In the world of fighting games, there’s a wide variety of franchises that exist as the top titles. Tournaments often feature multiple games, and many players will participate in different titles simultaneously. While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, Mortal Kombat is considered by many fans to be the best fighting game. What makes the argument for Mortal Kombat?
When assessing the best fighting games, certain patterns emerge. If we focus on the most mainstream fighters that capture the attention of not just the Fighting Game Community (FGC), but a wider audience, there are a few key franchises. Street Fighter is one, and Mortal Kombat is equally iconic and long-lasting. It has had releases across numerous console generations and often dominated in its release year. The most recent installment, Mortal Kombat 1, has been particularly impressive. But is Mortal Kombat the best fighting game in 2024?
Source: NetherRealm Studios
Is Mortal Kombat the Best Fighting Game Right Now?
Looking at the current batch of fighting games, a select few dominate the fighting game esports scene and attract the largest player numbers. The latest release of Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 1, undoubtedly ranks among them. It has been one of the biggest launches in recent years, attracting more players than many other fighting games.
When determining if it is the best, personal preference plays a significant role. For those whose favorite is Mortal Kombat, it might be considered the best fighting game. In terms of critical and user reviews, it has generally been outranked by Street Fighter 6. The ongoing support for the game may have turned some players off in the long term. However, significant quality of life changes are currently planned for Mortal Kombat 1.
In terms of player count, Mortal Kombat has lagged behind its main competition. Its average number of players on PC has dropped to as low as 1,500, with an all-time peak of 25,000. On the other hand, Street Fighter 6 has an average peak of about 20,000 and an all-time high of 70,000. While Mortal Kombat has its own appeal, it is currently being surpassed by the other major franchise in terms of player count.
Mortal Kombat 1 Could Still Grow
While we may not be able to conclusively say that Mortal Kombat is the best fighting game in 2024 based solely on objective measures, it has a large fan base and potential for growth. The game has planned significant changes, and future updates could breathe life back into it. While it may not be the best fighting game at the moment, this could change in the future.
Source: NetherRealm Studios
The esports scene for the game is still growing, with the Mortal Kombat Pro Kompetition currently underway. Once the tournament concludes, we will have a better idea of the game’s competitive side and its impact. At this moment, it’s difficult to definitively say that Mortal Kombat is the best fighting game.
