Mortal Kombat 1 Resets the Timeline, But Still Looks Brutal as Hell
When it comes to video games, there are few games more brutal, more gorey, more just absolutely fucking metal than the Mortal Kombat series. Known primarily for its detailed and bombastic fatalities, over-the-top characters, and the fact that it did its best “satanic panic” impression and pissed off Congress in the 90s, the entire fighting series has sold more than 80 million units over the last 30 years while always pushing the envelope.
Earlier today, after four years since the release of Mortal Kombat 11, NetherRealm Studios unveiled the next game in the series, Mortal Kombat 1. Yes, it’s the 12th numbered game in the series, but it’s taking place after a timeline reset within the story, so that explains the potentially confusing naming convention.
As you’ll see in the announcement trailer below, it looks like things are going to be different this time around. It’s the first title in the franchise developed solely for the latest batch of consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S), though it will also be available for the Nintendo Switch and PC, as well.
According to NetherRealm Studios, the game will have a “genre-defining story mode” like the last few titles that will have some “unexpected twists on classic rivalries and original backstories for a wide-ranging cast of legendary fighters, including Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage, and many others.” It’s also going to feature a new group of fighters known as Kameo Fighters that will assist during matches.
Speaking of characters, the soul-sucking sorcerer Shang Tsung is going to be available as a pre-order bonus starting tomorrow, along with beta access. But if you get the Premium or Kollector’s Edition, you can also get a special Jean-Claude Van Damme skin for Johnny Cage, which is hilarious since that’s who the character was modeled after back in the first game.
Things are going to get bloody as hell when the game releases on September 19.
