Mortal Kombat has been a popular video game franchise for decades, captivating legions of fans with its brutal fights, iconic characters, and gory finishers. However, even the most loyal of fans have their limits, and there are certain aspects of the series that they just can’t stand. In this post, we will explore 10 things that hardcore fans absolutely hate about Mortal Kombat. From irritating gameplay mechanics to poorly designed characters, we will dive into the criticisms that continue to frustrate fans of this beloved franchise. So buckle up, and get ready to explore the dark side of Mortal Kombat.
Introduction
Mortal Kombat has been an iconic franchise in the gaming industry for almost three decades. The series has evolved over the years, but not all changes were welcomed by the hardcore fans. In this article, we will discuss ten things that hardcore fans hate about the Mortal Kombat franchise.
- Poorly Received Spin-Off Titles
Mortal Kombat has had several spin-off titles that failed to live up to the expectations of the fans. Games like Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero and Mortal Kombat: Special Forces were critically panned and are considered as the lowest point of the franchise.
- Middling Movie Adaptations
Mortal Kombat has had multiple movie adaptations throughout the years, but none of them were truly excellent. Fans were disappointed with both the plot and the characters of the films.
- Shallow Cash Grabs
Mortal Kombat X introduced paid DLC characters, which enraged the fans. The paid characters were criticized for being shallow cash grabs, and many felt that it went against the franchise’s spirit.
- Grind and Microtransaction-Heavy Gameplay
Mortal Kombat 11 introduced the Crypt and Towers of Time modes, which required players to grind or spend real money to obtain items and progress. The fans compared the gameplay style to mobile games, and many felt that it was unnecessary.
- Frequent Server Issues
The Mortal Kombat franchise has faced frequent server issues, causing frustration for the fans. Many players complained of losing progress due to server errors, and some experienced connection problems while playing online.
- Multiple Fighting Styles
The early 2000s Mortal Kombat titles introduced multiple fighting styles for the characters. However, the fans did not take a liking to this feature and found it unnecessary. The multiple fighting styles were dropped from later games in the series.
- Poorly Aged 3D Games
The early 3D Mortal Kombat games have aged poorly, and the fans do not look back on them fondly. The clunky gameplay and graphics did not hold up as well as the 2D games.
- Confusing Timeline
Mortal Kombat 9 rebooted the franchise’s timeline, and it has confused some fans. The storylines have become convoluted, and many fans are not sure where the franchise is headed.
- Relying Too Heavily on Gore
Critics accused Mortal Kombat X of relying too heavily on gore for shock value, instead of pursuing creative finishing moves. Fans, too, were not impressed with the game’s focus on gore and brutality.
- Stereotypical Characters
Mortal Kombat has had its share of stereotypical characters, which have been criticized by the fans. Some of the characters have been accused of being overly sexualized or relying on offensive cultural stereotypes.
Conclusion
The Mortal Kombat franchise has had its ups and downs, but the fans have remained loyal throughout. However, there are several aspects of the franchise that hardcore fans do not like. The spin-off titles, middling movie adaptations, paid DLC characters, grind-heavy gameplay, frequent server issues, multiple fighting styles, poorly aged 3D games, confusing timeline, focus on gore, and stereotypical characters have all been criticized by the fans. It remains to be seen whether the franchise can address these concerns and win back the fans who have been disappointed in recent years.
FAQs
- Will Mortal Kombat ever have a good movie adaptation?
It’s possible, but it remains to be seen. The fans have been disappointed with previous movie adaptations, but with the right cast and creative direction, a good Mortal Kombat movie could be made.
- Can the Mortal Kombat franchise recover from its missteps?
It’s possible. The franchise has a loyal fan base, and if the developers can address the concerns of the fans, they could win back their trust.
- Are the multiple fighting styles really unnecessary?
It depends on who you ask. Some fans appreciate the added variety, while others feel that it complicates the gameplay unnecessarily.
- Why does Mortal Kombat focus so heavily on gore?
It’s part of the franchise’s DNA. Mortal Kombat has always been known for its brutal finishing moves, and it’s become a sort of trademark for the series.
- Will Mortal Kombat continue to rely on stereotypes?
Hopefully not. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it’s important for franchises like Mortal Kombat to reflect the diversity and inclusivity of its audience.