NetherRealm Studios, the developers behind Mortal Kombat 1, have unveiled the first gameplay footage for the T-1000, a highly anticipated DLC guest character, alongside the confirmation of Madam Bo as a new DLC Kameo fighter. The T-1000, inspired by the iconic villain from Terminator 2, brings to life a series of attacks that evoke nostalgic memories of the film, including the use of his signature blade and hook arms. Fans will notice similarities in the T-1000's fighting style to characters like Baraka and Kabal, with a unique liquid metal transformation reminiscent of Glacius from Killer Instinct, culminating in an impressive uppercut.
The T-1000's inclusion in Mortal Kombat 1 is further enhanced by the voice and likeness of Robert Patrick, who originally portrayed the character in the 1991 film. The gameplay teaser showcases Patrick's voice acting during a confrontation with Johnny Cage, ending with a dramatic Fatality that recreates the memorable truck chase scene from Terminator 2, where the T-1000 morphs into a liquid metal blob to unleash a barrage of bullets on Cage.
Simultaneously, NetherRealm surprised fans by announcing Madam Bo's arrival as a Kameo fighter. Known from the base story of Mortal Kombat 1 as a spirited elderly restaurant owner, Madam Bo showcases her combat skills in brief glimpses within the teaser, assisting the T-1000 during a fight against Johnny Cage.
The T-1000 will be available starting March 18 as part of the early access period for Khaos Reigns owners, with general availability for purchase on March 25. Madam Bo will also be accessible on March 18 as a free update for Khaos Reigns owners or as a standalone purchase. This marks the T-1000 as the final addition to the Khaos Reigns expansion, following other notable characters such as Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian.
Amidst speculation about the future of Mortal Kombat 1 and the possibility of a third set of DLC characters or a Kombat Pack 3, Warner Bros. Discovery has reaffirmed its commitment to the franchise. CEO David Zaslav mentioned in November that the company plans to focus on just four titles, including Mortal Kombat, indicating strong belief in its potential. Additionally, Ed Boon, the chief of Mortal Kombat development, assured continued support for Mortal Kombat 1 and hinted at a decision made three years prior regarding the studio's next game.
While fans speculate about a potential third installment in the Injustice series, neither NetherRealm nor Warner Bros. has confirmed this. The Injustice series, which began with Injustice: Gods Among Us in 2013 and followed by Injustice 2 in 2017, has left fans eager for more. NetherRealm's shift to another Mortal Kombat title in 2023 with the soft reboot, Mortal Kombat 1, was influenced by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to a newer version of the Unreal game engine. Despite this, Ed Boon has stated that the door remains open for future Injustice games, suggesting that fans might see the return of this beloved DC fighting game series.