Aside from Guilty Gear Xrd Sign, Mortal Kombat X is the first major fighting game to arrive on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One current-gen consoles. While the sequel controls just fine via the DualShock 4 and Xbox One Wireless Controller, there are also several alternatives that you can check out if you want something that cater more to the latest Mortal Kombat installment, and 2D fighters, in general.
About the game
NetherRealm Studios decided to make some significant changes in Mortal Kombat X. One of which is the setting as the videogame takes place a quarter of a century after the events that occurred in the last installment of the series.
The base game will have dozens characters, including a mix of newcomers as well as returning veterans: Cassie Cage, D’Vorah, Ermac, Ferra/Torr, Jacqui Briggs, Jax, Johnny Cage, Kano, Kenshi, Kitana, Kotal Kahn, Kung Jin, Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Mileena, Quan Chi, Raiden, Reptile, Scorpion, Shinnok, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero and Takeda. For those who preorder the videogame, they will also unlock Goro as a playable character. With the Mortal kombat X Kombat Pass, you will get to play as Jason Voorhees, Predator, Tanya and Tremor in the future as well.
In terms of gameplay, the biggest change is the introduction of variations as you will be able to change the fighting style for each of the above-mentioned characters, which should add even more depth to the Mortal Kombat formula. NetherRealm Studios is also bringing back X-ray moves (from the Mortal Kombat reboot) and interactive environments (from Injustice: Gods Among Us).
Mortal Kombat X is also packed with a lot of content. For instance, its story mode is actually quite compelling with high production values. Not to mention that there is a Fraction mode where you can earn points and participate in tournaments representing one of five following groups: Black Dragon, Brotherhood of Shadow, Lin Kuei, Special Forces and White Lotus.
Mortal Kombat X is shaping up to be another stellar installment for the series and one that fans of the genre should not miss. To get the most optimized experience, you should check out the following fight pads and arcade sticks.
Best Fight Pads for Mortal Kombat X
Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad – NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment teamed up with PDP to create the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pads. The officially licensed controller is made just for 2D fighters as it removes the two analog sticks, making the directional pad the only way to control your character movements. PDP also added six face buttons while implementing micro-switches so that you will get better audio and tactile feedback.
You can check out two versions of the official fight pad on Amazon: Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad for PS4/PS3 and Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad for Xbox One/Xbox 360.
Hori Fighting Commander 4 – Hori also has a dedicated gamepad for 2D fighting games, including a six face button layout. Just like the Mortal Kombat X Fight Pad, the Hori Fighting Commander only has a directional pad. With that said, you will be able to rotate it and change its sensitivity. For further customization, a L/R toggle switch is included as well.
The Hori Fighting Commander 4 is available only for the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3. You can purchase it with this link.
Best Arcade Sticks for Mortal Kombat X
For arcade fighting sticks, you can’t go wrong with either the Hori or Mad Catz brands.
Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 – The Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 is made using the same authentic parts you find in Japanese arcade machines. Along with the joystick, you also have access to eight action buttons. You can even customize the top panel and open the shell for internal storage.
You can purchase the three variants with the next links: Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for PS4/PS3, Mad Catz Ultra Street Fighter IV Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for PS4/PS3 and Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2 for Xbox One.
Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai for PS4/PS3 – If you are looking for a cheaper fighting stick than the ones from Mad Catz to play Mortal Kombat X, then you should check out the Hori Real Arcade Pro 4 Kai if you have a PlayStation 4. This accessory is also made with authentic arcade parts. It comes with a turbo mode in addition to the ability to configure buttons as well. Check it out here.
Hori Real Arcade Pro Hayabusa for Xbox One – For Xbox One gamers, you may want to take a look at the Hori Real Arcade Pro Hayabusa for Xbox One. Although it does not come with the same features as the Mad Catz Arcade FightStick Tournament Edition 2, the price is cheaper. Take a look at the Hori Real Arcade Pro Hayabusa with this page.
Warner Bros. Interactive is releasing Mortal Kombat X for the PS4 and Xbox One (along with the PC platform) on the 14th of April. The PS3 and Xbox 360 ports was recently announced to be delayed until later this summer.