Mortal Kombat 1 is reintroducing animalities, a popular feature last seen 29 years ago.
This update was announced at San Diego Comic-Con along with the Khaos Reigns expansion.
What Are Animalities?
Animalities are special finishing moves where characters transform into animals to defeat their opponents.
First appearing in Mortal Kombat 3 in 1995, these moves add a unique twist to the game's traditional fatalities.
The latest trailer showcases transformations into animals like a hippo, gorilla, and even a dinosaur skeleton, reflecting the game's signature style of exaggerated violence.
New Characters and Expansions
The Khaos Reigns expansion, set to release on September 24, will introduce new characters, including well-known figures like Noob Saibot, Cyrax, and Sektor, each with updated backstories.
Noob Saibot, for example, is now portrayed as a resurrected version of Sub-Zero who must work with the chaos-bringer Titan Havik.
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Additionally, the expansion will feature guest characters such as Ghostface from the Scream series, Conan the Barbarian, and the T-1000 from Terminator 2.
Faces of the new expansion | YT
These new additions are expected to enhance the game's roster and gameplay, with a possibility that these characters may also have their own animalities.
Pre-order Bonuses
Pre-orders for Khaos Reigns are now open on multiple platforms. Those who pre-order will receive exclusive skins, including classic designs for Sub-Zero and Noob Saibot, adding a nostalgic touch for long-time fans.
Ed Boon, co-creator of Mortal Kombat, expressed excitement about the return of animalities, calling it a "token of appreciation" for the game's dedicated community.
The animalities update will be available for all players, regardless of whether they purchase the expansion.
New Character Backstories in Mortal Kombat 1
The Khaos Reigns expansion also introduces new backstories for characters like Noob Saibot, Cyrax, and Sektor, offering a fresh perspective on these iconic figures.
Noob Saibot
Originally, Noob Saibot was known as the resurrected Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero, who became a shadowy assassin.
In Mortal Kombat 1, his character is further developed, showing a deeper corruption by Titan Havik, a new character in the expansion. This adds complexity to his role and explores a more intricate relationship with the game's chaotic forces.
Cyrax
Cyrax was traditionally a male cybernetic ninja from the Lin Kuei clan. In the latest installment, Cyrax is reimagined as a female character. This change has elicited varied reactions from fans.
The new backstory maintains her original origins but presents her in a new light, aiming to diversify the character lineup.
Unlike the original, where Cyrax was mostly cyborg, the new version is depicted as a human with extensive mechanical enhancements, altering her role within the franchise.
Sektor
Like Cyrax, Sektor was originally a male character and a ruthless cyborg. In Mortal Kombat 1, Sektor is also reintroduced as a female character.
This shift, along with her new backstory, transforms her from a straightforward antagonist into a more nuanced character.
Similar to Cyrax, she is now portrayed as a human with technological enhancements rather than a full cyborg, changing her original fearsome image.
Conclusion
These updates to the characters' backstories mark a significant change from their original narratives, aiming to modernize the characters for a new audience and explore contemporary themes of identity.
The reimagining has sparked discussion among fans, highlighting the evolving nature of the Mortal Kombat series.