Highlights
Mortal Kombat 1 will have a total of 24 playable characters upon its release on September 19.
The game features a lineup of familiar characters with refreshed backgrounds, alongside newly revealed fighters showcased in gameplay trailers. Character selection is a collaborative process involving the story director from the original Mortal Kombat game, the creative director, and even input from fans.
Fans now have an idea of the size of the base roster for Mortal Kombat 1 when it is released next month. NetherRealm has been sharing plot details and showcasing the new supporting fighters in gameplay, including a stress test in June and an upcoming beta. The game will also feature a growing cast of altered warriors from the franchise's history, with Scorpion and Johnny Cage receiving new backstories. The latest character confirmation is Geras, who debuted in Mortal Kombat 11.
Mortal Kombat 1's story director, Dominic Cianciolo, recently revealed in an interview with Temple of Geek that the game will feature 24 playable characters upon its release on September 19. While not every character will receive equal screen time in the cinematic narrative of Mortal Kombat 1, Cianciolo assures players that the pre-fight banter and ladder endings will provide ample characterization for all the characters. He also mentioned that the selection process for including characters involves input from himself, NetherRealm's creative director Ed Boon, and feedback from fans.
Currently, Mortal Kombat 1 has confirmed 15 characters for its default roster. However, rumors suggest that familiar MK fighters such as Sindel, Reptile, and the now-renamed General Shao (formerly Shao Khan) may be added to the roster in the future. In terms of DLC characters, NetherRealm has already confirmed appearances from Omni-Man, Homelander, and Peacemaker. There are also rumors that the second Kombat Pack could include Deathstroke, Harley Quinn, and Doomslayer, along with returning favorites like Noob Saibot and Kano.
Even without these additions, Mortal Kombat 1 will launch with an impressive roster of 24 playable characters. Nine slots in the roster are yet to be officially filled, leaving room for requested fighters like Ashrah from Mortal Kombat Deception. It's worth noting that speculating about the upcoming roster is a source of excitement for many dedicated fans of the franchise, adding to the overall enjoyment of the Mortal Kombat experience.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S
Source: Temple of Geek