Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection
" Extensive action collection with rare classics and lore, but high input lag and poor online "
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection Review
Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection is a comprehensive anthology of classic Mortal Kombat games, including arcade versions, various console ports, and rare titles like UMK3 Wavenet. The collection also offers rich documentary content and lore, making it a nostalgic treasure for fans. Many reviewers appreciate the inclusion of multiple versions and training modes, as well as the quality-of-life features such as rewind and on-screen move lists.
However, the launch was marred by significant issues, notably high input lag affecting both offline and online play, problematic emulation bugs, and a lack of essential online features like private matches, lobbies, and crossplay. Audio glitches and unstable netcode further degrade the multiplayer experience. Several expected titles and ports are missing, and some UI elements and menus appear low-effort or possibly AI-generated. Despite patches improving some aspects post-launch, many players remain disappointed, especially given the premium price and the poor online functionality at release.
Highlights
Players praise the extensive library covering MK1 to MK4, including rare versions and spin-offs like Special Forces and Mythologies.
The documentaries and lore content receive high marks for depth and quality, providing an engaging behind-the-scenes look at the franchise.
Training modes and quality-of-life features such as rewind, fatality practice, and customizable playlists enhance offline play.
Some emulated versions, especially MK Trilogy and MK4 arcade, are noted as stable and visually improved with options like CRT filters and upscaling.
The inclusion of the previously lost UMK3 Wavenet edition is considered a significant preservation achievement.
Criticisms
Input lag is a persistent problem both offline and online, severely impacting gameplay responsiveness.
The online multiplayer is criticized for lacking lobbies, private matches, ranked modes, and crossplay, making it difficult or impossible to play with friends.
Audio glitches and poor netcode cause stuttering, distorted sounds, and frequent crashes during online matches.
Several expected ports, such as MK Gold (Dreamcast) and N64 Trilogy, are missing.
The UI and menus are seen as low-effort, with some assets suspected to be AI-generated.
Emulation issues include buggy sound, graphical glitches, and gameplay bugs like running through opponents in MK4.
The price point is viewed as steep given the technical flaws and missing features.
Pros
- • Extensive collection of classic MK games including rare versions and spin-offs.
- • High-quality documentaries and lore content enrich the franchise history.
- • Training modes and rewind feature improve offline gameplay experience.
- • Inclusion of UMK3 Wavenet edition preserves lost media.
- • Customizable playlists and CRT filters enhance nostalgic presentation.
- • Stable emulation of MK Trilogy and MK4 arcade versions noted.
- • On-screen move lists and accessibility options aid learning.
Cons
- • High input lag severely hampers offline and online gameplay.
- • Online lacks lobbies, private matches, ranked modes, and crossplay.
- • Audio glitches and unstable netcode cause crashes and distorted sound.
- • Several key ports like MK Gold and N64 Trilogy are missing.
- • Menus and UI assets appear low-effort and possibly AI-generated.
- • Emulation bugs cause graphical glitches and gameplay issues.
- • No option to remap all controls or configure multiplayer properly.
Rating Criteria
Step into the arena and choose your fighter! Experience the legendary origins of Mortal Kombat with the iconic arcade classics that started it all—alongside a curated selection of most-loved home versions and rare, fan-favorite releases—a celebration of the franchise’s groundbreaking legacy.