The thrill and anticipation surrounding the upcoming release of Mortal Kombat 1 has reached a fever pitch. With only a handful of months to go, the game appears to be shaping up to be anything but ordinary or predictable, throwing a curveball to fans who’ve long been speculating its nature.
Four years have whizzed past since the launch of Mortal Kombat 11, a game that secured its place as one of the most popular and lucrative fighting games of its era, boasting a whopping 15 million sales. Given the game’s massive success, many fans naturally assumed that the creative minds behind the scenes at NetherRealm Studios would simply follow up with Mortal Kombat 12, designed for the latest PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles. However, bucking the expectations, the acclaimed studio is about to make a bold and unexpected move.
What’s now clear is that NetherRealm Studios isn’t merely planning to produce another sequel. They’re diving headfirst into an ambitious project, essentially pressing the reset button on the somewhat convoluted Mortal Kombat timeline. The launch of Mortal Kombat 1 is their attempt to reboot the series, sweeping away the cobwebs of the past, and daringly starting anew.
The new game is no doubt a hot topic on everyone’s lips, as one of the most eagerly awaited new releases of 2023. This hype and anticipation have only been fueled by the unveiling of a gameplay trailer, brimming with savage battles and a grand display of brutality that the Mortal Kombat series is renowned for. It’s safe to say that NetherRealm has plenty in store for us.
The new game will introduce a refreshed fighting system that will surely redefine what fans have come to expect from this franchise. Not just that, but it will also bring back some of our most beloved and legendary characters, now reimagined with fresh backstories and rivalries. These new narratives promise to inject an unexpected depth into the lore of the game. Additionally, a whole host of new features is being prepared to push the boundaries of combat as we know it.
Continue reading for an in-depth exploration of all these exciting details and more. We aim to guide you through everything we’ve learned so far about Mortal Kombat 1, the game that is boldly reshaping the series and pushing the envelope in the world of fighting games.
Platforms Supporting Mortal Kombat 1
When it comes to Mortal Kombat 1’s platform availability, you’ll be thrilled to know that it will support a wide array of devices, which includes PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch. However, a slight disappointment lurks for PS4 owners as there is no planned release for this particular console.
The accomplished team at NetherRealm Studios has taken the reins for the creation of the new-generation versions of the game, embracing their craft in-house to ensure the best possible experience on these platforms. Simultaneously, they are pooling their resources with external developers to create adaptations for other platforms, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience across the board.
When it comes to the Nintendo Switch version, NetherRealm is partnering with Shiver Entertainment and Saber Interactive, both respected names in the gaming industry, to ensure that the game is perfectly adapted for the console. On the PC front, QLOC, a renowned development studio, has been tasked with bringing the Mortal Kombat 1 experience to life on both the Epic Games Store and Steam platforms.
Mortal Kombat 1 Release Date and Special Access Periods
Mark your calendars and get ready for some action-packed gaming, as Mortal Kombat 1 is set to make its grand entrance on September 19, 2023. Alongside this much-anticipated launch date, NetherRealm has also announced some special early access opportunities for its enthusiastic fanbase.
For those avid gamers who just can’t wait to get their hands on the new game, NetherRealm has arranged an early access period starting from September 14. This exclusive opportunity will be available to those who purchase either the Premium or Kollector’s Edition of Mortal Kombat 1. This early access not only means getting a head start on the game, but also getting the first taste of the exhilarating fighting experience that Mortal Kombat 1 promises.
Moreover, there’s good news for those who take the plunge and pre-order the game as well. NetherRealm has confirmed a closed beta period set to commence in August. This limited trial period will give those pre-order customers a sneak peek into the game, offering them a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of the new Mortal Kombat even before its official release.
Pre-order Details for Mortal Kombat 1
As the release date of Mortal Kombat 1 approaches, it’s time to start considering your purchasing options. There are three distinct editions that will be available at launch, each with unique offerings. For those of you who are collector enthusiasts or simply want to amplify your gaming experience, you might want to consider pre-ordering Mortal Kombat 1.
This not only guarantees you a limited physical edition but also gifts you with early access to Shang Tsung as a playable in-game character. Here’s a detailed rundown of the Mortal Kombat 1 price and pre-order specifics:
Mortal Kombat 1 Standard Edition
Priced at $69.99, pre-ordering the Standard Edition of Mortal Kombat 1 grants you some attractive bonuses. Besides the core game, you’ll gain access to the exclusive August beta, giving you a taste of the action before the official launch. Moreover, the classic character Shang Tsung will be added to your in-game roster, offering a broader choice of fighters to play with.
Mortal Kombat 1 Premium Edition
For the more enthusiastic fans, the Premium Edition of Mortal Kombat 1, priced at $109.99, might be the way to go. Along with everything that the Standard Edition offers, the Premium Edition takes the experience a notch higher. You’ll be granted early access to the entire game starting from September 14, allowing you to get ahead of the pack.
Additionally, the Premium Edition showers you with in-game bonuses including 1,250 Dragon Krystals, and the coveted Kombat Pack. The pack treats you with a Jean-Claude Van Damme modeled Johnny Cage skin, along with early access to six new playable characters and five new Kameo Fighters to ensure that your Mortal Kombat 1 experience is as thrilling as possible.
Mortal Kombat 1 Kollector’s Edition
Finally, for the absolute devotees of Mortal Kombat, there’s the Kollector’s Edition. Retailing at $249.99, it is available exclusively on PS5 and Xbox Series X. This limited physical edition comes with all the benefits of the Premium Edition.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Kollector’s Edition packs in an array of collector items, including a beautifully crafted 16.5-inch sculpture of the fan-favorite character, Liu Kang. To accompany the physical statue, you’ll also receive a unique in-game Liu Kang character skin to dominate your opponents with style. On top of that, you’ll get three exclusive art prints, a sleek steel case for the game, and an extra 1,450 Dragon Krystals. This edition is for those looking to immerse themselves fully into the world of Mortal Kombat 1.
Access Mortal Kombat 1 Ahead of Launch: Beta and Early Access Details
For the fervent gamers who can’t wait to immerse themselves in the riveting world of Mortal Kombat 1, there’s some good news. NetherRealm Studios has provided a pathway for fans to sample the game before its official release date of September 19, 2023. This exciting opportunity to delve into the game early will come in the form of a beta version and an early access period.
Mortal Kombat 1 Beta Version: A Glimpse into the Action
Slated for August, NetherRealm has confirmed the release of a Mortal Kombat 1 beta version. This sneak peek will allow gamers to get a feel for the gameplay, understand the mechanics, and get a head start on their Mortal Kombat 1 journey. It’s worth noting, however, that you’ll need to pre-order the game on either PS5 or Xbox Series X to gain access to this early bird offer. So, if you’re keen on diving into the action early, consider making that pre-order soon.
Early Access to Mortal Kombat 1: Premium Edition and Kollector’s Edition
In addition to the beta version, NetherRealm has carved out another exciting opportunity for early gameplay. Beginning September 14, there will be an exclusive early access period for those players who decide to go the extra mile and purchase either the Mortal Kombat 1 Premium Edition or Mortal Kombat 1 Kollector’s Edition. This early access perk ensures that you’ll be among the first to fully experience the thrills, chills, and adrenaline rush of Mortal Kombat 1. This can give you a leg up on your friends, letting you explore the game’s vast landscape and innovative features before anyone else.
So, whether you’re a Mortal Kombat veteran or a newcomer to this iconic series, these early access options offer a golden ticket into the new game’s universe, promising an action-packed journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
A Deep Dive into Mortal Kombat 1 Gameplay
As we eagerly await the release of Mortal Kombat 1, it’s worth spending a moment to delve into the gameplay details that have been revealed so far. What we know is that Mortal Kombat 1 promises an immersive and intense gaming experience that is true to its legendary franchise.
Unrelenting Violence and Stunning Visuals
Brace yourselves for an exhilarating ride as Mortal Kombat 1 promises a gaming experience that’s excessively bloody, devastatingly brutal, and packed with an almost horrifying level of violence. The gut-wrenching Fatalities in Mortal Kombat 1 might leave your stomach churning, a testament to the unfiltered intensity that the game promises. However, it’s essential not to let the gore overshadow the game’s finesse and the incredibly smooth visuals.
The game is a visual spectacle, stunning in its execution and crispness. It stands out as a highly refined fighting game, with animations so fluid that it’s almost hypnotic. Every move, every hit, every punch delivered, exudes a sense of realism that’s simply captivating.
New Twists on a Classic Formula
Mortal Kombat 1 appears to carry forward the legacy of its predecessor, MK11, but it doesn’t stop at that. It’s an intelligent progression of the Mortal Kombat universe, beautifully intertwining familiar movesets with fresh combos, thereby crafting dazzling and unpredictable battles.
From intricately detailed stages to dense, atmospheric environments, every aspect of the game draws you into its immersive universe. Stunning character models and jaw-dropping cinematics further enhance the spectacle, making the gameplay nearly impossible to resist.
Fresh Start, Classic Characters
According to NetherRealm Studio’s chief creative officer, Mortal Kombat 1 signifies a “new beginning for the franchise”. Ed Boon echoes this sentiment, remarking that MK1 features an “original storyline and fresh take on classic characters”. As such, fans can look forward to seeing their favorite fighters return to this reimagined Mortal Kombat universe – a brainchild of Fire God Liu Kang – complete with new backstories and intriguing twists on old rivalries.
Enhanced Online Gameplay Experience
Not just restricted to revamping the in-game experience, NetherRealm has also focused on enhancing the overall gameplay experience for players. The studio confirmed that Mortal Kombat 1 would incorporate rollback netcode, a technical term for a method designed to make online gaming smoother.
This feature will contribute to a seamless online experience, allowing players to enjoy the game without the frustrations of lag or jitter. So, whether you’re battling opponents in different corners of the world or just next door, you can count on having a smooth and immersive Mortal Kombat 1 experience.
An Exciting New Feature: The Mortal Kombat 1 Kameo Fighter System
The Mortal Kombat franchise has always been about evolution and innovation, and the newest installment, Mortal Kombat 1, is no different. A significant new feature introduced by NetherRealm Studios in Mortal Kombat 1 is the revolutionary Kameo Fighter System.
What is the Kameo Fighter System?
As explained by the series creator Ed Boon, the Kameo Fighter system introduces “a unique roster of partner characters into the mix”. This innovative system is set to shake up the way you play Mortal Kombat, providing a fresh, engaging spin on the franchise’s time-tested formula. Essentially, it allows you to team up characters from the primary roster with a selection of fighters from a special secondary roster, creating an unprecedented level of variety in your gameplay.
Classic Characters in a New Light
This special secondary roster comprises ‘klassic’ versions of the characters drawn from the deep vault of Mortal Kombat’s 30-year history. This feature gives you the chance to not only revisit your favorite characters from the past but also to combine them with the contemporary roster in interesting new ways. You could, for example, pair up two different variants of Sub Zero, or mix and match Scorpion with Goro – the combinations are virtually limitless, allowing for a highly personalized and unique fighting experience.
Unleashing the Power of the Kameo Fighters
The Kameo Fighter system isn’t just about making exciting pairings, though. It also brings in special offensive and support-based moves that can be activated with a simple press of a button. The Kameo fighters can be summoned into the fray at any time, allowing you to unleash powerful attacks, create unique combos, and execute devastating Fatal Blows, brutal Fatalities, and defensive Breakers. The added layer of strategy brought in by the Kameo Fighter system will surely add depth and excitement to your matches.
Balance and Fairness in Battles
In the midst of all this, NetherRealm hasn’t forgotten the importance of balance in a fighting game. They’ve made sure to implement a meter that governs the usage of Kameo fighters to prevent attack spam and maintain a level playing field. So, while the Kameo Fighter system allows for a thrilling range of possibilities, it also ensures that the fights remain fair and balanced, preserving the integrity of the Mortal Kombat experience.
In a nutshell, the introduction of the Kameo Fighter System in Mortal Kombat 1 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the franchise, promising an even more engrossing and dynamic gaming experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Meet the Warriors: The Mortal Kombat 1 Roster
The heartbeat of any fighting game is its roster of characters, and Mortal Kombat 1 is no exception. NetherRealm Studios has begun the unveiling process, releasing the names of several iconic characters that are confirmed to be part of the upcoming reboot’s initial lineup.
Partially Revealed, Fully Exciting
So far, the developers have teased us by revealing just nine iconic characters in the initial announcement trailer, followed by a couple more in the first Kombat Kast episode dedicated to the new game. Yet, they’ve assured us that this is just the tip of the iceberg. While the list is far from complete, the studio promises a comprehensive reimagining of the fighters, with due respect to their original storylines and fighting styles.
The series reboot, Mortal Kombat 1, is slated for release in September. Given that its predecessor, Mortal Kombat 11, launched with a robust roster of 25 fighters in 2019 – later expanded to an impressive total of 37 – we can expect a similar approach this time around, if not more.
Confirmed Characters for Mortal Kombat 1
Let’s take a look at the confirmed fighters for Mortal Kombat 1 thus far:
- Johnny Cage
- Kenshi
- Kitana
- Kung Lao
- Liu Kang
- Mileena
- Raiden
- Rain
- Scorpion
- Shang Tsung (exclusive to pre-orders)
- Smoke
- Sub-Zero
Kameo Fighters: An Additional Twist
In addition to the main roster, Mortal Kombat 1 also brings with it the revolutionary Kameo Fighter system. This unique feature introduces a roster of partner characters that players can call upon during the fight. The confirmed Kameo Fighters include:
- Cyrax
- Frost
- Goro
- Jackson “Jax” Briggs
- Kano
- Kung Lao
- Sektor
- Scorpion
- Sonya Blade
- Stryker
- Sub-Zero
A Touch of Hollywood: Jean-Claude Van Damme in Mortal Kombat 1
In a delightful surprise, the legendary action movie star Jean-Claude Van Damme has been confirmed to lend both his voice and likeness to Mortal Kombat 1. Announced during the Summer Game Fest 2023, players will have the opportunity to reskin the iconic character Johnny Cage with the visage of the famed actor, letting him perform brutal takedowns in the game.
Think Jean-Claude Van Damme performing a devastating Fatality? Yes, it’s happening! This dream-come-true moment for the game’s fans and NetherRealm founder Ed Boon is a nod to the history of Mortal Kombat. It was no secret that Boon had wanted Van Damme to be part of the original Mortal Kombat game back in 1992. And now, decades later, this aspiration is finally coming to fruition.
Mortal Kombat 1 System Requirements: Time for an Upgrade?
NetherRealm has recently disclosed the system requirements for Mortal Kombat 1. If you’re keen on experiencing the game in its full glory, you might want to consider investing the next few months into upgrading your gaming rig. One area to pay special attention to is your hard drive capacity, as the installation size for Mortal Kombat 1 is a whopping 100GB. Here’s a breakdown of the specifications your computer will need to run the game smoothly:
Minimum System Requirements for Mortal Kombat 1
For the best basic gameplay experience, your system needs to at least meet the following specifications:
- Operating System: You’ll need Windows 10, and it must be a 64-bit version.
- Processor: A minimum of an Intel Core i5-6600 is necessary. If you’re more of an AMD fan, either a Ryzen 3 3100 or a Ryzen 5 2600 will be sufficient.
- Memory: Your system will require at least 8GB of RAM.
- Graphics: On the graphics front, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 will do the job. If you’re using AMD, a Radeon RX 470 is needed. For Intel users, the Arc A750 is the baseline.
- DirectX: DirectX 12 is mandatory for the game to run.
- Storage: As mentioned earlier, a sizeable chunk of storage is needed for this game, with at least 100GB of space required.
Recommended System Requirements for Mortal Kombat 1
To take full advantage of the game’s graphics and gameplay features, NetherRealm recommends the following system specs:
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11, with both needing to be 64-bit versions.
- Processor: An Intel Core i5-8400 is recommended. If you’re an AMD user, a Ryzen 5 3600X is suggested.
- Memory: As with the minimum requirements, 8GB of RAM is needed.
- Graphics: Nvidia users will want a GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, while AMD users should opt for a Radeon RX 5700 XT. For Intel users, the Arc A770 is recommended.
- DirectX: DirectX 12 is still the required version.
- Storage: Be sure to keep 100GB of storage space free for the game’s installation.
By ensuring your system meets or exceeds these requirements, you’ll be ready to dive into the high-octane, adrenaline-fueled world of Mortal Kombat 1, with no lag or graphical glitches to interrupt your fighting experience.
Anticipating Mortal Kombat 1’s Downloadable Content (DLC)
While NetherRealm has yet to release comprehensive details regarding the shape and scope of Mortal Kombat 1’s downloadable content (DLC), it’s safe to expect an impressive lineup of offerings in the future. It’s been confirmed that future Kombat Packs will be launched, broadening the game’s horizon further for players.
First Taste of DLC: Premium and Kollector’s Editions
Fans who opt for the Premium and Kollector’s Edition versions of the game are in for a special treat. These versions offer early access to six fresh, playable characters and five unique Kameo Fighters, giving buyers an edge and expanded experience right out of the gate. This release of new characters and features isn’t the end but simply the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey filled with new content to explore.
Taking Cues from Mortal Kombat 11
This strategy of DLC rollout seems to be taking a leaf out of the playbook of Mortal Kombat 11, the game’s predecessor from 2019. After the initial game release, Mortal Kombat 11 introduced six additional characters as part of its first Kombat Pack, released shortly after launch. This was later followed up with the riveting ‘Aftermath’ story expansion and a second Kombat Pack.
Considering this precedent, players can look forward to experiencing more depth in the Mortal Kombat universe with the release of Mortal Kombat 1. As the new editions roll out, they will provide more exciting characters and challenging storylines, deepening the immersive gaming experience that Mortal Kombat 1 aims to offer. Stay tuned for more updates as NetherRealm unveils the exciting world of Mortal Kombat 1 DLC.2
Craving an immersive journey through the diverse roster of Mortal Kombat 1? Embark on this adventure by exploring our detailed rundown. Uncover the unique traits, fighting styles, and special moves that make every fight a gripping encounter with our “Deep Dive into Mortal Kombat 1 Fighters.”
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