Mortal Kombat 1 will continue the NetherRealm tradition of having great single-player content and solid combat controls. Unfortunately, it will also continue the company’s newer trend of adding microtransactions for content like gear, character colors, cosmetics, and more.
Twitter user thetiny confirms that this reboot/continuation of the fighter adds Dragon Krystals, which is another form of in-game currency. It’s essentially the same thing as the Time Krystals used in Mortal Kombat 11 but with a more fitting name for the sequel’s themes.
Players will be able to purchase skins, taunts, gears, and maybe even Brutalities but that hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, the fact that currency is still a part of this entry is kind of disappointing, given how good everything else looks.
Fighting game fans are used to these titles having paid DLC and Mortal Kombat 1 is the same in that regard. Having to cough cash for new characters and extra costumes is one thing but locking taunts, character colors, and finishing moves is another. Sadly, it’s something that NetherRealm has gotten away with numerous times now.
Many gamers will remember the controversy surrounding Mortal Kombat X when that game sold Easy Fatalities. These were easier versions of the brutal finishing moves that were intended to help newer players. What made this worse was that it was paid DLC which was also limited, meaning players had to buy them again after they ran out.
NetherRealms has also gotten very comfortable adding currency to their fighting games. Injustice 2 did the same so players could get better gear for their characters, with certain moves locked behind them. Street Fighter 6 has done the same thing, forcing players to cough up cash for various cosmetics.
Even with all the disappointment, we’re sure hardcore players will grind it out. Mortal Kombat 1 has single-player Invasions, which have their own set of unlockables. Online play also has the fairly amusing Quitalities, shaming players who quit mid-match.
Read More: Mortal Kombat will never be streamer-friendly, won't give up its gnarly gore
Mortal Kombat 1 comes out later this month on September 14.