The hierarchy of royal power in Outworld is precariously balanced in the new era of Mortal Kombat 1. The reality of a new timeline has poised Empress Sindel atop the throne of the chaotic realm, with General Shao commanding the ranks of the imperial army. Learn more about these pivotal figures in official bios & character art:

Sindel's relationship with Shao Kahn was controversially rewritten for Mortal Kombat 11, making her a traitorous figure in Edenia's history, and willing collaborator with the conquering Emperor. Her relationship with King Jerrod appears restored in MK1, but the ties between Edenia & Outworld are as blurry as ever in the new bio.

Sindel (Empress of Outworld)
When Sindel ascended to Outworld's throne, she worried that she was ill-prepared. Adding to her stress: her impending arranged marriage to Jerrod, an Outworld noble. Forced into it to placate a rebellious region, Sindel could only pray that he was worthy.

To Sindel's delight, Jerrod proved an ideal partner. Her early reign marked the start of a new Golden Age. Sindel then welcomed her beautiful twin daughters, Mileena and Kitana. She thanked the Gods for her charmed life.

But Sindel had counted her blessings too quickly. When Jerrod was murdered, Sindel's heart was broken. Smelling weakness, factions formed to challenge her rule.

As her enemies conspire, Sindel fights to protect her family and her empire. She will do whatever it takes to defend her daughters' birthright.

General Shao (Supreme Commander of Outworld's Army)
Born into a proud military family, Shao was expected to become a soldier. But he was a sickly child who, though brilliant and eager, had an infirm body.

Shao's disability infuriated his father. He dismissed his son's physicians and designed an extreme program to build his son's strength and endurance.

Years of toil molded Shao into a physical colossus and forged within him an iron will. And as his father had promised, Shao became the perfect soldier. His brilliant tactics and relentless effort won Outworld many victories and him much fame.

Though General Shao is sworn to serve the Empress, his loyalty is to with Outworld. If Sindel's rule ever endangers Outworld, he will be the first to try to end it.

Questions abound regarding how Edenia came to be entwined with Outworld in a timeline overseen by Liu Kang, and whether its history has once again been retconned. We're also left wondering about General Shao's lineage and who his "illustrious" military father might be. Perhaps this is Shao Kahn's son? Or could Shao himself be the offspring of a character soon to take on greater significance?

[Related Article: Sindel & General Shao Steer Outworld in Mortal Kombat 1 Reveal]

Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC worldwide September 19th with Premium Early Access beginning September 14th! Pre-Order Beta begins this weekend for three days of taste testing -- so don't miss it! Download the MKO App via App Store and Google Play to save these important dates with in-app reminders!

We're just three weeks from Mortal Kombat 1's official street date -- but actor & former WWE Champion Dave Bautista is already leading the charge from the library to the coffee shop. Time to fill every city and town with bellows of MORTAL KOMBAT! Watch and learn:

Like a reverberating echo of the first Mortal Monday campaign, Dave Bautista begins the madness by breaking the silence whilst pushing his book cart and whispering to a studying boy. It spreads to orchestra conductors and ceramics sculptors. It's a new era in the games and a new commercial to set your blood on fire!

Watch closely and you'll not only see the new Mortal Kombat logo emerge from frost & fire on a cafe window, but also spot a familiar building backdrop from the Mortal Kombat commercial released thirty years ago!

The elusive kid who first shouted Mortal Kombat back in 1993 was rediscovered two years ago, but you'll only have to wait until Tuesday, September 19th to get your hands on Mortal Kombat 1 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC!

[Mortal Kombat 1 Announcement Trailer Remakes Universe]

Premium Early Access begins September 14th if you've pre-ordered the Premium or Kollector's Editions. You'll also get access to The Kombat Pack which adds Bautista's old sparring partner John Cena as Peacemaker. What do you think of the ad? Will you be joining the horde? Share your reactions in the comments below and answer the call in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum!

History is repeating in Mortal Kombat 1, but in a new era created by the Fire God Liu Kang -- nothing is quite as it was! The mysteries of this once familiar world unfurl as a cinematic Story Mode takes us into a reality that can be both kind - and cruel. Go no further if you wish to avoid SPOILERS!

A Prologue finds Shang Tsung struggling to survive as a lowly snake oil salesman, but the arrival of a shrouded woman with a glow in her eyes promises he was meant for much more. Forces have conspired against him for his entire life, and perhaps she will be the means to twist this new era.

Chapter 1 centers on the humble exploits of Kung Lao and Raiden as they work on the harvest, train to become better martial artists, and chase a big meal. The kung fu buddies seem destined for trouble as dinner at Madam Bo's turns deadly with the arrival of the Lin Kuei -- Smoke, Scorpion, and Grand Master Sub-Zero!

[Related Article: Sindel & General Shao Steer Outworld in Mortal Kombat 1 Reveal]

Shang Tsung will be available to purchase upon the game's release on September 19th, or as a free download for anyone who pre-orders. Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC in wide release September 19th, or in Premium Early Access starting September 14th.

What do you think of the opening scenes from the story mode? Who is the mysterious woman and where will the story end? Share your reactions & speculation in the comments below and dig deeper in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum!

Relations with Outworld remain cordial in the new era of Mortal Kombat 1, but beneath the surface of this "alien & intoxicating" incarnation seethes a beating heart of bitter disdain for all that has become of the realm. Queen Sindel holds General Shao at bay as Earthrealm attends in the newest reveal trailer. Watch:

Glimpses of story mode show us Earthrealm attending a new martial arts tournament with Raiden as their chosen champion. A horned General Shao is unimpressed, with brutal axe-wielding gameplay to back it up, but Queen Sindel has been using root boost -- holding the violent militant to account with her malevolent mane!

Is General Shao the erstwhile Shao Kahn of past realities? With Edenia's royalty holding the seat of power in the new era -- it's entirely possible, but the inexplicable presence of gigantic horns raises many questions about the lineage of his "illustrious father".

The trailer also shows off Kameo Fighter assists for Motaro and Shujinko! The returning MK3 sub-boss steps out of the past with projectile deflections and a devastating mule kick, while kung fu copycat Shujinko takes his learning skills from MK: Deception to new extremes, turning the weapons of his opponents back against them with imitated moves.

[Related Article: Mortal Kombat Movie Sequel Casts Shao Kahn, Sindel, Quan Chi & King Jerrod]

The new trailer was unveiled by Ed Boon on stage at this year's Gamescom opening night. We're now under a month until the wide release of MK1 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 19th! Kollector's Edition holders just enjoyed a Beta preview and will get Premium Early Access to the final product starting September 14th.

Are the newly revealed characters everything you hoped they'd be? Share your reactions in the comments below and find more to discuss in the Mortal Kombat 1 forum! Interact and keep track of the big dates by downloading the MKO App via App Store and Google Play.

We love seeing new character reveals and gameplay in trailers, but to truly bask in the playable roster & kameo fighters coming to Mortal Kombat 1 - we need a frozen moment in time. Fortunately, Warner Brothers has given us high quality screenshots that show off all the new designs & arenas in exquisite detail! Take a look:

From recently revealed returning curiosities like Ashrah, Havik, and Li Mei, to assist Kameos like Sareena, Darrius, and Sektor -- we can see them all! Fighting from Johnny Cage's Apartment to The Living Forest, it's all the fighters we've seen so far in the midst of a tense confrontation -- or hard hitting battle! Hit the thumbnails to take a closer look.

A couple more characters will be added to the roster in mere hours when Ed Boon takes the stage at Gamescom for a new unveiling, and live public demo of the game. Will these new scenes live up to the vision we've seen so far?

Mortal Kombat 1 is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC in wide release on September 19th, with Premium Early Access starting April 14th! Save the date with the MKO App for iOS & Android. Thanks again to Warner Brothers for supplying us with these screenshots.