MKX

Mortal Kombat X, commonly abbreviated MKX, is a fighting video game in the Mortal Kombat franchise developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Games. It was released in 2015 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Microsoft Windows, with an expanded edition titled Mortal Kombat XL released later that year.

Set twenty-five years after the events of Mortal Kombat (2011), MKX follows a new generation of fighters alongside returning veterans as Earthrealm faces threats from both familiar and new antagonists. The roster includes new characters such as Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, and Takeda, along with longtime favorites like Sub-Zero and Scorpion, all presented with updated visuals and a modernized presentation.

Gameplay introduces a Variations system where each fighter has three different fighting styles, enabling players to customize their approach and move sets. The game features Fatalities and introduces Brutalities as alternative finishing moves, along with a traditional story mode, Challenge Tower, and the Krypt for unlocking hidden content. Online play and local multiplayer are supported.

Development and reception: NetherRealm Studios aimed to balance accessibility with depth, delivering improved graphics, motion capture, and a cinematic presentation. MKX received generally positive reviews for its visuals, roster, and variation-based mechanics, while some critics noted balance issues and the presence of microtransactions.

Legacy: Mortal Kombat XL, a later edition, bundled the base game with all DLC characters and additional content. MKX contributed to the ongoing popularity of the Mortal Kombat series and influenced subsequent installments with its variation-based design and expansive DLC strategy.