Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection, a highly anticipated compilation of the iconic fighting franchise, was expected to be a triumph for fans and newcomers alike. This collection brings together the first four Mortal Kombat games, including the elusive WaveNet version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, previously thought to be lost. It also features less celebrated titles such as Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, included for the sake of nostalgia and meme culture. Adding to the allure is an interactive documentary that delves into the history of this gory series, reminiscent of the acclaimed The Making of Karateka.
Challenges Post-Launch
However, the initial reception has not been as favorable as anticipated. Within days of its release, a staggering 55% of reviews on Steam have turned negative. Players have voiced their frustrations, particularly regarding input lag, which has been described as “unacceptably high in every game—even offline.” Some users have even noted that this lag is perceptible in the menus, detracting from the overall experience.
Concerns extend beyond performance issues; the online multiplayer experience has also come under scrutiny. One player lamented, “The online’s in a terrible state. Quick play matches with random people only. You can’t queue for more than one game at a time, so the community’s splintered between games.” Comparisons have been drawn to the 360/PS3 MK Kollection released over a decade ago, which many argue had superior netcode.
In response to the outcry, the developers have announced that features such as FAQ and lobbies are on the way in a post-release update. “In the weeks following launch,” they stated, “we will add Online Arcade, a system where you can create lobbies, choose the players, and rotate games for the tastes of your private group of friends. We’re finalizing the UI details on these features now.” Additionally, a hotfix has been rolled out to address audio issues and other bugs, with promises of further fixes to come.
While there is hope that these updates will rectify the current shortcomings, it is disappointing that a collection of games with a legacy spanning 30 years has arrived on PC feeling somewhat undercooked. On a positive note, the documentary included in the package has garnered praise, becoming the focal point of many positive reviews.
