While the reveal trailer shows off some devilishly gruesome Fatalities (reassuring fans that developers NetherRealm Studios have lost none of their morbid charm), it also shows off a new setting. Mortal Kombat 1 appears to take place in a far more historical setting than fans of the latest games may be used to. According to the game’s official website, this is “a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe that has been created by the Fire God Liu Kang, featuring reimagined versions of iconic characters as they’ve never been seen before, along with a new fighting system, game modes, bone krushing finishing moves, and more”.
Fans wondering which iconic characters have made the cut in this new reimagining will be pleased to know that NetherRealm has confirmed the appearance of Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage, and “many others”. The game will also feature Kameo fighters, a unique set of characters selected separately from the main roster of fighters who will assist the player in combat by acting as a partner in tough matches. Internet connection will not be required to play through the main story and AI matchups, but will, of course, be required to play against other players.
A new era has begun. #MK1 pic.twitter.com/ZtlFIKwSiA
— Warner Bros. Games (@wbgames) May 18, 2023
Three editions of the game will be available, both digitally and physically, a Standard edition, Premium edition, and Kollector’s Edition. The Standard will retail for $70, while the Premium will cost $109.99, and the Kollector’s will cost a hefty $249.99.
As to what these editions include to justify their prices tags, the main’s website has more information: “The Premium Edition will include all Standard Edition content, along with the Kombat Pack, early access to the game beginning Sept. 14, and 1,250 Dragon Krystals (in-game currency). The Kombat Pack will feature a Johnny Cage character skin with the likeness of famed actor and martial artist, Jean-Claude Van Damme (available at launch), early access to six new playable characters (available post-launch), and five new Kameo Fighters (available post-launch).
“The Mortal Kombat 1 Kollector’s Edition will include all Premium Edition content, and early access, along with a 16.5-inch Liu Kang sculpture designed by COARSE and an inspired Liu Kang in-game character skin, three exclusive art prints, a steel case, and 1,450 additional Dragon Krystals (2,700 total).”
Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store), on 19 September, 2023.
