Mortal Kombat 11 gameplay was revealed today. Unsurprisingly, NetherRealm Studios‘ fighting game is as brutal and bloody as ever. New gameplay systems, returning characters, and more were shown off in today’s gameplay reveal from Mortal Kombat 11.
The gameplay reveal confirmed seven characters for Mortal Kombat 11, with what appears to be a significant roster to fill out. Six of the seven are returning, with Geras being one new character. The other six shown at the reveal event were Skorpion, Raiden, Sonya Blade, Baraka, Sub-Zero, and Skarlet. Shao Kahn has also been confirmed as a pre-order incentive, and Reptile was teased by NetherRealm. The game’s character select screen had 18 empty character tiles, although it’s unknown how many characters will be in Mortal Kombat 11 at launch.
Mortal Kombat 11 gameplay looks more brutal than ever, as are some of the Fatality moves. New to MK11 is a special bar split, with one bar for offensive special moves and one for defensive special moves. Also new are special “Fatal Blows” that become available when a character is below 30 percent health. These moves can change the tide of battle, but if missed can leave players open to punishment. A new “Flawless block” mechanic is being introduced to Mortal Kombat 11 gameplay. The flawless block opens a window for counterattack if timed perfectly.
Character variations return from Mortal Kombat X. These variations are available for every character, unlocking certain moves and aesthetics for each. Mortal Kombat 11 gear augmentation is in, following a similar system from NetherRealm’s Injustice 2. Not much was shown of Mortal Kombat 11‘s gear system, but Kosmetic variations will be divorced from gear. A photo mode appears to be in the game, at least on character customization screens.
Mortal Kombat 11 was surprise announced by director Ed Boon at The Game Awards 2018. The fighting game is coming to Windows, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. It is the first Mortal Kombat game on a Nintendo console since 2006’s Mortal Kombat: Armageddon on Wii. Mortal Kombat 11 releases on April 23, 2019.