We’re bringing Scream’s Ghostface into the Mortal Kombat 1 universe

Before we really begin, a warning for film fans! While this article doesn’t reveal any specific events from the Scream series and certainly doesn’t reveal any killer identities, it isn’t completely spoiler-free as it talks about characteristics that make up Scream’s iconic recurring villain and how they influenced our design. If this is your first exposure to this classic horror series, I highly recommend checking out Scream – it’s great!

Yes, Ghostface will join this Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Roster on November 26th (with early access starting November 19th). So who is Ghostface? Ghostface is an assumed identity used by a number of loosely related, vengeful, psychopathic murderers. Aside from being, as you know, serial killers, their other enduring traits include donning the iconic costume during the act and taunting victims with a voice modulator (and you’ll be pleased to know that Roger L. Jackson is the actor behind the voice). The films also feature the voice of Ghostface Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns

). When killing, Ghostface attacks physically, preferring hunting knives, but sometimes using something opportunistic in his environment. It makes this classic killer a perfect combatant.

To represent Ghostface’s core ethos, we designed the character in Mortal Kombat 1 is primarily based on the original “Scream,” which revealed that there were multiple murderers behind the mask. Teamwork is their deadliest weapon and how they can achieve seemingly supernatural feats. Highlighting this was always a key aspect of incorporating the character into our game.

Since Ghostface in the first Scream film was actually two knife-wielding high school students, we thought the core features were very reminiscent of brawlers and grapplers. The goal of Paulo Garcia, lead designer at NetherRealm Studios, was to create perhaps the most throw-centric character ever Mortal Kombat 1 until now. It was a lot of fun going through the different Scream movies and finding the most harrowing melee attacks to use as a reference when designing, motion-capturing, and implementing successful grappling attacks.

Many other movements are directly reminiscent of various Ghostface appearances in the films, such as: E.g., madly sprinting towards the intended victim and holding a knife ready to lunge and pounce. Ghostface can also jump to the ground and slide forward on his stomach and elbows, striking at shin level.

It’s the epitome of horror when a villain always seems to be able to appear behind you, as if they have access to hidden hallways. Ghostface can use the Backstage Pass special move to briefly flee the fight before reappearing on either side of the screen as if emerging from an overlooked closet or secret passage. With the special attack “Always Outnumbered,” Ghostface creates a tried-and-tested 90s-style cordless phone from which you can call for help another

Ghost face. They conveniently jump out from right behind the opponent, ready with a jump-scare-worthy slash or grab. While Ghostface isn’t a straightforward zoning character, the Always Outnumbered special still serves as an unusual ranged option and a way to look over the shoulder of anxious zoning players.

And these Ghostface partners in the background aren’t just there to help with a special move. The main Ghostface can temporarily hand over the killing tasks to some other Ghostface characters. Using the Backstage Pass and Always Outnumbered moves (among several others), it is possible to temporarily swap in alternate Ghostface background characters, each with their own unique specialties.

They still use many of the same basic attacks – after all, there’s usually no way to tell who’s hiding under the robe – but they can provide clues to their identity through the use of their own basic attacks and special moves. While the original Ghostface Killer was an overly ambitious teenager, other Ghostface characters come from different walks of life, and some of their fighting techniques may be more sophisticated and even vaguely recognizable. One of the alternate Ghostfaces has special moves more tailored to aggressive attack combinations, while another is a master of ranged attacks. It’s up to the Ghostface player to decide whether to stick with the main Ghostface or pass the bloody baton to killers waiting in the shadows!

Ghostface will be available in Early Access on November 19th Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns expansion Xbox Series X|S owners, followed by wide availability for purchase on November 26th.