T-1000 Gameplay in Mortal Kombat 1 Echoes Terminator 2, Surprise Kameo DLC Revealed

NetherRealm Studios has unveiled thrilling new content for Mortal Kombat 1, including the first gameplay footage of the T-1000 as a DLC guest character and the announcement of Madam Bo as a DLC Kameo fighter. The T-1000's gameplay harks back to the iconic scenes from Terminator 2, showcasing attacks reminiscent of the film, such as the T-1000's blade and hook arms. Fans might notice similarities to the moves of Baraka and Kabal. A standout moment in the teaser is when the T-1000 transforms into a liquid metal blob, executing an uppercut similar to those performed by Glacius from Killer Instinct.

The T-1000 is brought to life with the voice and likeness of Robert Patrick, who originally portrayed the character in the 1991 film. A highlight from the teaser is a confrontation with Johnny Cage, culminating in a Fatality that recreates the memorable truck chase from Terminator 2. In this Fatality, the T-1000 morphs from the driver's seat into a deadly blob, mercilessly attacking Cage.

Simultaneously, NetherRealm surprised fans by revealing that Madam Bo, a beloved character from the Mortal Kombat 1 storyline, will join the game as a Kameo fighter. Known as an elderly restaurant owner, Madam Bo's brief gameplay tease shows her assisting the T-1000 in a clash with Johnny Cage.

The T-1000 will be available starting March 18 during the early access period for Khaos Reigns owners, with general 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.

As the final addition to the Khaos Reigns expansion, the T-1000 follows a roster of notable fighters including Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian. This has led to speculation about the possibility of a third set of DLC characters or a Kombat Pack 3, especially in light of ongoing discussions about Mortal Kombat 1's sales performance.

Despite these uncertainties, Warner Bros. Discovery remains committed to the Mortal Kombat franchise. In November, CEO David Zaslav expressed the company's intention to focus on just four key titles, with Mortal Kombat being one of them.

In September, Ed Boon, the chief of Mortal Kombat development, assured fans that NetherRealm had chosen its next project three years prior but would continue to support Mortal Kombat 1 for the foreseeable future. While many speculate that the studio's next project could be a third installment in the Injustice series, neither NetherRealm nor Warner Bros. has confirmed this. The Injustice series, starting with Injustice: Gods Among Us in 2013 and followed by Injustice 2 in 2017, has been a significant part of NetherRealm's portfolio.

In an interview with IGN in June 2023, Boon hinted at the reasons behind the decision to release another Mortal Kombat game instead of an Injustice title. He cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to a newer version of the Unreal game engine as key factors. Boon emphasized that the door is not closed on the Injustice franchise, leaving fans hopeful for future developments.