Mortal Kombat 1: A New Era of Blood, Sweat, and Fatalities

Mortal Kombat 1, a new era of your favorite fighting franchise is upon us. Excited? We certainly are! With a 30-year legacy of gruesome blood, sweat, and fatalities, this latest reboot of a combat classic is sure to get your heart pounding.

First associated with the buzz of a '90s video game arcade, this much-anticipated revisiting of arguably the ultimate fighting series of all time, promises a gripping story, deep fighting mechanics, and an explosion of unparalleled violence. Only this time, you can experience your bloody fatalities with the latest gameplay mechanics. Not to mention, jaw-droppingly detailed next-console generation 4K graphics. Can you think of anything better? Or gorier?!

Set to shake up the franchise with a timeline reboot and a new universe filled with vicious Netherrealm misfits, Mortal Kombat 1 is about as big as they come. With Early Access from September 14th, and amazing discounts and free bonus games available at 2Game today, join us as we answer all your questions about this awesome new fighter.

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Mortal Kombat 1: A New Era

What is the premise of Mortal Kombat 1?

Mortal Kombat 1 smashes the reset button on the entire Mortal Kombat universe. Offering a fresh take on the franchise, it is not a sequel or a prequel, it is a reboot. A completely new era, in which kombatants may never quite be the same again.

With tweaked legacies for veterans such as Mileena, Raiden, and Liu Kang (the architect of the new universe), as well as surprise returns from previously forgotten characters such as Havil and Lei Mei, this new era can be described somewhat eloquently as 'same, same, but different'. That is to say, you can expect full-throttle battles between familiar faces. Of course you can, this is Mortal Kombat after all. However, given the scope for previously unseen sides of characters to emerge, don't be surprised if preconceived notions of good vs. bad are challenged. This truly is an unpredictable tale of the reams.

Does Mortal Kombat 1 have a single-player story mode?

The simple answer is, yes, Mortal Kombat 1 does have a single-player story mode. I mean how could it not? Having revolutionized the concept of fighter story campaigns with the 2011 rendition of the game, Mortal Kombat is a franchise that prides itself on its lore. Therefore, of course, Mortal Kombat 1 has a single-player cinematic story mode.

But most importantly, it looks good! More than good! Indeed, critics are already describing the campaign as potentially 'the best single-player mode in fighting games' (PC Games), and 'one of the best Story modes we’ve played in a Mortal Kombat game' (Video Games Chronicle).

What do we know about the Mortal Kombat 1 Story mode?

Taking us back to an alternative beginning, Chapter 1 focuses on two of the most powerful characters of early Mortal Kombat lore, Shang Tsung and Raiden. Only, this is before they obtain their power. Here, Shang Tsung is portrayed as a somewhat pathetic snail oil merchant, while thunderless Raiden farms with his sibling, the young Kung Lao.

The cinematography is stunning, and the dialog portrays the protagonists as immediately relatable. But most of all, what stands out is the move away from the more military warmongering of recent titles.

Indeed, emphasizing a more traditional Asian aesthetic, and focusing (at least initially) on the simple idea of a fighting tournament between the Earthrealm and Outworld, the feel of the campaign is much more in line with the martial arts roots of the original trilogy.

This should please long-time fans of the series, as well as newcomers keen to experience the original kung fu essence of the franchise.

What is the Mortal Kombat 1 new Invasion Mode?

An impressively in-depth single-player adventure, Polygon describes the Invasion mode as an RPG-style XP-based 'Mario Party fatalities'. Now, if that doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will! Explored through an almost board game perspective, Invasion mode takes the best elements of the franchise's previous mini-games. Indeed, NethRealm boss, Ed Boon describes the Invasion mode as 'a greatest hits of [Mortal Kombat] single-player experiences'.

A chance to experiment with different fighters and to level up, players journey their way through a variety of locations, collecting items, visiting shops, completing challenges, and of course getting into a lot of fights. The aim of the Invasion mode? To prevent enemy factions from launching attacks against the Mortal Kombat realms.

There is also another purpose of the Mortal Kombat 1 Invasion Mode. Invasion mode is a clever solution from NetherRealm to the limited playthroughs offered by a typical Mortal Kombat Story mode. Let me explain. I mean, we love a Mortal Kombat story mode. Who doesn't? They are a staple of the franchise, and we can't wait to work our way through the new universe of Mortal Kombat 1, a new era. However, if we were to have one complaint, it would be that once you have completed a campaign, there isn't any real incentive to revisit it. And that's where the Invasion Mode comes in. Pretty neat, eh?!

What are the Invasion Mode Seasons?

And there's a cherry on top. In order to ensure the longevity of the Invasion mode, the plan is for a new Season to be launched every six weeks. In this way, the Invasions mode should last until the end of the game's natural life:  'And then after six weeks, we shut it down, and we bring back a whole new experience – a new invading force, a new mesa, different pathing, different rewards, different bosses, all of it. A new experience for another six weeks.' (Lead Designer, Derek Kirtzic) In other words, brace yourself for many waves of fresh invading forces!

Mortal Kombat 1 New Gameplay Systems: Kameo Fighters

We all know the saying: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Well, fans of the franchise will be pleased to know that NetherRealm has taken note. Indeed, at its core, the basic combat mechanics of Mortal Kombat 1 are not dissimilar from its predecessor.

Considering how intuitive the combat of Mortal Kombat 11 was to both seasoned fighters and newbies alike, I think you'll agree this is a good thing! It certainly allows you to launch straight into battle on day one of your adventure. I mean that's all you want, right?!

What is the Mortal Kombat 1 Kameo system?

What is new about the gameplay of Mortal Kombat 1, however, is the introduction of the Kameo system. The Kameo system allows players to choose a secondary character from a wide roster of fighters. In true tag-team fashion, your Kameo stands on the sidelines in case s/he is called upon to help out mid-battle.

OK, it may not be a completely original idea, but the Kameo system adds a strategic layer that really spices up your battles. So for example, if you’re using Scorpion in 1v1 combat against Stryker, you can pick a Kameo fighter to add power to Scorpion's combos and help break up Stryker’s offense. Trust us, the damage you'll be able to inflict with your Kameo in tow is unreal!

Mortal Kombat 1: The Ultimate Fighter?

Okay, so I don't mean to stir up deep-seated rivalries between Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter by declaring a champion of the fighting genre. Those of us who lived through the 1993 debacles will know where such intense competition leads. But it does seem fitting, in a positive kind of way, that 3 decades after the height of the fierce head-to-head battles, the two mega-fighting franchises are releasing what is set to be their pieces de resistance, within months of one another. Can you think of anything better?!

I mean, Capcom set the bar pretty high with the release of what has been described as the best Street Fighter game of all time. Can NetherRealm follow suit with another slam dunk? I must say, with incredible reviews of the early access game already flooding the net, the answer is looking like a resounding yes! Indeed, from everything we've seen so far, we could not be more excited about this deliciously dark, and gruesome reboot. Yes, Mortal Kombat 1, a new era of blood, sweat, and violence, looks right up our street! Indeed, hats off to NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games for what looks to be one of the biggest games of the year.

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CHECK OUT: Mortal Kombat 1 Early Reviews: What do the Players Think?