While other franchises that have been going for over three decades have a tendency to rest on their laurels, the same can’t be said forMortal Kombat. Each and every entry ofMortal Kombathas tried to add to or shake up the formula in at least one significant way, whether it’sMortal Kombat 3’s Animalities,Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance’s Konquest mode,Mortal Kombat X’s character Variations, orMortal Kombat 11’s gear system.
The most recent entry,Mortal Kombat 1, brought its own handful of new features to the table. The most significant of these was its Kameo Fighter system, whereby players could choose an additional character from a separate roster who could be used in the heat of battle to deliver special moves.Mortal Kombat 1’s Kameo system has proven to be quite divisive, and there are arguments both for and against its return in an inevitable sequel.
The Arguments For Bringing Back Mortal Kombat’s Kameo Fighters
Kameo Fighters Give Lesser-Known Characters a Spotlight
One of the greatest benefits ofMortal Kombat 1’s Kameo Fighter systemis that it gives lesser-known characters a rare chance in the spotlight. There are well over 70 fighters in theMortal Kombatfranchise, and naturally, not all of them can get a full spot on the roster every time. But withMK1’s Kameo system, a handful of characters who haven’t been seen in years were given a triumphant return, such as 3D-era fighters like Shujinko, Sareena, and Khameleon.
These Kameo Fighters still got to show off some trademark moves without developer NetherRealm needing to program entire movesets and animations solely for them.
Kameo Fighters Add a Lot of Variety to Mortal Kombat’s Gameplay
Another benefit ofMortal Kombat 1’s Kameo Fighters is that they add quite a bit of variety toMortal Kombat’s gameplay, at least in theory. Players can mix and match any ofMortal Kombat 1’s main roster and Kameo roster, essentially giving each fighter 20 different moveset variations if players have purchasedMortal Kombat 1’s DLCand have unlocked every Kameo character.MK1’s Kameo Fighters also come with one unique Fatality and two Brutalities each, which is a nice touch.
The Arguments Against Bringing Back Mortal Kombat’s Kameo Fighters
But whileMortal Kombat 1’s Kameo Fighters have a lot of great ideas behind them, their execution leaves a lot to be desired. One slightly frustrating element ofMK1’s Kameos is that players will likely see the same handful time and time again, with a few being regarded as the “meta” picks. So, while Kameo Fighters theoretically add more variety toMortal Kombat’s gameplay, that’s not quite true when the same few are chosen repeatedly and the rest of the roster is forgotten in the process.
Kameo Fighters Aren’t Traditional
Probably the most obvious argument against the Kameo Fighter system’s inclusion inMortal Kombat 1’s sequelis that it’s simply not traditional, and that it changes the core gameplay too much. What elevates this issue to controversial heights is that there’s no way to turn Kameo Fighters off inMortal Kombat 1, thus forcing players to use them. If the nextMortal Kombatcarries forward the Kameo system, it should at least offer an option that lets fans play without them for a more traditional 1v1 experience.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
