Mortal Kombat 1 Trailer Reveals Reimagined Shao Kahn And Outworld Empress Sindel

Ever since the game was first announced, Mortal Kombat 1 trailers have been dropping regularly online, and at Gamescom's Opening Night Live event, NetherRealm Studios had some gnarly new footage to show off on the stage, which includes two new playable fighters and two new Kameo fighters.

The new trailer was set in the hostile realm of Outworld, which is presided over by Empress Sindel. Two new playable characters were confirmed--General Shao, a reimagined version of Shao Kahn, as well as the aforementioned Sindel--along with two more Kameo Fighters in Mortal Kombat 3 boss Motaro and Mortal Kombat Deception protagonist Shujinko.

Set in the New Era timeline, Mortal Kombat 1 focuses on Fire God Liu Kang as he assembles a new team of champions to defend the realms from growing threats. This new reality has seen some big changes to the Mortal Kombat status quo, giving some of the more nefarious characters from the series a chance to shine. Geras has returned as the protector of the Hourglass that shapes reality and time, Reptile is no longer the savage lackey of higher powers, and Raiden is Earthrealm's champion assigned by Liu Kang, a complete reversal of previous MK lore.

Some constants remain in this new Mortal Kombat--like Mileena having far too many teeth--and fans can still expect Mortal Kombat 1 to have ultra-violent gameplay and imaginative fatalities. Ever wondered what a black hole could do to a ninja? This game will answer that highly specific question with a gruesome demonstration.

Mortal Kombat 1 will launch on September 19 for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch, and early access will begin on September 14 if you preorder one of its special editions.