Review · Action · PC · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series S/X
Mortal Kombat 1
By the LumiKin editors
Reviewed: 28 May 2026
PC · PlayStation 5 · Xbox Series S/X · Nintendo Switch
NetherRealm Studios · 2023
LumiScore
51/100
Good
Growth (BDS)
54
Risk (RIS)
51
Daily limit
30min
Age guidance
—
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.72 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.10 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.75 | |
Mortal Kombat 1 offers intense, strategic combat that sharpens critical thinking, spatial awareness, and reaction time. Players can master complex combos and adapt to diverse opponents, fostering learning transfer and adaptive challenge. The game's competitive nature can also enhance fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Design risks
| R1 | Dopamine pressure | 0.60 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.33 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.56 | |
The game features extreme violence and strong language, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. Its competitive online environment can lead to toxicity and social comparison. Microtransactions and variable reward systems may encourage excessive spending and prolonged play sessions, while limited-time events could create pressure to play regularly.
Heads up
- Monthly spendTypical real-money spend by engaged players: $0–20/mo.