In the world of fighting games, you have your Street Fighters and you have your Tekkens, and then there’s Mortal Kombat. One of the most controversial and polarizing games of all time, Mortal Kombat has cultivated a strong following since the series’ debut in 1992. Fast-forward 23 years, and interest in the title is as strong as ever with the release of its 10th installment, Mortal Kombat X. One would think that after more than 20 years of Mortal Kombat, the thrill of the game would wear out, but Mortal Kombat X is a perfect example of how a veteran title can still be fresh and exciting while remaining true to its roots.

In MKX’s story mode, an amulet containing the entity of a dangerous god falls into the wrong hands, putting Earthrealm in sudden peril. The only way to quell the threat? Fight it, obviously. But instead of having the same tired cast of characters return, a twist has been added. After explaining the story’s history at the beginning, the game has a time jump that propels it 20 years into the future, creating the opportunity to introduce a new generation of fighters alongside grizzled and wiser versions of the game’s original combatants like Sub-Zero and Johnny Cage.

The interaction between the old blood and new blood adds a nice take on the characters and creates interesting conflict. And while the new breed is indeed tough, the iconic originals aren’t exactly pushing walkers. If anything, they’re throwing them. The fatalities – a hallmark of the series that has helped separate it from other fighting games – continue to surprise with their gore factor, and the popular X-ray move from 2011’s Mortal Kombat is wisely still included. A new addition is the choice of picking from three different fighting variations for each character. Each has its own unique power move, such as Sub-Zero’s Cryomancer, a selection that allows him to create ice weapons.

While the handling and controls of the game are spot-on, it’s MKX’s ability to meet the challenge of the next-gen environment that is its greatest strength. With expectancy for multiplayer availability in games nowadays, the gaming community should be ecstatic with what MKX has to offer. MKX introduces the online Faction War mode, a community-driven event in which you pick one of five groups to join and contribute points through your matchups against other online competitors in different groups. The faction with the most points at the end of the week earns a reward. It’s a clever idea that really creates a buzz among MKX gamers and spreads Mortal Kombat’s online potential.

MKX is the fighting game all others should strive to match. It manages to keep its original charm while seamlessly incorporating modern demands. It is a crowning achievement for the series, one that delivers all the gruesome I-can’t-believe-they-did-that moments you could hope for while seriously forging new ground.

For more information, visit mortalkombat.com

By Jason Savio