T-1000 Gameplay in Mortal Kombat 1 Mimics 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 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 features the T-1000 transforming into a liquid metal blob and executing an uppercut similar to Glacius from Killer Instinct.

The T-1000 is voiced and modeled after actor Robert Patrick, who portrayed the character in the 1991 film. The teaser includes Patrick's voice 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 Cage.

Simultaneously, NetherRealm announced that Madam Bo, a beloved character from the Mortal Kombat 1 storyline, will join the game as a 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 early access to Khaos Reigns owners, with a wider release for purchase on March 25. Madam Bo will also be available on 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 fighters such as Cyrax, Sektor, Noob Saibot, Ghostface, and Conan the Barbarian. Speculation continues among fans about the possibility of a third set of DLC characters or a Kombat Pack 3, especially in light of questions surrounding Mortal Kombat 1's sales performance.

Despite these uncertainties, Warner Bros. Discovery remains committed to the Mortal Kombat franchise. In November, CEO David Zaslav announced plans to focus on four key titles, including Mortal Kombat. Additionally, in September, Mortal Kombat development chief Ed Boon confirmed that NetherRealm had chosen its next project three years ago but assured continued support for Mortal Kombat 1.

While many fans anticipate a new installment in NetherRealm's DC fighting game series, Injustice, neither the studio nor Warner Bros. has confirmed such plans. 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 release of Mortal Kombat 11 in 2019 and the subsequent Mortal Kombat 1 in 2023 disrupted this pattern.

In a June 2023 interview with IGN, Ed Boon discussed the decision to focus on another Mortal Kombat game, citing factors such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to a newer version of the Unreal game engine. Boon emphasized the studio's commitment to safety and the desire to leverage the new graphics engine. 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.