If it wasn't already clear that Mortal Kombat 1 would be a major shakeup in the series, Ed Boon's casual reveal that Scorpion and Sub-Zero are now brothers was a big hint. The new scenario, which riffs on the timeline-reset ending of the previous film, seems to be remixing their story in a new way, while focusing again on classic characters like Johnny Cage, Kensi, Kitana, and Mirena.

Everyone's favorite ninja is now relevant, young Raiden trains to use his powers, Keiji and Kenshi get into a fistfight over his prized samurai sword, and Kitana has a supernatural illness (apparently her... . seems to be a new explanation for her dental problems) and tries to save Milena from succumbing to it.

The core fights seem almost familiar-they're as heavy and moving as ever, with X-ray techniques and fatalities escalating into ever more gory territory. But with a big twist of its own. In every match, you choose one main character, but you also choose another cameo fighter. This sidekick can be summoned during the action and can perform special moves. It's not a full tag-team type of system, but a customizable way to add new tricks to one's arsenal.

In most cases, fighters belong to one of the rosters. For example, Sonya, Jax, and Kano are not full-fledged fighters this time around, and are likely to be just cameos. However, some fighters are on both and can team themselves up admirably. Finally, Sub-Zero can team up with the only guy who has ever had his back: sub zero

I expect the cameo system will be a bit controversial among fans. Such a multi-fighter system is more reminiscent of a Japanese fighting game than a very Western arcade brawler like MK, and while the cameo roster will likely bring more characters to the game, the lovable main I suspect there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth from those whose characters are relegated to support.

That said, I'm totally ready to give cameos a chance, and the slightly more grounded and realistic art style suggests a sort of back-to-basics approach for this sequel. I officially name Sub-Zero + Sub-Zero "Two Scoops."