Mortal Kombat 1

After a subtle leak and a series of intriguing teasers on Twitter, Mortal Kombat 1 was officially confirmed as the next installment in the immensely popular fighting game series. This reboot introduced exciting gameplay mechanics, including the innovative Kameo system, while weaving a narrative that featured beloved characters. Developer NetherRealm, known for their alternating franchises, left many anticipating a new Injustice title, especially since their last release in 2019 was Mortal Kombat 11. With the release date approaching, excitement surged among both fans and critics, all eager to see how NetherRealm would reimagine this chapter.

What is Mortal Kombat 1 about?

In Mortal Kombat 1, the story picks up from Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath's conclusion, where Liu Kang ascends to the role of Fire God, taking over from Raiden and gaining mastery over time using Kronika's crown. In a climactic moment, Liu Kang banishes Shang Tsung to the sands of time and initiates a complete reset of the entire timeline across realms. We witness Fire God Liu Kang visiting a young Kung Lao, his chosen champion.

This timeline reset appears more lasting than Raiden's past self-message in Mortal Kombat Armageddon, rendering Raiden mortal without godly powers in the game's trailer. Consequently, it's improbable that certain characters born from the previous timeline alteration will feature in the roster. Notably, Shang Tsung returns in the trailer, though it seems to be the sorcerer from the new timeline, having sidestepped his sandy fate. Recent story mode footage hints at the new Shang Tsung being manipulated covertly.

The game introduces intriguing changes to Mortal Kombat's canon, such as Sub-Zero and Scorpion being portrayed as brothers, and various character dynamics undergoing significant shifts.

Mortal Kombat 1 Gameplay

In the gameplay showcased by NetherRealm, Mortal Kombat 1 packs an abundance of game modes, bone-crushing finishing moves, and fatalities. A new addition, Kameo Fighters, offers players a distinct set of partners for match assistance, separate from the main fighter roster. It's worth noting that these Kameo fighters can also execute Fatalities.

Another noteworthy feature in Mortal Kombat 1 is the option for fatality narration, which vividly describes finishing moves, enhancing accessibility for all players. Returning from Mortal Kombat 11 are "Fatal Blows," which can be triggered when a player's health drops to 30% or lower. In this iteration, your chosen Kameo fighter initiates these moves, followed by your playable character performing an X-Ray move.

This reboot introduces several fresh features to the Mortal Kombat series. One standout is the essential Mortal Kombat 1 rollback netcode, a must-have for any 2023 fighting game. Additionally, crossplay for Mortal Kombat 1 is expected to arrive post-launch, as initially mentioned in the game's FAQ before its mysterious removal.

Mortal Kombat 1 Roster

NetherRealm has officially confirmed that the Mortal Kombat 1 roster will feature established characters from the early Mortal Kombat games. Although Johnny Cage was notably absent from the reveal trailer, NetherRealm assured fans that he would be included in the game. Furthermore, they revealed an exciting addition – a downloadable skin featuring the iconic Hollywood legend Jean-Claude Van Damme for Johnny Cage.

The confirmed roster so far for Mortal Kombat 1 includes:

• Liu Kang

• Scorpion

• Sub-Zero

• Raiden

• Kung Lao

• Kitana

• Mileena

• Shang Tsung

• Johnny Cage

• Reptile

• Sindel

• General Shao

• Havik

• Kenshi Takahashi

• Rain

• Smoke

• Li Mei

• Baraka

• Tanya

• Geras

• Ashrah

Mortal Kombat 1 Trailers

Official Announcement trailer:

Official Gameplay debut trailer:

Official banished trailer:

When will Mortal Kombat 1 be released?

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to release on September 19, 2023, across all platforms and editions. However, some lucky enthusiasts may have the opportunity to play it a bit earlier. Those who pre-order for the Premium or Kollector’s edition can enjoy early access starting on September 14, 2023. This release date was unveiled in May 2023 during the game's official announcement.

Players can also secure their copy of the game through pre-orders, offering enticing rewards. These include exclusive access to Shang Tsung as a playable character, a special Jean-Claude Van Damme skin tailored for Johnny Cage, and the privilege to participate in the closed beta test.

What platforms will Mortal Kombat 1 be released for?

Mortal Kombat 1 is headed to a variety of platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Steam and the Epic Game Store, and the Nintendo Switch. However, players who haven't upgraded to next-gen consoles may be left out for now, although there's still a range of platform options to consider. The release strategy for all platforms simultaneously remains uncertain, as porting to less powerful consoles can sometimes require additional time.

Development responsibilities are split among different teams: NetherRealm is working on the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions, QLOC is in charge of the PC port, and Shiver Entertainment & Saber Interactive are dedicated to creating the Nintendo Switch version.