Mortal Kombat 1, the series' 12th mainline entry, is set to shake up the franchise in more ways than one. The first trailer for Mortal Kombat 1 revealed that the game takes place in a new timeline, created by Fire God Liu Kang. Following its debut, the game's official site was updated with a detailed FAQ, introducing key new features for the upcoming title. Perhaps the most unique of these features is Kameo Fighters, which sees members of Mortal Kombat's extensive roster return in supporting roles. While the addition will allow for some fan-favorite characters to return to Liu Kang's timeline, Kameo Fighters may be a double-edged sword, as developer NetherRealm Studios confirms they are chosen separately from the main roster.
Mortal Kombat 1 is set to release on September 19, 2023. While the trailer introduced players to Liu Kang's new timeline, it did not feature any true gameplay. Much of what players know about the title is derived from the game's website, as its FAQ page addresses a wide range of release details, roster questions, and its story mode. With so little to analyze, much of the fan base's focus has been placed on Kameo Fighters, as it could provide a dramatic change to how players approach Mortal Kombat titles from this entry forward.
Kameo Fighters Are A Positive Change For the Mortal Kombat Franchise
Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters are the biggest change to the series' core combat in a very long time. The feature presents players, both new and old, with an opportunity to expand their repertoire, shifting their play style through the combined use of their preferred main fighter and one of many supporting fighters from the Kameo roster. The resulting diversity will challenge longtime players to switch up their defense strategy as well. Kameo Fighters provide players with a new and exciting system to master, and, in a game equally popular in commercial and professional spaces, the impact of the feature could change the landscape for years to come.
A separate Kameo Fighters roster also means that fan-favorite legacy characters could return in Mortal Kombat 1. Many fans questioned whether their favorite fighters would make the cut for Mortal Kombat 1's roster. While the complete list of playable fighters has yet to be confirmed, the separate Kameo Fighters roster opens the door for many fan favorites to make an appearance, in some capacity. It remains to be seen just how far-reaching the Kameo system's roster may go, as its use in the main story would apparently limit it to characters present in the new timeline. Regardless, the use of the feature in online play could allow for obscure and surprising characters to make their debut in the series' newest iteration.
The Kameo Fighters Roster in MK1 Will Likely Prove Divisive
While the feature opens the door for an increased number of fighters to appear, the addition of Kameo Fighters threatens to relegate some major players to a supporting role. As of now, the only characters confirmed for Mortal Kombat 1's main roster are Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, and Johnny Cage. While these are certainly some of the series' most popular fighters, their confirmation means that any character missing from the list runs the risk of becoming a Kameo Fighter. With so many characters unrepresented, many of which are used in professional-level play, the stakes are high for much of Mortal Kombat's fan base, particularly those who play it the most.
The Mortal Kombat 1 trailer kept much of the title a secret, leading to mixed reactions from fans. While the series' new direction is exciting, the lack of gameplay has many fans preoccupied with Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo system. The addition of assist characters is a big move for the series, adding variety to nearly every facet of its combat. However, the threat it poses to longtime roster members creates a double-edged sword. All eyes are on next month's Summer Game Fest, where Mortal Kombat 1 could showcase gameplay, relieving many of fans' concerns.
Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X.