
Products	Mortal Kombat X (video game)
Parent	Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Mortal Kombat X is a 2015 fighting game crafted by NetherRealm Studios and released by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. As the tenth primary entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise, it serves as a sequel to Mortal Kombat (2011), taking place a quarter-century after the events of its predecessor. Initially, the Windows edition was developed by High Voltage Software, before development responsibilities were transferred to the Polish studio QLOC.

The gameplay centers on combat between two players or a single player versus the CPU, utilizing a wide array of character-specific moves. Available modes encompass a narrative-driven story set 25 years subsequent to the previous title, multiple 'Tower' challenges, various online gameplay options, and the 'Krypt'—a first-person exploration mode designed to unlock in-game rewards.

An upgraded version titled Mortal Kombat XL, launched on March 1, 2016, for consoles, compiles all downloadable content from two Kombat Packs alongside most alternate costumes present at launch, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and improved netcode. This edition was later released for Windows on October 4, 2016. Its follow-up, Mortal Kombat 11, debuted on April 23, 2019, across several platforms.

Console iterations of Mortal Kombat X garnered widespread praise for their responsive controls, engaging gameplay, impressive visuals, compelling narrative, and diverse characters, with some critics labeling it the pinnacle of the series. Conversely, the PC version was met with criticism due to technical problems such as frequent crashes and subpar netcode performance. Selling over 10 million copies worldwide, it became the fastest-selling entry in the franchise and ranked ninth among the highest-selling retail games in the United States during 2015.

Gameplay

In Mortal Kombat X, players control one of two fighters engaging in combat using a variety of attacks that include special moves and the franchise’s trademark Fatalities. The game supports both local multiplayer and online play, as well as single-player matches against AI opponents. The Energy Meter system introduced in Mortal Kombat (2011) returns, allowing execution of advanced techniques such as "X-Ray" moves. Players can utilize environmental elements strategically during fights, and each character offers three distinct variations with unique move sets—for example, Scorpion’s Ninjutsu, Hellfire, and Inferno styles.

The Energy Meter is divided into three segments that power enhanced special attacks, combo breakers, and X-ray moves. Additionally, a Stamina Meter was implemented to regulate running, dashing, combo breaking, stage interactions, and special abilities.

New features include Quitality—a mechanic that punishes players who quit matches prematurely by instantly defeating their character—and Faction Kills—finishing moves associated with one of five factions: Black Dragon, Brotherhood of Shadow, Lin Kuei, Special Forces, and White Lotus. The game also reintroduces Brutalities as specific finishing moves triggered under particular conditions. Furthermore, Stage Brutalities and Stage Fatalities were brought back in the Mortal Kombat XL update.

Single-player content comprises a Story mode featuring cinematic sequences and Living Towers with varying challenges. Multiplayer options include local player-versus-player battles and online modes such as ranked or random 1 vs. 1 matches, King of the Hill, Survivor mode, Test Your Luck challenges, and Faction Wars—a cross-platform competition where participants earn points and faction-based rewards.

Plot

The story takes place two years after the defeat of Outworld’s ruler Shao Kahn. Shinnok launches an invasion of Earthrealm, commanding Netherrealm demons and revenant warriors controlled by Quan Chi. A task force led by Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, and Kenshi confronts Shinnok at the Jinsei Chamber, where Raiden and Fujin engage him in combat. Johnny discovers newfound abilities that aid in sealing Shinnok within an amulet; although Quan Chi escapes, he is eventually defeated. Johnny and Sonya marry and have a daughter named Cassie Cage, though they later separate. Meanwhile, Scorpion rebuilds his clan, and Sub-Zero ascends as Lin Kuei Grandmaster, mending his relationship with Scorpion.

Two decades later, Johnny assembles a new team consisting of Cassie Cage, Takeda Takahashi, Jacqui Briggs, and Kung Jin to intervene in Outworld’s civil conflict between Mileena—who possesses Shinnok’s amulet—and Emperor Kotal Kahn. After Mileena is captured and executed by Kotal, D'Vorah betrays Outworld by stealing the amulet for Quan Chi. Jax and Kenshi launch an assault on the Netherrealm to capture Quan Chi. Scorpion seeks revenge but accidentally releases Shinnok.

Shinnok corrupts the Jinsei Chamber; Cassie harnesses her powers to defeat him while Raiden cleanses the Jinsei. Raiden then warns revenants Liu Kang and Kitana about severe consequences if Earthrealm faces future threats.

Characters

The initial lineup features 25 playable fighters with an additional 8 characters introduced through downloadable content. New combatants are highlighted in bold and include Cassie Cage (daughter of Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade), D'Vorah (an insectoid humanoid), Erron Black (a gunslinger with a Western style), Ferra/Torr (a symbiotic two-in-one duo), Jacqui Briggs (daughter of Jax), Kotal Kahn (Outworld’s emperor inspired by Aztec culture), Kung Jin (archer and cousin to Kung Lao), and Takeda Takahashi (Kenshi’s son). Guest characters appear in italics. Goro was offered as a pre-order exclusive or through Kombat Pack 2.

Several notable non-playable characters feature in the story mode, including Baraka, Sindel, Fujin, Rain, Sareena, Li Mei, Frost, Stryker, Kabal, Nightwolf, and Smoke.

Development

NetherRealm Studios initiated hiring for eighth-generation console development in April 2012. Confirmation of a new Mortal Kombat title arrived in July 2013 to coincide with the franchise’s film reboot. Early speculation linked actor Kiefer Sutherland to the project; however, co-creator Ed Boon later dismissed these rumors. The game was reportedly codenamed Mortal Kombat 2 during development. A leaked updated dragon logo surfaced in May 2014 ahead of the official announcement on June 2 as Mortal Kombat X, accompanied by a reveal trailer showcasing Scorpion versus Sub-Zero set to Wiz Khalifa’s original song "Can't Be Stopped". The public debut occurred at E3 2014 with further character reveals. The trailer became the third most-viewed on YouTube during Q2 2014. Development prioritized PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions running at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second while featuring highly graphic finishing moves.

After receiving criticism over technical problems with the PC port developed by High Voltage Software, responsibility shifted to Polish studio QLOC. Plans for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 editions were canceled in August 2015 due to quality concerns. Initially, Kombat Pack 2 content and Mortal Kombat XL updates were not available on PC; however, an open beta for XL’s online features launched in August 2016 followed by a full PC release on October 4, 2016.

Marketing

Beginning in January 2015, DC Comics released a related comic book series. The initial trailer featured Wiz Khalifa’s track "Can't Be Stopped," while live-action advertisements, directed by Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, incorporated the song "Chop Suey!". NASCAR competitor Erik Jones showcased the Mortal Kombat X emblem on his #20 vehicle during his victory in April 2015. The game actively supported eSports tournaments across Europe, Asia, and North America, offering weekly prizes of $1,000 and culminating in $100,000 season finals claimed by Dominique "Sonic Fox" McLean. The second season extended from October 2015 through early 2016.

Release

The game launched globally on April 14, 2015, for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One platforms, with the exception of Germany where its release was postponed until September due to rating complications. The Kollector's Edition contained a Scorpion figurine, a Gold Scorpion skin, and access to Kombat Pack 1. A significant update coinciding with Kombat Pack 2 and the release of Mortal Kombat XL introduced various balance adjustments, a new arena titled "The Pit," stage brutalities, and rollback netcode resembling GGPO.

Downloadable content

Goro was initially available as a pre-order exclusive and subsequently made available for purchase after launch.

Several downloadable content packs introduced additional fighters and cosmetic skins: the Ultimate Horror Pack included Jason Voorhees alongside horror-themed costumes; the Predator/Prey Pack added Predator plus themed skins for Johnny Cage, Scorpion, and Jax (voiced by Carl Weathers).

Jason Voorhees was unveiled as the first DLC character in March 2015, followed by Predator after an unintended leak. Tremor from Mortal Kombat: Special Forces and Tanya from Mortal Kombat 4 completed the roster for Kombat Pack 1. This compilation also incorporated multiple skin bundles such as the Samurai Pack and Klassic Packs. Although Terminator and Michael Myers were considered for inclusion, they ultimately did not appear.

Kombat Pack 2 was hinted at in September 2015 and officially announced in December, featuring Bo' Rai Cho from Deadly Alliance, a new cyborg character Triborg (with variations including Cyrax, Sektor, Smoke, and Sub-Zero), Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Alien from the namesake franchise. Additionally, Goro became accessible to players who had not pre-ordered along with extra skins. This pack was released on March 1, 2016 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One; the PC version followed in October alongside the XL update.

Mortal Kombat XL

Announced on January 20, 2016 alongside Kombat Pack 2, Mortal Kombat XL compiles all DLC content up to Kombat Pack 2. It was released on March 1 (North America) and March 4 (Europe) for PS4 and Xbox One.

Following fan feedback regarding PC interest in XL, an open beta was conducted from August to September 2016 on Steam. The full PC launch occurred in October accompanied by balance patches affecting all platforms. Unlike prior versions handled by High Voltage Software, QLOC managed this PC port.

Related game

NetherRealm Studios introduced a free-to-play mobile adaptation for iOS and Android between April and May 2015 that featured cross-platform unlocks with console versions.

Subsequent updates incorporated Freddy Krueger (exclusive to mobile using MK9 moves), Jade, Baraka, Takeda, Tremor; later additions included Goro and Shao Kahn as well as Bo' Rai Cho and Kintaro; Leatherface joined in October 2018. The title was rebranded as Mortal Kombat Mobile in February 2019 when it upgraded its graphics engine from Unreal Engine 3 to Unreal Engine 4 while integrating features from Mortal Kombat 11.

The application has surpassed 50 million downloads on Android devices.

Critical reception

Mortal Kombat X was met with predominantly favorable reviews on all platforms. It achieved the fastest sales pace in the series' history, leading both the US and UK PlayStation 4 sales charts upon release.

Brian Shea from Game Informer commended the game for its intricate gameplay diversity and robust multiplayer features. While GameSpot acknowledged its polished combat mechanics, it expressed concerns over the extensive use of paid downloadable content. GamesRadar praised the voice performances within the story mode but criticized the other single-player modes for insufficient tutorial support.

Destructoid recognized it as one of the most significant fighting games released that year. VideoGamer.com highlighted the variety in gameplay but mentioned issues with online connectivity, whereas Game Revolution valued the gameplay systems despite pointing out flaws in story pacing.

GameTrailers regarded it as an excellent addition to the franchise; IGN awarded it the highest rating among series entries for its depth and innovative roster; Polygon applauded its gameplay mechanics; VentureBeat noted confusion caused by certain animations and problems with online stability; PC Gamer raised concerns regarding competitive play due to unstable online performance.

Sales

By March 2019, Warner Bros had announced that over 12 million copies had been sold globally, establishing it as the franchise’s fastest-selling installment and ranking ninth among the top-selling retail games in the US for 2015. Its first-month sales surpassed any game released in April in subsequent years.

Awards

Awards and Nominations
Award	Category	Result
The Game Awards 2015	Best Fighting Game	Template:Won
2015 NAVGTR Awards	Game, Franchise Fighting	Template:Won
	Camera Direction in a Game Engine	Template:Nom
19th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards	Fighting Game of the Year	Template:Won