Packed brimmed with content, along with some next-gen enhancements, we go one on one with the newest version of Mortal Kombat 11 to truly see how “ultimate” it truly is. Head on below for our Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate review to see if it’s worth the upgrade.

The Ultimate Experience

Look, it’s no secret from my original review of Mortal Kombat 11 and it’s story/character expansion, Aftermath that I really like this game. Fun and engaging story found in both base game and it’s first story expansion, Aftermath, along with a jammed packed cast of prime fighters, MK11 over the last year has shaped up to be one of the best fighters to release last generation. Of course, being a fighter, it’s understandable that many probably skipped out on it seeing that fighters tend to release a complete edition, and well, that seems to be what the Ultimate edition is.

Bolstering all 37 fighters, including the new ones in Kombat Pack 2, the ultimate edition is without a doubt the best way to play Mortal Kombat 11. Honestly there really isn’t a whole lot to say that I haven’t already said in my last two reviews for the game. This Ultimate edition  wraps everything up (DLC and updates) in a nicely priced package.

Even for fans who have been heavily invested since the start are rewarded with a reasonably priced upgrade option, which is great given the amount of content you get in the Kombat Pass 2. Furthermore, with the release of the Ultimate edition, fans are also treated with a free upgrade to the next-gen versions, including base game owners! So what are these upgrades?

Well, playing on the PS5, big noticeable differences were the load times of matches which now only take a couple of seconds to start. Additionally the game does have dynamic 4K resolution and when compared to the PS4 (Pro) version it is definitely far sharper. This, combined with the now 100% locked frame-rate makes MK11 one beautiful game to look at. To be fair, MK11 was already looked great on on last-gen consoles. I think the upgrades feel more in line of a small remastering as while the improvements are preferable, they won’t be making anyone think it’s huge jump by any means. Still, the enhancements are well welcome, especially since they’re free anyway.

I suppose the biggest piece of content that many fans are looking for is the introduction of the new Kombat Pack. Included in the Ultimate edition (and sold separately,) Kombat Pack 2 marks the return of two long time fan favorites, along with a surprise guest character.

Plenty of Meat to Sink Those Teeth Into

After over a year and a half of constant non-stop requests, NetherRealm Studios has finally decided cave in and give the fans what they wanted. That’s right, Mileena is finally back along with that beautiful smile that fans have grown to love over the last decades. I have to say, while I’m not that big on the character (at least compared to some fans,) her return truly feels like a special one.

Looking at her design, you can instantly tell that this iteration of her has some strong influence from the original classic pink ninja design. But make no mistakes, underneath her innocent look is a deadly arsenal of weapons, and a move set that packs blood inducing pain. Her three variations can easily fit with anyone’s play style, though her combo sets may be a bit limited. However, that has never been a problem for Mileena mains as they should feel right at home with her in MK11.

Out of all three Kombat Pack 2 character, she is without a question the bloodiest, holding a strong competition even against the current roster. Watching her eat the flesh off another character, or rolling up into an unstoppable spinning ball of pointy blades brings an uneasy feeling to my stomach, and rightfully so. After all, this is Mortal Kombat and it wouldn’t be it if it wasn’t trying to push the envelope of gore.

Like Tears in the Rain

Like Mileena, Rain has been an all time favorite ever since his introduction to the Mortal Kombat universe in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. While initially a joke character, Rain has since seen many various iteration with this latest leaning heavily on his demi-god heritage.

In fact, MK11 seems to reshape his entire origin of abilities as he now can turn himself into water, create portals, and mold a variety of sharp watery weapons that’ll make you squirm as they slice through flesh. I think he might be my new favorite character in the roster as he is fast and agile, with a move set that packs huge amount of variation.

Least I forget to mention his super cool ninja design, which much like Mileena, also pays tribute to his classic look. There is a lot to love about Rain, especially when it comes to some of his amazing fatalities. I’m sure you’ve seen them already, but if you haven’t, prepare for quite a surprise.

Rambo Is Home

The biggest surprise in the Kombat Pack 2 is no doubt the addition of Sylvester Stallone’s, John James Rambo. Over the top, gun blazing action is what Rambo is best known for and NetherRealm doesn’t disappoint when it comes to just that.

Sure, compared to the other two characters above he is a bit sluggish in his movement as he comes off as a heavy brute, but the move set behind him pays so much homage to the character. It’s hard not to smile when you see him crawling along stage floors, unloading a clip of ammo that seemingly has no end, or watching him rip off someone’s throat as he did in his iconic film.

The best part, outside of the hugely respectable tower ending, is the fact that Sylvester Stallone voices him. Yeah you read right, the man who made the role famous is now playing him once more, only this time its from a mic. Talk about badass right? The only thing that would make this even more perfect is if they somehow got Arnold Schwarzenegger to agree to re-voice the Terminator, but I’ll take what I got now to set up the dream fight between the two.

Flawless Victory

If you are looking for a perfect way to get into the much acclaimed fighter, then Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is undoubtedly your answer. Packing in heat with two stellar campaigns, a roster of 37 excellent fighters, and over a year and half worth of updates, the Mortal Kombat  experience doesn’t get any better than this.

Score: 9.5/10

Pros:

• Fun and engaging campaign that no Mortal Kombat fans should skip out on.
• Beautiful visuals and animations with next-gen enhancements further improving them.
• A huge roster of characters that are fun to play.
• All updates from the last year are included, making this this best way to experience the game.
• Guest characters continue to surpass expectations, fitting perfectly into the world of Mortal Kombat.

Cons:

• Potential buyers should know there are some always online mechanics.

A review copy was provided by the publisher. Played on the PS4 Pro and PS5. You can read SP1st and MP1st’s review and scoring policy right here.