The Case for MK2 Retaining MK1's Cameos

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 has received positive feedback from fans due to its engaging story and fast-paced combat design, setting a solid foundation for the franchise.

The Kameo Fighters, a one-of-a-kind addition to the game, exemplify the franchise's admiration for its heritage by including lesser-known characters and iconic costumes, giving players more gameplay choices and nostalgic experiences.

There is a possibility for the Kameo system to persist in Mortal Kombat 2, enabling more refinement and advancement, potentially broadening the roster and offering fresh gameplay prospects.

Mortal Kombat 1 has successfully introduced players to the latest version of the Mortal Kombat universe. After the soft reset in Mortal Kombat 11, fans were unsure of what to expect, but the new game has managed to win them over. The story has done justice to characters that were previously left behind, and the fast-paced combat design has been well-received. This sets a strong foundation for the future of the franchise.

One notable innovation in Mortal Kombat 1 is the introduction of the Kameo Fighters. These characters serve as mid-battle assists to the main playable combatants. The game pays homage to its legacy by including obscure characters like Darrius and Shujinko in these roles, even if they don't play major parts in Liu Kang's new universe yet. Additionally, some playable fighters also wear their iconic classic outfits as Kameos, which adds nostalgia and offers players more gameplay options. It wouldn't be surprising to see this robust system become a central mechanic in Mortal Kombat 2.

Iterating On Kameo Fighters Creates New Opportunities For Mortal Kombat 2

Mortal Kombat has a history of not dwelling on past mechanics, but there have been instances where they revisited them. The 3D era of Mortal Kombat was known for its multiple stances and weapon-based fighting, which made a subtle comeback in Mortal Kombat 11. Mortal Kombat X brought back the running mechanic from Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and introduced Variations, a feature that continued in subsequent NetherRealm Studios' titles. It wouldn't be surprising if Mortal Kombat 2 incorporated a revised Kameo system, similar to Injustice 2 and Mortal Kombat 11's player-driven variations.

It would be beneficial for Mortal Kombat 2 to build upon the Kameo Fighters from the first installment, saving development resources since adjustments to character models would be minimal. In MK2, Kameo assists could be expanded to include limited normal movesets, allowing them to act as temporary tag partners in special combos. Embracing the tradition of tag games and using two Kameo Fighters instead of one would also be a positive direction for the system.

Kameo Fighters Could Represent Mortal Kombat's Past, Present, And Future

In addition to offering innovative gameplay possibilities, the Kameo system provides significant value to the Mortal Kombat roster. Given the limited number of characters that can be included in each game, the inclusion of Kameo Fighters offers a cost-effective way to expand the roster and pay homage to the franchise's history. Ideally, the Kameo roster in Mortal Kombat 2 would include updated designs, lore, and movesets for any playable counterparts of Kameos from MK1.

Furthermore, the confirmation of Janet Cage as a Kombat Pack 1 Kameo Fighter presents another potential use for the system. Kameo Fighters do not necessarily need to be integrated into the main story and can instead exist as classic versions of characters or alternate universe equivalents. There is the potential for Mortal Kombat 2 to incorporate a callback to Mortal Kombat 11's Variations system, allowing players to create their own Kameo Fighters using existing cosmetics and moves. The possibilities for a secondary roster are vast within the multiverse established by Mortal Kombat 1, and it would be a missed opportunity to overlook the potential of Kameo Fighters.

Mortal Kombat 1 is available now on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.