What Mortal Kombat Game Should I Play First?

As a gaming enthusiast who has followed the Mortal Kombat (MK) series for over a decade, I often get asked by newcomers which MK game they should start with. My recommendation? Jump into Mortal Kombat 11.

Here‘s why MK11 is the ideal entry point into the iconic fighting game franchise, even in 2024.

MK11 is Designed for Beginner Players

Unlike previous titles, MK11 makes learning approachable for new players. The new tutorial modes methodically teach everything from basic attacks to advanced combos using simplified, dial-in inputs. There‘s also Fatal Blows – powerful desperation moves with lenient timing – to help less experienced fighters make comebacks.

According to gaming site IGN, "NetherRealm has turned one of the most complex fighting games into something approachable." Game Revolution said MK11 "somehow manages to be new-player friendly while also catering to hardcore MK fans at the same time."

Statistics provided by Sony show over 12 million players have played MK11 since launch. Based on fan sentiment online, many of these are newcomers brought in by the welcoming onboarding experience.

Hundreds of Hours of Content Out the Box

While the accessible mechanics make MK11 enticing for beginners, the sheer wealth of content will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours.

Features

And that‘s just launch content! There‘s also regular online tournaments and events to participate in against the active player base. Not to mention DLC expansions which add even more fighters, stages and cosmetics.

A Visual Showcase

From sandy deserts to icy tundras, MK11‘s environments are not just gorgeous – they‘re interactive! Smash your rivals through walls and onto other arena floors for massive damage. Or utilize stage objects like death traps to execute spectacular finishers.

Advanced character models flaunt MK‘s famously gore-soaked visuals like never before. Every crushing bone, slice of flesh, and spurt of blood is rendered in unbelievable detail. Despite being over 2 years old at this point, Digital Foundry still calls MK11 "a technological showpiece for this generation of gaming hardware." Destructoid said it‘s "arguably the best-looking fighter out there right now."

While the graphics set a new bar, MK11 retains the strategic, methodical combat pace the franchise is loved for. So new players can look awesome executing combos while veterans maintain that tactical depth they expect. Everyone wins!

Brief History of Mortal Kombat Games

Mortal Kombat (MK) first exploded onto the gaming scene in 1992 with its hyper-violent take on 1v1 arcade fighting. Quickly gaining notoriety thanks to its graphic finishing moves, the flat 2D sprites of the original MK and its sequel MKII have a retro charm that still appeals today.

Key Era Developments:

• 2D Era (MK to MK Trilogy) – Established story/characters, controversial violence
• 3D Era (MK4 to MK Armageddon) – New mechanics, vast roster of fighters
• Revival (MK9 to MK11) – Modern visuals, beginner-friendly gameplay

After the 2D and 3D eras, MK was rebooted in 2011 with MK9 which retold the storyline from the beginning. MKX continued the new saga in 2015 with interactive environments, enhanced graphics and a brutal new fighting variant system.

That catches us up to present day with MK11 raising the bar yet again – and providing the perfect place for newcomers to live out their killer kombos!

Mortal Kombat Series Lifetime Sales Figures

The Mortal Kombat games have sold impressively well since the 90s:

Sales Totals

As of 2019, the series has earned over $5 billion USD worldwide according to creator Ed Boon. MK11 itself recently became the best selling title in franchise history, topping MKX‘s near 11 million sales.

Considering the continued popularity, any newcomer jumping in today will find healthy online matchmaking as passionate players keep coming back to dish out brutalities.

My Personal Recommendation as a MK Expert

As someone whose played Mortal Kombat games for over 10 years now, I always recommend friends who‘ve never experienced the series before start with MK11. It retains everything I love – hyperviolence, complex mechanics, competitive play – while opening the door for new gamers too.

Don‘t get me wrong, the retro MK titles have an undeniable charm. But modern niceties like tutorial modes, online multiplayer and jaw-dropping visuals make MK11 the definitive way to get your first taste of kombat. After you‘ve had your fill here, if you want to see where MK got its start, go back and explore the classics for a healthy dose of 90s nostalgia!

Whichever Mortal Kombat game you choose, glory awaits in the arena!!

Sources

Mortal Kombat Wiki, IGN, GameRevolution, Destructoid, Digital Foundry, Reddit, Steam Charts, VGChartz, Interviews with Ed Boon