Highlights

  • Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 1 are a valuable addition that enhances gameplay and strategy.
  • Including more Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 2 could provide additional variety and screen time for characters.
  • However, the fate of Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 2 is uncertain and could be determined by the developers.

Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters introduced a new element to the series, and there's fair argument over whether it should return for the sequel. It was one of the more surprising additions to the game and played a significant role in shaping the meta of Mortal Kombat 1. While the game's story has been set up for an enticing sequel, the fate of Kameo Fighters is less clear. They could be embraced as an important part of the new timeline's fights. Conversely, they could be an experiment that ends up abandoned before Mortal Kombat 2 comes out.

In a series first, Mortal Kombat 1 introduced Kameo Fighters, who act as unplayable assistants to the player's chosen fighter. Kameo Fighters each have a small pool of moves that players can activate on command, including projectiles, melee attacks, and support moves. They even have their own Fatalities and Brutalities, albeit fewer than the playable characters. Some Kameos are even alternate versions of fighters already on the playable roster. To date, the roster of Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 1 consists of:

  • Jax Briggs
  • Sonya Blade
  • Cyrax
  • Sektor
  • Scorpion
  • Sub-Zero
  • Kung Lao
  • Stryker
  • Goro
  • Frost
  • Sareena
  • Shujinko
  • Kano
  • Goro
  • Motaro
  • Darrius
  • Tremor
  • Khameleon
Mortal Kombat 1 Kameo Injustice 3 Dreams
Related
MK1's Kameo System Could Make One Injustice 3 Dream Come True

Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo system may still be a tad controversial, but shouldn't just be a one-and-done, as Injustice 3 will be able to benefit from it.

Mortal Kombat 1's Kameos Leave Its Sequel With an Important Decision

Along with the main roster additions, players now know some of the DLC Kameo fighters for Mortal Kombat 1.

Kameo Fighters Are a Prominent Tool in Mortal Kombat 1

The main contribution that Kameo Fighters make to Mortal Kombat 1's competitive meta is how their own abilities complement the fighters. Since every Kameo can be combined with every playable fighter, they can be worked into many different fighting styles. For example, Sektor's energy net entangles enemies for so long that it practically guarantees a hit, while Sareena's multi-hitting sickle throw is a good tool for extra damage. Even non-damaging abilities like Kung Lao's teleport can prove useful. Just like the fighters themselves, Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo characters have plenty of utility, and future tournaments will likely do a good job of showing those perks.

Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters Are Highly Useful and Feature More Characters

Some decent arguments could be made for going further with Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 2. They add an extra element of strategy to a fight, giving players extra tools while also adding an extra obstacle to overcome. In addition, Kameo Fighters can make sure that more characters get some screen time in the game, even if they can't make it onto the main roster. Since they get to take part and even have their own fatalities, bringing a Kameo Fighter is a step up from being an NPC, and Mortal Kombat 2 could include more Kameos in kind.

Kameo Fighters Might Be a Gimmick That Doesn't Last

Players could also come up with reasons for Kameo Fighters not to return, even if Mortal Kombat 2 fully follows the previous title otherwise. Admittedly, they are a gimmick, and a lot of gimmicks don't last very long, so the developers could decide to go back to basics in the next game. In addition, the Kameo roster itself could be a sore spot for some. Having a character on the Kameo Roster means that their story probably won't be explored in that game, which is a letdown for their fans. The situation could be likened to when Super Smash Bros. characters were Assist Trophies instead of full fighters.

The continued existence of Kameo Fighters won't be confirmed until information about Mortal Kombat 2 starts coming out. Some characters make for excellent Mortal Kombat Kameos, and the mechanic has been good for making fights more interesting. At the same time, there are some potential discrepancies with the idea as well. Overall, there seem to be more positives than negatives when it comes to the Kameo system in Mortal Kombat 1. However, the fate of Kameo Fighters come Mortal Kombat 2 is ultimately up to NetherRealm.