Unveiling the Ultimate Upgrades: 10 Mind-Blowing Features Revealed for Mortal Kombat 1!

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to be the most innovative addition to the series yet. Packed with new features and modified mechanics, it enhances the combat experience while preserving the essence of this beloved franchise. Since the release of the announcement trailer in May 2023, observant fans have been quick to spot the subtle additions, particularly concerning the Kameo Fighters who possess the potential to revolutionize battle dynamics.

As more information is unveiled, it becomes evident that NetherRealm is devoted to revitalizing the series to provide both long-time fans and newcomers with an entirely fresh experience. Whether through quality-of-life improvements or significant changes to combat and the introduction of new types of fatalities, these features successfully differentiate the game from its predecessors. Collectively, they offer a refreshing perspective on the iconic Mortal Kombat universe and its established formula.

8 New Quitality Animations

Quitting in the middle of a fight is a common occurrence in fighting games, often happening during a devastating combo when a player can't bear to see their character being overwhelmed by their opponent. However, Ed Boon and the innovative developers at NetherRealm have found a clever way to make this shameful act even more humiliating.

In Mortal Kombat 1, if a player quits or disconnects during combat, it will be considered a "Quitality." In the previous game, Mortal Kombat X, the character's head would simply explode, but in this new installment, they will instead be impaled on a gigantic rock or have their entire body explode into a gory mess. Additionally, there is a possibility for the character to gruesomely snap their own neck, which serves as a reminiscent nod to the Hara-Kiri move in Mortal Kombat: Deception.

7 Quick Dashing

In every Mortal Kombat game, the movement system has been tweaked to give it a unique touch. Although this may not matter much to those who aren't fans of fighting games, long-time players are familiar with the significant impact that sprinting and running mechanics have had on battles, especially after experiencing them in Mortal Kombat X.

In this latest installment, characters will have the ability to dash with lightning-fast speed and can interrupt the dash animation at any moment with an attack input. This not only adds a frenzied element to the game but also enhances the viability and excitement of the rush-down gameplay. Moreover, it deviates from the slower and more strategic gameplay style found in Mortal Kombat 11.

6 Unique Loading Screens

In the Injustice series and Mortal Kombat games, characters now have the opportunity to exchange words before entering into intense combat. With the advancements in the new-gen consoles' powerful SSD and hardware, these brief interactions serve the purpose of concealing loading screens effectively.

When players make their character and stage selections, the game cleverly disguises the loading process by bringing the two opposing fighters close together. This prompts them to engage in a short conversation before the violent confrontation begins. As a result, the transition from the character select screen to the gameplay becomes seamless, ensuring that players can stay focused on the action without any distractions.

5 Taunting

Experienced players of fighting games are well aware of the frustration caused by excessive crouch spamming. This tactic is often employed by skilled players to intimidate beginners. However, NetherRealm has introduced an innovative solution to eliminate this annoying aspect that has plagued fighting games since their inception on consoles.

In Mortal Kombat 1, if a character crouches four times in quick succession, they will perform a taunt. This leaves them vulnerable for several seconds, serving as a deterrent for both inexperienced and overconfident players during the initial stages of the game's release.

4 Up Block

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In an intense bout, players now have to focus not only on protecting their body and legs but also defending against overhead attacks and air combos. This is made possible by the new Up Block feature, which allows players to block in a diagonal position. This small change greatly impacts the dynamics of the game.

Given that Mortal Kombat 1 has placed a significant emphasis on air combat compared to previous games, the implementation of this feature by NetherRealm is a positive development. It provides players with a fighting chance, avoiding the need to constantly retreat from threats such as divekicks, which could force them to play more cautiously.

3 Flawless Block

In many new fighting games, like Street Fighter 6, the introduction of a "perfect parry" system allows players to punish their opponents and perform combos after successfully executing it. Mortal Kombat 1 has a similar feature called the Flawless Block, which goes beyond granting an advantage. The Flawless Block also eliminates most chip damage and significantly slows down the opponent's meter buildup.

This means that if a player constantly uses projectile attacks, such as Kitana or Liu Kang, their spamming tactics will be ineffective if their opponent consistently performs Flawless Blocks. While the Flawless Block may not be as aggressive as in Mortal Kombat 11, it is still an ingenious solution to address the issue of spamming that has plagued many previous NetherRealm games.

2 Air Combos

During the initial gameplay reveal, Scorpion and Sub-Zero's ability to perform extensive combos in midair came as a shock to many fans. This highlight in combat mechanics marks a significant departure for the series. While the previous games did incorporate some aspects of aerial combat, such as Kitana's ability to launch opponents into the air, these maneuvers only allowed for limited juggle combos and did not provide an extended period of airborne action.

Now, characters have the capability of remaining suspended in the air for several seconds, delivering relentless attacks just as they would on the ground. The implementation of the Up Block feature, along with these visually impressive aerial combos, demonstrates NetherRealm's commitment to introducing new combat styles and providing opportunities for both new and existing fans. This addition is undoubtedly well-received.

1 Kameo Fighters

After selecting their main character in Mortal Kombat 1, players will be given the option to choose from a different set of characters known as the Kameo Fighters. While players will control their primary fighter during the match, they can also summon their Kameo Fighter by pressing the shoulder buttons. These Kameo Fighters can perform quick grabs or attacks to extend combos.

The inclusion of Kameo Fighters greatly enhances the game, providing players with more opportunities to experiment with combos against their opponents. Notable characters like Sonya Blade and Jax Briggs have already been announced as Kameo Fighters, and considering NetherRealm's history of incorporating unique and unconventional DLC characters into their games, it is highly likely that more of them will join the roster as Kameo Fighters in the future.

Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S and Series X, PC, and Nintendo Switch.