NetherRealm Studios, the developers behind Mortal Kombat 1, have unveiled the first gameplay footage of 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 memories of the iconic Terminator 2 film, including the use of blade and hook arms reminiscent of characters like Baraka and Kabal from the Mortal Kombat series. A standout moment in the footage features the T-1000 transforming into a liquid metal blob before executing an uppercut similar to those seen in Killer Instinct's Glacius.
The T-1000 is brought to life with the voice and likeness of Robert Patrick, who originally portrayed the character in the 1991 film. The teaser provides a first listen to Patrick's voice work during a confrontation with Johnny Cage, culminating in a Fatality that recreates the thrilling truck chase scene from Terminator 2. In this Fatality, the T-1000 morphs out of the driver's seat to unleash a barrage of bullets on Johnny Cage.
Simultaneously, NetherRealm announced that Madam Bo, a beloved character from the base story of Mortal Kombat 1, will join the game as a DLC Kameo fighter. Known for her role as an elderly restaurant owner who bravely defends against Smoke and his goons, Madam Bo's gameplay is briefly showcased in the teaser, assisting the T-1000 during a battle with Johnny Cage.
The T-1000 will be available in Mortal Kombat 1 starting March 18 for those with early access through the Khaos Reigns expansion, with a wider release for purchase on March 25. Madam Bo will also be available starting March 18 as a free update for Khaos Reigns owners or as a standalone purchase.
As the final DLC character in the Khaos Reigns expansion, the T-1000 follows other notable additions such as Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian. Amidst speculation about the future of Mortal Kombat 1 and potential plans for a Kombat Pack 3, Warner Bros. Discovery has reaffirmed its commitment to the Mortal Kombat franchise. In November, CEO David Zaslav announced plans to focus on four key titles, including Mortal Kombat.
In September, Mortal Kombat development chief Ed Boon mentioned that NetherRealm had decided on its next game three years prior but assured continued support for Mortal Kombat 1. While many fans anticipate a new 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 continued with Injustice 2 in 2017, has been on hold since the release of Mortal Kombat 11 in 2019 and the subsequent soft reboot, Mortal Kombat 1, in 2023.
In a June 2023 interview with IGN, Boon discussed the decision to focus on another Mortal Kombat game instead of returning to Injustice. He cited the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to a newer version of the Unreal game engine as key factors. Mortal Kombat 11 utilized Unreal Engine 3, while Mortal Kombat 1 runs on Unreal Engine 4. Boon emphasized the studio's commitment to safety during the pandemic and their desire to leverage the new engine's capabilities. He also reassured fans that the door remains open for future Injustice games, stating, "Not at all," when asked if the franchise was closed off.
