Mortal Kombat 1 Promises a Bold Reboot for the Franchise, but Goro's Role Falls Short

Mortal Kombat 1 is poised to usher in a fresh era for the beloved fighting game series, with a rebooted timeline, reimagined character origins, and the intriguing addition of the Kameo Fighter system. This title holds the potential to leave a significant impact on the Mortal Kombat community. The introduction of Kameo Fighters is a game-changer that affects both casual and professional players, elevating certain characters to newfound prominence. However, the inclusion of Goro as a Kameo Fighter feels like a missed opportunity.

Mortal Kombat 1 takes players into a new timeline, following the aftermath of Mortal Kombat 11. This alternate Earthrealm initially enjoys an era of peace and prosperity. However, early trailers hint at a looming malevolent force threatening to repeat history's mistakes. To maintain peace, Fire God Liu Kang recruits various characters, each with revamped backstories and alliances, to combat this newfound evil. While the identity of the primary antagonist remains shrouded in mystery, teasers suggest that Shang Tsung may play a pivotal role in their nefarious plans.

Goro, a formidable figure in classic Mortal Kombat lore, holds a special place in the hearts of long-time fans. He was the ultimate test of strength in the original title, serving as the final hurdle before facing Shao Khan. Goro's four-armed prowess posed a formidable challenge, leaving many gamers with lasting memories of their epic battles against him. Over the years, Goro's abilities and difficulty levels have evolved, always bringing a significant narrative element or gameplay challenge to the series.

In the Mortal Kombat storyline, Goro is introduced as the undefeated champion of the Mortal Kombat tournament, reigning supreme for five centuries. After his defeat by the player, Goro redirected his efforts toward leading his people in a battle against the Centaurians and Princess Kitana, forging an alliance between the two races to confront the remnants of Shao Khan's army.

In the alternate timeline, Goro resumes his role as the Mortal Kombat Tournament champion but meets his demise at the hands of Kotal Kahn in a spin-off comic book series related to Mortal Kombat X. Although he didn't appear as a fighter in Mortal Kombat 11 or Aftermath, Goro's lifeless body can be glimpsed on his throne.

The fact that Goro, an iconic figure in the Mortal Kombat universe, is relegated to a Kameo Fighter role is a source of disappointment for many fans. Since Mortal Kombat: Armageddon in 2006, Goro hasn't been featured in the base roster at launch. In Mortal Kombat 9, he was confined to the Challenge Tower, while Mortal Kombat X limited access to Goro through pre-order bonuses or DLC purchases. Goro's apparent demise at the hands of Kotal Khan led many to believe he was gone for good. However, Mortal Kombat 1's new timeline has brought him back alongside other previously deceased characters.

Seeing Goro featured in Mortal Kombat 1 solely as a Kameo Fighter feels like an underutilization of his potential. In previous timelines, Goro was introduced as the most formidable challenger in the Mortal Kombat Tournament, a pivotal character in the narrative. However, in Mortal Kombat 1, he is reduced to serving as a simple combo extender. This raises questions about his future in Liu Kang's new timeline, potentially signaling his impending absence. Fans of the Shokan Prince and classic Mortal Kombat will have to wait until the release of Mortal Kombat 1 to uncover Goro's fate.