The Mortal Kombat franchise is entering a new era, as depicted in a fresh trailer that reveals a familiar face in Geras as one of the confirmed playable characters for Mortal Kombat 1.
The revelation of Geras is particularly intriguing as he is the first unique character from Mortal Kombat 11 to be confirmed for the upcoming fighting game, signifying an evolution in the franchise’s narrative direction.
In any case, Geras’ arrival is unexpected based on the earlier leaks. More importantly, the latest trailer confirms that Mortal Kombat 1 is effectively a sequel to Mortal Kombat 11 – Liu Kang uses his newfound god-like powers to shape the universe to his own liking, but it might have come with unforeseen consequences, as warned by Geras.
Geras, known as the guardian of the Hourglass, has taken on a significantly different role from his initial introduction as an antagonist in Mortal Kombat 11. Following the demise of his former master Kronika, the previous Keeper of Time, Geras is now an “ally” of Liu Kang. The character’s powers, centered around time manipulation, remain as formidable as ever, offering an array of devastating moves that can suspend opponents in time and inflict serious damage.
The new trailer provides a glimpse into Geras’s role in the main story, which pivots around the protection of Liu Kang and the “perfect” timeline. However, the pair’s violent methods, showcased through Liu Kang’s fatality sequence involving a black hole and Geras’s skin-peeling sandstorm, hint at their status as potentially questionable “heroes”.
Accompanying Geras in the trailer is an unidentified character whose presence sparked theories and speculation among fans. Initially dismissed as a background character, this figure was later hinted at being more relevant by Ed Boon, the creative director of the game, thus adding another layer of mystery to the upcoming title.
New phone. Who dis? pic.twitter.com/lQa5cyrudA
— Ed Boon (@noobde) July 29, 2023
Mortal Kombat 1, developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by WB Games, is set to launch on September 19 on all modern gaming platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The standard version will retail for $70 and a premium edition available for $109.99, which includes early access to new characters, additional Kameo Fighters, and in-game currency. A special Collector’s Edition, with exclusive content and additional in-game currency, will be available for PlayStation and Xbox users for $249.99.
As previously mentioned, Mortal Kombat 1 isn’t a complete reboot but a continuation of the events of Mortal Kombat 11, wherein Liu Kang ascends to godhood and creates a separate universe. This narrative reset allows NetherRealm Studios to experiment with and revise elements of the established story. It’s also the fourth consecutive Mortal Kombat title to feature time travel as a narrative focus, underscoring its prominence in the series.
In the lead-up to Mortal Kombat 1’s launch, players are taking advantage of stress tests to learn combos and strategies, eager to make their mark in the next chapter of this enduring franchise.
The evolution in the franchise’s approach to fatalities, moving from needlessly creative acts in Mortal Kombat 11 to seemingly simpler but arguably better executions in Mortal Kombat 1, is another significant change. Liu Kang’s black hole fatality, while straightforward, is a captivating spectacle, a testament to the balance of simplicity and coolness that the new approach aspires to achieve.
With the return of fan-favorite Geras, a host of new mechanics, and narrative changes, Mortal Kombat 1 promises to bring a fresh yet familiar experience for both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the series. Its impending release is sure to spark intense competition, passionate debates, and countless hours of fun among the global gaming community.
