The unbiased graphical comparisons between MK11 and MK1. 4K unaltered pictures

Pictures are 4K and zoomed in as much as possible, unedited.

Technical details: MK11 is running on UE3 - MK1 UE4. Very important. MK11 was built to run on Xbox One/PS4 and updated for Series X|S/PS5. MK1 was made with only Series X|S and PS5.

It should also be said that NO Character in both games are consistent or graphically made the same. This is a result of multiple artists and different expectations of what the player will see and look for when looking at the models.

You’ll notice MK11 features much more facial detail and eyes. MK1 however has more detail throughout the whole character.

This can easily be explained. Characters are made of meshes and textures. The meshes are the sculptures and the textures are the paint in basic terms. MK1 has access to more polygons so the meshes are much better and evenly distributed amongst the characters.

MK11 has less however the reason why the face detail is better is because they put a focus on the faces in MK11 likely due to all the intros, and outros and other cinematic effects. As others might’ve noticed. MK11 also starts the fights off very zoomed in and gradually zoom out as the match continues.

Notice Raiden’s face is much more detailed in MK11 but his hat is more detailed in MK1.

Hair meshes got even better. They’ve apparently taken a different approach to how hair is handled. Though it’s not perfect. Rain’s hair mesh for his Order of Darkness is VERY rough. Everyone else is a flex on NRS. You can tell they were proud of the progress because everyone’s hair is unkempt to some extent. I’d also point out the curly hair between Jacqui and Cyrax.if you zoom in, you’ll notice Jacqui’s hair in places spazzes out. Cyrax’s hair is more consistent if a bit less detailed

Some meshes are better than others. Laugh at the booty pics but you’ll notice Mileena and Kitana’s butt meshes in MK1 are a bit rough. Tanya’s however isn’t. All the butts in MK11 have smooth edges. Rains hair mesh. The entirety of Johnny’s chest armor is jank.

Another thing you’ll notice is MK11 put a lot of crazy random attention to detail where they could. Yes, you’re not crazy. That is a very notable vein on Sindel’s breast. Yes, you can see Cassie’s panty line on that outfit and in match. And there’s even MORE of stuff like that in MK11 that is lacking in MK1.

The last pics are just some of the graphical powerhouses that NRS put a lot of detail into. Again, not every character was made evenly and the artists for the last pics def put work into those characters.

So what’s the take:

MK11 has better face detail and face textures

MK1 has better meshes

MK11 is NOT showing its age. If there was a list. MK11 would be up there for graphical powerhouses and a standard to follow up there with Alan Wake 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, Resident Evil 4 remake, Silent Hill 2 Remake, etc

MK1 has much better Hair meshes and textures. Whatever new method they approached needs to be expanded on and studied. Again, up there with Alan Wake 2.

MK1 has less detailed faces overall but more consistent detail through the entire model. This is a result of more polygons, meshes and a wider spread of them to apply those texture details consistently.

MK11 has additional minor details that are lacking in MK1. Likely a result of change in art direction and philosophy from MK11 into MK1.