Please note that while this article is about the 12th mainline game in the Mortal Kombat series, it was initially written before the game’s title was confirmed. Mortal Kombat 12 is actually called ‘Mortal Kombat 1’.
If you’re confused about what happened to Mortal Kombat 12, we wouldn’t blame you. While NetherRealm has now released the twelfth mainline installment in its gruesome series, it did so under the title of Mortal Kombat 1.
Why? Well, its a complete reset of the Mortal Kombat timeline, which means different fates (and even some different identities) for some of the series’ most iconic characters. For our full coverage of one of the best fighting games out there, make sure you’re heading over to our Mortal Kombat 1 section. If you’re just in need of a quick overview of the game, stick around and read on.
Release date
Mortal Kombat 1 launched on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Those with early access could jump in a few days earlier on September 14. The game released on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
Prior to its official reveal, the game was leaked via a report from WindowsCentral.
Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery announced in their earnings call earlier in 2023 that the game would release that year.
Story
As mentioned, NetherRealm is starting afresh in MK1 by rebooting its timeline. Liu Kang is responsible for this resetting of the universe, and in this new world he creates, he becomes Earthrealm’s protector. From there, your journey reunites you with iconic MK characters as Liu Kang looks to hunt down Shang Tsung.
Apart from those already mentioned, popular characters in the game include, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kitana, Reptile, and Johnny Cage.
Gameplay
At a first glance, MK1 retains its side-on fighting game style with a wide roster of playable characters. While of course improvements have been made to the visuals and characters’ move sets have been updated or modified, the biggest change is the introduction of Kameos.
Kameos are essentially assist fighters that will aid you in battle. While they are not controllable, you can select which one you take into battle with you, and they each have different benefits.
Hopefully this quick primer on the new Mortal Kombat game gives you a sense of what it’s all about – and why it didn’t end up being called Mortal Kombat 12! If you’re a fan of the series or fighting games as a whole, it’s definitely worth picking up.