As promised last week, NetherRealm Studios has brought back the first Kombat Kast in a while, revealing a deluge of information about the incoming reboot of the Mortal Kombat franchise, taking fans by storm by introducing a fan-favorite character, Rain, and everybody’s favorite smoke-colored ninja, Smoke.
- Rain and Smoke join Mortal Kombat 1.
- They were absent in the original game.
- Both characters have unique abilities.
- More characters are expected to join.
- Mortal Kombat 1 is set for a 2024 release.
The latest Mortal Kombat 1 trailer not only showcased an unprecedented look at the game’s story involving the Lin Kuei, Earthrealm’s resident protective order of warriors, led by the brothers, Scorpion and Sub-Zero, with the help of Smoke, who doesn’t seem to be a blood relative but remains loyal to the cause anyway.
Rain, who was teased before the official reveal, is joining the fight as well, with the Kameo Fighters lineup beefed up by the likes of Cyrax, Sektor, and Frost.
Mortal Kombat fans are brimming with enthusiasm for the reimagined versions of these classic characters, with Smoke and his new design garnering particular acclaim for its freshness and appeal. Rain’s design, too, has turned heads, although the public opinion is somewhat divided. The Edenian’s ever-changing appearances over the years have seen him in a variety of guises, from a Persian warlord to a Japanese noble, and now a wizard. If nothing else, this constant flux has given Rain a unique charm and a refreshing unpredictability in each new installment.
NetherRealm’s new trailer also delves into Mortal Kombat 1’s story mode, hinting at the philosophical rifts that could tear apart the long-standing alliance between Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Whereas the former believes that it’s the Lin Keui’s job to protect Earthralm, the latter has a much more ambitious if tyrannical goal in mind – to lead it. It’s unclear if this divide will happen in Mortal Kombat 1 or if NetherRealm Studios is saving it for a later entry.
Nevertheless, the trailer does an excellent job setting up what’s presumed to be the premise of the crux of the story, with the trio of Lin Kuei ninjas infiltrating a compound and fighting against the likes of Johnny Cage, Rain, and more.
Beyond the controversies, Mortal Kombat titles have always had a deep and underlying narrative, which has only become more complex and nuances in recent outings. The reboot promises to pick up exactly where its predecessors left off.
Unfortunately, the trailer does little to answer some of the more prevalent questions fans might have about Mortal Kombat 1.
Thankfully, the wait will soon be over. Mortal Kombat 1 will launch on September 19, but if you order the Premium Edition or Kollector’s Edition, you’ll enjoy early access on September 14.
Between now and then, NetherRealm Studios will have plenty of chances to talk more about Mortal Kombat 1, including the “other” playable characters for the game that have yet to be revealed.
As we edge closer to the game’s September release, the hype surrounding Mortal Kombat 1 is tangible—and for a good reason. NetherRealm seems to have outdone itself, brewing up a perfect storm that promises to reshape the Mortal Kombat universe like never before.
Fingers crossed, the live-action Mortal Kombat sequel, which recently confirmed its official cast members, can live up to the sky-high expectations that the next entry will set.
