By KEVIN HOOVER
One doesn’t need to be a gamer to recognize the cultural impact of ultra-violent video game Mortal Kombat. But for those who’ve experienced firsthand the macabre pleasure that comes from plucking out an opponent’s spine or bisecting their husk with a razor-edged hat, fewer phrases in the English lexicon elicit as much delight as “Finish Him!”
Every bout-ending fatality is like a mini-movie for horror fanatics, and on November 19th, expect a few new ways to eviscerate, thanks to one of the genre’s most recognizable entities. Mortal Kombat 1, 2023’s entry into the game’s legacy, adds Ghostface to its already impressive star-studded roster as DLC during the early access period for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns expansion owners (with wide availability for purchase beginning November 26th). The Woodsboro terror continues the developer’s penchant for onboarding horror icons into the series’ lineage, and while just who lurks behind the mask is anyone’s guess, longtime voice actor Roger L. Jackson will be the one asking the Kombatants of Earthrealm, “What’s your favorite scary movie?” Nick Nicastro, designer at NetherRealm Studios, spoke with RUE MORGUE about the process of bringing the Scream villain into the game.
Character customization is a key component within the MK universe, but Ghostface’s baseline image is pretty well locked in: white mask, black robe. Over the last few years, there have been a few new looks interspersed throughout the character’s appearances in different gaming properties (a favorite being a red-faced devil with horns). Will Ghostface get any customization options within MK 1, and if so, what’s the process like for deciding which ones make it into the game?
Customization has always been a key component in Mortal Kombat games, so in Mortal Kombat 1 we felt it was critical to have the mask be his customizable gear piece. The process involved brainstorming and devising a wide breadth of possible options, then working through them with the studio to distill down mask looks that are both compelling and stay true to who Ghostface is as a character.
Aside from Freddy Krueger’s inclusion in 2011’s MK, 2015’s MKX felt like the “Horror Mortal Kombat,” having seen Jason, Leatherface, the Xenomorph and Predator enter the fray. Now, it’s Ghostface’s turn. Did the recent Scream renaissance influence the discussion for his appearance, or have plans been ongoing for some time?
As you point out, Mortal Kombat games have always had a history of introducing horror characters as guests. Ghostface has always been a topic of discussion in the design circle at the studio. We’re big fans of the franchise and often relate ideas to each other using references from the films. Ghostface is an exceptionally nice fit for the Mortal Kombat 1 Universe, and fans won’t have to wait long–the character will be available for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns expansion owners on November 19.
Was there any film studio involvement on any aspect of Ghostface being in the game?
Certainly. One of the most interesting parts of the design process is getting the opportunity to collaborate with creative minds in the film space, especially those who have created such iconic characters. The goal for us was to bring what they have conceived and cultivated over the years and translate that to a fighting game experience. With such incredible source material, the ideas are often the easy part, and the challenge becomes more about how we execute the look and feel of Ghostface through everything he does.
The official DLC trailer reveals a fatality that is synonymous with the killer: ground-and-pound with a butcher knife. It’s a scene that will surely resonate with horror fans. Are there any other easter eggs that the Scream faithful can expect?
Ghostface is a character that marries well with Mortal Kombat 1. So much of what fans love about him will seem very familiar during gameplay. His fight-style revolves around key moments throughout the franchise’s history, down to poses and even the expressiveness of his motion. The cornerstone of the character is based around the assumed identity of vengeful psychopathic murderers, but it’s up to the player to determine who they are exactly. Who is under the mask? This is something I think Scream fans will appreciate very much.
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns is available for purchase now.
