Highlights
Mortal Kombat 1 may potentially have a sequel in the planning stages, indicated by hints from an integral figure in its development.
The game introduces a fresh Kameo system, enabling players to summon additional fighters from a separate lineup for assistance during specific attacks.
Mortal Kombat 1 is set to receive updates after its initial release, and the story director suggests that this installment is only the starting point, potentially foreshadowing future advancements such as a sequel.
A key developer involved in the creation of Mortal Kombat 1 has hinted at the possibility of a sequel already being in the early planning stages. The upcoming Mortal Kombat 1 game follows the narrative of Fire God Liu Kang resetting the timeline after the events of Mortal Kombat 11 released in 2019. This highly anticipated installment of the iconic fighting game series introduces a new Kameo system, enabling players to call upon fighters from a separate roster to assist them in executing specific attacks.
Leading up to the September release of Mortal Kombat 1, a significant part of the journey has involved revealing and showcasing both the base and Kameo rosters through trailers and announcements. Since its initial unveiling in May, eager fans awaiting Mortal Kombat 1 have been treated to the return of forgotten characters from previous Mortal Kombat titles, including Li Mei, Ashrah, Tanya, and Havik. The game also features the comeback of characters introduced in more recent entries, such as Geras and Kenshi. During Geoff Keighley's recent Gamescom Opening Night Live event, Mortal Kombat 1 unveiled the return of Sindel and Shao Kahn as well. Moreover, NetherRealm Studios has confirmed that post-launch, Kombat Pack 1 will introduce additional characters to the roster, including popular figures like Homelander from The Boys, Omni-Man from Invincible, Peacemaker from DC, and Mortal Kombat favorites Quan Chi, Takeda, and Ermac.
NetherRealm's plans for the future of Mortal Kombat remain uncertain. However, the game's narrative director, Dominic Ciancolo, hinted at potential developments. In an interview with ComicBook, Ciancolo acknowledged that the character development in the 2011 reboot of Mortal Kombat felt rushed, as it had to accommodate the stories of the first three games. He referred to Mortal Kombat 1 as a starting point for these rebooted characters' growth, suggesting that NetherRealm may already be in the early stages of planning a sequel.
Ciancolo expressed that the characters will continue to evolve and change, implying that this is just the beginning of their journey. He stated, "This is not the end. This is just the beginning. And so that's something we hope to develop further as we move forward."
In the early-mid 2010s, NetherRealm released both Mortal Kombat and the popular Injustice games based on DC characters. As NetherRealm gears up to release its second consecutive Mortal Kombat title, fans are left wondering about the fate of the beloved Injustice series. Ed Boon, the creative mind behind NetherRealm, has recently hinted at his ideas for a potential Injustice 3. However, the studio's current focus on Mortal Kombat 1 and its post-launch support suggests that a sequel to Injustice may be years away, especially if NetherRealm chooses to tackle Injustice 3 next.
With Street Fighter 6 receiving critical acclaim earlier this summer and the highly anticipated Tekken 8 set to release in January 2024, the realm of fighting games has already seen significant developments this year. Despite the upcoming release of Bloodborne-inspired Soulslike game, Lies of P, on September 19, Mortal Kombat is expected to make a major impact in 2023, following the success of Street Fighter 6. The future plans of NetherRealm, the studio behind Mortal Kombat, remain unknown.
Stay tuned for the release of Mortal Kombat 1 on September 19, available on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X|S.
Source: ComicBook