Mortal Kombat 1 usheres in a new era for the beloved fighting game series, with an updated timeline, reimagined character origins, and the intriguing addition of the Kameo Fighter system. This game has the potential to have a significant impact on the Mortal Kombat community. The introduction of the Kameo Fighters system is a game changer that will impact both casual and professional players, elevating certain characters. However, Goro’s inclusion in Kameo Fighter seems like a missed opportunity.
Mortal Kombat 1 takes players to a new time, following Mortal Kombat 11. Initially, this alternate Earth reigns in an era of peace and prosperity. However, the first trailers hint at a looming sinister force that threatens to repeat the mistakes of history. To preserve peace, Fire God Liu Kang recruits various characters, each with their own history and alliances, to fight the new evil. While the identity of the main antagonist remains shrouded in mystery, teasers suggest that Shang Tsung could play a key role in their evil plans.
A formidable figure in the classic Mortal Kombat story, Goro holds a special place in the hearts of longtime fans. In the original game, he became the final test of strength, becoming the last obstacle before meeting Shao Khan. The four-armed Goro presented a formidable challenge, leaving many gamers with indelible memories of epic battles with him. Goro’s abilities and difficulty levels have varied over time, always introducing a significant story element or gameplay complexity to the series.
In the Mortal Kombat storyline, Goro appears as the undefeated champion of the Mortal Kombat tournament, reigning for five centuries. After being defeated by the player, Goro turns his efforts to leading his people in battle against the centaurs and Princess Kitana, creating an alliance between the two races to confront the remnants of Shao Khan’s army.
In an alternate version, Goro once again becomes the Mortal Kombat tournament champion, but is killed by Kotal Kahn in the comic book series associated with Mortal Kombat X. Although he did not appear as a fighter in Mortal Kombat 11 or Aftermath, Goro’s lifeless body can be seen on his throne.
Seeing Goro, an iconic figure in the Mortal Kombat universe, relegated to the role of a Cameo fighter was disappointing to many fans. Not since Mortal Kombat: Armageddon in 2006 has Goro been featured in the base lineup at the game’s launch. In Mortal Kombat 9, he was limited to the Challenge Tower, and in Mortal Kombat X, access to Goro was limited to pre-order bonuses or DLC purchases. Goro’s apparent death at the hands of Kotal Khan led many to believe that he had disappeared forever. However, in the new Mortal Kombat 1 timeline, he returned along with other previously deceased characters.
Seeing Goro in Mortal Kombat 1 only as a Cameo fighter, one might think that his potential was not fully exploited. In previous versions, Goro was introduced as the most formidable opponent in the Mortal Kombat tournament, a key character in the narrative. However, in Mortal Kombat 1 he is reduced to being a simple combo extender. This casts doubt on his future in Liu Kang’s new timeline and possibly signals his imminent disappearance. Fans of Prince Shokan and classic Mortal Kombat will have to wait until Mortal Kombat 1 to find out Goro’s fate.