nitpicks for MK X?
This game already had a lot of undeserved ones, especially in this forum.

The game went on the right direction, with fun and serious elements, plus realistic looking human characters. Keep on improving the basics, maybe add some more Brutalities and Fatalities.

The only things I didn't like about MK were the Brazil skin pack and the enormous amount of useless guests.

- No Sheeva. Ok. Ok. I'm realistic here. But Rain, Tanya and Skarlet should have a chance at being main roster.
- Jade being completely missing from story mode. like not even in the background. Literally everyone else made it in. Sindel, Nightwolf, Smoke, Kitana, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Stryker and Kabal. But no Jade. Not even a hint as to where she is either.
- That constant feeling that roster isn't finished. I still keep thinking Noob Saibot is going to be announced at any moment.

Thats it really. MKX was great. Loved the game. Love the variation system mostly. Gonna miss Shinnok. He was cool.

In a nutshell:

- Guest-heavy DLC roster

- Main roster too padded with characters meant to appease competitive players

- Goro as disc-locked content taking a spot on the main roster when he didn't even appear in the story or even serve as a sub-boss. Goro shouldn't have been in the game period, let alone taking up a main roster spot.

- Story focused on the Netherrealm and Noob Saibot is inexplicably absent from the game, Sareena unplayable, and Revenant Jade also absent without explanation.

- MK4 retelling yet Fujin barely makes a cameo

- "prequel comic" so blatantly unrelated to the story that it had more in common with Tekken than it did MKX

- lack of stages and variety

- The Pit stage fatality sucked (but i'm still grateful it was added)

- Requirements for some Brutalities were ridiculous

- Hidden Brutalities don't appear on the Brutality list

That's about it, really. All minor in the grand scheme of things, hence "nitpick". But the Goro disc lock content was a doozy.

I don't have a lot I'd say negatively about this game.

The roster admittedly FEELS wrong. There's a few characters that should be there, a few newbies I could do without. And yes, despite my positive stance on guest characters, even I'd say that 4 was way too many.

The story, as said before, is inconsistent. It's a damn shame that NRS couldn't collaborate with the comic more than they did. It's a miracle the comic managed to get as close as it did.

Gameplay was strong, a bit rushdown heavy, but strong.

The stages were good, but MK9 still holds a special place in my heart in that regard.

Overall, great game. I'm not playing it as much right now, but will likely put in some more time with the game before Injustice 2 comes out.


















...KOMBAT PACK 3, BOOK IT!

I agree with nearly everything you said, but Goro *was* a sub-boss on the traditional arcade ladders.

Duh, I forgot about that. Heh.

I think every one have already nailed most of my complaints. Great game but roster drives my interest the most when it comes to MK so of course most of my nitpicks revolve around that.

- The story was an absolute mess. There was great potential to really re-capture my interest in the story with Shao Kahn being dead and the throne for Outworld basically being up for grabs. Kotal and Mileena going head to head should've been the main focal point rather than just a frivols side plot. Seeing Mileena and her army(Including Rain, Tanya, Baraka, and Reiko) going head to head with Kotal Kahn and his (D'Vorah, Ermac, Reptile, Erron Black) and the Earth warriors being caught in the crossfire was a solid enough story. We really didn't need a jacked up disjointed re-hash of the MK4 storyline. If anything Shinnok's plot could've been used as the side plot for this one. Huge missed opportunity.

- The roster is lackluster. Significant characters to the current narrative are absent while characters that barely have a presence in the plot are fully playable. A whopping four guests characters taking up space. Unsatisfying DLC choices. Just really odd and erratic choices that do not make much sense. Goro shouldn't have been in the game- he was a waste. He seemed to only be added because Boon wanted to make up for not having him and the other sub bosses playable in MK9 but Goro sticks out like a sore thumb in this one. I would've replaced him with having Rain as the pre-order bonus. Rain at least plays a role in the story. Tanya and Fujin also would be added to the base roster. Those three additions alone already makes things significantly better. As for the DLC- I would've only done TWO guest characters with each Kombat Pack. Kombat Pack 1- Predator, Baraka, Reiko, and Shang Tsung(Might as well, he's the only MK1 character missing and was hinted at quite a bit in endings.). Kombat Pack 2- Alien, Tri-Borg, Tremor, and Havik. Havik would've been a much cooler option than Bo'Rai'Cho.
Just some better choices would've made the roster a whole lot smoother.

- No Tag mode was a HUGE mistake. HUGE. That only adds to game replay. I hope it returns for the next title at least.

-The lack of long term DLC support. Mortal Kombat 9 is a game that could've lasted way longer than it did with more DLC support. MKX is also a game that could STILL be thriving right now if they continued to support it. I'm not saying release a Kombat Pack every other week- but every so often release something to get people coming back. I haven't touched my copy of MKX in what feels like a year because there's nothing for me to really go back for. It's important for MK11 for them to truly make sure they have longterm plans for DLC WELL after the game releases and not even a year but past that. We should still be getting new content for MKX. I mean we most likely won't be seeing MK11 until 2019- that's a whopping two years away and yet continued DLC support for MKX seems long dead. They have to do fucking better. I know they are busy with Injustice 2 but even Injustice 2 seems more well-thought out in its plans post release and that game isn't even out yet- so hopefully MK11 is a game that can carry us until 2022 with long-term content. They HAVE to start doing better with this. No reason why I should be going almost a year without touching my copy of MKX.

No Jade and Kitana's Catwoman costume. Some of the concept art was really cool, but they gave her a Catwoman costume.

Arenas:
Far too few, and the little we did get were a bit disappointing. This time, I expected arena DLC, but only got ONE recycled MK9 arena. How pathetic.

Roster:
I honestly felt like it was very pointless to bring back characters that are technically getting replaced by the "new generation." Jax, Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Johnny, Sonya, etc. could have just been story mode NPCs just like Sindel and what not. Sub-Zero could have even given way to Frost since they're so hellbent on a new generation of heroes.

I just felt having Cage AND Sonya AND Cassie ... Kung Lao AND Liu Kang AND Kung Jin (etc. etc.) was a bit overhaul, and left little room for more fan favorites like Jade and Saibot.

I appreciate the effort of NRS, I really do. They made a great looking game, had so many moves and variety to it that it's almost unimaginable. That being said, there are some huge flaws in it that only make sense to rectify given that they made a game for themselves more than anything; that is why there were so many original characters, Goro prime example and I'm not mad at that one, since they finally had the technology to match their vision of what MK always should've been. They did a great job of that in terms of gameplay, roster size and modes, but came up short in some areas as well. It just didn't feel like an MK game, which is why I have 3 main overall problems with it:

1. The story just flat out bombed. The prequel with Shinnok, Fujin and Raiden was the only part that felt like MK. I did like the general idea of a new ruler in Kotal Kahn, but the execution was horrible. The futuristic feeling should've at least incorporated more fantasy, mystery and blending of worlds instead of just some settings with red clouds, some flying demons who you only see in cut scenes etc. I applaud their attempt, but combined with Boon boasting it so much that it feels like a real movie, it fell way short of expectations. The story trailer basically showed all the great parts and unfortunately didn't tell the whole story.

2. This leads to my second point: while they tried to go into a new direction and took some risks, the roster felt very shallow despite the quantity and depth with 3 variations, lots of fatalities etc. Having so many of the old characters, their descendants and a lack of fantasy / evil / clear distinctive characters again was underwhelming to say the least. Combine this with the fact they teased characters with their appearance in trailer(s), significance to the story and fan demand and they really messed up here. With arenas MK games usually have great numbers and while they looked amazing, the lack of variety which is usually present, and having so few they fell short here as well. Soundtrack consequently likewise.

3. The variation system. It showed depth and some variations make completely different fighters out of some characters, but it also showed that lack of creativity from NRS. They couldn't come up with anything special and seemed totally inspire less, just removing and adding basic moves that should've been standard across all variations. Some just had different weapons and 1 or 2 big moves that differed. Not worthy of a whole different variation imo. I would like to see 2 variations max and for them to hire a team of maybe some writers / artists to come up with good ideas. It's clear NRS is at the end of their rope here and they want to keep things pretty much the same. With the variation system, a character like Goro could've been awesome, but just felt like a big 2-armed fighter. While he looked great as ever, he never felt like the strong scary presence he should be.

For the follow-up game, we should expect some clear cuts from MKX to make it along with a return of Shang Tsung, maybe even Shao / Dragon King / Blaze, a farewell to most old farts; more arenas, a better soundtrack, some additions we don't see coming and hopefully a true return to brutalities and maybe even animalities in some shape or form. I actually felt the brutality tease as well as other troll jobs through twitter by Boon unnecessary, childish and basically a big FU to hardcore fans / those familiar with MK. The game could've been better, had they just flat out said NPCs will not be playable at all, made it clear DLC was going to be random as f---- , not bothered to include some characters in the story since it only raised expectations and maybe just not use 'brutality' for the quick fatalities.

One last thing: if the next game has most of the old farts and their descendants, basically half the roster, then clearly NRS doesn't care about moving forward and taking risks.

Like usual, I pretty much agree with everything you said -- except for the part about Bo' Rai Cho. I will always champion that lovable tub of flab. lol

Even though it was a fun game to play, I had issues with Mortal Kombat X. I'll start off with the five things I hated the most

1. Content that was locked like the Goro DLC or doing excessive multiplayer matches to get skins for some characters like most of the Revenants and Hot Shot Johnny Cage. Not all of us have time to do those matches and some of us suck online.

2. The story, while the beginning was good and a nice nod to MK X, it didn't really seem to go into why Outworld was having a civil war (you had to read the comic to get it) or show why Mileena was a bad ruler.

3. The roster felt incomplete, they just used so many characters from the MK 1-MK 4 era and not enough chances for some 3D era characters.

4. Despite how some parts of the comic were cool like the cameos, there were inconsistencies that bugged me (Scorpion remembering his death when we knew it was MK:M when he died, I assume it was just Quan Chi planting a fake memory)

5. Too much DLC guest characters, Predator, Alien and Jason were cool but did we really need Leatherface?

So yeah, those were my gripes with MKX.

Whereas Freddy Krueger could still be used, as it was in Mobile. I do not understand why Leatherface was in Freddy's place?

About the 3D Characters. Which of these women do you think is less likely to be in the next game: Li Mei, Sareena or Frost?

I think Leatherface and the TCM franchise are still properties of New Line (which is owned by WB).

Frost to me is the less likely because she was just bad in this version, still the same aggressive hot head from MK: DA.

Frost was actually better in MKDA because her character had nuance and her motivations were hidden at first. She didn't let on to Sub-Z just how impetuous she was and she would not have disobeyed a direct order, because her goal was to get close to the dragon medallion.

As for everyone else's nitpicks, i pretty much agree with guest roster issues and story issues and unlock issues. My hugest gripe of course is that i can't own this game, all because they pulled out of their promise.

The mobile version (which i still do use) feels like a needy, whiney, abusive relationship and i have trouble using it - All of which makes me wonder why i continue to go back for more. The fact that almost EVERY damn thing is online doesn't help someone like me who doesn't have reliable access to wifi The prices are too high for me to achieve, the money-grabbing marketing model is disgustingly blatant and effective (on simple-minded rubes).

Are these nitpicks or flat-out huge problems? You be the judges on that one. EDIT: Just thought of another thing. X-rays. They are fun the first 5 times you perform them, but after that the huge long cutscenes become tedious and the extreme damage totally dispels any willing suspension of disbelief (relating to the fact that if you didn't finish the round with that move, the person with their spine broken in two and skull crushed in gets up without so much as a limp and continues fighting). At least the fatalities leave the victim "dead". Not to mention i am not really a fan of Super-OTT moves anyway. They feel unbalanced and unfair.

If there is a Kombat Pack 3 as it would be very close to the launch of Mortal Kombat 11. I think it should serve as a farewell to characters who were present as Cameos and who will not be in Mortal Kombat 11. If Fujin, Sareena, Li Mei, Rain and Frost Not in the next game may never be playable in a Mortal Kombat again and Baraka was executed in Story Mode of that game. So if any of these characters are in the next game they should not be in the Kombat Pack and if they're not supposed to be. Apart from these characters it would only be fun Freddy (if we have more than 4 of these characters in the next game - also by farewell and by having his rival) or if Sareena is in KP3 also be Noob Saibot.

What do you think of this Requiem? It would be respectful, would not it?

- The Netherrealm, which is essentially Hell, felt nothing like infinite and filled with dreams and horrors. They gave it 2 stages and a single portal in a single place and even had SF soldiers going to Hell like just in another mission.
And they even died, they were fodder. If only Raiden had showed up earlier so these poor soldiers didn't end their existence in Hell. What are they gonna tell the wives?

- Not enough 3D characters!

I think the biggest issue i have with the story is something i have mentioned before: The fact that the only characters of any consequence that died were evil. This is in direct contrast to MK9 and the whole massacre scene. It was a war they were fighting, casualties happen on both sides - not just being unable to revive Liu Kang et al, but more loss was necessary to push the drama. I would be ok if it turned out that endings with Jax's death were canon (even if temporarily), just because it tells a more emotionally compelling story. (Nothing against Jax, he's the best example i could give.)

The roster's a bore. The horror dlc characters were fun but ultimately shallow. I've no desire to learn the new kids' intricacies.
With MK9 I chose either solo or tag tower, then randomly selected characters, and was happy with anyone. I can't do this anymore.

It's probably the equivalent of swearing around these parts, but I'm getting my kicks from DOA5LR nowadays, where I can choose either solo or tag, randomly select characters, and be happy with anyone.
I put on MKXL recently after a long time away and had fun, but not enough. I probably won't buy 11 on release, I'll wait for the cheap komplete.

No tag
No Kratos skin for Chi
No Freddy
No Kobra
4/5

- The story was a letdown. People complained about MK9 but MKX was far more disappointing.

- Cassie and Jacqui. The two single worst characters in MK history. I would have preferred to have six guests instead of these two.

- I loved having a proper, playable, fully fleshed out Goro in the game but I do agree he shouldn't have been the sub-boss. They could have made Ferra/Torr servants of Shinnok in the story and made Ferra/Torr the sub-boss.

- Kuai Liang needs to be the main hero. He's the one that truly makes the most sense.

- No Fujin, no Sindel, no Baraka, no Rain.

- The tie-in comic was a little poor in some places and it was supposed to provide some background to the story in MKX and failed to do that miserably. It basically just amounted to killing off a bunch of characters that didn't need to die.

* How you uppercut somebody in the background (stage fatality). It looks unnatural.
* The children gimmick.
* The animations don't match up the speed of the game. You can see that the animations are mocapt at a lower speed.
* The gameplay feels stiff. Idk why exactley. I wish i could describe why the game feels stiff.

Sorry my english is bad.

- No multiple X-Ray moves per character.

- Sub Zero's alts. Though I loved his MK3 alt and his revenant one, I really wanted to see his MK9 alt redone just like Scorpion and of course his Shredder armor.

- Few to zero alts for certain characters e.g. Goro. Would have loved to see Kotal in Shao Kahn's armor.

- No customizable accessories for characters ala Killer Instinct. Would have loved to make my own customized Subby.

- Guest characters. Though, I loved having Predator in it and even Alien was acceptable, the addition of Jason and Leatherface disgust me to this day. - Cassie Cage, Jax's daughter (can't even remember her name) and the whole hollywood-esque vibe they brought to the game. Fuckin hated it.

Other than that, best MK game ever made. A solid 9.5/10.0. I still play it.

So yeah, they've all been mentioned but I'll rank them:


5. Story - Actually think they did a great follow up in terms of continuity and I enjoyed the cinematics even more than in MK9 (updated graphics helped). But yes, it was a bit of a mess, clearly not enough time to squeeze everything in so they focused on highlites but it looked clumsy. They finally did some characters great justice such as Mileena who finally broke free from the whole ''She's a overly sexualized clone of Kitana......who's already over-sexualized to begin with.) I was okay with corrupt Shinnok as the big bad, but I feel they missed a huge opportunity to have their first female final boss in Mileena. Corrupt Mileena who grows freakishly out of size and becomes monstrous Ãa la Resident Evil on the count of getting too greedy with the amulet would have been a great idea. Plus she's a really popular character so I'm certain fans would have been on board with it.

4. No online tag - Seriously this was THE best feature about MK9 IMO. Playing 2 against someone who uses two characters meant changing strategies and sending them reeling. Now it's essentially, if they're better than you, then you get your ass kicked.

3. Controls - I always seem to be the only one with this problem but I find them really unresponsive in this game. Seems like my specials moves work only one time out of two.......or three. This becomes especially aggravating in fast-paced online matches and made me drop the whole thing altogether. And no it's not being a butt hurt sore loser. I never had this problem in MK9 and trust me a lot of people have been mopping the floor with me. Never once blamed it on the controls.

2. The cast - I'm in the minority here because Cage, Sonya, Jax and Kano are ALL in my top 5 favorite characters. so definitely no complaints there. BUT if the whole point of MKX was to pass the torch to their offsprings, then why bring the parents back?? It's total overkill and redundant. I absolutely loved the customized intros but given the fact that half the cast are friends and/or related made this feature almost pointless. Yeah the exchanges are funny, but they should have been meant to be dark and serious, instead we have friends and family members poking fun at each other. It got old fast. I'm not one of those ''OMGZ 3-D ERA CHARACTERS HAVE BEEN SNUBBED'' group, because I grew up in the 90's and have much more attachment to the OGs of MK. But you either try to go in a new direction or you don't. You can't have it both ways.

1. The ''guest stars'' - This is by far and wide at my number 1 criticism because of all these points, it's the one that actually made me turn away from the franchise as a whole. When I play MK, I want to play MK. Not Alien vs. Predators etc. Yeah, I get it, it makes money. But just like an indie rock musician who decides to dump everything away to become a marketable pop star, at what point do you wake up and realize that you're totally selling what once made you unique just so every John and Mary will give you 10 bucks? the thing that frustrates me the most about this is that it's extremely short-sighted on Boon and co' part. Yeah, it works and sells but you're also shitting all over your franchise. People will eventually forget what MK was all about. People will remember it as ''yeah, it's that game where you make Alien fight Predator or Leatherface square off against Michael Myers.............Scorpion, who??''. And this is for casual MK fans. Die hard fans such as myself will have moved on, so good job NRS, hope all that money you made with these downloads was worth it.