The Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Mortal Kombat 1 Before Its Release

Introduced in 1992, Mortal Kombat emerged in American arcades as a brutal yet surprisingly enjoyable fighting game series. Now, more than 30 years later, the franchise returns to its roots with Mortal Kombat 1, a soft reboot that reimagines the story, characters, and gameplay from previous installments. After a universal reset in Mortal Kombat 11, the newly empowered Fire God Liu Kang strives to establish a more orderly timeline, although this task will prove challenging. The specifics of Mortal Kombat 1's plot have been kept under wraps by developer NetherRealm Studios, but this promises an exciting surprise for fans in the form of the traditional cinematic story mode of MK.

Meanwhile, fans can expect the same solid 2D Mortal Kombat fighting experience they are familiar with, including graphic violence and entertaining character interactions. Despite its reinvention of the franchise, Mortal Kombat 1 pays homage to its predecessors in many ways. With the game's announcement and release being so close, potential buyers may still be uncertain about the new features in Mortal Kombat 1. Fortunately, extensive trailers, previews, and betas provide enough information to clearly outline what's new in the game.

Mortal Kombat 1 Builds a Diverse But Familiar World

To begin, Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a reboot of the franchise, focusing on reimagining old concepts instead of discarding them entirely. This is most noticeable in the game's setting and characters, which bear resemblance to the previous two Mortal Kombat timelines but with significant differences. The world of MK1 remains divided into separate realms, although the number of realms appears to be condensed. Interestingly, the Mortal Kombat tournament is now more of a friendly tradition rather than a means to conquer and merge other realms.

The character roster also sees the return of beloved series mainstays such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, and Johnny Cage, albeit in altered forms. For instance, Raiden and Liu Kang have switched roles as the chosen one and the patron deity, respectively. Additionally, Scorpion and Sub-Zero now share a fraternal bond instead of being sworn enemies. These fresh twists to the characters' backstories can be found throughout the diverse cast, which also includes lesser-known figures from Mortal Kombat's 3D era like Li Mei, Ashrah, and Havik.

Plenty of Ways To Experience Mortal Kombat 1's Gameplay Are Present

The Kameo Fighters epitomize the concept of leveling the playing field by reintroducing unrelated elements. In addition to serving as valuable allies in MK1, the Kameos also contribute to various other gameplay mechanics. This diverse group consists of both recognizable characters such as Scorpion and Sub-Zero, as well as lesser-known individuals like Darrius and Sareena, who still retain their iconic appearances. Some even play crucial roles in the game's storyline. The inclusion of Kameo Fighters has ingeniously expanded the roster of combatants in Mortal Kombat 1.

Mortal Kombat 1 excels at utilizing its diverse roster of characters. The game introduces a captivating cinematic Story mode, a feature that has become synonymous with the Mortal Kombat franchise since its highly successful debut in Mortal Kombat 2011. Interestingly, fans remain uncertain about the identity of the main antagonist, generating speculations that range from Queen Sindel and General Shao to Liu Kang himself. Additionally, the possibility of multiple story paths adds an extra layer of excitement, surpassing even the assorted conclusions found in Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath. Consequently, fans might have the opportunity to influence the trajectory of Liu Kang's universe.

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Besides the various Arcade Towers available, players will find the new Invasions mode to be the main attraction in the game. Serving as a replacement for Mortal Kombat 1's Krypt, Invasions offers a tile-based RPG experience where players can unlock a majority of Mortal Kombat 1's cosmetics and extras. Set in stunning and eerie locations from the game's stage list, players can engage in captivating dialogue with MK1 characters, discover hidden treasures, and battle unique opponents.

Additionally, the online suite completes the Mortal Kombat 1 package. Although specific details have not been extensively revealed prior to the release, the online suite will include all the essential features that fighting game players expect. Matches will run smoothly thanks to the implementation of rollback netcode, but it remains to be seen how effectively NetherRealm Studios' efforts will match up against its competitors. A progression system of some kind is likely to be present, allowing players to earn bonuses such as costumes through their engagement with it. Moreover, Mortal Kombat has a history of offering additional online modes, such as the popular King of the Hill mode from the 2011 MK trilogy, which might appeal to players who are not interested in basic ranked, casual, or lobby play.

Ferocious Fighting Remains At The Heart of Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1 showcases impressive fighting mechanics, featuring a diverse cast of characters. Unlike its predecessors, the Variation system has been replaced with a greater variety of tools for each character, complemented by the return of aerial combo strings. The introduction of Kameo Fighters brings additional special moves, breakers, joint X-Ray supers, and Fatalities into the mix. Competitive players will appreciate the vast range of options available for each character and Kameo combination. Casual fans will enjoy the extensive roster and the simplicity of special move inputs and combo strings. With numerous Fatalities and hidden surprises awaiting players, Mortal Kombat 1 offers something for everyone.

Mortal Kombat 1 will release September 19th for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.