New 'Mortal Kombat 1' trailer released yesterday; quick analysis and theories

Source: NetherRealm Studios

Timeline of Events

Nine days ago, on May 10th, the official Mortal Kombat YouTube channel posted an official teaser for their upcoming Mortal Kombat game titled, 'Mortal Kombat 1.' Previously for MKs 30th anniversary, on May 1st, they released a thank you video for being fans of the MK series in it's 30 year life span. Right at the end of that video it was theorized to be a small teaser for the upcoming MK game(previously theorized MK12).

Now in the weeks following, lasting just two days ago were two small teasers for the theorized return of Mortal Kombat. Although we were still kept in the dark as there were no mention of MK in either teaser videos. Knowing it was coming from NetherRealm and being posted on the official MK YouTube channel, people rightfully theorized an upcoming MK title.

This has all led up to yesterday where the official announcement trailer dropped, giving us a small insight into the game.

Mortal Kombat 1

With the confirmed name of the next MK game being Mortal Kombat 1, the trailer did show some impressive CG visuals and gave us a few hints as to what could become of this new game. These theories were also speculated from the small insights they have given to the official Mortal Kombat website.

A Return to Form

Given the nature of the designs of the characters themselves in the trailer, people have theorized the game will pull from an MK 3 era roster. For example, the trailer already shows most characters of the original games. That being Skorpion, Subzero, Mileena, Kitana, Raiden, Shang Tsung, and Lui Kang.

This coupled with their, seemingly, simplistic styles and uniforms, people have theorized a more original roster. They have yet to confirm if anyone from the 3D era of MK games are returning, such as Skarlet, Nitara, or Goro.

The official MK website gives some illusive details on the game.

"Discover a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe created by the Fire God Liu Kang. Mortal Kombat 1 ushers in a new era of the iconic franchise with a new fighting system, game modes, and fatalities." (MortalKombat.com)

New Gameplay Mechanics?

The most heavily theorized part of this trailer (and the MK website) also illudes to a different way of fighting.

While not entirely new, this supposed Kameo Fighters lets you "Choose from a unique roster of Kameo Fighting partners to assist you in battle." (MortalKombat.com) Now this brings up some valid questions on both the base roster, gameplay, and characters DLC. Do we actually get to play as these 'Kameo Fighters? Or are they just like Tag Assists from MK11? Are any original characters going to be included in this "Kameo Fighter" DLC? For example, if Nitara is going to be in a DLC pack, can we play as her or is she just an assist? How are actual cameo fighters being introduced? For example, if Jason is coming back as a cameo character (since he's not an original fighter) is he going to be in the standard DLC packs or is he in this "Kameo Fighter" roster?

When it comes to this new Kameo Fighting mechanic, we are going to need to see some actual gameplay of this. It's impossible to judge now what this exactly means in terms of MK1's roster and gameplay.

We expect to see some more information at the PlayStation Showcase or at Summer Games Fest.