Highlights
The Kameo system is the biggest addition in Mortal Kombat 1, allowing players to pick a Kameo alongside their fighter to extend combos and debuff enemies.
Certain Kameos pose a greater challenge to master, while others cater to novice players unfamiliar with the series.
Every Kameo possesses distinct abilities that set them apart, for instance, Stryker's skills include grenade tossing and handcuffs, Goro's include an unstoppable stomp and punch, Cyrax can utilize the Cyraxcopter and net projectile, Sareena excels in scythe throws, and Kano can showcase his knife toss and eye laser.
The Kameo system is the most significant addition in Mortal Kombat 1. Instead of just battling with two fighters, each player can now select a Kameo alongside their main fighter. These Kameos can assist by extending combos, immobilizing enemies, or debuffing them to create vulnerabilities. They play a vital role in gameplay, but they vary greatly in their abilities, with some being more challenging to master than others.
Each Kameo fighter has a variety of moves at their disposal. However, some moves require precise inputs and timing to be effective. On the other hand, there are a few Kameos specifically designed for ease of use, allowing even those unfamiliar with the Mortal Kombat series to utilize them to their fullest potential.
6 Stryker
While he may not excel in extending combos, Stryker proves to be a formidable Kameo in terms of neutral game control and restricting the opponent's excessive use of projectiles. His primary skill lies in his accurate grenade toss that launches three explosives in an arched trajectory, serving as a highly dependable anti-air attack.
Furthermore, he possesses the ability to swiftly appear on the opposite side of the screen and apprehend the opponent, effectively restricting their movement by placing them in handcuffs. This maneuver leaves them vulnerable to a mix-up strategy. Even while being juggled, the handcuffs force the opponent into a restand position. While not overly complicated, Stryker excels at creating distance and keeping the enemy on edge.
5 Goro
Goro, a terrifying behemoth, can be a bit challenging to incorporate into combos smoothly. However, he excels at surprising the opponent by throwing them off guard occasionally. His stomp is particularly effective as it is unblockable and helps maintain control over the opponent, although it can be a bit slow. His most aggressive move is his punch walk, where he relentlessly strikes the opponent while advancing towards them.
This not only pushes the opponent back but also has the ability to handle enemy Kameos in most situations, preventing their abilities from affecting the player. Goro is a true powerhouse, guaranteed to instill fear in anyone facing his deadly attacks.
4 Cyrax
Cyrax possesses straightforward abilities, yet is capable of causing great devastation when utilized correctly. Fortunately, mastering his skills does not require excessive practice. His primary ability, the Cyraxcopter, involves ascending while slashing the enemy with blades. This maneuver not only enables aerial combos, but also serves as a finishing move, allowing for additional damage and easily catching opponents suspended in mid-air.
In addition, Cyrax wields a swift net projectile that ensnares opponents for a brief period. This versatile tool can be employed to counter long-range assaults or initiate new combos. While his self-destruct ability may be less advantageous than his other capabilities, it remains useful for interrupting attacks and manipulating the flow of battle.
3 Sareena
Sareena quickly became the most popular Kameo in the game due to her exceptional ability to set up and extend combos effortlessly. By simply pressing a button, Sareena can release two scythes that not only juggle her opponent but also bounce them towards the player, positioning them perfectly for executing combos.
For newcomers entering the Mortal Kombat universe or the world of fighting games, choosing Sareena is highly recommended as she provides an easy way to practice and master combos. Additionally, her faster single scythe attack adds to her versatility. Although her meter debuff ability may seem unreliable and somewhat gimmicky, she excels as a combo-oriented Kameo that appears to be tailor-made for novice players.
2 Kano
Kano is not only one of the best projectile-based Kameos in the game, but also a character that offers an exciting experience for players to experiment with. He possesses all the iconic tools and abilities that have made him fearsome in previous games. His lightning-fast knife toss serves as a difficult obstacle for opponents trying to approach him, while his eye laser sets him apart.
The eye laser is a powerful projectile that extends across the entire stage, enabling players to keep enemies at a distance, intercept them during their descent, or even eliminate Kameo enemies who have no chance of closing the gap. Additionally, Kano retains his signature spinning ball attack, which remains just as potent. However, players now have the option to charge it up, introducing an element of risk for opponents who attempt to rush in, as they may find themselves blown to the opposite end of the stage. To control the flow of a match and strategically keep opponents at a distance using a combination of long-ranged attacks, players should definitely give Kano a try as a Kameo.
1 Kung Lao
Kung Lao is a versatile character in the game, making him a great choice in most situations. He possesses various abilities that prove useful in different encounters. For instance, his hat toss is a potent projectile that can be charged up like Kano's. This is especially valuable in fights where distance plays a role. Additionally, Kung Lao retains his spin attack, which can instantly launch enemies for air combos.
Moreover, his teleport ability is the icing on the cake as it allows him to swiftly move across the map. Unlike other characters who excel in specific areas like projectiles or combos, Kung Lao is well-rounded and can fulfill any role. This makes him not only enjoyable for training but also ideal for beginners who wish to familiarize themselves with the game's mechanics and main fighters while having all bases covered.
Mortal Kombat 1
Platform(s) PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased September 19, 2023Developer(s) NetherRealm StudiosGenre(s) Fighting