This isn't looking good for MK1...

Summary

The video script discusses the challenges and future of Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1), focusing on its development, updates, and content. The creator reflects on how the game initially struggled with speed and gameplay issues, but later improved with patches and updates. Despite the game's success in terms of player engagement, there are concerns about its future, including a lack of meaningful expansions and the industry's direction. The script emphasizes the burnout of developers and the need for a fresh perspective, suggesting that perhaps the series should take a break before moving forward with a new Mortal Kombat or Injustice title.

Takeaways

• 😀 MK1's DLC, including characters like the T1000, may be a sign that the game is nearing its end, as it appears to preload content for a potential definitive edition.
• 😀 There is a long history of NRS games being released as 'definitive editions' once development finishes, and MK1 seems to be following this pattern.
• 😀 The addition of movie costumes and characters suggests that the developers may be winding down support for the game, despite early promises of long-term content updates.
• 😀 MK1's recent expansion, Chaos Reigns, hasn't performed well in terms of sales, and its quality is considered the weakest among NRS's story modes.
• 😀 NRS's plans for more content and expansions likely got disrupted by publisher decisions, particularly Warner Bros. and their financial constraints.
• 😀 While MK1 remains one of the most played games on PlayStation, its expansion pack's lackluster performance signals a potential end to future content for the game.
• 😀 Despite MK1's slow start, the game has evolved over the past year, with substantial improvements to gameplay, making it one of the most fun NRS games since Mortal Kombat X.
• 😀 The cameo system in MK1 was a half-baked concept, initially limiting fun with frustrating timers and unbalanced characters, but it has improved significantly over time.
• 😀 MK1's slow pacing, especially with attacks and combos, was one of its biggest criticisms, making the game feel slower than previous installments like MK11.
• 😀 The online functionality and matchmaking in MK1, though improved over time, still face issues that hinder a seamless and enjoyable player experience.
• 😀 If MK1 is truly the end of the line, the future of NRS fighting games may involve a shift away from traditional Mortal Kombat or Injustice games, as the publisher looks to streamline its focus.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Mortal Kombat 1 definitive edition announcement?

The announcement of the Mortal Kombat 1 definitive edition suggests that the game may be nearing the end of its life cycle, consolidating the core content and DLC into a final boxed or digital release. This could signal that there won’t be further significant updates or expansions for the game in the future.

How does the narrator feel about the MK1 DLC and guest characters?

The narrator expresses mixed feelings about MK1's DLC and guest characters, acknowledging that while some characters, like the T1000, are cool, the constant inclusion of movie costumes and guest characters seems like a sign that the game might be winding down. They feel that NRS may be preloading content for future use as a way to give the appearance of ongoing support when, in reality, development may be finishing.

Why does the narrator suggest that MK1 may be the 'end' of Mortal Kombat for now?

The narrator suggests that MK1 could be the end of the Mortal Kombat franchise for a while due to the lack of content and support following the release of the DLC and definitive edition. The signs, such as rumors about poor DLC sales and the game’s underwhelming expansion, hint at a possible conclusion to MK1's development, with no significant future updates.

What issues does the narrator point out with MK1's gameplay mechanics?

The narrator highlights several issues with MK1’s gameplay, including a slow pace of attacks, unbalanced cameo system, and overall sluggishness in combat. They also criticize the cameos, which were initially overpowered or nerfed too much, making them less enjoyable and functional as an assist mechanic.

How does the cameo system in MK1 compare to other games, according to the narrator?

The narrator compares the cameo system in MK1 to the PlayStation version of Marvel vs. Capcom, which lacked proper support for multiple characters tagging in. In MK1, cameos function as assists, but the system feels half-baked and doesn't fully align with the traditional 1v1 gameplay, often resulting in an unsatisfying experience.

What improvements did MK1 make over time, according to the narrator?

Over time, MK1 made several improvements, particularly in gameplay. The cameo system became more balanced, and character adjustments led to a smoother, more enjoyable experience. The online functionality was also improved, with faster matchmaking and reduced downtime between matches, making the game more accessible and fun to play.

What are the narrator’s thoughts on MK1’s story mode and its expansion packs?

The narrator is disappointed with MK1's story mode and expansions. They criticize the Chaos Reigns expansion for its weak narrative and unfulfilling conclusion, feeling that it left the story hanging with no clear resolution. Additionally, there are rumors that the expansion packs didn’t sell well, which might contribute to the game’s potential end.

Why does the narrator believe that Mortal Kombat 1 may not meet the expectations of fans?

The narrator believes that MK1 doesn’t meet fan expectations because it lacks the content and features that previous NRS games like MK11 and Injustice 2 offered. The game didn’t have enough substantial DLC, features, or updates to satisfy the fanbase, leading to disappointment among those who expected more.

What is the narrator’s opinion on the possibility of an Injustice 3?

The narrator expresses hesitation about the idea of Injustice 3, particularly because they are wary of a game that follows the same formula as the previous two. They would prefer a fresh approach to the series, evolving the gameplay to avoid repetition. However, they are open to the possibility if the game innovates and moves away from the previous patterns.

What is the narrator’s final assessment of Mortal Kombat 1 and its future?

The narrator believes that if MK1 is indeed winding down, it marks a sad end for the game, as it was one of the most fun NRS games since MKX. However, they acknowledge that the game still had issues and failed to fully meet fan expectations. They also express sympathy for the NRS developers, who might be burned out after working on multiple Mortal Kombat games, and hope they can take a break and return with fresh ideas in the future.