“Mortal Kombat 1”, “Payday 3” and “Lies of Pi”: Are the video games worth it?

By Marlene Polywka | September 18, 2023, 6:38 p.m

There’s a lot going on in the video game world this week. Several big titles are starting at once – one of which is on the list of the most anticipated games in 2023 for many fans.

We can look forward to these video game highlights

After things had looked a bit poor over the past few weeks, we can now look forward to three AAA games: “Lies of P”, “Payday 3” and “Mortal Kombat 1”.

• Lies of P (September 18)
• Mortal Kombat 1 (September 19)
• Payday 3 (September 21)

Reads of P

The P in “Lies of P” stands for Pinocchio – the doll who wants to be a real boy and can’t lie without getting a long nose. However, the game by Round8 and Neowiz interprets the well-known story in a new and completely different way. As Pinocchio you have to find Mr. Gepetto. However, there isn’t much more in common with the original.

Because the town of Krat, which represents the game world, has nothing at all like a picturesque little picture-book town. Instead we get a steampunk city full of murderous machines. And instead of an adventurous boy made of wood, we have a machine that can be modified in many ways.

The soulslike game scores with exciting and challenging fights and appealingly dark graphics. The title already has a good score of 81 points on Metacritic. Critics particularly praise the atmosphere and the sophisticated combat system. The story, on the other hand, offers more superficial entertainment with a running time of 30 to 40 hours.

Mortal Kombat 1

“Mortal Kombat” is one of those series that everyone has somehow heard of. The brutal action game is now getting a new edition in 2023. “Mortal Kombat 1” was one of the stars at Gamescom a few weeks ago. One thing was clear in advance: that it would be bloody. In addition, there is now a new, aesthetic look, especially in terms of color, and an astonishingly captivating story.

Hardly anything has been changed in the basic fighting mechanics of the fighting game. Punching, kicking, grabbing, blocking, plus a few special attacks. There is also the somewhat freer Invasion mode, in which you can explore the map piece by piece.

As of now, the Metacritic platform has a rating of a very good 85 points. Some critics are already calling the title one of the video game highlights of the year and the best game in the series.

Payday 3

With “Payday 3” comes the next big name from a well-known series. Ice-T was still drumming up advertising at Gamescom and is considered one of the popular games platform Steam most anticipated games of the year. The big question, however, is whether the title can keep up with its great predecessor, especially in terms of co-op strategy.

At least the old crew with the familiar masks will be brought together again. And then, as usual, you have to plan and carry out raids. The third part now offers some innovations. For example, you can negotiate with the police, which underpins the strategic demands of the game.

There is no official rating for “Payday” yet. But first impressions are mostly positive. A big point of criticism in advance was that a permanent internet connection was required to play the game. According to the developers, this is due to some features and the Unreal 5 engine.

More video game highlights this week

However, the three blockbuster titles just presented are not enough. There are several other games starting this week that we would definitely like to draw your attention to at this point:

• HumanitZ – Early Access (September 18th)
• Warhaven
• Party Animals (September 20)
• Moonstone Island (September 20)
• Rin – The Last Child (September 21st)
• The Legend of Nayuta – Boundless Trails (Switch, PlayStation 4)

Survival games with an open world have been very popular for several years and that’s exactly what “HumanitZ“. During a zombie apocalypse, the player doesn’t just have to survive. You also have to always keep your own humanity in mind.

Another video game highlight this week is “Warhaven“. As a multiplayer game in a medieval setting, you can fight big battles and optimize your characters. The PvP game already received a lot of attention and positive feedback in Earl Access.

By the way, there is one title above “Payday 3” on the list of the most anticipated Steam games – namely “Party Animals“. In this plush action game, players fight their way through various arenas as a fluffy animal. What’s particularly notable is the physics engine and the really large selection of skills and weapons.

With “Moonstone IslandSimulation fans will get their money’s worth. The “Stardew Valley”-like game has an attractive look and focuses primarily on collecting and caring for monsters.

Also the Jump’n’Run “Rin – The Last Child“ should be on your radar this week. In a dark, mystical world, as a child of the Creator, you must restore order by collecting aspects and runes.

Even if “The Legend of Nayuta – Boundless Trails“ is not really a new title, we don’t want to leave it unmentioned here because it is finally coming to the PS4 and Nintendo Switch consoles. The action RPG about a boy who explores magical worlds holds a metascore of 84.

Are the titles worth it?