Highlights
- Mortal Kombat 1 introduces new characters and a revised timeline, offering a more optimistic reality for iconic fighters.
- The game will feature a full roster of playable fighters, including classic Mortal Kombat combatants and Kameo fighters.
- Characters like Shao Khan and Sindel return with powerful movesets and brutal X-Ray attacks, alongside new Kameo fighters like Motaro and Shujinko.
Two more fan-favorite warriors have just been confirmed for Mortal Kombat 1, as well as a pair of classic Kameo fighters. NetherRelam’s next epic fighting game will mark a new chapter for Mortal Kombat, thanks to the newly-minted Fire God Liu Kang resetting the timeline at the end of Mortal Kombat 11’s Aftermath DLC. In its place stands a new, more optimistic reality where several iconic Mortal Kombat characters have been altered for the better, though peace might not last for too much longer.
In the months since Mortal Kombat 1 was officially revealed, NetherRealm has been slowly but surely pulling back the curtain on the game’s roster of playable fighters - with the most recent reveals including the long-rumored MK mainstay Reptile, the reformed demon warrior Ashrah, and the Chaosrealm cleric Havik. Of course, the main Mortal Kombat 1 roster is only half of the game’s line-up, as players will also be able to pick from a secondary list of Kameo fighters to assist them in battle. These supporting characters represent classic Mortal Kombat combatants from the original timeline and can unleash devastating combos on opponents at the press of a button.
Fans can add even more names to both of Mortal Kombat 1’s character rosters thanks to Ed Boon, who appeared onstage during Gamescom 2023's Opening Night Live event to discuss the game with host Geoff Keighley and present a brand-new story trailer. Said trailer confirms that longtime Mortal Kombat antagonist Shao Khan will indeed return in MK 1’s new timeline, now as a general in the service of Outworld. However, General Shao’s desire to conquer EarthRelam through war puts him at odds with Empress Sindel, the current ruler of Outworld and mother of Mortal Kombat 1’s twin princesses Kitara and Mileena.
Shao and Sindel proceed to demonstrate their movesets and brutal Mortal Kombat 1 X-Ray attacks, with the former using his battle axe and brute strength to maintain dominance and the latter employing mystical powers and her prehensile hair to enforce her will. This battle ends with Sindel unleashing a gruesome Fatality on Shao, using her hair to break off the wayward general’s arms before tearing the skull and spine from his body. However, Shao gets a second chance in another match with Raiden, Earthrealm’s chosen champion who is eager to prove himself to Liu Kang.
None of these combatants are alone in their battles, as the latest Mortal Kombat 1 trailer also reveals a handful of new Kameo fighters from entries past. Mortal Kombat 3’s centaur-like warrior Motaro returns to aide Sindel with stinger tail strikes and a rib-crushing X-Ray kick. Meanwhile, the previously-rumored Mortal Kombat: Deception hero Shujinko assists Raiden by unleashing a series of rapid strikes and a crushing throat squeeze against General Shao.
As Mortal Kombat 1’s late September release date draws ever closer, fans are getting to see even more of the game’s packed roster of warriors from across the legendary series in their revamped forms. Mortal Kombat 1’s timeline-altering story aims to shake up several classic character dynamics in interesting ways, and the new Kameo Fighters look like they will offer players plenty of options to test their might once the game finally arrives next month.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
