As fans eagerly await the September 19 release of NetherRealm Studios’ Mortal Kombat 1, NetherRealm Studios promises to give a sneak peek at what’s behind the veil ahead of its launch.
- NetherRealm Studios is reviving the in-house Kombat Kast show.
- The show will discuss and reveal more about Mortal Kombat 1.
- New origins and backstories for the series’ older characters will be introduced.
- The recent MK1 Online Stress Test brought mixed responses.
To do that, NetherRealm is bringing back the in-house Kombat Kast show, starting on July 6, at 10 a.m. PT.
During this event, the development team working on MK1 plans to discuss and reveal more about the upcoming reboot, aiming to unravel some of the secrets fans are itching to discover.
A primary focus of the Kombat Kast will be the new Kameo system, alongside in-depth gameplay breakdowns for iconic characters such as Scorpion and Johnny Cage. Although it remains to be seen whether there will be character reveals at the event, the promise of “more being present” leaves room for tantalizing speculation.
This reboot is a big shift from the established Mortal Kombat lore, which is evidenced by the recent character bios released on the official website. Sub-Zero and Scorpion, traditionally from rival clans, are now portrayed as siblings in the Lin Kuei clan. Scorpion is shown to fear that his brother Sub-Zero’s disinterest in their clan’s traditional responsibilities may lead to an internal battle for the Lin Kuei legacy.
Johnny Cage, a familiar figure in the Mortal Kombat universe, is portrayed as a fading celebrity who’s desperate to regain his relevance. His hope lies in joining Liu Kang’s Earthrealm champions, seeking a career and fame boost. Liu Kang’s new universe, despite being a timeline he created, sees little change to his own character, hinting at the continuation of familiar dynamics within the new game’s context.
Significant alterations extend to other characters as well, reshaping the Mortal Kombat universe. Kitana and Mileena, who are typically enemies, are now twin sisters, with Mileena as the heir to Outworld’s throne and Kitana as her bodyguard. The Tarkat disease infecting Mileena presents a potential source of conflict, threatening to force her into battle if discovered.
On the other hand, Kung Lao’s backstory reveals humble origins from a small farm in Fengjian. Fearful of a life devoid of significance, he eagerly answers Liu Kang’s call to protect Earthrealm. In contrast, Raiden, traditionally a god in the Mortal Kombat lore, is recast as a contented farmer from the same region, reluctant to embrace his potential as a great warrior.
Such plot twists and reimagined character arcs promise a Mortal Kombat game quite different from what we’ve seen in the past. With more character announcements expected to follow, it will be intriguing to see how the developers continue to reinvent the franchise.
Amid the intrigue and speculation, the recent MK1 Online Stress Test brought mixed responses, including several player-reported issues. As a result, discussions around this will likely form part of the Kombat Kast, offering a platform for the team to address concerns and highlight any resulting changes.
This shift in lore and gameplay is a bold move, daring to redefine a beloved franchise. Whether this gamble pays off will be seen upon the game’s release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19.
