Reboot of the gory fighting franchise

Mortal Kombat 1 is a premium action game from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios. This fighting game reboots the entire franchise, picking up from the supposed ending of its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11. In this game, you follow the new timeline created by Fire God Liu Kang and watch the titular tournament unfold once more.

With next-generation graphics, redesigns for most of the beloved characters, and a compelling storyline, Mortal Kombat 1 is a worthy reboot. However, a lot of details surrounding the game remain a mystery, including the full roster and new features.

Travel back to the past

Mortal Kombat 1, originally speculated to be Mortal Kombat 12 (MK12), is considered a reboot of the series. By the end of Mortal Kombat 11, Fire God Liu Kang has obtained the time powers of the Titan Kronika. He was seen going back to the past, revealing himself to a young helper revealed to be Great Kung Lao, ancestor to the main timeline’s Kung Lao, Kung Jin, and Liu Kang.

With the new game set from the storyline mentioned above, players will be treated to surprising but refreshing redesigns of iconic characters. Aside from the retained Fire God, expect new looks for Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kitana, Mileena, and Shang Tsung. One surprising addition to the confirmed roster is Johnny Cage. Whether we’ll see a distant ancestor or a time-traveling celebrity remains to be seen.

One confirmed new feature is the introduction of Kameo Fighters, a separate set of characters that will help your fighter during matches. Aside from following each character’s storyline, the game also promises a wealth of unlockables and cosmetics. Like any other MK entry, however, expect generous amounts of gore, especially with the new Fatalities, making it unadvisable for younger players.

Homelander’s debut in the franchise

As confirmed in a TikTok comment by production firm Vought International Studios, fans of “The Boys” should expect to see the show’s antagonist—Homelander—appear as a guest character in Mortal Kombat 1. Homelander will be in the Kombat Pack, along with Omni-Man—a character from the cartoon “Invincible”— and DC Universe’s Peacemaker. However, this pack is only available in the game’s Premium and Collector’s edition.

Refreshing the entire franchise

After challenging conquerors, gods, elder gods, and titans, Mortal Kombat 1 brings players back to the origins of the story. The materials hinting at the Great Kung Lao will give players a peek at mankind’s first Mortal Kombat. With redesigned characters and a whole new set of collectibles, this is a refreshing new direction for the franchise. Fans looking for violent content will not be disappointed, too.