Summary
Mortal Kombat 1is due to release next month and currently stands as one of the most-anticipated titles of Fall 2023. The title is set to usher in a new era for the legendary fighting franchise, simultaneously continuingthe narrative ofMortal Kombat 11: Aftermathand rebooting the series for a fresh start. In a series of pre-release reveal trailers, developer NetherRealm Studios has done a great job of re-introducing fan-favorite characters in new and exciting ways. While much of the hype surroundingMortal Kombat 1is directly tied to these trailers, the title’s original features, including significant gameplay improvements, the Kameo system, and a brand-new mode, prove thatMortal Kombat 1offers fans far more than a fresh start to the timeline.
Mortal Kombat 1’s narrative picks up some time afterMortal Kombat 11: Aftermath’s Fire God Liu Kang creates a fresh timeline, in which peace and prosperity seemingly reign unencumbered. This peace appears to come crashing down as Shang Tsung, and likely an even bigger villain, disrupts the timeline’s inhabitants, leading to the titular Mortal Kombat. Fan-favorite characters will take on new roles and new identities inMortal Kombat 1, offering long-time fans something fresh, and new fans a perfect jumping-on point. In addition, the title offers a fresh take on the legendary fighting series' core combat, allowing partner characters to be summoned for unique attacks and combo-extenders.
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Mortal Kombat 1’s Fresh Start Extends Far Beyond its Narrative
Mortal Kombat 1offers fans far more than a fresh narrative, as the very core of its combat has been altered to accommodate its newKameo Fightermechanic. Kameo Fighters are partner Kombants that can be called in to aid a player’s main fighter. By utilizing their unique abilities across base combat, X-ray attacks, and fatalities, players can shake up their style and approach to keep an opponent guessing. More importantly, a well-timed Kameo Fighter can extend an otherwise limited combo, complementing the weaknesses of a player’s main Kombatant.
WhileMortal Kombat 1’s rebooted timeline has made the title’s story mode a main focal point, a recentleak has revealed a brand-new mode coming toMortal Kombat 1, further extending its fresh offerings. This single-player mode, titled Invasions, sees players travel through the variousMortal Kombatrealms, thwarting the invasion of each, individually, across multiple seasons. The leak suggests that the mode’s roster will be limited to certain fighters each season. Invasions offers an alternative toMortal Kombat’s traditional modes, providing a break from both the single-player story mode and classic online multiplayer offerings of previous titles.
Mortal Kombat 1 is Part of a Larger Shift in the Fighting Genre
Mortal Kombat 1is the latest fighting franchise to revamp its narrative universe, core gameplay, and mode offerings for a new era. Thefighting game genre has experienced a significant evolution since 2020’s Covid pandemic. The recentStreet Fighter 6, for instance, has launched with improved modes and gameplay features, fresh and diverse characters, a modernized story mode, and an online hub that all reflect the changing state of fighting games.Mortal Kombat 1’s new features reflect the same, as they both reinforce the series' core strengths, but expand its offerings to include a wider variety of gamers.
Additionally,Mortal Kombat 1’s rebooted rosterprovides ample opportunity for its characters to feature backstories that better reflect the diversity of its fanbase. From what’s been shown thus far, some ofMortal Kombat’s most significant characters have been given fresh backstories, including one in which the entire Lin Kuei story is subverted, leading Scorpion and Sub-Zero to become allies inMortal Kombat 1. There’s no telling how significant the changes to other backstories will be, butMortal Kombat’s already diverse roster sets the stage for a variety of fresh and impactful new identities. Fans who are interested in learning more should be sure to tune in toMortal Kombat 1’s presentation at Gamescom Opening Night Live on May 24, 2025.
Mortal Kombat 1will release on September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
