Following the events of Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang has ascended to godhood and restarted the timeline.

<h2>Overview</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488678-1100209349-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488678" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488678-1100209349-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488678"><img alt="Fire God Liu Kang" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488678-1100209349-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488678-1100209349-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488678-1100209349-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></a><figcaption>Fire God Liu Kang</figcaption></figure><p>Mortal Kombat 1 is a 2.5D fighting game developed by <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/netherrealm-studios/3010-2545/" data-ref-id="3010-2545">NetherRealm Studios</a> and published by <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/wb-games/3010-4405/" data-ref-id="3010-4405">Warner Bros. Games</a> for the <a href="/playstation-5/3045-176/" data-ref-id="3045-176">PlayStation 5</a>, <a href="/xbox-series-xs/3045-179/" data-ref-id="3045-179">Xbox Series X|S</a>, <a href="/nintendo-switch/3045-157/" data-ref-id="3045-157">Nintendo Switch</a>, and <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a> on September 19, 2023 with early access available on September 14.</p><p>The twelfth main installment of the <a href="/mortal-kombat/3025-7/" data-ref-id="3025-7">Mortal Kombat</a> series, Mortal Kombat 1 continues the story of <a href="/mortal-kombat-11/3030-71305/" data-ref-id="3030-71305">Mortal Kombat 11</a> with <a href="/time-manipulation/3015-2953/" data-ref-id="3015-2953">another timeline refresh</a>, featuring reimagined versions of several of the series' characters. It also features an updated air combo system and an <a href="/assist/3015-1073/" data-ref-id="3015-1073">assist</a> system (with players choosing a "Kameo Fighter" in addition to their main fighter).</p><p>It is set in the series' second alternate timeline after <a href="/liu-kang/3005-188/" data-ref-id="3005-188">Liu Kang</a> becomes a Fire God and forges a "New Era" through the machinations of <a href="/kronika/3005-39452/" data-ref-id="3005-39452">Kronika</a>'s Hourglass of Time. Although the realms are at peace with his design, he learns that the two sorcerers he pacified (<a href="/shang-tsung/3005-92/" data-ref-id="3005-92">Shang Tsung</a> and <a href="/quan-chi/3005-402/" data-ref-id="3005-402">Quan Chi</a>) are being influenced back to their original villainous state and sends his champions to investigate, putting the entire timeline at risk.</p><h2>Characters</h2><p>The game will include at least fifteen playable characters at launch, one of which is a pre-order bonus, and all of which return from previous Mortal Kombat games. Additional characters will be released as DLC, including <a href="/guest-character/3015-7438/" data-ref-id="3015-7438">guest characters</a> from other media franchises.</p><p>Unlike the previous reboot, Mortal Kombat 1 features a reworked backstory for several characters.</p><h3>Playable Fighters</h3><p><a href="/ashrah/3005-372/" data-ref-id="3005-372"><strong>Ashrah</strong></a></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3495573-6440477677-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3495573" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3495573-6440477677-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3495573"><img alt="Ashrah" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3495573-6440477677-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3495573-6440477677-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3495573-6440477677-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></a><figcaption>Ashrah</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A <a href="/demon/3015-557/" data-ref-id="3015-557">demon</a> from the <a href="/netherrealm/3035-615/" data-ref-id="3035-615">Netherrealm</a> who, after noticing the beauty and peace of other realms, decides to purify herself using an enchanted <a href="/kris-knife/3055-2190/" data-ref-id="3055-2190">kriss</a> that restores a bit of her soul for each demon she kills.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/susan-eisenberg/3040-104949/" data-ref-id="3040-104949">Susan Eisenberg</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/baraka/3005-64/" data-ref-id="3005-64">Baraka</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Formerly a renowned merchant of <a href="/outworld/3035-23/" data-ref-id="3035-23">Outworld</a>, Baraka became an outcast after contracting the incurable <a href="/tarkatan/3015-1793/" data-ref-id="3015-1793">Tarkat</a> plague and now spends his last sane moments fighting to better the lives of his fellow Tarkatans.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voice by <a href="/steve-blum/3040-4893/" data-ref-id="3040-4893">Steve Blum</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/ermac/3005-371/" data-ref-id="3005-371">Ermac</a> (DLC)</strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">An amalgamation of souls created by <a href="/quan-chi/3005-402/" data-ref-id="3005-402">Quan Chi</a> who used a soulnado to harvest the lost souls from the <a href="/living-forest/3035-832/" data-ref-id="3035-832">Living Forest</a>. He wields <a href="/telekinesis/3015-166/" data-ref-id="3015-166">telekinetic</a> powers.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/jamieson-price/3040-19802/" data-ref-id="3040-19802">Jamieson Price</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/shao-kahn/3005-91/" data-ref-id="3005-91">General Shao</a></strong></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3497166" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3497166"><img alt="General Shao" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="General Shao" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497166-6388591173-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>General Shao</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Outworld's greatest champion and a decorated war hero, molded into the perfect soldier by his father's harsh conditioning. Despite his sworn duty to serve the Empress, his loyalty is with the realm above all else.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">In the previous timelines, he is known as Shao Kahn.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/ike-amadi/3040-104095/" data-ref-id="3040-104095">Ikechukwu Prince Amadi</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/geras/3005-39448/" data-ref-id="3005-39448">Geras</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">An <a href="/golem/3015-2538/" data-ref-id="3015-2538">artificial construct</a> and the guardian of the Hourglass, reconstructed by Liu Kang to enforce his timeline.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/phil-lamarr/3040-89594/" data-ref-id="3040-89594">Phil LaMarr</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/havik/3005-383/" data-ref-id="3005-383">Havik</a></strong></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3493817" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3493817"><img alt="Havik" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="Havik" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3493817-7294196451-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Havik</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Hailing from the orderly realm of <a href="/orderrealm/3035-618/" data-ref-id="3035-618">Seido</a>, Havik is a downtrodden agent of chaos who sets out to break Seido's social order and replace it with <a href="/anarchism/3015-7726/" data-ref-id="3015-7726">total anarchy</a>.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">He is the game's sole unlockable fighter, and is only available after completing Story Mode.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/jacob-craner/3040-169488/" data-ref-id="3040-169488">Jacob Craner</a>.</p><p><a href="/the-homelander/3005-51314/" data-ref-id="3005-51314"><strong>Homelander</strong></a> <strong>(DLC)</strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Guest character from the comic book series and television show, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boys_(franchise)" data-target="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">The Boys</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/johnny-cage/3005-224/" data-ref-id="3005-224">Johnny Cage</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Like in all other timelines, Cage is a fame-addicted movie star who seeks a career boost by joining the champions of Earthrealm. He is often the game's <a href="/comic-relief/3015-1125/" data-ref-id="3015-1125">comic relief</a>, using every opportunity to make <a href="/movie-reference/3015-5200/" data-ref-id="3015-5200">movie quips</a>.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/andrew-bowen/3040-26353/" data-ref-id="3040-26353">Andrew Bowen</a>, with a special alternate <a href="/downloadable-content/3015-329/" data-ref-id="3015-329">DLC</a> appearance featuring the voice and likeness of <a href="/jean-claude-van-damme/3040-91261/" data-ref-id="3040-91261">Jean-Claude Van Damme</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/kenshi-takahashi/3005-389/" data-ref-id="3005-389">Kenshi Takahashi</a></strong></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488683" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488683"><img alt="Kenshi Takahashi" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="Kenshi Takahashi" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488683-5774422504-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Kenshi Takahashi</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A former <a href="/the-yakuza/3015-1698/" data-ref-id="3015-1698">Yakuza</a> member who seeks to restore the ancient Takahashi family's honorable name through the revered sword Sento.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Like in other timelines, he becomes a <a href="/blindness/3015-1518/" data-ref-id="3015-1518">blind</a> swordsman. Although here he becomes afflicted through a different path.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/vic-chao/3040-91375/" data-ref-id="3040-91375">Vic Chao</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/kitana/3005-391/" data-ref-id="3005-391">Kitana</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">One of the twin princesses of Outworld, working to prepare her older sister Mileena for her role as the heir to the realm despite talks of replacing her.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/kari-wahlgren/3040-76825/" data-ref-id="3040-76825">Kari Wahlgren</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/kung-lao/3005-392/" data-ref-id="3005-392">Kung Lao</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A fieldworker from the village of Fengjian, seeking a greater purpose as a glorious warrior.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/sunil-malhotra/3040-98598/" data-ref-id="3040-98598">Sunil Malhotra</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/li-mei/3005-393/" data-ref-id="3005-393">Li Mei</a></strong></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3490706" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3490706"><img alt="Li Mei" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="Li Mei" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3490706-5856482144-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Li Mei</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">First Constable of the Sun Do, Outworld's rough and tumble <a href="/police/3015-1011/" data-ref-id="3015-1011">police</a> force. She seeks to redeem herself after a tragedy involving the murder of <a href="/jerrod/3005-18881/" data-ref-id="3005-18881">Emperor Jerrod</a> led her to quit the Umgadi.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/kelly-hu/3040-90964/" data-ref-id="3040-90964">Kelly Hu</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/liu-kang/3005-188/" data-ref-id="3005-188">Liu Kang</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A Shaolin monk and former Champion of Earthrealm, who became a Fire God after winning control of <a href="/kronika/3005-39452/" data-ref-id="3005-39452">Kronika</a>'s Hourglass of Time and used it to rewrite history in a more peaceful image.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Knowing of Kronika's madness as the Keeper of Time, he discards the role and now serves Raiden's former role as Protector of Earthrealm, hiding his past from the others.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/matthew-yang-king/3040-43115/" data-ref-id="3040-43115">Matthew Yang King</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/mileena/3005-396/" data-ref-id="3005-396">Mileena</a></strong></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488685" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488685"><img alt="Mileena" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="Mileena" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488685-8173320121-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Mileena</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">One of the twin princesses of Outworld and the rightful heir to Outworld's throne, despite her impulsiveness and secret affliction with the dreaded <a href="/tarkatan/3015-1793/" data-ref-id="3015-1793">Tarkat</a> disease.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/kari-wahlgren/3040-76825/" data-ref-id="3040-76825">Kari Wahlgren</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/nitara/3005-400/" data-ref-id="3005-400">Nitara</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A winged <a href="/vampire/3015-117/" data-ref-id="3015-117">vampiress</a> from the realm of Vaeternus. Her people feed on the blood of others, but have run most of the species of their realm into extinction. Nitara now scouts the other realms seeking survival of her race, even if it means allying with dark forces to do so.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/megan-fox/3040-81913/" data-ref-id="3040-81913">Megan Fox</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/omni-man/3005-51313/" data-ref-id="3005-51313">Omni-Man</a> (DLC)</strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Guest character from <a href="/robert-kirkman/3040-187009/" data-ref-id="3040-187009">Robert Kirkman</a>'s comic book series and television show, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invincible_(TV_series)" data-target="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Invincible</a>.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/jk-simmons/3040-90198/" data-ref-id="3040-90198">J.K. Simmons</a>, who previously voiced him in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invincible_(TV_series)" data-target="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">the animated television series adaptation</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/peacemaker/3005-47306/" data-ref-id="3005-47306">Peacemaker</a> (DLC)</strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Guest character from <a href="/dc-universe/3025-138/" data-ref-id="3025-138">DC Universe</a>.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Likeness and voice by <a href="/john-cena/3040-147569/" data-ref-id="3040-147569">John Cena</a> who portrays the character in The Suicide Squad film and in The Peacemaker TV show.</p><p><strong><a href="/quan-chi/3005-402/" data-ref-id="3005-402">Quan Chi</a> (DLC)</strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A lowly miner in <a href="/outworld/3035-23/" data-ref-id="3035-23">Outworld</a>, he was plucked from obscurity by a fallen god and given the ability to become a powerful sorcerer.</p><p><strong><a href="/raiden/3005-125/" data-ref-id="3005-125">Raiden</a></strong></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488686" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488686"><img alt="Raiden" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="Raiden" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488686-7320176833-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Raiden</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A kind fieldworker from the village of Fengjian who reluctantly trains as a Shaolin monk to become the Champion of Earthrealm.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">In this timeline, he is no longer a Thunder God due to Liu Kang's ascension as a Fire God, and instead takes over Liu Kang's former role. However, he is granted his other timelines' lightning powers through the Dragon Medallion.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/vincent-rodriguez-iii/3040-192720/" data-ref-id="3040-192720">Vincent Rodriguez III</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/rain/3005-123/" data-ref-id="3005-123">Rain</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A revered Outworld <a href="/wizards/3015-1694/" data-ref-id="3015-1694">mage</a> with a mastery of water magic, earning him the nickname "Rain". He seeks to learn the realm's most powerful sorcery, even if it means working with darker forces.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/noshir-dalal/3040-179161/" data-ref-id="3040-179161">Noshir Dalal</a>.</p><p><a href="/reiko/3005-403/" data-ref-id="3005-403"><strong>Reiko</strong></a></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">General Shao's loyal second-in-command and an exceptional soldier. In his youth, he was originally captured during the Kafallah War, and became Shao's squire after being witnessed exacting bloody revenge during his liberation by Shao.</p><p><strong><a href="/reptile/3005-360/" data-ref-id="3005-360">Reptile</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A member of the <a href="/camouflage/3015-149/" data-ref-id="3015-149">camouflaging</a> <a href="/reptilian-humanoid/3015-3231/" data-ref-id="3015-3231">reptiloid</a> Zaterran race, Reptile (better known as "Syzoth") possesses a unique mutation: the ability to <a href="/shape-shifting/3015-570/" data-ref-id="3015-570">shape-shift</a> into a human form at-will. This mutation left him an outcast in his race, forcing him to make his future elsewhere.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/andrew-morgado/3040-68153/" data-ref-id="3040-68153">Andrew Morgado</a>.</p><p><a href="/sub-zero/3005-2/" data-ref-id="3005-2"><strong>Scorpion</strong></a></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488680" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488680"><img alt="Scorpion" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="Scorpion" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488680-1100993639-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Scorpion</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A revered warrior of the <a href="/lin-kuei/3015-5062/" data-ref-id="3015-5062">Lin Kuei</a>, specializing in fire-based abilities. Unlike his older brother Sub-Zero, he remains loyal to the clan's traditional duties.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">In this timeline, Scorpion is not <a href="/scorpion/3005-1/" data-ref-id="3005-1">Hanzo Hasashi</a>, but instead Kuai Liang, better known as the second Sub-Zero in other timelines.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/daisuke-tsuji/3040-188216/" data-ref-id="3040-188216">Daisuke Tsuji</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/shang-tsung/3005-92/" data-ref-id="3005-92">Shang Tsung</a> (DLC)<br /></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">An accomplished conman from Outworld, Shang Tsung was approached by a mysterious stranger and was offered the chance to become a powerful sorcerer. It was an offer he gladly accepted.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Although he is playable in the game's Story Mode, he is only available for other modes as a <a href="/pre-order-exclusive/3015-4695/" data-ref-id="3015-4695">pre-order bonus</a>, which will be made available as DLC at a later date.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/alan-lee/3040-70248/" data-ref-id="3040-70248">Alan Lee</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/sindel/3005-407/" data-ref-id="3005-407">Sindel</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">The Empress of Outworld and the mother of Kitana and Mileena, whose early reign after her marriage to the Outworldian noble <a href="/jerrod/3005-18881/" data-ref-id="3005-18881">Jerrod</a> brought forth a new Golden Age. After Jerrod was murdered, she fights to protect her family and empire against conspirators.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voice by <a href="/mara-junot/3040-178880/" data-ref-id="3040-178880">Mara Junot</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/smoke/3005-78/" data-ref-id="3005-78">Smoke</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">A stealthy warrior of the Lin Kuei, using practical smoke-based magic as he lacks the elemental abilities of his adopted brothers Sub-Zero and Scorpion.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/yuri-lowenthal/3040-81915/" data-ref-id="3040-81915">Yuri Lowenthal</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/noob-saibot/3005-152/" data-ref-id="3005-152">Sub-Zero</a></strong></p><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488679" data-ratio="1" data-width="800" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 800px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:100.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488679"><img alt="Sub-Zero" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png 640w"><noscript><img alt="Sub-Zero" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png 800w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488679-3343181804-ezgif.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" data-width="640"></noscript></a><figcaption>Sub-Zero</figcaption></figure><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Grandmaster of the <a href="/lin-kuei/3015-5062/" data-ref-id="3015-5062">Lin Kuei</a>, an ancient and secretive warrior clan that trains to defend Earthrealm from invaders. Specializing in ice-based abilities, he tires of the clan's stagnation and seeks to re-establish it as a world power.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">The Sub-Zero in this game is Bi Han, known in other timelines as the Sub-Zero who would eventually become the spectre Noob Saibot.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/kaiji-tang/3040-102530/" data-ref-id="3040-102530">Kaiji Tang</a>.</p><p><strong><a href="/takeda-takahashi/3005-31421/" data-ref-id="3005-31421">Takeda Takahashi</a> (DLC)</strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Lore details currently unknown.</p><p><strong><a href="/tanya/3005-408/" data-ref-id="3005-408">Tanya</a></strong></p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">The leader of the Umgadi, an elite force of warrior priestesses tasked with protecting Outworld's royal family. She is secretly in a forbidden relationship with the heir to the throne, Mileena.</p><p data-right-indent="0" style="margin-left: 30px;">Voiced by <a href="/cherise-boothe/3040-138357/" data-ref-id="3040-138357">Cherise Boothe</a>.</p><h3>Kameo Fighters</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-3488668" data-ratio="2" data-width="1024" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1024px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:200.0%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-3488668"><img alt="Darrius, sporting his appearance from Mortal Kombat: Deception" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 1024w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="Darrius, sporting his appearance from Mortal Kombat: Deception" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 1024w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488668-7472244499-F1vNZnOXoAAy8mz.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a><figcaption>Darrius, sporting his appearance from Mortal Kombat: Deception</figcaption></figure><p>These characters are chosen as a secondary character in each fight and can assist the main fighter in a myriad of ways. Each Kameo Fighter is designed (both visually and with their move sets) to be in line with a version of the character from a specific previous game in the series.</p><p>The game's Story Mode includes several Kameo Fighters that are not available in other modes. These include mainline characters, as well as unique "elemental" representations for Raiden (Lightning Elemental) and Scorpion (Fire Elemental).</p><p><strong>Base Roster</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/cyrax/3005-310/" data-ref-id="3005-310">Cyrax</a> (<a href="/mortal-kombat-3/3030-1434/" data-ref-id="3030-1434">MK3</a>)</li><li><a href="/darrius/3005-379/" data-ref-id="3005-379">Darrius</a> (<a href="/mortal-kombat-deception/3030-383/" data-ref-id="3030-383">MKD</a>)</li><li><a href="/frost/3005-380/" data-ref-id="3005-380">Frost</a> (<a href="/mortal-kombat-deadly-alliance/3030-6588/" data-ref-id="3030-6588">MKDA</a>)</li><li><a href="/goro/3005-275/" data-ref-id="3005-275">Goro</a></li><li><a href="/jax/3005-235/" data-ref-id="3005-235">Jax</a> (<a href="/mortal-kombat-ii/3030-3571/" data-ref-id="3030-3571">MK2</a>)</li><li><a href="/kano/3005-216/" data-ref-id="3005-216">Kano</a> (<a href="/mortal-kombat/3030-15743/" data-ref-id="3030-15743">MK</a>)</li><li><a href="/kurtis-stryker/3005-198/" data-ref-id="3005-198">Kurtis Stryker</a> (MK3)</li><li><a href="/sareena/3005-404/" data-ref-id="3005-404">Sareena</a></li><li><a href="/sektor/3005-94/" data-ref-id="3005-94">Sektor</a> (MK3)</li><li><a href="/sonya-blade/3005-70/" data-ref-id="3005-70">Sonya Blade</a> (MK)</li></ul><p><strong>Unlockable</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/kung-lao/3005-392/" data-ref-id="3005-392">Kung Lao</a> (MK2)</li><li><a href="/motaro/3005-168/" data-ref-id="3005-168">Motaro</a> (MK3)</li><li><a href="/scorpion/3005-1/" data-ref-id="3005-1">Scorpion</a> (MK2)</li><li><a href="/shujinko/3005-406/" data-ref-id="3005-406">Shujinko</a> (MKD)</li><li><a href="/sub-zero/3005-2/" data-ref-id="3005-2">Sub-Zero</a> (MK2)</li></ul><p><strong>Kombat Pack DLC</strong></p><ul><li><a href="/ferra/3005-29595/" data-ref-id="3005-29595">Ferra</a> (<a href="/mortal-kombat-x/3030-46447/" data-ref-id="3030-46447">MKX</a>)</li><li><a href="/khameleon/3005-376/" data-ref-id="3005-376">Khameleon</a> (<a href="/mortal-kombat-trilogy/3030-8279/" data-ref-id="3030-8279">MKT</a>)</li><li><a href="/mavado/3005-394/" data-ref-id="3005-394">Mavado</a> (MKDA)</li><li><a href="/tremor/3005-14655/" data-ref-id="3005-14655">Tremor</a> (MKX)</li></ul><h2>Invasion</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png" data-ref-id="1300-3496895" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1920" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1920px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png" data-ref-id="1300-3496895"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 1920w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 1920w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3496895-invasionmode%26kunglao-mortalkombat1_earlyprevieww_maximilian3-41screenshot.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>New to the series is this RPG mode that is framed within a board game. Players can select a party of fighters from the MK franchise and embark on an adventure where they will encounter classic arcade towers, <a href="/test-your-might/3015-1454/" data-ref-id="3015-1454">Test Your Might</a> style challenges, encounters with versions of characters from alternate dimensions and timelines, and more while they unlock new areas of the map and level up the fighters within their party.</p><p>Rewards in this mode include in-game currency, customization items, character skins, <a href="/brutality/3015-2083/" data-ref-id="3015-2083">Brutality</a> instructions, <a href="/concept-art/3015-3763/" data-ref-id="3015-3763">concept art</a>, and other collectibles that in previous games were found in <a href="/the-krypt/3035-1113/" data-ref-id="3035-1113">The Krypt</a>. New invaders arrive periodically, which provides new adventures and new unlockable items for players to acquire.</p><h2>Stages</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-3497456" data-ratio="0.5625" data-width="1920" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1920px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:56.3%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg" data-ref-id="1300-3497456"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 1920w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 1920w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3497456-3088309320-F4ZWay3a8AACj5P.jpg 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>Each fighting locale consists of two versions, which can be simply day and night or based on weather conditions.</p><ul><li><a href="/cage-mansion/3035-8097/" data-ref-id="3035-8097">Cage Mansion</a> (Sunset / Night)</li><li><a href="/corrupted-forest/3035-8098/" data-ref-id="3035-8098">Corrupted Forest</a> (Night / Day)</li><li><a href="/the-fire-temple/3035-8099/" data-ref-id="3035-8099">The Fire Temple</a> (Night / Early Dawn)</li><li><a href="/shang-tsungs-flesh-pits/3035-3934/" data-ref-id="3035-3934">The Flesh Pits</a> (Experiments On / Off)</li><li><a href="/the-gateway/3035-8107/" data-ref-id="3035-8107">The Gateway</a> (Night / Dusk)</li><li><a href="/the-great-hall/3035-8100/" data-ref-id="3035-8100">The Great Hall</a> (Afternoon / Day)</li><li><a href="/hanging-gardens/3035-8101/" data-ref-id="3035-8101">Hanging Gardens</a> (Day / Night)</li><li><a href="/living-forest/3035-832/" data-ref-id="3035-832">Living Forest</a> (Day / Storm)</li><li><a href="/shang-tsungs-lab/3035-8105/" data-ref-id="3035-8105">Shang Tsung's Lab</a> (Overcast / Dawn)</li><li><a href="/the-tea-house/3035-8102/" data-ref-id="3035-8102">The Tea House</a> (Day / Night)</li><li><a href="/treasure-chamber/3035-8106/" data-ref-id="3035-8106">Treasure Chamber</a> (Smelter On / Off)</li><li><a href="/wu-shi-academy/3035-8103/" data-ref-id="3035-8103">Wu Shi Academy</a> (Day / Evening)</li><li><a href="/ying-fortress/3035-8104/" data-ref-id="3035-8104">Ying Fortress</a> (Dawn / Snow)</li></ul><h2>Kombat Pack</h2><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488281" data-ratio="0.41600529100529" data-width="3024" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 3024px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:41.6%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488281"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 3024w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 3024w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488281-screenshot2023-07-21at7.46.03pm.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><p>The Kombat Pack includes six additional playable characters and five Kameo fighters. It is included with the Premium Edition of the game as well as being sold separately as <a href="/downloadable-content/3015-329/" data-ref-id="3015-329">downloadable content</a>.</p><ul><li><a href="/the-homelander/3005-51314/" data-ref-id="3005-51314">Homelander</a> - Released in Spring 2024.</li><li><a href="/ermac/3005-371/" data-ref-id="3005-371">Ermac</a> - TBA</li><li><a href="/omni-man/3005-51313/" data-ref-id="3005-51313">Omni-Man</a> - TBA</li><li><a href="/peacemaker/3005-47306/" data-ref-id="3005-47306">Peacemaker</a> - TBA</li><li><a href="/quan-chi/3005-402/" data-ref-id="3005-402">Quan Chi</a> - TBA</li><li><a href="/takeda-takahashi/3005-31421/" data-ref-id="3005-31421">Takeda Takahashi</a> - TBA</li></ul><h2>Special Editions</h2><h3>Premium Edition - $109.99 USD</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488703" data-ratio="1.1024531024531" data-width="1386" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 1386px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:110.2%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488703"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px" data-width="580" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png 1386w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png 870w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png 580w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png 1386w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png 870w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488703-screenshot2023-07-23at8.33.04pm.png 580w" sizes="(max-width: 580px) 100vw, 580px" data-width="580"></noscript></a></figure><ul><li><a href="/shang-tsung/3005-92/" data-ref-id="3005-92">Shang Tsung</a> playable character</li><li>Access to the Beta</li><li>6 DLC characters via the Kombat Pack</li><li>5 Kameo characters</li><li>1 week early access to DLC characters</li><li>Jean-Claude Van Damme skin for <a href="/johnny-cage/3005-224/" data-ref-id="3005-224">Johnny Cage</a></li><li>1250 Dragon Krystals (in-game currency)</li></ul><h3>Kollector's Edition - $249.99 USD</h3><figure data-align="right" data-size="small" data-img-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488702" data-ratio="0.58485639686684" data-width="2298" data-embed-type="image" style="width: 2298px"><a class="fluid-height" style="padding-bottom:58.5%" href="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png" data-ref-id="1300-3488702"><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320" class="js-lazy-load-image" data-src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png" data-srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 2298w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 320w"><noscript><img alt="No Caption Provided" src="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png" srcset="https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/original/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 2298w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_super/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 960w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_medium/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 480w, https://www.giantbomb.com/a/uploads/scale_small/0/1992/3488702-screenshot2023-07-23at8.29.08pm.png 320w" sizes="(max-width: 320px) 100vw, 320px" data-width="320"></noscript></a></figure><ul><li>Shang Tsung playable character</li><li>Access to the Beta</li><li>6 DLC characters via the Kombat Pack</li><li>5 Kameo characters</li><li>1 week early access to DLC characters</li><li>Jean-Claude Van Damme skin for Johnny Cage</li><li>2700 Dragon Krystals (in-game currency)</li><li>16.5" <a href="/liu-kang/3005-188/" data-ref-id="3005-188">Liu Kang</a> sculpture by COARSE</li><li>Art prints by COARSE</li><li>Steel case</li><li>In-Game Liu Kang color variant matching sculpture</li></ul>

An action RPG related to the Kiseki line of Legend of Heroes games.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>The Legend of Nayuta: Boundless Trails (Nayuta no Kiseki in Japan) is an action RPG published by <a href="/nihon-falcom-corp/3010-849/" data-ref-id="3010-849">Nihon Falcom</a> for the <a href="/playstation-portable/3045-18/" data-ref-id="3045-18">PlayStation Portable</a> that was released in Japan on July 26, 2012. The game is a spin-off to Falcom's popular <a href="/trails/3025-2736/" data-ref-id="3025-2736">Kiseki</a> (Trails) series but the exact connections Nayuta has with the rest of the franchise is unknown. Nayuta supposedly takes place many years before <a href="/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-in-the-sky/3030-5104/" data-ref-id="3030-5104">Trails in the Sky</a> and uses a lot of the franchise's terminology, such as the currency being called mira.</p><p>A remastered version of Nayuta was released almost a decade later in 2021 for the <a href="/playstation-4/3045-146/" data-ref-id="3045-146">PlayStation 4</a> called Nayuta no Kiseki Kai, which featured higher resolution graphics and additional character art. The same year, <a href="/nis-america-inc/3010-618/" data-ref-id="3010-618">NIS America</a> confirmed that Nayuta would be released in English in 2023 for the PS4, <a href="/nintendo-switch/3045-157/" data-ref-id="3045-157">Nintendo Switch</a> and <a href="/pc/3045-94/" data-ref-id="3045-94">PC</a>. The Switch port was especially notable because it was later revealed that it would be developed by Falcom themselves, making it the first title the company developed for the platform.</p><h2>Development</h2><p>During the mid-2000s, the PlayStation Portable was Nihon Falcom's primary development platform. After releasing more than a dozen titles over the course of six years, Nayuta was planned to be Falcom's swan song to the PSP. A culmination of everything the company had learned throughout their tenure with the device.</p><p>The title was conceived as a spin-off to the company's Trails franchise with the hope of addressing a common criticism with the series. While fans enjoyed the storytelling of Trails, its turn-based combat was often criticized for being slow and tedious. So Nayuta's goal was to create an entry in the franchise that retained the storytelling style of past Trails games while having fast-paced action combat. This combination of styles was classified as a "Story Action RPG" by Falcom. While technically a spin-off, Nayuta was basically a completely new game that the team created from scratch so the "Legend of Heroes" moniker was removed from its title since Nayuta was so different from previous Trails games [1].</p><h2>Trivia</h2><ul><li>There is actually another Falcom character that shares the same last name as Nayuta's protagonist, <a href="/nayuta-herschel/3005-23309/" data-ref-id="3005-23309">Nayuta Herschel</a><em>,</em> that being <a href="https://www.giantbomb.com/towa-herschel/3005-39938/" data-ref-id="3005-39938">Towa Herschel</a> from the <a href="/the-legend-of-heroes-trails-of-cold-steel/3030-40878/" data-ref-id="3030-40878">Trails of Cold Steel</a> series. Since both games technically take place in the same universe, Towa could be some kind of decedent of Nayuta but most likely it is simply a fun reference made by the developers.</li><li>Since the visual style and gameplay are so similar, it is believed by some fans that Nayuta was created by the same team within Falcom that developed the <a href="/zwei/3025-2738/" data-ref-id="3025-2738">Zwei</a> series. While never officially confirmed, Falcom's president did state that Nayuta was influenced by <a href="/zwei-the-ilvard-insurrection/3030-43863/" data-ref-id="3030-43863">Zwei II</a> specifically and fans in Japan and the West sometimes think of Nayuta as an unofficial third installment in the Zwei franchise [2][3].</li><li>Each boss fight in Nayuta was designed with the idea that it could be the final boss in a normal game, meaning they are not only large but feature multiple transformations [1][2].</li></ul><h2>References</h2><ol><li><a href="https://www.esterior.net/2012/04/nayuta-no-kiseki-interview-in-weekly-famitsu/" data-target="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Nayuta no Kiseki Interview in Weekly Famitsu</a> (Endless History, 2012).</li><li><a href="https://www.appbank.net/2017/12/24/consumer/1465723.php" data-target="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">Phantom Game Screens Unveiled. The Last Masterpiece of Nihon Falcom's PC, "Zwei 2" was initially "Ys"!</a> (AppBank, 2017).</li><li><a href="https://androgamer.net/2017/03/11/post-3922/" data-target="true" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow">The Unfortunate Action RPG "The Legend of Nayuta" that Failed to become a Masterpiece with its Title</a> (New Retro Game, 2017).</li></ol>

Payday 3 brings back the original crew and takes players to New York City.

Strike Gunner S.T.G is a vertical shoot 'em up released for the Arcade and SNES.

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Strike Gunner S.T.G is a two player shoot 'em up that offers fifteen (ten in the Arcade version) different power-ups and hordes of enemies to fight through. In two-player modes it's possible to combine both players' ships to create a larger, more powerful craft. There are eight stages, each with their own boss. The ultimate goal is to save Earth from alien invaders by using their own technology against them.</p><p>Strike Gunner S.T.G was originally released in the arcades by Tecmo. The original developers, Athena, would go on to publish the home version for the Super Famicom in their native Japan. This SNES version would also be published in the US by NTVIC and in Europe by Activision. The European version was renamed Super Strike Gunner, but is otherwise identical.</p><h2>Critical Reception</h2><p>The SNES version of the game was awarded the following scores from Electronic Gaming Monthly: 4,7,6,7. From the review, "... A solid shooter with nothing really new or exciting. Lots of enemies to blow away but let too many on the screen and the game slows down".</p>

<h2>Overview:</h2><p>A port of the original two Pikmin games to the Nintendo Switch in one package.</p>