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

NetherRealm Studios, the developer behind Mortal Kombat 1, has unveiled the first gameplay footage for the T-1000, a highly anticipated DLC guest character, and confirmed the addition of Madam Bo as a DLC Kameo fighter.

The T-1000's gameplay showcases a variety of attacks that evoke nostalgia for fans of Terminator 2, featuring signature moves like the T-1000's blade and hook arms. These attacks bear a resemblance to those of existing Mortal Kombat characters, Baraka and Kabal. A standout moment in the gameplay trailer shows the T-1000 transforming into a liquid metal blob and executing an uppercut reminiscent of Killer Instinct's Glacius.

Actor Robert Patrick, who portrayed the T-1000 in the 1991 film Terminator 2, lends his voice and likeness to the character in Mortal Kombat 1. The teaser footage includes Patrick's voice during a confrontation with Johnny Cage and culminates in a Fatality that recreates the iconic truck chase scene from the movie. In this Fatality, the T-1000 morphs out of the truck's driver seat to unleash a barrage of gunfire on Johnny Cage.

Simultaneously, NetherRealm surprised fans with the announcement that Madam Bo, a beloved character from the Mortal Kombat 1 story mode, will join the game as a DLC Kameo fighter. Madam Bo, known for her role as an elderly restaurant owner who bravely fends off attackers, is featured briefly in the teaser, assisting the T-1000 during a fight against Johnny Cage.

The T-1000 will be available in Mortal Kombat 1 starting March 18 during the early access period for Khaos Reigns owners, with a wider release for purchase on March 25. Madam Bo will also be accessible starting March 18 as a free update for Khaos Reigns owners or as a standalone purchase.

The T-1000 marks the final character addition to the Khaos Reigns expansion, following other fighters such as Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian. There has been speculation among fans about the possibility of a third set of DLC characters, or a Kombat Pack 3, given questions around Mortal Kombat 1's sales performance.

Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of NetherRealm, continues to show strong support for the Mortal Kombat franchise. In November, CEO David Zaslav expressed that the company intends to focus heavily on four key titles, one of which is Mortal Kombat.

Madam Bo's addition as a Kameo fighter underscores NetherRealm's commitment to expanding the Mortal Kombat 1 experience. In September, Mortal Kombat development chief Ed Boon confirmed that the studio had chosen its next game three years prior but emphasized their intent to support Mortal Kombat 1 for the foreseeable future.

While many fans anticipate the release of a third installment in NetherRealm's DC fighting game series, Injustice, neither the studio nor Warner Bros. has officially announced such a project. The Injustice series, which began with Injustice: Gods Among Us in 2013 and continued with Injustice 2 in 2017, was expected to alternate with Mortal Kombat releases. However, the studio opted to release Mortal Kombat 11 in 2019 and the soft reboot, Mortal Kombat 1, in 2023 instead.

In an interview with IGN in June 2023, Ed Boon discussed the decision to focus on another Mortal Kombat game, citing factors like the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the switch to a newer version of the Unreal game engine. Mortal Kombat 11 utilized Unreal Engine 3, whereas Mortal Kombat 1 runs on Unreal Engine 4. Boon expressed hope for returning to the Injustice franchise in the future, confirming that the door remains open for more Injustice games.