In a surprising turn of events, a prominent leaker on Twitter has claimed that the next installment in the Mortal Kombat (MK) series, previously referred to as Mortal Kombat 12, will now be titled Mortal Kombat 1. This unexpected revelation has sparked excitement and speculation within the gaming community. The game is purportedly set to release this year for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC, and even the Nintendo Switch, albeit via cloud streaming due to the Switch's hardware limitations. In this article, we will delve into the leaked information and analyze what this new title might entail for fans of the franchise.
The Leaked Details
The revelation about the title change came to light when the creator of Mortal Kombat, Ed Boon, tweeted a teaser featuring a clock's sweep hand moving from 11 to 1. This teaser suggests a direct connection to the upcoming game's title, further aligning with the leaked information. While WB's CEO had previously confirmed that Mortal Kombat 12 would release in 2023, the leaker, known as billbil-kun on Twitter, claims that the game will be titled Mortal Kombat 1.
Platforms and Pricing
According to the leaks, Mortal Kombat 1 is expected to be available on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, PC, and surprisingly, the Nintendo Switch. However, due to the Switch's hardware limitations, it is likely that the game will be offered through cloud streaming. The leaked pricing information suggests that the Nintendo Switch version will be priced at US$59.99, while the other platforms will have a price of US$69.99. Moreover, there will be a Premium version available for US$109.99 and a Kollector's version, featuring physical media, exclusively for the PS5 and Xbox consoles, priced at US$249.99.
Game Direction: Reboot or Celebration?
Speculation has arisen regarding whether Mortal Kombat 1 will be a reboot of the series or a celebration of its 30th anniversary. Some fans argue that this installment could resemble previous "reunion-like" titles such as Mortal Kombat Trilogy or Mortal Kombat Armageddon, featuring a large roster of characters from across the franchise. This theory gains traction considering the game's anniversary status. On the other hand, some fans believe that Mortal Kombat 1 might represent a complete timeline reset, as hinted in the ending of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath. This reset could potentially take players back 500 years before the original Mortal Kombat timeline, during the Great Kung Lao period, resulting in only a handful of returning characters from the early games.
Anticipated PlayStation Showcase Event
While the leaks have provided intriguing details about Mortal Kombat 1, fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement and a firm release date. Fortunately, they won't have to wait much longer, as reports suggest that further information about the game will be unveiled at the upcoming PlayStation Showcase event in two weeks. This event will undoubtedly shed more light on the game's direction, gameplay mechanics, graphics, and potentially even a release date.
Conclusion
The unexpected revelation that the next Mortal Kombat game will be titled Mortal Kombat 1 has generated both excitement and speculation among fans of the franchise. The leaked information surrounding platform availability and pricing, along with the possible direction of the game, has sparked numerous theories and discussions within the gaming community.
