Unleashing the Beauty and Complexity of Mortal Kombat 1: A First-Hand Experience

In the latest installment of Mortal Kombat, Liu Kang remains the Fire God while all other characters have been reimagined as new iterations of familiar fighters. Despite the franchise's recent success and the developer's history of pushing boundaries in the genre, Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a reboot for the series. However, fans can expect some classic elements of the fighting game to start from scratch. After playing the game at Summer Game Fest's Play Days 2023, it's clear that NetherRealm is not abandoning its winning formula entirely, but rather expanding upon it to create a refreshing and original experience.

The demo didn't offer much in terms of new lore, but according to the NRS developers, the narrative reboot gave them the opportunity to reimagine familiar characters. One notable change is that Scorpion and Sub-Zero are now depicted as brothers, rather than their traditional roles as lifelong enemies.

The Mortal Kombat franchise has always been known for its captivating storyline, and since the release of MK 9, it has only gotten better. With each new game, NetherRealm Studios has taken bold steps to push the boundaries of the lore, culminating in the transformation of Liu Kang into a Fire God and time-traveling adventures. Fans can't wait to see what new twists and turns the story will take next, as it breathes fresh life into beloved characters that have been around for more than a decade.

But even without the captivating narrative, Mortal Kombat 1 still has a lot to offer. The introduction of the Kameo characters is a game-changer, forcing even seasoned players to rethink their strategies and approach to the game. Fans can expect a thrilling and engaging experience that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

Mortal Kombat 1 boasts an impressive feature that sets it apart from other fighting games - its seamless transition from character select screen to in-game action. After selecting their fighter, the two characters clash and have a brief interaction before the camera pulls back, showcasing a little grandstanding before the fight begins. This transition feels like it could only be possible on current-gen platforms and sets a new standard for the genre. Mortal Kombat 1's ability to keep players out of menus and in the action is a promising direction for the future of fighting games.

The Kameo Characters play a crucial role in Mortal Kombat 1's gameplay strategy, offering more than just a novelty feature. These characters cannot be deactivated and will become an integral part of the player's arsenal, alongside Fatal Blows and meter burning. The possibilities of each Kameo Character's unique abilities seem endless, and they can be accessed with a simple press of the right bumper/R1. However, the way in which they enhance the main fighter's moveset varies, and they offer different attacks depending on the player's positioning and choices. Additionally, their moves can be further enhanced by using meter energy.

Moves performed by fighters such as Liu Kang, Kenshi, Sub-Zero, and Kitana, alongside those of Kameo Characters like Jax, Sonya Blade, and Kano, are instrumental in maintaining combos or can be used as launchers/combo-starters. Skilled players of fighting games can use Kameo Characters to create visually impressive and difficult-to-counter combos. However, incorporating them into gameplay requires a learning curve.

Mortal Kombat 1 sets itself apart from other fighting games with its smooth animations, impressive visuals, and just the right amount of gore to elicit both laughter and winces from players. Even with only a few characters available, it already feels like a top tier game with an extensive roster to come. The Kameo Characters add a refreshing twist to the gameplay, providing a learning curve for both novice and veteran players. The move sets hit expected beats with cool twists, and the franchise's tongue-in-cheek elements do not come across as gimmicky. Mortal Kombat 1 truly marks the start of something new.

Mortal Kombat 1 releases September 19, 2023 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.