Mortal Kombat Reborn: The Journey Begins

Mortal Kombat Reborn: The Journey Begins, the first part of a new series of Mortal Kombat "spin-off" titles, focuses on a new universe in the Mortal Kombat multiverse, which was spawned at the time that Raiden sent his message to his past self, but this also caused a paradox to create many new universes in the timestream. Outside forces beyond the Elder Gods are observing this new universe, wishing to see what kind of potential it has, and what it could mean to the multiverse as a whole.

Story
Mortal Kombat. A tournament that has existed for centuries as a means to help not only protect realms from unnecessary invasion, but to symbolize life, as normal men and women clash for what they believe in.

However, 500 years ago, the sorcerer Shang Tsung took control of the tournament once again when he had killed his nemesis, the Great Kung Lao, who had defeated him 50 years prior. With Prince Goro of the Shokan as his main warrior, Shang secured 9 victories for his now home realm of Outworld.

This next tournament would be the tenth victory Outworld would need to be able to come through the Furies and take Earthrealm for its emperor, Shao Kahn. However, Raiden, the God of Thunder, Earthrealm's designated protector, as well as the younger brother of Shao Kahn, has been choosing warriors to combat his brother's advances on Earthrealm. All he knows is that Outworld must not win the tenth tournament. They must not win... Mortal Kombat.

This new timeline, born from Raiden's decision to warn himself and to alter the events of Armageddon at Shao Kahn's hands in the main timeline, has many unforeseen potentials and variants to explore. But what it will become is determined by the warriors fighting, and by other forces.

Gameplay Options
• Story Mode - Play through the story of Earthrealm's last hope to save itself from the hordes of Outworld!

• Arcade Mode - Choose a character, select a tower with a different number of opponents and fitting difficulty, plus the bosses Goro and Shang Tsung, aiming to win and unlock your character's ending.

• Versus Mode - Take it to your opponents in some local PVP action!

• Training Mode - Enter training, learning combos, special moves and even Fatalities.

• Tutorial - Learn the basics of the game, studying how to better your game.

• Challenge Crucible - In this mode, you can take on many challenges from Endurance Mode, various challenges set up over the days, weeks, etc., as well as taking on the Challenge Tower, where you face numerous challenges on your way to big prizes!

• Chamber of Reality - Enter the Chamber of Reality, battling online via Xbox Live or PlayStation Network! You can access straightforward Versus Mode, Team Battle, King of the Hill,

• The Krypt - The tomb of fallen warriors, where many secrets lie among the dead... Spend your Koins you earn to open tombs and coffins to get items and secrets.

• The Sanctum - Look at character models, movies, cutscenes, artwork, and other secrets, all which can be unlocked from the Krypt and the various gameplay modes.

• Options - Adjust gameplay options.

Gameplay
Mortal Kombat Reborn: The Journey Begins plays much like other Mortal Kombat games, with two characters battling one another in rounds set up to 3 by default, until one is defeated, before the winner can execute a Fatality or win the battle normally. The game takes elements from Mortal Kombat 9, Mortal Kombat X, and Mortal Kombat 11, as well as the Injustice franchise, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, and Killer Instinct (XBOX One) as well. Each character has their own unique fighting style with special moves, Fatalities, Brutalities, and an Aggressor Mode to use in battle as well as to turn the tide. Each character in the game fights with a unique style, making each of their moves different and allowing diversity. It plays more along the lines of an older MK game than it would Mortal Kombat X or Mortal Kombat 11.

Each character has 3 meters in addition to a Life Meter in battle. There is the Stamina Meter, which works to use things such as running, your Breaker, as well as interactions in stages and a new function, your Kombat Skill, specific for each character.

Next is the Super Meter, which is used to perform Enhanced Special Moves, and finally, there is the Aggressor Meter, which allows your character to awaken their Aggressor Skill, which works akin to Street Fighter 5 's V-Triggers or Killer Instinct (2013) 's Instinct Mode, and allowing characters to gain special perks until their Aggressor Meter runs out. Over time, your Stamina Meter will refill, but it also is prominent for use in action, just as building your Aggressor Meter, allowing you to turn the battle in your favor.

There also is the Fatal Blow, similar to said move in Mortal Kombat 11, which triggers when your character's health is about 25% or so, allowing for a big comeback. If you miss a Fatal Blow, don't worry! It will take some time to recharge, but you can be able to unleash it again until you are successful.

Controls
Punch 1 - Square or X

Punch 2 - Triangle or Y

Kick 1 - X or A

Kick 2 - Circle or B

Block - L1 or Left Bumper

Throw - L2 or Left Trigger

Interact - R1 or Right Bumper near interaction item

Run - R2 or Right Trigger (uses Stamina Meter over time)

Dash - F, F

Back Dash - B, B

Kombat Skill - 1 + 3 (uses 25% of Stamina Meter, increases Aggressor Meter by 25%)

Aggressor Skill - 2 + 4 when Aggressor Meter is full

Fatal Blow - 6 + 8 when Fatal Blow is ready

Breaker - F + 5 during opponent's combo (uses 25% of Super Meter and 25% of Stamina Meter)

Interaction Breaker - F + 5 during opponent's combo near interaction item (uses 25% of Super Meter and 25% of Stamina Meter)

Glossary
F - Forward

B - Back

D - Down

U - Up

1 - Punch 1

2 - Punch 2

3 - Kick 1

4 - Kick 2

5 - Block

6 - Throw

7 - Interact

8 - Run

[While Running] - Performed while running

[In Air] - Performed while jumping

[Air OK] - Can be performed while jumping

[Sweep] - Performed at sweep range

[Close] - Performed at close range

[Far] - Performed at long range

[Mid] - Performed at mid range

[KS] - Kombat Skill - A special ability that helps your character in a certain manner. Similar to the V-Skill in Street Fighter 5.

[AG] - Aggressor Mode - A unique trait awakened when your Aggressor Meter is full and can either run down slowly or use the Meter in one fell swoop. Similar to the V-Trigger in Street Fighter 5 or Instinct Mode in Killer Instinct (2013).

[ENH] Enhanced Move - A special move that is charged up and does more damage and/or new properties are added to the move. Executed only when you have 1 Level or more of Super Meter. Similar to EX Special Moves in Street Fighter 5 or Shadow Moves in Killer Instinct (2013).

[FAT] - Fatality - A finishing move executed at the end of the match that kills your opponent effectively, after the announcer declares "FINISH HIM!!" or "FINISH HER!!"

[BRU] - Brutality - A finishing move using a certain move done to bring your opponent to death without entering the Finish Him!! or Finish Her!! phase or while in it as long as it is done properly.

Kombatants
Liu Kang

[Biography]

Born in China, but raised in America, Liu Kang had a relatively normal life with his parents and his brother Chow, until the day when Liu was 7 and Chow was 5 that their parents died, leading them to be taken in by their grandfather, who had taught them martial arts with the help of Master Bo' Rai Cho and about their family's involvement in the Order of Light, a sect of warriors who had defended Earthrealm through Mortal Kombat when other realms had sought to take Earthrealm for themselves.

As the boys grew, their skills improved, until Liu decided to travel back to America at 19, with Chow remaining in China to carry on the mission of the Order of Light. However, Chow would soon encounter Shang Tsung when he was 22, with Shang wishing to be able to disable the Order of Light, by killing its chosen champion.

Receiving word from his grandfather, Liu soon returned to China, and bothered by his inability to protect his little brother, he asked to represent the Order of Light in Mortal Kombat, in the hopes to right the wrongs he had made for turning his back on the teachings his grandfather had passed to him and Chow. In battle against his cousin, Kung Lao, Liu won and earned the right to represent the Order of Light.

Though he is a relaxed man at times, Liu is someone tormented by his family, and the loss he has endured from losing his parents as a child, and failing Chow when Shang Tsung killed him. So he has a strong desire to do the right thing, so he doesn't make any more mistakes, and can be harshest with himself if he feels he has failed.

In kombat, Liu can channel his chi into fire as hot as the sun, dubbed the Dragon's Fire, a gift passed from his lineage to the Great Kung Lao, with the Dragon's Fire passing to one person at a time. In addition to this, Liu has a mix of various Chinese forms of martial arts he has mixed together in his fighting style to use incredible speed along with formidable power from the flames he can create.

[Combos]

Hidden Lotus - 1, 1

Tiger Strike - 1, 1, 1

Snapping Dragon - 1, 1, 2

Dragon Seeks Path - 1, 1, 3

Dragon Dance - B + 1, 2

Dragon Whips Tail - B + 1, 2, 4

Dragon Step - B + 3, 3, 4

Showdown - F + 4, 4

Pouncing Tiger - F + 2, 2

Blazing Dragon - F + 2, 1, 4

Dragon's Fire - B + 3, 4

Tiger Stalks Prey - F + 2, 1, U + 4

Launching Fury - F + 4, 4, 3

Immortal Dragon - F + 4, 4, 4

Harm-Onious - F + 1, 2

Back Down - 2, B + 2

Final Roar - 4, 4

Fierce Tiger - 4, 4, 2

Shaolin Spirit - 2, 2

Primary Lotus - B + 3, 3

Lotus Fury - B + 3, 4, 1

Twin Lotus - F + 1, 2, 3

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - F + 1, 2, 3, F + 4, 4

Awakened Dragon - F + 1, 2, 3, B + 3, 3, 4

[Special Moves]

High Dragon Fire: Channeling his innate ability to use his chi as fire, Liu Kang throws a dragon-shaped fireball from both his hands at his opponent. - D, F + 1

High Dragon Fireburst: Enhancing his Dragon Fire, Liu Kang fires out a burst of spiraling fire shaped like a dragon at his opponent. When it connects, it does some burn damage for a short time. - D, F + 1 + 5 [ENH]

Aerial Dragon Fire: Similar to his High Dragon Fire, Liu Kang does this while jumping in the air, using one hand to do so. - D, F + 1 [In Air]

Aerial Dragon Fireburst: Similar to his High Dragon Fireburst, but performed in the air. - D, F + 1 + 5 [In Air] [ENH]

Low Dragon Fire: Squatting down, Liu Kang fires a Dragon Fire aimed at his opponent's feet. - D, F + 2

Low Dragon Fireburst: A low aiming version of High Dragon Fireburst, with the same properties to inflict burn damage over time. - D, F + 2 + 5 [ENH]

Flying Dragon Kick: Liu Kang flies forward across the screen, his leg extended as he kicks his opponent in the chest, knocking them down. - B, F + 3

Double Dragon Kick: Like the Flying Dragon Kick, only Liu Kang performs two Flying Dragon Kicks back to back. - B, F + 3 + 5 [ENH]

Bicycle Kick: Flying forward, Liu Kang kicks his opponent rapidly in the face. - B, F + 4

Flip Kick: During the Bicycle Kick, Liu Kang cancels it, doing a flip kick to knock his opponent down on their face. - B, F + 4, 3

Bicycle Flurry: An armored version of the Bicycle Kick, Liu Kang adds four additional hits in the process. - B, F + K2 + 5 [ENH]

Flip Stomp: Following up his Bicycle Flurry, Liu Kang does his Flip Kick, but adds two stomps after impact with it. - B, F + 4 + 5, 3 [ENH]

Windmill Punch: Stepping forward, Liu Kang uses his arms in a windmill motion, hitting his opponent rapidly. - B, F + 1

Windmill Flurry: A more intense Windmill Punch, Liu Kang finishes this variant with a Dragon's Roar backhand punch to send his opponent flying backwards. - B, F + 1 + 5 [ENH]

Dragon's Roar: Twisting his body, Liu Kang does a backhand punch which sends his opponent flying away. - B, F + 2

Dragon's Wrath: A more powerful Dragon's Roar, Liu Kang has armor in this version, with the impact of his punch sending his opponent further than the Dragon's Roar does. - B, F + 2 + 5 [ENH]

Fire Kick: Liu Kang performs a sliding kick, then follows up with a roundhouse kick to knock the opponent away, fire ignited on his foot. - D, B + 3

Inferno Kick: A stronger version of Fire Kick, which inflicts burn damage over time. - D, B + 3 + 5 [ENH]

Fatal Blow - Burning Boxing: Liu Kang ignites his fists in flames, then punches his opponent in the chest, with a zoom-in onto his tightening fist as he punches the enemy rapidly, crying out as he does, with some slowdown on some impacts before Liu does an uppercut on his opponent's chin, sending them into the air.

[Kombat Skill & Aggressor Skill]

Parry [KS]: This Kombat Skill allows Liu Kang to parry many normal attacks as well as some special moves to provide a solid defensive option.

Smash [KS]: After a successful parry, Liu Kang flips forward, then hits his opponent with an overhead axe kick, then stomps on their chest or performs a Dragon's Roar backhand punch. - 1, 2, 3, or 4 after successful Parry

Dragon's Fire [AG]: Dragon's Fire has Liu Kang ignited with fire, increasing the damage of his moves by 10% as well as changing the properties of his fireballs and Fire Kick until the Aggressor Meter runs out.

[Finishing Moves]

Dragon's Tail [FAT]: Liu Kang flips at his opponent with a cartwheel kick, hitting his opponent twice before he pulls his arm up for an uppercut, which follows with a snap as his opponent's body flies up into the air and causes them to land down, their neck broken. - U, F, D, B [Sweep]

Fist of Flame [FAT]: Channeling fire into his fist, Liu Kang punches through his opponent's chest, leaving a gaping hole. After impact, Liu pulls his hand out, the heat of his fist cleaning the blood of his arm as his opponents falls over dead. - F, B, B, D, 2 [Sweep]

Splitter [FAT]: Liu Kang performs a backflip kick, launching his opponent into the air. He follows this up by channeling fire into his feet to leap after his opponent, sticking his feet out, with the impact of his kick impaling his feet through his opponent's stomach. Liu Kang then uses his strength to do a split kick, ripping his opponent in half as he lands down, blood raining down. - B, F, D, U [Close]

Focused Fireball [FAT]: Focusing his chi into a massive fireball, Liu Kang hurls the fireball at his opponent, which on impact creates a massive explosion, blowing the opponent's body into pieces. - B, B, B, F, 1 [Sweep]

Stage Fatality [FAT] - D, F, B, 3 [Close]

Hot Mess [BRU]: Using his High Dragon Fireburst, Liu Kang's fireball blasts into the opponent, with the dragon ripping a gaping hole through their abdomen and killing them in the process.

Hot Head [BRU]: Liu Kang uses his Aerial Dragon Fireburst aiming at his opponent's head, which ignites the flesh, leaving it as just a burnt skull.

Deep Fried [BRU]: The heat from Liu's Low Dragon Fireburst connects and burns his opponent's legs and lower torso into nothing but the bones.

Dragon Pierce [BRU]: The impact of the Double Dragon Kick hits Liu Kang's opponent so hard to blow out their organs and bones from their back, causing them to fall over dead.

Tread Lightly [BRU]: Liu Kang's Bicycle Flurry connects as he drives his opponent onto the ground, continuing the pounding kicks until his opponent's head is crushed.

Windmill Fury [BRU]: Liu Kang does his Windmill Flurry, hitting his opponent rapidly in the face before he hits a few more times, ending it with an uppercut to snap his opponent's neck, leaving it hanging as his opponent falls over dead.

Dragon's Den [BRU]: Liu Kang's powerful Dragon's Wrath hits the opponent hard, knocking their torso in half, sending the upper part flying.

Stove Top [BRU]: Liu Kang's Inferno Kick blows out his opponent's legs, as his roundhouse kick knocks their head off as well.

Johnny Cage

[Biography]

Known for his work in movies like Sudden Violence, Ninja Mime, Dragon Fist and its sequel Dragon Fist II, Johnny Cage has been able to make a killing at the box office in the past, but in recent years, his luck in Hollywood had been running thin, thanks to rumors by reporters he relies too much on stunt work and camerawork to be able to do what he does.

However, none of that is true. Trained by many martial arts masters and descending from a Mediterranean cult who had bred warriors for the gods of the various realms, many who exhibited special powers. In Johnny's case, he is able to channel his inner chi in many ways, which adds to his abilities during movies.

When he was met by one of his old teachers, Master Boyd (really Shang Tsung in disguise), Johnny was told about Mortal Kombat, and how to get to the tournament. Seeing it as a big break to show the world what he can really do, Johnny cancelled all filming he was doing, and headed off to Hong Kong, ready to win big in the tournament!

In kombat, Johnny is quite quick but also very flashy. He can use his natural gifts to be able to make shadow-like images around himself for his moves as well as hurl it outward as a projectile. He also can be known to fight dirty if he has to, such as going for low blows to be able to turn the tide. He also can be known to throw out quips to be able to get his point across. Though brass and cocky, Cage can usually back it up... with his fists and feet!

[Combos]

[Special Moves]

Forceball: Using his green energy, Johnny forms a ball in his hand and throws out it out like a baseball straight at his opponent. - B, F + 2

Double Forceball [ENH]: Johnny performs his Forceball projectile, using both hands to throw them back to back at his opponent. - B, F + 2 + 5

Shadow Kick: A signature move for Johnny's fighting style, he uses his green energy to form a shadow that trails him as he slides at his opponent, his leg extended to knock the opponent on their ass upon impact. - B, F + 4

Eclipse Kick: A stronger version of Shadow Kick which has a red shadow trail behind Johnny as he kicks the opponent, the impact of the kick doing a wall bounce if timed right. - B, F + 4 + 5

Nut Punch: Doing a quick split, Johnny then pulls his hand up and hits the opponent in the groin, leaving them open for a free shot. - B, D + 3

Nutcracker: Doing the Nut Punch, after the impact from the groin, Johnny leaps up and does an uppercut to knock his opponent into the air. - B, D + 3 + 5

Rising Shadow: Johnny leaps into the air with his arm up into an uppercut, the hit from his elbow popping the opponent up into the air. - D, B + 1

Shadow Dropkick: Following his Rising Shadow, Johnny adds two overhead kicks, the second kick being able to bounce the opponent off the ground for a juggle combo. - D, B + 1 + 5

Flipkick: Using his agility, Johnny does a somersault kick, with a green trail following him with the kick sending his opponent up into the air. - D, B + 4

Ultra Flipkick: Johnny swiftly performs 2 Flipkicks, a red trail following him as he kicks his opponent hard with both kicks. - D, B + 4 + 5

Fist Bump: Johnny knocks his fists together, increasing damage he does by 5%, including block damage. - D, D + 2

Sliding Shadow: Like the Shadow Kick and Rising Shadow, Johnny however is running forward, then does a sliding kick, tripping his opponent up. - B, F + 4 [While Running]

Double Shadow: Johnny begins with a sliding kick with a red shadow behind him, then he does a rising double kick to knock the tripped opponent up into the air. - B, F + 4 + 5 [While Running]

Fatal Blow - Showtime!: Johnny pulls his lee upward, his knee near his chest as he smiles and says "About time to call it a wrap!" before he leaps at the opponent, kicking them. After the kick connects, Johnny leaps forward and connects with a green energy-enhanced punch, shouting "Showtime!" before he kicks the enemy rapidly up into the air before he flip kicks them away, crying out with "Finish!" as the opponent flies up into the air, Johnny adding a quick quip of "You just got Caged!".

[Kombat Skill & Aggressor Skill]

Stunt Double [KS] - Johnny channels his chi and creates a yellow aura around him, making a shadow Stunt Double, who will perform his Shadow Kick, Rising Shadow, or Sliding Shadow in his place. Johnny can stock up to 2 Stunt Doubles at a time.

Red Shadow [AG] - Focusing his aura, Johnny says "Time to get serious!" which forms a red aura around him until his Aggressor Meter runs out. Each time Johnny uses a Forceball, Shadow Kick, Rising Shadow, Flipkick, or Sliding Shadow, he will do much more damage, including increased block damage and he can special cancel between them, but this runs down his Aggressor Meter faster.

[Finishing Moves]

Heads Up! [FAT] - Johnny crouches down, then steps forward and hits the opponent hard with an uppercut, the impact sending their head flying past Johnny as their body remains motionless. Seeing the body, Johnny goes "This is the part where you fall down." and taps the body, causing it to fall over as he folds his arms and smiles. - F, F, D, U [Close]

Torso Rip [FAT] - Grabbing his opponent's waist, Johnny twists their torso before pulling it up and off from their legs, tossing it to the ground as he smiles at the camera. - D, D, F, F, 2 [Close]

Brain Rip [FAT] - Johnny hits his opponent in the stomach with a punch from his left hand, causing them to stumble down to their knees as he uses his right and smashes it into the top of their skull, digging around until he holds his hand up, showing he has their brain in his hand, even with blood oozing down his arm. - B, F, F, D, 2 [Close]

Here's Johnny [FAT] - Johnny turns opponent around with a slap, then impales his hands into their back, ripping their chest in half as he peeks his head out to say "Here's Johnny!", before he lets go, causing his opponent to fall over dead, with their chest still wide open. - B, F, B, F, 1 [Close]

Arenas
• Goro's Lair [Stage Fatality] - Set underground below Shang Tsung's island, Goro's Lair has a throne that the prince of the Shokan sits upon when not in kombat, as well as cages with roaring Oni sticking their hands out of as well as their eyes glowing through the darkness of their cells. The Stage Fatality involves the player uppercutting their opponent up into the ceiling, getting jabbed onto some spikes waiting for them.

• Palace Courtyard - Located outside of Shang Tsung's Palace, the gorgeous courtyard leads up to the doors of Shang Tsung's Palace with a stage transition involving the player running their opponent through the door with both players having to mash the buttons to increase the damage done or reduce the damage taken before they crash into the Throne Room.

• The Throne Room - The opulent throne room of Shang Tsung's palace, with a lot of paintings, candles, and fancy furniture going for it. You also will see Shang Tsung sitting on his throne in the center of the arena, watching the battle unfold.

• The Pit [Stage Fatality] - A concrete bridge hovering over pillars covered with spikes and the vast moon in the background as well as the stars flickering in the night sky. The Stage Fatality has the player uppercut their opponent off the bridge, sending them to their death on the spikes below.

• Bottom of the Pit - Below the Pit lies a massive river of blood and the bodies of past victors of the Pit, along with the spiked pillars connecting the massive concrete bridge high above. It is a two-tiered level with players being able to head down another grotto to continue the fight when knocked off the edge on the right, leading to a free-fall version of Test Your Might.

• Warrior's Shrine [Stage Fatality] - A shrine featuring statues of the various Mortal Kombat warriors. For the Stage Fatality, the player grabs their opponent and throws them into one of the stages, jarring it loose so that it comes down and crushes their victor.

• Dark Prison [Stage Fatality] - A prison under Shang Tsung's island that has a lot of cells in it. The Stage Fatality here has you kick your opponent into a torture chamber with two spiked walls, as the spiked walls come in and crush them to death.

• The Nethership - The ship Shang Tsung uses to bring kombatants from around the world to his island to participate in Mortal Kombat. This is a multi-tiered stage, where both players can drop to the bottom deck of the ship, before being able to crash back up to the top deck.

• Wu-Shi Academy - Home to Liu Kang and Kung Lao for many years, the Wu-Shi Academy has many people in the background along with a statue of the Great Kung Lao. It has a transition leading to "Test Your Might" where you tackle your opponent through one of the walls leading into another part of the Academy.

• Reptile's Lair [Stage Fatality] - A lair hidden in a cave of one of the many tunnels of Shang Tsung's island, where the Saurian Syzoth, more commonly known as Reptile, lies in wait to execute Shang Tsung's enemies for Shao Kahn. Scales cover the walls along with reptilian eyes and pools of acid, with the stage Fatality involving the player uppercutting their opponent into the acid pool, watching them burn away to nothing.

• Beach - A beach set along the shoreline of Shang Tsung's island, you can see the Nethership in the background, as well as a setting sun with blood-soaked sand along the beach, as well as water gently washing to the shoreline.

• Hell [Stage Fatality] - Set in the depths of Hell itself, the background has skull pillars, there is smoke and a hell beast in the background, the skulls glow with sparks and lava and there are lit skulls on the ground. There are hands coming out of the small pits of lava. The Stage Fatality here has the player grab the opponent and dunk their head into the lava, burning their skin and eyes off to nothing but the skull, before slamming them back into the lava to end them.

• Shang Tsung's Garden - A beautiful garden designed with elements of Outworld set along a river, with a view of the Pit and Shang Tsung's palace in the distance. It comes with three variants; a daytime version, a dusk setting, and finally, among the bright moon in the night.

• The Vault - Shang Tsung's treasure vault, filled with a great deal of gold, jewelry, and other treasures acquired over the sorcerer's long centuries of existence.

• Black Dragon Klub - A club owned by the Black Dragon organization set somewhere in Europe, with a steel cage separating the fighters from the patrons of the club. If he is not selected here, Kano will be shown watching the fight in the background.

Voice Cast
Liu Kang:

Johnny Cage: