Exhausting to consider, nevertheless it’s been three weeks because the Mortal Kombat 1 Gameplay Reveal Trailer stole the present on the Summer Game Fest. The recently-ended Stress Take a look at for Mortal Kombat 1 was a much-talked-about success.
Ed Boon has been making the Mortal Kombat 1 interview rounds, however as per Ed Boon’s standard, he has been cautious and cryptic about what he says. Whereas he is dropped loads of hints, it has been some time since we have gotten any concrete new information about Mortal Kombat 1.
Your wait will probably be nicely rewarded. The primary Kombat Kast will kick off subsequent Thursday, July sixth @ 10:00AM PT / 12:00PM CT. Be part of us for a dialogue on Kameos, full gameplay breakdowns of Scorpion & Johnny Cage, and extra. #MK1 pic.twitter.com/Dr8lw3TaOK
— Mortal Kombat 1 (@MortalKombat) June 30, 2023
Netherrealm lately added character bios to the Mortal Kombat 1 web site, shedding a bit extra details about the backstory of the characters in Mortal Kombat 1. There have been some notable adjustments to a couple characters’ backstories, and it will likely be attention-grabbing to see what else is totally different in Liu Kang’s New Period.
With the primary Mortal Kombat 1 Kombat Kast coming July 6, now’s the right time to go over each Predominant roster and Kameo roster character revealed thus far. We’ll maintain you up to date as Netherrealm introduces extra kombatants.
Predominant Roster
Liu Kang
Previously the Chosen One and now God of Fireplace Protector of Earthrealm, Liu Kang used Kronika’s Hourglass to restart a greater historical past for everybody. Now, he stands vigilant as protector of Earthrealm whereas permitting these inside the realms to determine their very own fates. Matthew Yang King is returning within the function.
Curiously sufficient, Liu Kang launched himself to a Kung Lao in Aftermath’s ending as God of Fireplace and Thunder. Now, he solely refers to himself because the God of Fireplace.
Gameplay-wise, you’ll be able to nonetheless see some electrical energy in Liu Kang’s strikes, nevertheless it seems to be like Liu Kang might have handed on most of his God of Thunder powers again to Raiden.
Sub-Zero
Bi-Han is again within the function of Sub-Zero, and it seems there is not any longer a necessity so as to add Elder earlier than Sub-Zero (Extra on this later). New Period Bi-Han is doing higher than his former self, as he’s now the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.
Primarily based on his bio, just a few intros, and a few of his kombat dialogue, Bi-Han might have taken some pages from Sektor’s playbook. His father was beforehand the Grandmaster, however that mantle grew to become Bi-Han’s after his loss of life. Nevertheless, Bi-Han is giving off sturdy patricide vibes, matching Sektor’s personal homicide of his father to assert management of the Lin Kuei.
It could be a New Period, however Bi-Han’s want for energy and tendency to lean into committing actions lower than honorable, this new Bi-Han nonetheless appears set on placing himself on the trail that results in the Lin Kuei’s heel flip and him changing into Noob Saibot. There’s nothing to recommend if the enduring Netherrealm model of Bi-Han will exist within the New Period (But), however I would not be shocked.
Scorpion
One of the stunning adjustments revealed about Mortal Kombat 1 thus far was the revelation that Sub-Zero and Scorpion are brothers within the New Period. Initially, that led to confusion about whether or not Kuai Liang is now Scorpion or if it is nonetheless Hanzo, however he and Bi-Han are cool now.
The latter does not make sense, as Hanzo is Japanese, and Bi-Han and Kuai Liang are Chinese language and White. However given Scorpion’s bio, Kenshi’s mentioning of Kuai Liang in an intro with Liu Kang, and the truth that Sub-Zero and Scorpion look nearly equivalent, it is secure to imagine Kuai Liang is Scorpion.
That does invoke questions of what occurred to Hanzo Hasashi and the way fellow cryomancer Kuai Liang now boasts hearth powers (In any case, Hanzo’s hellfire powers stemmed from his time as a specter, and he stored them after his revival). However it appears Kuai Liang is protecting his extra heroic and honorable character which can put him into battle along with his brother, who’s all too prepared to lean into gray ethical territory.
Kitana
Unsurprisingly, Kitana is making a return within the New Period. Kari Wahlgren is portraying her but once more. Liu Kang’s function as Keeper of Time and immortal Protector of Earthrealm makes their romance appear far much less believable now.
Her relationship with Liu Kang is not the one totally different factor. Kitana’s household has grown by one within the New Period, Netherrealm confirming that Mileena within the New Period is Kitana’s real older twin sister. Kitana within the New Period is kind of what Jade was to her within the earlier period, serving as Mileena’s trusted bodyguard.
Mileena has a darkish secret on this timeline, and it might shake up the royal household and Mileena’s function as Empress. Kitana does what she will be able to to guard her sister, however some issues might now not be in her fingers.
Johnny Cage
The surprising hero of the NRS reboot trilogy, Johnny Cage, is again. Andrew Bowen is returning as Johnny’s iconic voice actor.
Liu Kang’s New Period has modified a lot, together with when these acquainted kombatants have been born. Johnny Cage is now in his prime within the modern-day, relatively than a person in his mid-50s. We should always anticipate loads of social media references from the now-millennial Johnny Cage.
Of all of the characters revealed thus far, Johnny appears to be the least unchanged (Not less than from what we have seen thus far). He is an motion film star whose star is fading. The approaching Earthrealm disaster could be simply what Johnny must reignite his profession.
Kenshi Takahashi
3D-era favourite Kenshi Takahashi is returning, and his followers are little question excited, because it seems to be like Kenshi will lastly have a chapter in an NRS-era Mortal Kombat sport.
Kenshi’s new backstory within the New Period seems to be attention-grabbing. Those that seen Kenshi’s closely tattooed fingers within the Gameplayer Reveal trailer most likely already known as this, however Kenshi is now a member of the Yakuza. The Takahashi bloodline fell from grace centuries in the past. As soon as one in all Japan’s most revered households, battle killed or scattered a lot of the Takahashi clan. The remnants joined the Bakuto, an early model of the modern-day Yakuza.
Halfway and NRS-era Kenshi each had points with the prison underworld, so seeing him now part of it’s a little bit of a shock. His bio suggests he will probably be trying to redeem himself and restore the glory of the Takahashi identify however forging a distinct and higher path for himself. His first step will probably be reclaiming his household’s sword, Sento.
Kenshi’s backstory is similar to that of the reboot trilogy period Kung Lao, who at all times heard tales of the legendary Nice Kung Lao and sought to revive the Lao identify. Regardless, Kenshi is trying to be a really attention-grabbing character.
Kung Lao
Liu Kang’s greatest good friend, Kung Lao. has modified significantly within the New Period. He is now not a Shaolin. As an alternative lives a easy life as a farmer within the village of Fengjian. That’s till Fireplace God Liu Kang seeks Kung out as one in all Earthrealm’s chosen champions.
Kung Lao is not utterly totally different. Sunil Malhotra is returning as Kung Lao, however Lao does not appear practically as cocky as his Mortal Kombat 11 counterpart. His bio signifies he is nonetheless on the lookout for glory and for his life to have much more which means than simply present.
Mileena
They lastly did it. After a few years of Mileena secretly (Or overtly) desirous to be household with Kitana, Netherrealm did it. Mileena is now the older twin sister of Kitana within the New Period. Kari Wahlgren is returning to the function.
The plain query is how Mileena is the dual of Kitana since she has at all times been a half-Edenian, half-Tarkatan clone of Kitana. Effectively, NRS is protecting the Tarkatan half round, solely they’ve modified it in order that Mileena now suffers from the Tarkat illness. The redheaded stepsister of vampirism and lycanthropy, the Tarkat illness presumably turns folks into Tarkatans.
Mileena is now inheritor to the Outworld throne (One other win for Mileena followers), however her Tarkat illness dangers ruining her life and her probability to rule as Empress; that is if her implied impulsiveness does not do this first.
In previous Mortal Kombat video games, Mileena’s want to be a part of a household as an alternative of everybody viewing her as a monster was at all times the glimmer of sunshine within the in any other case principally villainous character. However you know the way the saying goes, we do not recognize what now we have till we lose it. With Mileena now already having the household that earlier iterations of the character longed for, what’s New Period Mileena’s anchor that may maintain him from treading the identical darkish path she has earlier than?
Raiden
There will probably be no consulting with the Elder Gods within the New Period.
Not less than not now.
After a long time because the Protector of Earthrealm and God of Thunder, Netherrealm has modified Raiden. After merging with Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat 11, Raiden’s time as a demigod is over. He has returned within the New Period as a mortal, fellow Fengjian resident, and shut good friend of Kung Lao.
Raiden as soon as once more has his thunder powers and can also be carrying his amulet from the earlier timeline. Unsurprisingly, Raiden has seemingly swapped roles with Liu Kang solely, with Raiden’s bio itemizing him as Champion of Earthrealm.
Funnily sufficient, Raiden’s bio sounds extra like Halfway-era Kung Lao than anybody else. Halfway Kung Lao was the preliminary White Lotus consultant in Mortal Kombat 1, however Kung Lao turned down the function as a result of he most popular residing a quiet lifetime of peace. Raiden’s Mortal Kombat 1 bio suggests he’s largely the identical. Regardless, Raiden will rise to the event and assist Earthrealm’s fellow champions defend it from threats.
One of many largest adjustments to Raiden, and a saddening one, is that Richard Epcar is now not voicing the character. After over ten legendary years because the God of Thunder, the mantle has handed to a different within the New Period.
Shang Tsung
It would not be Mortal Kombat 1 with out the primary large unhealthy within the sequence.
Shang Tsung doesn’t have an official bio but, however the first Mortal Kombat 1 trailer ended with Shang Tsung murdering practically everybody besides Raiden earlier than Liu Kang brutally kills him. He will probably be a pre-order bonus for Mortal Kombat 1.
Traditionally talking, pre-order characters should not the principle villains of Mortal Kombat video games (MKX’s Goro and MK 11’s Shao Khan), so it appears unlikely Shang Tsung would be the predominant villain of Mortal Kombat 1. And that is okay, as him simply being right here as a fighter for followers to get pleasure from is nice sufficient.
Smoke
The place there’s smoke, there’s hearth, and the place there’s Mortal Kombat 1, there’s Smoke.
Fan favourite Lin Kuei, Smoke is lastly again. Except you rely MKX’s Triborg, this would be the first time Smoke is playable in over a decade.
MK9 gave Smoke a human kind and a voice, however the character, sadly, had little story relevance earlier than Sindel killed him and left him a background revenant in MKX and completely absent in MK11.
Smoke has loads of room for experimentation and new characterization. Within the Halfway period, he spent virtually all his time because the brainwashed Cyber/Noob Smoke and was barely round within the first NRS period. Hopefully, the New Period has a greater destiny for Smoke.
New Period Smoke was left an orphan after the Lin Kuei killed his household after they by chance stepped into Lin Kuei territory. Out of disgrace, the Grandmaster raised Smoke alongside his trueborn sons, Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
Rain
The demigod son of Argus (Rain) makes his fourth consecutive look in NRS-era Mortal Kombat video games. The Lin Kuei trailer reveals Rain coming to blows with the Lin Kuei and exhibiting off his trademark water magic.
What’s most attention-grabbing about Rain is his bio. It lists Rain as a scholar of Outworld’s Imperial Faculty of Sorcery and makes no point out of his unique Edenian halfgod heritage. Now Excessive Mage of Outworld, Rain is as much as his standard methods and cravings for extra energy.
Li Mei
A 3D-era fan-favorite is lastly again. After a quick look in MKX as an NPC, Li Mei will probably be playable once more for the primary time in 17 years.
Having debuted in Mortal Kombat: Lethal Alliance, Li Mei garnered fairly the next regardless of her relative irrelevance within the story. She infamously grew to become the primary fighter to die in Armageddon courtesy of Hotaru and wasn’t seen a lot since.
NRS has introduced her again and drastically altered her backstory. Initially an Outworld villager who rebelled towards evildoers like Kano and Shang Tsung, Li Mei performs a a lot larger function within the New Period. Li Mei was as soon as the chief of the Umgadi, a gaggle of warrior priestesses who guard the Royal Household.
At some point, one thing went unsuitable and resulted within the loss of life of Jerrod. Li Mei was apparently responsible. This resulted in Li Mei quitting the Umgadi and becoming a member of Outworld’s capital police power. However Li Mei hasn’t forgotten her Umgadi roots, and hopes to someday redeem herself.
Tanya
After her well-received look in MKX and abscence in MK11, Tanya is again in Mortal Kombat 1’s New Period.
Like Li Mei, Tanya has acquired a drastic background alteration. She’s spent the final twenty years as a trecherous, self-interested foe who occassionally does issues in the most effective pursuits of Edenia and never simply herself. However principally, she’s solely been considering herself.
Tanya, within the New Period, is a member of the Umgadi and have become chief of the group after Li Mei give up. When Li Mei resurfaces, tensions spark as Tanya feels Li Mei unworthy to name herself Umgadi anymore.
Fiercely devoted to her job normally and Mileena particularly, her continued bond with Mileena dangers costing Tanya all the things if found.
Baraka
Baraka followers, rejoice. Everybody’s favourite Mortal Kombat jobber could be greater than that within the New Period; much more.
Having debuted 30 years in the past in Mortal Kombat 2, Baraka is a basic character and staple of the franchise. Sadly for the Tarkatan warrior, he is spent most of that point as an Outworld thug with little characterization in addition to being loyal to Shao Khan.
Mortal Kombat 11 gave the Tarkatans slightly bit of affection, with Kitana forging an alliance with Baraka and his folks and making him a accomplice relatively than a minion. It will nonetheless be exhausting to name Baraka a fleshed-out character. If his Mortal Kombat 1 bio is any indication, Baraka may need an precise story to inform this time round.
NRS has made important adjustments to the Mortal Kombat franchise in Mortal Kombat 1. One of many largest adjustments is altering Tarkatans from being a race to folks inflicted with the Tarkat illness. Visually and bodily, these with Tarkat illness look the identical as Tarkatans from the earlier Period. However what’s totally different is these inflicted with Tarkat, apparently, will inevitably lose their minds. They will not simply seem like monsters; they’ll turn out to be monsters.
Baraka was as soon as an Outworld service provider earlier than catching Tarkat. Pressured to depart the capital metropolis and reside in a colony with the opposite , Baraka entered a colony barely protecting itself collectively. Now fueled by a want to make the lives of his folks higher, Baraka has turn out to be a frontrunner to these with the Tarkat illness. These are his folks now, and he’ll struggle for them.
Kameo Roster
The Kameo Roster is separate from the Predominant Roster. Gamers choose a Kameo fighter after choosing their predominant fighter.
Netherrealm has revealed just a few particulars concerning the Kameo system already, together with the truth that some Predominant Roster characters (Like Sub-Zero and Scorpion) double as Kameo characters and that some Kameo characters will probably be Story Mode solely. What appears to be a recurring theme with Kameo characters thus far is that they pay homage to previous eras of Mortal Kombat.
All Kameo-only characters we have seen are carrying their 90s-era outfits, which is a deal with for long-time followers.
Darius
Frost
Sektor
Cyrax
Kano
Jax
Sonya Blade
Stryker
Goro
