MK1 gameplay reveal: Everything we learned

The Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1) gameplay reveal appeared in all its glory at Summer Game Fest 2023. The lengthy segment gave fans insight into the story, Kameo mechanic, new characters, and more. 

Here's everything we learned from the MK1 gameplay reveal at Summer Game Fest. 

While this may not be news to some, Ed Boon explained that Mortal Kombat 1 is a series reboot. Following the events of MK11, Liu Kang hit the reset button and created a whole new universe. 

The beloved characters are back in full force. In this reinvented world, sworn enemies Sub-Zero and Scorpion are brothers, Raiden is an inexperienced thunder god, and Kung Lao's hat is less effective than before. 

Furthermore, we learned that Mileena is the ruler of Edenia instead of Kitana. One thing is clear based on the trailer: Liu Kang is building a team, but the goal is not entirely clear.

MK1's Kameo mechanic was a mystery from the outset. Thankfully, Ed Boon took the stage at Summer Game Fest 2023 to divulge more details. 

The creative director explained that the mechanic allows players to bring a Kameo character to deal damage and extend combos with a single button press. Also, he mentioned that some primary fighters would be available as Kameos and could be summoned multiple times in a given match.

Boon explicitly referenced that players could use Sub-Zero as their primary fighter and have Sub-Zero as their Kameo. These Kameo appearances seem to assist with Krushing Blow attacks as well.

Six previously announced characters appeared in the MK1 gameplay reveal, all returning favorites. 

Here is the complete list:

Kano, Sonya Blade, Jax, Goro, and Stryker all seem to be Kameo characters. Each fighter was also sporting their Klassic Mortal Kombat outfits. It's unclear whether any of them will be available as primary options. 

Kenshi emerged during the trailer in a fight against Johnny Cage. He also seemed to have a Kameo option as well. 

Not much can beat a gratuitous Fatality from the Mortal Kombat series. The trailer included some doozies. 

True fans may have spotted Kano and Sub-Zero's classic heart and spine rip Fatalities. Raiden, Johnny Cage, Kung Lao, and Scorpion all had five seconds to shine with new finishers. 

The MK1 gameplay reveal also seemingly confirmed that X-Ray attacks have returned. However, it's unclear if they will go by a different name. 

Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 on Xbox Serie X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC!

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