Mortal Kombat 1 Pre-Order Beta PS5 Review: It’s Very TOASTY!

I’ve been a die-hard fan of the Mortal Kombat franchise for as long as I can remember, so you can bet I was stoked to dive into the Mortal Kombat 1 beta. With its official release on September 14th inching closer, I couldn’t wait to get a taste of what NetherRealm Studios had cooked up. With thanks to Plaion ANZ, I gained access to the closed pre-order beta, and here’s my lowdown on the fresh features and game-changing updates that Mortal Kombat 1 has in store.

First things first, let’s talk about the game-changer – Kameo Fighters. These assist characters are a breath of fresh air, adding a whole new layer of strategy to the kombat. You get to choose your backup before each match, and trust me; it’s not just for show. It’s like teaming up with old pals from the franchise’s history and some radical retro picks. Think Marvel vs. Capcom, with a dash of nostalgia that hits the spot.

The Kameo Fighters bring a whole new rhythm to the gameplay. A quick hit on that R1 button lets your chosen assist character jump in, opening up combos you never thought possible. For example, Jax’s ground pound isn’t just a regular hit – it can take out anyone in the vicinity, including you if you’re not careful. And here’s a killer move – tag Jax in after grabbing your opponent, and you’ve got a one-way ticket to a bone-crushing backbreaker. Getting the hang of these assist fighters is the key to acing Mortal Kombat 1’s competitive scene.

Now, don’t worry if you’re not a pro-level fighter or a lore expert. Mortal Kombat 1 is still all about accessibility. But here’s the twist – there’s an extra layer for those craving a challenge. Unlike the past where you had to memorize combos, Mortal Kombat 1 focuses on chaining moves together smoothly. You can definitely enjoy the game offline with a few moves up your sleeve, but trust me, nailing those combos takes things up a notch.

Oh, and speaking of nailing things, NetherRealm Studios has worked their magic on the characters. This isn’t just a quick touch-up; it’s like a whole new level. The core mechanics might be familiar, especially if you’re coming from Mortal Kombat 11, but the tweaks to moves and abilities shake things up in the best way. For instance, Liu Kang takes on a whole new persona as the new Raiden, infusing his style with god-like elements. And don’t get me started on Sub-Zero – he’s gone through a total makeover, forcing you to throw your old strategies out the window.

But let’s talk about a real show-stealer – Johnny Cage. The dude’s energy is infectious, and his flashy kombat style is on point. He’s been making waves in the Mortal Kombat 1 beta, with his sassy lines, jaw-dropping fatalities, and that epic signature move involving sunglasses. Trust me, Johnny’s charisma and combo potential put him at the top of the food chain in Mortal Kombat 1. What makes Johnny even cooler is his history in the Mortal Kombat universe. Inspired by action legend Jean-Claude Van Damme, Johnny’s been through it all. From biting the dust at the hands of Shao Khan to coming back more times than a cat, his back-story adds layers to his character.

As for the rest of the crew, Mortal Kombat 1 is reviving the klassics including Kenshi, Kitana, Liu Kang, and Sub-Zero. Plus, they’re introducing Li Mei, a fresh face unveiled at San Diego Comic-Con. If you’ve snagged a pre-order, you’ll even get access to Kameo versions of Sonya Blade, Kano, and Jax – a neat extra that amps up the excitement. And let’s not forget what the Mortal Kombat franchise does best – Fatalities. Mortal Kombat 1 takes it up a notch with these brutal finishers. From face-ripping moments to snapping a selfie in the middle of chaos, these Fatalities are a quintessential part of the franchise’s signature vibe, giving you that satisfying rush.

As the release date inches closer, NetherRealm Studios is showing their dedication to delivering an epic fighting game experience. With a solid line up of 24 characters at launch and more DLC characters in the pipeline, Mortal Kombat 1 promises an engaging and diverse roster that’ll keep you hooked long after the initial drop. The studio’s commitment to new characters and updates means Mortal Kombat 1 will evolve and keep fans engaged for years to come.

The pre-order beta was a sneak peek of the good stuff on the way for longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. Kameo Fighters, the focus on fluid combos, and the reinvented characters all make for an electrifying experience. Johnny Cage’s rise to fame is just the cherry on top. With the release just weeks away, Mortal Kombat 1 is ready to reshape the fighting game genre yet again. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, get ready for a mind-blowing brawl when Mortal Kombat 1 drops on Xbox, PS5, Switch, and PC on September 14th. It’s time to gear up for the ultimate showdown.

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