Highlights
Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a new feature called Kameo Fighters, which adds unique moves to each match, enhancing gameplay variety and strategy.
Johnny Cage has been identified as an exceptionally powerful fighter in the recent closed beta of Mortal Kombat 1. However, it is anticipated that balance changes will be made before the game's official release. In the main game, there is a possibility that specific Kameo fighters may become disproportionately strong, which could disrupt the celebration of Mortal Kombat's 30-year history and result in monotonous competitive matches.
The Mortal Kombat franchise has thrived for over three decades, continuously gaining popularity and evolving with each new installment. Each game in the series brings something unique to the table, including the original Mortal Kombat 1. While Mortal Kombat 1 shares similarities in fighting mechanics with Mortal Kombat 11, it introduces a captivating new feature known as the Kameo Fighter system.
In Mortal Kombat 1, players are prompted to select a Kameo Fighter at the beginning of each match, in addition to their main fighter. These Kameo Fighters possess a set of special moves that can be executed during the match by pressing L1 along with a directional key. It is important to note that these moves are limited by a meter, requiring players to use them strategically rather than spamming. Despite this limitation, the Kameo Fighters prove to be a formidable tool. However, similar to other characters in the fighting game genre, Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 1 may also face unavoidable pitfalls.
Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters May Have a Meta Of Their Own
Although fighting games strive to achieve a balanced roster, it is inevitable that one or two characters will emerge as the top contenders in the genre. The Mortal Kombat franchise is no different. In recent years, Joker has stood out as the dominant fighter in Mortal Kombat 11, thanks to his incredibly strong moveset and impressive speed. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Mortal Kombat 1 will also have its own standout fighters, and the recent beta has potentially revealed one of them.
During the closed beta of Mortal Kombat 1, players had the opportunity to test a selection of fighters. While most characters seemed equally powerful this time around, there is one particular fighter who might be pushing the limits. Johnny Cage possesses remarkably potent basic combos that excel in any situation. Furthermore, his special ability allows him to execute a rapid sequence of special moves. Currently, Johnny Cage may hold the title of Mortal Kombat 1's strongest fighter, although this is likely to change once the game is officially released.
Regardless of who claims the top spot, it is inevitable that Mortal Kombat 1 will have a champion, and this could potentially impact more than just its main roster. The Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 1 may also face similar challenges. Although each Kameo Fighter has only four moves, it is possible that one of them could have a moveset that surpasses all others. In the recent beta, Frost seemed to have an advantage over the competition, with her moves enabling players to trap opponents and set up devastating combos.
The purpose of Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters is to honor the franchise's 30-year history. However, if a metagame emerges, it could undermine this purpose as players may simply choose the Kameo Fighter deemed the most powerful by the community. This could have significant implications for competitive Mortal Kombat 1 gameplay. If one Kameo Fighter clearly outshines the rest, competitive players may limit themselves to using only that character, resulting in monotonous matches.
Mortal Kombat 1 will release September 19th for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.