NetherRealm Studios Explains How Next-Gen Consoles Enhance Small Details in Mortal Kombat 1

NetherRealm Studios appeared at San Diego Comic-Con to discuss the upcoming game Mortal Kombat 1, including how the next-gen consoles from PlayStation and Xbox will help enhance the finer details in the game.

During a panel discussion, NetherRealm Studios Art Development Director Thiago Gomes elaborated on how 9th generation consoles enabled the studio to show more detail and interactions in costumes and levels.

“Thanks to the new console, the ability to show more small interactions, such as a little robot that comes in and cleans all your blood, is greatly improved,” Gomez said. Thanks to the power of the new console, details such as the stitching on Lee’s Mei costume also stand out.

Gomez also explained how the environment is lush and really pops when you see it. The panel also showed some visual aids to illustrate points, such as a living forest, but also reassured fans that classic Mortal Kombat levels existed.

Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon was also among the panelists, and he hinted that Mortal Kombat 1 will have an expansive single-player mode. “We have a very expansive single-player experience…we’re not talking about that,” Boon said. “It’s completely new and very exciting.”

In addition to discussing the technical aspects of Mortal Kombat 1, the panel also announced a number of new characters joining the roster. Mortal Kombat’s reappearing characters Lee He Mei, Tanya, and Baraka will be available in the base game roster. In his first Kombat Pack, he was confirmed to have Homelander, Peacemaker, and four other characters of his available at the start of the DLC.

Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19th for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.

Taylor is a reporter for IGN. You can follow her on her Twitter @TayNixster.