A new era of Mortal Kombat is nearly upon us, as Mortal Kombat 1 launches for PC and consoles next week. So it makes sense that a launch trailer dropped today. The game, compared to past titles, promises a new fighting system, new game modes, and new fatalities. Today, the developer and publisher have released information on the game’s accessibility options, including visual, auditory, motor, practice, and general settings.
Before I get into the accessibility details, take a look at the official launch trailer (below). It features a first look at story elements and gameplay for Shang Tsung and his destiny in the reborn Mortal Kombat Universe created by Fire God Liu Kang. See the scheming sorcerer’s moveset, including fireball projectiles, devastating combos, and his signature ability to morph into rival kombatants. Also see some gameplay for General Shao’s second-in-command, Reiko; the savage warrior has a fighting style that matches his fierce persona.
Now, there are a lot of accessibility features in the game, and I’ll try to sum it up the best I can. If you’re interested, view the extensive list of accessibility support options here.
Visually, there’s a screen reader (narration for menu items), colourblind modes (editing UI and HUD elements, with presets for Protanopia, Deuteranopia, and Tritanopia) with adjustable intensity, brightness options, lowered health bars (placing them closer to the focal point of the screen), descriptive audio, extra audio feedback (four presets that toggle additional audio cues for gameplay elements), and Invasions Modes navigation assistance.
For auditory options, there are separate volume controls (for cinematics, music, announcer, ambience, dialogue, and sound effects), audio mix presets, subtitles (the size can be modified, but nothing past that), detailed audio effects, and directional surround sound.
There are also remappable controls, input shortcuts, button shortcuts, Test Your Might gameplay assistance, tutorials, tutorial demos, practice modes, an advanced communication system, and keyboard to speech.
Developed by NetherRealm and published by Warner Bros. Games, Mortal Kombat 1 will be released for PC via Steam/Epic, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series on September 19.
