Mortal Kombat 1

NetherRealm Studios · Warner Bros. Games

Mortal Kombat 1 is NetherRealm Studios' 2023 reboot of the brutal fighting series. After the time-bending ending of the previous game, Liu Kang shapes a new timeline, so familiar faces like Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Kitana come back with fresh backstories. As always, expect a lot of over-the-top violence; this one is rated M and is not for younger kids. What is new The headline feature is Kameo fighters. Alongside your main character you pick a support fighter who can jump in for an assist, a combo extender or a defensive escape. It adds a lot of creative combinations without making the basics harder. There is also a cinematic story mode and Invasions, a board-game style single-player mode with seasonal content. How it plays at a cafe The local versus mode is ideal for two friends. Unlike some fighting games, MK1 uses a dedicated block button, so beginners can defend themselves without learning to hold back at the right moment. That makes early matches feel fairer and much more fun. Setup to choose PS5 or PC with two controllers, or arcade sticks if you bring your own. The Switch version exists, but it looks and runs noticeably worse, so pick a PS5 if the cafe has one free. Tips for your first session Spend five minutes in practice mode with one character and learn a short combo that starts with a fast poke. Mix in throws when your friend blocks too much, because throws beat block. And save your meter: an Amplified special or a Fatal Blow at low health can swing a round. How long to book A best-of-three match takes about three to five minutes. A pair can play plenty of rounds in an hour. If you also want to play through a few story chapters, budget at least two hours, since each chapter is mostly cutscenes and several fights. Good for Fans of the series, groups who love dramatic finishers, and players who want a fighting game with clear defensive tools. It is a great "one more round" game for a late-night cafe session.