A new update for Mortal Kombat is now available. Although the patch was released over a week ago for PS3 users, it just barely hit XBL today. The patch contains balance tweaks and supposedly fixes the online netcode.
On the PS3 side, disconnects and desyncs have significantly increased. It seriously happens more often than not now. While the input delay is nowhere near as bad as it used to be, it’s still not as good as it should be. I haven’t had a single match in the last week that was unplayable, but I’ve only had a few that felt really good. It’s a lot less hit or miss now, which is good.
King of the Hill is still largely unplayable on PSN. If you have more than 4 players in the lobby don’t even bother playing. The input delay is just awful. Seeing as disconnects and desyncs are a huge problem now, you probably wouldn’t last very long in King of the Hill anyway. The most I’ve lasted in a lobby, assuming I didn’t get disconnected before my match, was six wins.
I haven’t tested online as extensively over Xbox Live, but initial reactions are pretty positive. King of the Hill is far more playable now, even with a full lobby. I have tried numerous lobbies and the results have been the same each time. King of the Hill might actually get some use out of me now. That’s not to say that there isn’t a delay. There is, but compared to what it used to be, it’s a huge improvement. Overall, 1-on-1 matches are better as well. I haven’t had a single disconnect yet, which is surprising seeing as I disconnect all the time on PSN ever since the patch. My system hasn’t froze either, which is a problem I frequently had in the past.
There are some other improvements I noticed that don’t affect gameplay. Matchmaking now makes a sound when an opponent is found. This is a nice addition since matchmaking usually takes awhile. Now you’ll know when someone is waiting for you. When looking through the chat room lobbies, the list appears in the middle of the screen. It’s a small change but it makes the text easier to see.
As for the balance changes, you’ll either love it or hate it. I’m quite bitter that Sindel didn’t get her combo that she was supposed to get. She did get some new options, but her damage was also nerfed off one of her combo starters for no real reason. I could just do a different combo starter off the same situation and do even more damage. I’m not understanding the nerf at all. You can check the Test Your Might forums for some patch notes. You’ll notice that a lot of tweaks have been made.
It’s crazy how much Mortal Kombat has changed since its release. Damage has been reduced, a lot of broken tactics have been removed, and some characters actually got new techniques. It feels like a much better game now. Even the netcode got a much needed upgrade. I just hope the PSN issues get ironed out soon.
tonyyeb
So PS3 patch = Poor
XBOX patch = Better??
Delriach
PS3 patch = better with new problems
Xbox patch = better without problems (so far)
Person678
I have terrible trouble getting into matches on PSN. Never wants to connect.
Delriach
I’ve read about that problem. Do you get the connection issues when you already find an opponent or do you just never find one?
Person678
Matchmaking just never find anybody for me, and If I go into a room vast majority of the time it just says ‘game is not available’ or something when It’s connecting to the other player.
LunaticSoul
Are you sure it’s out for PS3 EU yet? As far as I know it’s only available in the states.
Delriach
That is something I actually can’t check. I would really hope that Europe isn’t over a week behind the US. ;(
LunaticSoul
I play MK every day almost and yesterday there was no patch. Still can’t play Online without feeling like I’m watching HD on my old computer, Raiden B+3,1,2 is still annoying etcetera.. And I can’t buy Kostumes yet.
Delriach
Hmm. I would be on the look out for it this week since that’s when XBL got it. Skarlet comes out tomorrow in the US. I’d hope EU would at least get her on Wednesday O_o.
Didn’t realize the patching was out of sync by region.
LunaticSoul
Confirming PS3 EU hasn’t received any patch. I hope they put it on before the 22/6 otherwise NRS and Sony will hear a lot of complaining..
DrNate86
Tried this online today, it’s absolutely unplayable for me. I was struggling to do basic things like punishing a blocked teleport with an uppercut. Very frustrating, playing predictable people and still losing because my inputs are so insanely slow.