Summary
With the final character released in theKhaos Reignsexpansion, it marks the conclusion ofYear TwoforMortal Kombat 1and hints at future possibilities for the game. Six DLC fighters have been introduced, each offering unique enhancements to gameplay, visuals, and the expansion of the new timeline crafted by Fire God Liu Kang.
Mortal Kombat 1already boasts a diverse roster, butYear Two has enriched it with a mix of reimagined familiar characters from previousMortal Kombattitles and brand-new guest characters. Whether players are veterans of the series or newcomers, there is a character that appeals to every demographic.
6Noob Saibot
The Darkest Ninja Is An Agent Of Chaos
Thanks to theKhaos Reignsstory expansion, players got to see the newest interpretation of how Bi-Han is corrupted from Sub-Zero intoNoob Saibot.In this version of the timeline, he is createdby a Titan version of Havik, so his powers have changed to be a mix of shadow and chaos magic, giving a mix of familiar and new skills for players to try out.
Like most versions of Noob Saibot, he can teleport using shadow pools on the ground and the air, which is often a go-to ability in competitive modes like online multiplayer. He also utilizes his shadow clone to create confusing moves which also result in brutal fatalities that will make even the most seasonedMortal Kombatveterans flinch.
5Ghostface
Not Even Gods Can Stop This Slasher
Netherrealm Studios continues to show itslove for slasher horror moviesby includingGhostfaceas a guest character forMortal Kombat 1. Many wondered how Ghostface could be useful in a fighting game, as they are usually just a person wielding a knife, but Netherrealm took full advantage of the fact that there is usually more than one Ghostface operating as the killer in theScreammovies.
Not only is Ghostface a fast-paced fighter who can slash their opponents, but they can trap, grab, and brutalize them using a second Ghostface via specific special moves. Additionally, the actual Ghostface voice actor reprises the role with the face of Skeet Ulrich underneath the mask, reprising his role as Billy Loomis and providing some fan service for fans of the movies.
4Cyrax
The Cyber Lin Kuei Finally Makes A Return
After years ofthe classicMortal Kombatninjasbeing absent from the roster,Cyraxmade a surprise return inMortal Kombat 1. She and Sektor were redesigned to be Lin Kuei warriors in mechanical suits, granting them their famous abilities, and in the case of Cyrax, it would be her bombs, foam grenades, laser nets, and spinning blades.
This version of Cyrax is much more acrobatic in displaying her Lin Kuei training, as she can perform many kick-based attacks, twirls, and fast punches that make her ideal for close-quarters combat. Her most useful ability is her foam grenades, which can incapacitate an opponent even longer than Sub-Zero’s ice ball attacks.
3Conan
Hacking And Slashing Is What A Barbarian Does
Conanof theConan the Barbarianmovies—and before that, theConancomics—is the second Arnold Schwarzenegger character to join theMortal Kombatfranchise. While a lot of Year Two’s DLC characters are more intricate, with combos and special move kits that require a lot of experimentation to understand, Conan is easily the simplest character to learn, and not in a bad way.
It doesn’t matter what button is pressed, it is likely that Conan will still deal damage to his opponent. Everything about him is about swinging, thrusting his mighty sword, and closing the distance on his enemy, which can lead to devastating attack strings evenagainst powerful God-like beings. He may not be a complex character, but there are enough layers that make his combat worth learning.
2Sektor
Iron Man Would Be Jealous
Where Cyrax is more of a trapper character,Sektoris purely about aggression with her Cyber Lin Kuei suit, which reflects her personality as the zealous creator of the suits. She utilizes the thrusters built into her arms and legs to boost her attacks and fly away or toward her opponent, almost reminiscent of Iron Man.
In combination with her thrusters, Sektor also wields two powerful projectile attacks: one is her flamethrower, which deals heavy damage over time, and the other is a formidable shotgun-like weapon capable of stopping any foe in her path, whether in the air or on the ground. Similar toOmni-Man from Year One, Sektor can ascend and land on her enemy, which can frustrate opponents who do not expect it.
1T-1000
The Advanced Prototype Is A Fan-Pleaser
Straight fromTerminator 2: Judgment Day, theT-1000is an iconic Terminator modelthat uses its liquid metal physiology to form stabbing weapons and shapeshift to be the perfect assassin machine. That is replicated faithfully inMortal Kombat 1, even featuring Robert Patrick reprising the role, resulting in a fighter that fans have been requesting for years.
Fan service plays a big part in the T-1000’s execution, with every special move and combo being lifted from his most iconic scenes in the movie. Fortunately, not only does he look and sound just like the movie version, but he’s just as fast and deadly in combat, mixing powerful melee attacks with fast mimetic poly-alloy movements that, when strung together, make him difficult to keep up with.
