NetherRealm Studios, the developers behind Mortal Kombat 1, have unveiled the first gameplay footage of the T-1000, a highly anticipated DLC guest character. Alongside this reveal, they've confirmed that Madam Bo, a beloved character from the game's base story, will join as a DLC Kameo fighter.
The T-1000's gameplay showcases a variety of attacks that evoke nostalgia for fans of Terminator 2, including the iconic blade and hook arms. These moves draw parallels to the abilities of Mortal Kombat characters like Baraka and Kabal. In one striking sequence, the T-1000 transforms into a liquid metal blob, executing an uppercut reminiscent of Glacius from Killer Instinct.
Adding authenticity to the character, Robert Patrick, who portrayed the T-1000 in the 1991 film, lends his voice and likeness. A teaser featuring Patrick's voice work shows a confrontation with Johnny Cage, culminating in a Fatality that recreates the memorable truck chase from Terminator 2. Here, the T-1000 morphs out of the driver's seat to unleash a barrage of bullets on Cage.
Surprising fans, NetherRealm also announced that Madam Bo, the elderly restaurant owner known for her bravery in fending off Smoke and his goons, will be available as a Kameo fighter. A brief glimpse of her gameplay is shown during the T-1000 and Johnny Cage clash, highlighting her assist capabilities.
The T-1000 will be available in Mortal Kombat 1 starting March 18 during the early access period for Khaos Reigns owners, with wider availability for purchase on March 25. Madam Bo will be accessible on March 18 as a free update for Khaos Reigns owners or as a standalone purchase.
The T-1000 marks the final character addition to Mortal Kombat 1 under the Khaos Reigns expansion, following other notable fighters such as Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian. Amidst speculation about the game's sales and future content, fans are curious if NetherRealm will introduce a Kombat Pack 3.
Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company, remains confident in the Mortal Kombat franchise. In November, CEO David Zaslav expressed the company's intention to focus on four key titles, with Mortal Kombat being one of them.
In September, Mortal Kombat development chief Ed Boon mentioned that the studio had already decided on its next project three years ago but assured continued support for Mortal Kombat 1. While many fans speculate that NetherRealm might return to the Injustice series, neither the studio nor Warner Bros. has confirmed this. The Injustice franchise, starting with Injustice: Gods Among Us in 2013 and followed by Injustice 2 in 2017, has been on a hiatus since the release of Mortal Kombat 11 in 2019 and the subsequent soft reboot, Mortal Kombat 1, in 2023.
In a June 2023 interview with IGN, Boon discussed the decision to focus on another Mortal Kombat title. He cited factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the switch to a newer version of the Unreal game engine as key influences. Mortal Kombat 11 used Unreal Engine 3, while Mortal Kombat 1 runs on Unreal Engine 4. Boon emphasized the team's commitment to safety and their desire to eventually return to the Injustice series, stating, "Not at all," when asked if the door was closed on Injustice.
