Info about Mortal Kombat 11 Kombat Pack 1:

Official game description:
Kombat Pack includes:  
• 6 new add-on playable characters including Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Terminator T-800, Sindel, The Joker and Spawn  
• 7 Kombat Pack Exclusive Character Skins for Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Geras and Shang Tsung  
• 6 themed Skin Packs including the Klassic Arcade Ninjas, Klassic Arcade Fighters, Double Feature, Gothic Horror, Matinee and DC Elseworlds

Release date: Apr 23, 2019

Categories: Fighting Game, Character-based Combat, Character Collection, DLC, Cosmetic Customization, Competitive Multiplayer, Single-player

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 15; verdict: Fair; summary: The reviews focus on complaints about DLC pricing, season pass structure, and pre-order value. All issues revolve around traditional paid DLC and pre-order practices. There is no mention of in-game microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, loot boxes, or other predatory monetization. The feedback reflects typical consumer frustration with DLC pricing and value, not with exploitative monetization systems.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $15.00 - $30.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews consistently indicate that the base game's full price is considered too high, with multiple users urging others to wait for a sale. Specific evidence shows a sale price of $15 being described as 'totally worth it', while the complete package of base game plus all major DLC is offered at $60. This suggests the community values the base game far below its original $60 launch price, likely in the $15–$30 range as a fair price, especially since many expect to pay around that amount during discounts.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The evidence provides qualitative statements about added playtime (hours of fun/gameplay) but no specific numeric values for completion times, story length, session length, or endgame duration. Therefore all metrics remain null.
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes:
  - Fighter Variety Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying diverse character movesets and iconic personalities
    - Playstyle: Explores all fighters, focuses on unique abilities and matchups
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Value-Driven Discount Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Getting the best price and avoiding overpaying for DLC
    - Playstyle: Waits for sales, compares prices, and prioritizes discounts
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Casual DLC Skeptic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Wanting easy access to content without grinding or heavy time investment
    - Playstyle: Plays occasionally, avoids repetitive grinding, seeks immediate gratification
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: casual
    - Reference games: N/A
  - All-Content Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: Owning all essential content and avoiding missing out
    - Playstyle: Prefers comprehensive bundles or ultimate editions, researches what's included
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Great character additions (weight 0.97): The DLC characters, including guest fighters like Terminator, Spawn, and Joker, are widely praised for being excellent, faithful, and fun to play. Positive mentions highlight their unique movesets and personalities.
- Diverse content and customization (weight 0.44): The pack includes many exclusive skins, skin sets, gear, and fatalities, providing a large amount of cosmetic content and customization options for characters, enhancing replayability.
- Excellent value for money (weight 0.43): The Kombat Pack is frequently described as worth its price, especially when purchased on sale, offering better value than buying content separately. It provides six characters and numerous extras compared to typical DLC packs.
- Shang Tsung standout character (weight 0.33): Shang Tsung is singled out as one of the best characters, celebrated for his soul-stealing transformation abilities and the ability to copy other fighters' Fatalities. His likeness to the film actor is also appreciated.
- Spawn highlights for fans (weight 0.33): Spawn is highlighted as a major positive, with fans praising his inclusion, animations, fatalities, references, and overall fitting into the Mortal Kombat universe. He was a long-requested guest character.
- Gameplay and game quality praised (weight 0.32): Multiple reviews highlight the excellent gameplay and overall quality of Mortal Kombat 11, describing it as awesome, great, and well-made. This forms a strong positive consensus on the core game experience.
- Increases gameplay variety and fun (weight 0.31): The DLC significantly diversifies both online and story modes, offering new playable characters and content that keeps the game fresh and fun for casual and competitive players alike.
- Six characters with unique styles (weight 0.28): The pack adds six playable characters, each with unique movesets, playstyles, and personalities, including guest fighters like Joker, Terminator, Spawn, and Nightwolf, as well as returning classics like Shang Tsung and Sindel.
- Joker well-executed addition (weight 0.27): Joker is described as perfect, strong yet balanced, with fun and brutal moves, and stylistically reminiscent of Jack Nicholson's portrayal. His presence in the MK universe is enjoyed.
- Terminator praised as satisfying (weight 0.27): Terminator, in Arnold Schwarzenegger's likeness, is rated highly (10/10) and described as satisfying to play. His inclusion is a positive highlight for many reviewers.
- Skins and cosmetics appreciated (weight 0.24): The skins, especially for old characters like Kitana's classic outfit and Nightwolf's revenant skin, are praised for their beauty and variety, adding replay value.
- Characters balanced and crafted (weight 0.21): Each fighter is noted as balanced, handcrafted, and faithful to their lore, with well-designed kits and originality that add depth to gameplay.
- Story mode outstanding (weight 0.21): The story mode is highlighted as excellent and interesting, considered better than MK10, and playable even on minimum requirements, adding to the game's overall appeal.
- Extra content and replayability (weight 0.21): The pack offers a huge amount of extra content, including gear, skins, fatalities, and easter eggs, providing hours of additional gameplay and keeping the game engaging.
- Fatalities and animations well done (weight 0.18): Fatalities, animations, and graphics are praised for being high-quality and visually impressive, contributing to a satisfying and polished fighting experience.
- Technical performance smooth (weight 0.18): The game runs smoothly at 60 FPS on PC, even on GPUs below minimum spec, with no lag or issues reported, enhancing overall satisfaction.
- Positive overall recommendation (weight 0.18): The Kombat Pack is summarized as a juicy, satisfying, and meticulously developed expansion that is well worth purchasing for both new and returning MK11 players.
- Guest characters fit well (weight 0.14): Guest characters like Spawn, Terminator, and Joker are seen as fitting into the Mortal Kombat universe seamlessly, enhancing the roster without feeling out of place, and are considered the best ever by some.
- Early access and DLC structure (weight 0.14): The pack provides one-week early access to each DLC character at release, and includes six DLC characters, which is appreciated by players for its value and pacing.

Common complaints:
- DLC characters are weak or controversial (weight 0.54): Several DLC fighters like Shang Tsung, Sindel, Terminator, and Nightwolf are criticized for being weak, slow, clunky, or having unappealing designs. Specific issues include poor gameplay feel, questionable story changes, and lackluster cosmetics.
- DLC pricing considered too high (weight 0.36): Reviewers frequently mention that the Kombat Pack and individual DLC characters are overpriced, especially when compared to the base game content. The value proposition is poor, particularly for those not fans of every included character.
- Unlock grinding is excessive (weight 0.35): Players complain about the extensive grinding required to unlock skins, fatalities, and Krypt items, involving random loot boxes and tiny currency rewards. Getting a specific character's drops is nearly impossible, making progression feel like a chore.
- Missing characters from pack (weight 0.34): The Kombat Pack is criticized for not including all promised fighters, such as Spawn, Joker, Robocop, Sheeva, and Shao Kahn. Players feel the pack lacks completeness and that specific characters are absent or locked.
- Shang Tsung unavailable despite pack (weight 0.32): Players report that Shang Tsung is not accessible as expected, even after purchasing the Kombat Pack or pre-ordering the Premium Edition. This includes issues with early access windows, PC version availability, and time zone release timing.
- Premium edition lacks all content (weight 0.31): Players express disappointment that the Premium Edition or pre-order does not include all subsequent DLC, forcing additional purchases. This leaves purchasers feeling they paid extra for incomplete coverage.
- Classic characters missing roster (weight 0.31): Longtime fans are upset that beloved characters from earlier Mortal Kombat games, such as Reptile, Ermac, Smoke, Mileena, and Frost, are absent. The roster is seen as smaller than previous entries, lacking legacy fighters.
- Character releases are slow (weight 0.28): DLC characters are released with long gaps, sometimes months apart, and without clear release dates. Delays and empty roster slots for unreleased fighters frustrate the community.
- Technical issues on PC (weight 0.22): PC players report problems such as unoptimized ports, lack of translated voice lines, graphical bugs, and long download times, indicating poor treatment for that platform.
- Guest characters disappoint (weight 0.2): Inclusions like the Joker, Spawn, and Terminator are criticized as unfitting for Mortal Kombat or copied from other games. Instead of these guests, players feel classic MK characters should have been added.
- Forced to buy DLC separately (weight 0.15): Players feel forced to make additional purchases for characters that are sold separately, even after buying bundles or premium editions.
- No new major modes or story (weight 0.13): The DLC adds no new story chapters, game modes, or gameplay mechanics beyond characters and cosmetics, offering limited content for the price.
- DLC feels like base content (weight 0.1): Reviewers argue that certain DLC characters, like Nightwolf and Sindel, are not substantial enough to be paid content and should have been in the base roster. The practice of selling what should be base game content is seen as greedy.
- Sindel story changed to villain (weight 0.05): Fans are unhappy that Sindel's backstory was rewritten to make her a villain, altering her original noble and brave character.

Gameplay feedback:
- Kombat Pack roster details (weight 0.4): The Kombat Pack includes six playable characters: Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Terminator, Sindel, Joker, and Spawn, with exclusive skins and costumes. These characters are released over time, not all at once.
- Characters revealed gradually (weight 0.22): New characters are added to the game gradually, approximately monthly, with some released later than others. Players note that not all DLC characters are immediately available, and early access is given to Kombat Pack owners.
- Game modes and difficulty (weight 0.18): The game features arcade mode and a story mode, with character-specific moves and variations. Some players find the game a bit hard, and tournament variations are included for competitive play.
- Character gameplay styles (weight 0.17): Each character has a distinct playstyle: Terminator is clumsy and slow, Nightwolf uses an axe and spirits, Spawn focuses on heavy zoning, and Joker uses trickery. This provides variety but may affect balance.
- Frost unlock via story (weight 0.14): Frost is unlocked by completing chapter 4 of the story campaign. This is a clear progression requirement for players to gain access to the character.
- Fatalities and Brutalities (weight 0.14): Characters have unique Fatalities, Brutalities, and Fatal Blows, adding depth to combat. Brutalities require specific conditions, like not blocking and landing a high attack from a low stance.
- Shang Tsung's mimicry ability (weight 0.14): Shang Tsung can transform into other fighters and copy their moves, including Fatalities. He can also turn into classic ninjas, showcasing his unique mimicry mechanic.
- Content and customization (weight 0.1): The pack includes exclusive gear, customization options, skins, and themed costume packs. These add replay value but are tied to the DLC purchase.
- DLC content structure (weight 0.09): The game is sold as a base game with separate DLC packs and an expansion. Kombat Pack 1 includes some content but not all future post-launch content, and DLC arrives when ready with early access for owners.
- Gameplay progression (weight 0.05): Unlocking content requires farming Krypt Koins, and characters are released one at a time over time. This can be seen as a grind or a gradual content rollout.
- Technical performance (weight 0.04): The game can run on minimal hardware specifications, making it accessible to a wider range of players. This is a positive note for system requirements.
- Roster varies by series (weight 0.04): Different games in the series have different character rosters, as expected for the fighting game franchise.

Performance notes:
- Runs on below-spec GPUs (weight 0.06): The game performs well on graphics cards below the minimum requirements, such as GTX 970 and GTX 570. This suggests the game is well-optimized for lower-end hardware.
- Smooth performance without lag (weight 0.06): The game runs smoothly without noticeable lag, contributing to an enjoyable gameplay experience. This feedback is highlighted in the fourth cluster.
- Online connectivity issues (weight 0.06): Players report problems with online connectivity, leading to a less stable multiplayer experience. This feedback appears in the first cluster.
- Supports 60 FPS (weight 0.06): The PC version supports 60 FPS, providing a smooth and responsive experience for players with capable hardware. This is a positive aspect of the port.
- Declining port optimization (weight 0.05): There is a trend of decreasing optimization in PC ports over time, which may affect performance on certain systems. This concern is raised in the fifth cluster.
- Graphical bugs with color spots (weight 0.05): Players encounter graphical glitches such as colorful spots, which can detract from the visual experience. This issue is mentioned in the sixth cluster.

Recommendations:
- Buy on sale only (weight 0.51): Many reviewers consistently advise waiting for a sale or discount before purchasing, with some specifying half price or less. This reflects a shared perception that the content is good but not worth its full price.
- Avoid full price (weight 0.39): A clear consensus exists that the Kombat Pack should not be purchased at full price, as multiple reviewers explicitly advise against this. This is a strong signal that the perceived value is below the asking price.
- Worth buying for fans (weight 0.28): Reviewers who are active players or fans of Mortal Kombat 11 find the Kombat Pack a worthwhile purchase, emphasizing the value it adds for dedicated players. This is contrasted with casual players who might not get the same value.
- Good value with discounts (weight 0.22): Reviewers highlight that the pack's value improves significantly when purchased at a discount, making a sale the recommended time to buy. The combination of content and reduced price is seen as a strong deal.
- Prefer Ultimate edition (weight 0.22): Several reviewers recommend getting the Ultimate Edition instead of buying the Kombat Pack separately, often specifically on sale, to ensure all important content is included. This suggests the pack alone may feel incomplete or less cost-effective.
- Consider individual characters (weight 0.2): For players interested in only one or two characters, reviewers suggest purchasing individual DLC characters rather than the full pack. This indicates the pack is only good value if you want most or all of its content.
- Not recommended universally (weight 0.15): Some reviewers indicate the pack is not worth it at full price for everyone, suggesting its value is situational. This aligns with the overall advice to wait for sales or assess personal interest.
- Best Kombat Pack option (weight 0.13): Some reviewers consider this pack the best Kombat Pack and more worthwhile than Kombat Pack II, recommending it as the one to get if choosing between them. This highlights the quality of the included characters and content.
- Not for casual players (weight 0.13): Casual players or those who do not play frequently are advised to wait for a discount or only consider the pack if they like specific characters. This suggests the content is aimed at more engaged players.
- Great for content expansion (weight 0.1): The pack is praised for expanding the roster with iconic fighters and providing a large amount of extra content, making it attractive for players wanting to diversify their experience. This value is seen as particularly high for fans.
- Buy if affordable (weight 0.09): Some reviewers recommend buying the pack if you can afford it, noting it adds hours of fun despite being somewhat expensive. This frames the purchase as a discretionary but enjoyable investment.
- DLC purchase declined (weight 0.08): A few reviewers decline to purchase the additional add-on, possibly reflecting disappointment with the content or pricing. This is a minority perspective but highlights mixed feelings.
- Check character preferences (weight 0.05): Reviewers advise against buying the pack if you do not like the characters included, as the content's value depends heavily on personal preference. This encourages players to review the roster before committing.
- Avoid if funds limited (weight 0.05): Reviewers advise against buying if short on money or if other expensive games are on sale, prioritizing budget over this optional content. This positions the pack as a lower priority purchase.
- Do not recommend DLC (weight 0.05): At least one reviewer explicitly does not recommend the DLC, though this is a minority opinion. This may reflect dissatisfaction with specific aspects like character selection or value.
- Do not buy game at all (weight 0.04): One reviewer goes further and advises not to buy the game at all, which may indicate broader criticism of the game or its monetization. This is an outlier but notable for its extremity.

Other player notes:
- DLC bundles and structure (weight 0.41): The DLC is sold as bundles like Kombat Pack 1, Kombat Pack 2, and Aftermath Expansion, with options to buy individually. Some bundles include the base game and other add-ons.
- Kombat Pack 1 adds six characters (weight 0.34): The Kombat Pack 1 includes Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Sindel, Terminator T-800, Joker, and Spawn. This is the main content of the DLC and is frequently mentioned.
- Cheaper than separate purchases (weight 0.23): Buying the Kombat Pack is more cost-effective than purchasing each character individually. This is a positive point in favor of the bundle.
- Comparisons to other DLC (weight 0.2): The Kombat Pack is compared favorably to Mortal Kombat 11's Kombat Pack II, other DLCs with fewer characters, and the Aftermath Expansion. Some consider it the best DLC.
- Individual characters sold separately (weight 0.18): While the pack is sold as a bundle, each character can also be purchased individually, giving players flexibility.
- Potential future Kombat Pack 2 (weight 0.15): Several reviews mention the possibility of a Kombat Pack 2, and some express interest in characters like Mileena, Rambo, and Rain. This indicates ongoing DLC plans.
- Guest characters in pack (weight 0.13): The pack includes guest characters Terminator, Joker, and Spawn, which are popular and noted by reviewers.
- Frost unlockable for free (weight 0.13): Frost can be earned by playing the story mode, so she is not part of the paid DLC. This is seen as a positive aspect.
- PC port issues (weight 0.1): The PC version has limitations, such as missing Shang Tsung and translation issues, with QLOC handling the port.
- Ultimate edition recommended (weight 0.09): Reviewers advise purchasing the Ultimate edition of MK11 instead of buying this pack separately, as it offers more content for the price.
- DLC released over long period (weight 0.08): The Kombat Pack characters were released over an extended time with gaps, which affected player experience.
- Developer praise for effort (weight 0.08): NetherRealm Studios is praised for putting more effort into these DLC characters compared to others, improving quality.
- Comparison to Injustice characters (weight 0.08): Reviewers compare the game's characters to those from Injustice 2, particularly Joker, noting similarities.
- Desire for larger roster (weight 0.08): One reviewer wishes for a complete universe roster of at least 100 fighters, while another suggests adding more characters over time.
- Joker and Ash Williams swap (weight 0.05): A review mentions that Joker and Ash Williams were swapped in placement, likely referring to character slots or release order.
- Premium edition still requires DLC (weight 0.05): Even premium edition customers need to purchase new DLC separately, which frustrates some reviewers.
- Price differences between platforms (weight 0.05): The premium edition price varies between PC and PS4, with PS4 costing more, noted as a drawback.
- Discouragement from pre-ordering (weight 0.05): The pricing model frustrated a reviewer, leading them to swear off pre-ordering from this publisher in the future.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players are frustrated by the high cost of DLC and the need to make additional purchases despite pre-ordering the Premium Edition. They also cite problematic online connectivity, grinding for Krypt Koin, and unreliable release dates as major sources of frustration.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.15): Players are satisfied with the value of the Kombat Pack, praising the six unique fighters, the quality of guest characters like Spawn and the Joker, and the inclusion of attractive skins. Many also appreciated the smooth performance and the game's cost-effectiveness on PC.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Players are disappointed by feeling the pack is overpriced, with some models looking cheap and characters like Nightwolf and Sindel not being worthy of DLC status. They also lament the absence of requested characters and the PC version not receiving promised content.
- Anger (weight 0.08): Players are angry about being forced to pay again for small add-ons after buying the full package, and that the DLC did not include all MK11 characters. They also express frustration over Warner Bros' poor treatment of PC players and the unreliability of release times.
- Excitement (weight 0.05): Players felt excitement about the inclusion of beloved characters like Spawn, Terminator, and Shang Tsung, and were particularly impressed by Shang Tsung's transformation abilities. The anticipation of future character releases also added to their excitement.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.04): Players enjoyed playing as the new characters, finding their kits fun and satisfying. The arcade mode and character stories also provided hours of entertainment.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.03): Players were dissatisfied with Shang Tsung being painful to play and that the pack sold characters that were not yet available. They also felt that the removal of characters like Takeda and Kenshi, and the lack of new characters beyond Shang Tsung, hurt the pack's value.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Players were annoyed by negative reviews that complained about missing characters not yet released, as well as minor graphical bugs and sound lag in story mode cutscenes.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciated the large amount of cosmetic content and replay value, feeling that each fighter was handcrafted and faithful to their lore.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Players were enthusiastic about seeing the Joker in the Mortal Kombat universe and highlighted cool characters and skins. Nightwolf, Terminator, and Quan Chi were particularly praised.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Players were confused by the release schedule, not remembering Spawn and Joker in the expansion, and being unable to access them. The unclear meaning of one-week early access and an empty character slot added to this confusion.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Players admired the Joker's design, which resembles Jack Nicholson's Joker, and praised the game as a masterpiece and the pinnacle of Mortal Kombat.
- Hope (weight 0.02): Players hope that classic characters will be added back and that Joker and Spawn will be fixed by their release.
- Contempt (weight 0.02): Players felt contempt toward those who failed to understand that the pre-order bonus is separate from the Kombat Pack and that reviewers misunderstood the clearly stated DLC content.
- Discomfort (weight 0.02): Players experienced discomfort because the combat timing felt broken compared to earlier games, and character hair had visible particles that were unpleasant to see.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Players felt sadness about the initially low character count before the guest characters were added.
- Happiness (weight 0.01): Players felt happiness because the Joker character was perfect and visually appealing, making the pack worthwhile.
- Liking (weight 0.01): Players expressed liking for the Joker character in the pack.
- Disapproval (weight 0.01): Players expressed disapproval over having to pay for additional DLC.
- Offense (weight 0.01): Players were offended by the change to Nightwolf, who was altered from noble and brave to egocentric and weird.}