Gameplay: I can see why this game died young. The same stiff controls and command gimmicks. The only thing new here is the Kameo feature, which I honestly don't care nor use. I would probably just play a game like MVC if I want assists. News flash for the DEVS: There's a reason why MKX and 90's MK2 are the most popular choices, they have a rich and dark atmosphere to go along with the gore, and they are fast paced with lots of room for player experimentation.
Story: The story only excels at having the characters placed into some beautiful environments. It lacks just about everything else, especially any fresh idea or creativity. I don't believe that anyone should expect grand storytelling from a fighting game, but this time around its as if they didn't even attempt at making something interesting and compelling. The writers were probably trying to be funny and pay homage to a lot of pop culture and franchise references, but it became repetitive and unfunny way too soon. If you are curious about where the majority of story steals its ideas without too much of a spoilers, then think about the Marvel franchise. I guess its no surprise that along with stolen story, the guest characters are also movie icons.
Graphics: This might be the only thing that this game has going for it. NRS has been consistent with upgrading their games visually if nothing else since as long as I can remember.
Fatalities: I get it, they are the franchise's signature but isn't it time to retire these long cutscene glamour deaths for the more quick brutality function? I mean who wants to waste 45-60sec between Fatal Blows and Fatalities when they could be playing the game. Finishers are relics of the arcade era where it drew a crowd and gave the performer some clout, today it is simply a waste of time. All of the time used to design these things should've been better spent on the actual core gameplay.
Extras: Other modes and events did not interest me enough to spend any significant amount of time on. In order for me to appreciate something like Towers and Invasions, I'd have to actually have fun with the base game.
Conclusion: MK1 is an attempt to reinvent itself, but instead relies on old systems and a new Kameo gimmick in the hopes of being "fresh". A true rework would perhaps be better inspired from just about any other fighting game out there, especially the big ones like SF and Tekken. Fast and smooth, not rigid and gimmicky. IMO, there needs to be a shakeup at NRS because clearly their recent decisions are not working. If this is simply WB intervention, then perhaps its time for the game to retire.
