The anticipation surrounding the release of Mortal Kombat 1 continues to grow as developer NetherRealm Studios prepares to unleash its latest installment. The recent network stress test provided players with a glimpse into the highly anticipated game, and we had the opportunity to join the test on Xbox Series X and Series S.
From early resolution and performance details to the stunning graphics and seamless transitions, here are my thoughts on how Mortal Kombat 1 is shaping up.
A Masterclass in Revealing a Game
Mortal Kombat 1 has set the stage for a captivating game release, showcasing a seamless transition from announcement to launch. The network stress test further reinforced this notion, offering players around the world a chance to experience the latest Mortal Kombat installment.
The game’s reveal, followed by the stress test, has undoubtedly built excitement among fans eager to dive into the brutal world of Mortal Kombat.
Unreal Engine 4 and Striking Visuals
One of the most interesting aspects of Mortal Kombat 1 is NetherRealm Studios’ decision to adopt Unreal Engine 4, a departure from their previous technology. The game’s visual fidelity is immediately apparent, with a native 4K background and crisp menu elements that showcase the power of the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles.
The character selection screen impresses with its smooth transitions, bringing the chosen fighters to life as they assume iconic poses from Mortal Kombat 3.
A Visual Spectacle in Motion
Once the battles commence, it becomes clear that Mortal Kombat 1 shines even brighter in motion than the initial low-bitrate YouTube trailer suggested. On the Xbox Series X, the game aims to deliver a full native 4K resolution, although dynamic resolution scaling is implemented during intense action sequences.
Similarly, on the Xbox Series S, the game maintains a high level of graphical fidelity, with slight resolution drops during battles. Regardless of the platform, the character models exhibit exceptional detail, featuring expressive faces, realistic skin textures, and intricate outfits.
Fluid Simulation and Attention to Detail
Mortal Kombat 1 impresses with its realistic cloth and blood fluid simulation. The cloth physics demonstrate remarkable flexibility, responding to the fighters’ movements and gravity itself. Each attack leaves behind long, fluid trails of digital droplets, enhancing the visual impact of the combat.
The meticulously crafted backgrounds feature well-designed materials, subtle shadowing, and accurate reflections, complemented by realistic physics that allow for the interaction with smaller objects.
Smooth Performance and Intense Battles
Performance is a critical factor in any fighting game, and Mortal Kombat 1 delivers a solid 60 frames per second on both Xbox Series X and Series S. However, certain cinematic sequences, Fatal Blows, and Fatalities run at 30 frames per second. While these scenes may be more demanding, the addition of excellent motion blur ensures a visually appealing experience.
The online gameplay exhibited occasional minor hiccups, primarily limited to pre-match sequences. Overall, Mortal Kombat 1 on Xbox demonstrates strong performance and stands as one of the most visually impressive fighting games available.
Looking Ahead: The Switch Version and Beyond
As excitement builds for the release of Mortal Kombat 1 on various platforms, questions remain about the Switch version. While previous iterations experienced a visual downgrade on the Switch, the use of Unreal Engine 4, which offers broader support for the platform, may result in an improved visual experience.
The forthcoming release will provide answers to this inquiry, allowing players to see how Mortal Kombat 1 fares on the Nintendo Switch.
As the September 19 release date approaches, Mortal Kombat 1 continues to generate intrigue with its impressive graphics, smooth performance, and intense battles.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to the franchise, Mortal Kombat 1 promises to deliver a visually stunning and exhilarating fighting game experience.
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