Released in late September 2024, Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns marks an important content expansion for NetherRealm Studios’ latest instalment in their long-running franchise. Having launched just a year earlier, Mortal Kombat 1 redefined the series by rebooting the timeline and introducing new character dynamics, fresh visuals, and, of course, brutal fatalities. Fans hailed the game for its intense fighting mechanics, deep roster, and the introduction of the “Kameo Fighters” system—a feature that allowed secondary characters to assist during battles.
The Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns expansion brings even more to the table, but is it enough to satisfy players? This review will dive into its key aspects, from the expanded roster to the new story mode, and whether this content justifies its £49.99 price tag on PlayStation 5.
A Recap of Mortal Kombat 1
Before discussing Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns, it’s important to understand the foundation laid by Mortal Kombat 1. The game introduced a rebooted timeline, helmed by Fire God Liu Kang, who reshapes the Mortal Kombat universe. Iconic characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and Johnny Cage returned, but with reimagined backstories. New fighters were introduced as well, such as Li Mei and Ashrah, adding fresh layers to the classic fighting formula.
Upon release, Mortal Kombat 1 earned widespread praise for its smooth, impactful combat mechanics, the creative use of the Kameo Fighters system, and its cinematic story mode, which was more polished than ever. However, fans craved more content to build on the reboot’s exciting start—and that’s where Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns comes in.
Story and Narrative Expansion
The most significant addition in Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns is the new cinematic story mode expansion. While the original game wrapped up the main narrative quite neatly, the expansion delves into new plotlines and, most notably, the character of Havik. Known for his chaotic nature, Havik throws the Mortal Kombat universe into further disarray, resulting in timeline shenanigans and a fragmented reality. However, despite its potential, the story doesn’t quite reach the high stakes of the main game. Some fans might be disappointed by the relatively short runtime—clocking in at just a few hours.
The timeline meddling leads to some cool set pieces, but overall, the narrative feels like a side quest rather than an essential continuation of the Mortal Kombat 1 saga. It’s fun, but for those looking for a deep, impactful storyline, this might feel like a missed opportunity. On the plus side, the cinematic quality of the cutscenes is as high as ever, with NetherRealm’s expert storytelling still on display, just in a smaller dose.
New Playable Characters: A Mixed Bag
One of the most exciting aspects of any Mortal Kombat expansion is the addition of new fighters, and Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns doesn’t disappoint in this department. The expansion includes six new playable characters, three of whom are available right from the start: Noob Saibot, Cyrax, and Sektor. These characters add diversity to the roster, bringing back fan-favourite moves and styles that veterans of the series will instantly recognize. Cyrax and Sektor, as cybernetic ninjas, have always been beloved for their mechanical precision and brutal fighting techniques, while Noob Saibot offers his signature shadow-based abilities.
What really gets fans buzzing, though, is the inclusion of three upcoming guest fighters set to arrive post-launch: Ghostface, the iconic villain from the Scream franchise, T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Conan the Barbarian, based on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal from the 1982 film. Each of these characters has unique movesets and design elements that cater to their cinematic origins, making them exciting additions to the roster. Guest characters have always been a hallmark of Mortal Kombat, and the franchise continues to excel in crafting them to be both fun and lore-respecting.
However, players will need to wait for these characters to be fully released, and while early access is granted to Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns owners, the delay can feel a bit frustrating for those eager to try out all six characters at once.
Animalities: A Nostalgic Finishing Move Returns
Perhaps the most hyped feature of the expansion is the return of Animalities, a finishing move style that allows fighters to transform into animals and tear their opponents apart. Fans of the older Mortal Kombat games will remember these brutal yet somewhat absurd finishers from the 90s. The return of Animalities adds a nostalgic touch, and they are free for all Mortal Kombat 1 players, not just those who purchase the expansion. While this is a fun addition, it’s more of a cosmetic feature than a gameplay-changing mechanic, so players who aren’t into finishers might not find this to be a game-changer.
Gameplay: Still Fun, But Nothing New
The core combat mechanics of Mortal Kombat 1 remain unchanged in Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns. This is both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, the smooth, visceral fighting engine continues to shine on PS5. Characters move with precision, attacks land with satisfying impact, and the Kameo Fighters system is still a fun twist on traditional Mortal Kombat gameplay.
However, for those expecting new gameplay mechanics or substantial changes to the combat system, the expansion doesn’t deliver. The only notable gameplay addition is the new character roster, which, while fun, doesn’t drastically alter the overall experience. That said, if you loved Mortal Kombat 1, you’ll likely enjoy what Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns has to offer—it just doesn’t reinvent the wheel.
Visuals and Performance on PS5
On PlayStation 5, Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns is visually stunning. The character models, environments, and fatalities are rendered in grotesque detail, taking full advantage of the hardware’s capabilities. The game runs at a steady 60 frames per second, with no noticeable dips in performance, even during the most hectic of fights. The loading times are also minimal, keeping players immersed in the action.
The new stages introduced in the expansion are equally impressive, with intricate designs and dynamic elements that add layers to the already brutal combat arenas.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Price?
Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns expansion brings fun new content to the table, but whether or not it’s worth the £49.99 price tag depends on your expectations. The new characters are fantastic, especially for fans of guest fighters, and the return of Animalities is a delightful nod to longtime fans. However, the short runtime of the story mode and the lack of significant gameplay changes might leave some players wanting more.
For die-hard Mortal Kombat fans, the expansion will be a welcome addition, but for more casual players, it might be worth waiting for a discount.
Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns Trailer
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Written by me, and edited by my partner.
Code was provided to us by the publisher WBGames
