The case for and against Mortal Kombat 2 bringing back Kameo Fighters

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While other franchises that have been around for over three decades tend to rest on their laurels, the same cannot be said for Mortal Kombat. Each item of Mortal Kombat have tried to add to or shake up the formula in at least a significant way, whether that be Mortal Kombat 3s animal, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliances Konquest mode, Mortal Kombat Xs character Variations, or Mortal Kombat 11s gear system.

The last post, Mortal Kombat 1brought its own handful of new features to the table. Chief among these was its Kameo Fighter system, where players could select an additional character from a separate roster that could be used in the heat of battle to deliver special moves. Mortal Kombat 1s Kameo system has proven quite divisive, and there are arguments both for and against its return in an inevitable sequel.

A flaming scorpion in the opening of the Season of the Specter for Mortal Kombat 1 Invasions

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Mortal Kombat 1's seasons can be caught between a rock and a hard place

Mortal Kombat 1's latest season of Invasions made a move that could potentially have players wondering what the game's future holds.

The arguments for bringing back Mortal Kombat's Kameo Fighters

Kameo Fighters brings lesser-known characters into focus

One of the biggest advantages of Mortal Kombat 1s Kameo Fighter system is that it gives lesser-known characters a rare chance in the spotlight. There are well over 70 fighters in Mortal Kombat franchise, and of course not everyone can get a full spot on the roster every time. But with MK1s Kameo system saw a handful of characters not seen in years make a triumphant return, such as 3D-era fighters like Shujinko, Sareena, and Khameleon.

These Kameo Fighters still got to show off some trademark moves without developer NetherRealm having to program entire movesets and animations just for them.

Kameo Fighters add a lot of variety to Mortal Kombat's gameplay

Another advantage of Mortal Kombat 1s Kameo Fighters is that they add a lot of variety to Mortal Kombats gameplay, at least in theory. Players can mix and match all of them Mortal Kombat 1s main roster and Kameo roster, essentially giving each fighter 20 different moveset variations if players have purchased Mortal Kombat 1s DLC and has unlocked every Kameo character. MK1's Kameo Fighters also come with a unique Fatality and two Brutalities each, which is a nice touch.

The arguments against bringing back Mortal Kombat's Kameo Fighters

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Meta combos lead to an unbalanced Kameo list

But while Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Fighters has a lot of great ideas behind them, their execution leaves a lot to be desired. A slightly frustrating element of MK1Cameos are that players are likely to see the same handful time and time again, with some being considered the “meta” choices. So, while Kameo Fighters theoretically adds more variety Mortal Kombats gameplay, it doesn't quite ring true when the same few are picked repeatedly and the rest of the roster is forgotten in the process.

Kameo Fighters are not traditional

Probably the most obvious argument against the Kameo Fighter system's inclusion in the Mortal Kombat 1The sequel is that it's just not traditional and that it changes the core game too much. What elevates this issue to controversial heights is that there is no way to turn Kameo Fighters off Mortal Kombat 1forcing the players to use them. About the next one Mortal Kombat carries the Kameo system, it should at least offer an option that lets fans play without them for a more traditional 1v1 experience.

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