WithMortal Kombat 1having been officially announced as the next entry in the iconic fighting franchise, the striking new direction of the title is precisely what fans may have expected a direct sequel forMortal Kombat 11to look like. The surprise naming ofMortal Kombat 1simultaneously conveys the game’s nature as both a reboot and continuation of the plot taking place within a new universe. Considering the vast differences between the past few titles in the series, this upcoming game seems poised to establish a more stable, consistent vision forMortal Kombat.
Thetimeline ofMortal Kombathas been subject to heavy change throughout the history of the series, with several resets rendering events null time and time again. The original timeline of the series would continue until the ninth entry provided a bold reboot followingMortal Kombat: Armageddon’s titular apocalyptic event. The modernMortal Kombattimeline has then been largely defined by the sequels to the 2011 reboot, both featuring bold new reimaginings alongside returning fighters. Despite the innovation in aesthetics and gameplay, however, theMortal Kombatgames of the 2010s have largely stuck to the classic formula of the series in terms of setting and characters.
RELATED:What to Expect From Mortal Kombat 1’s Gameplay Reveal
Mortal Kombat 2011 Started a Reboot Trend
2011’sMortal Kombatreboot brought a new timeline to the series, but 2015’sMortal Kombat Xwould go on to move the series forward in its own way by including a time skip in the story. By introducing an entirely new generation of fighters and aging up the mainstay cast,Mortal Kombat Xfunctioned more as its own reimagining of the series than a proper sequel toMortal Kombat 2011. While the focus ofMortal Kombat 11’s storyon conflict between timelines and crossing over past and future versions of its characters did a bit to connect its predecessor games, it also ended up feeling like an entirely new vision for the franchise.
Mortal Kombat 11’s narrative even saw the series’ timeline being reset in a godly conflict, serving more as an ending to a disparate saga than the conclusion of a unified reboot trilogy. Lacking closure forMortal Kombat Xand having callbacks to the old, original timeline,Mortal Kombat 11’s castshowed it seemed more concerned with being its own reimagining. The upcomingMortal Kombat 1’s status as a harder reboot of the series seems to signify that NetherRealm Studios is taking the new direction for the franchise more seriously than ever.
Mortal Kombat 1’s Title Shows NetherRealm’s Commitment to the Timeline
While not unheard of, it’s highly unlikely that the eventual follow-up to the new game will be another major shift for the fighting game series. The finality ofMortal Kombat 1’s titledoesn’t offer the same flexibility as if NetherRealm had simply labeled it the 12th entry, so it would seem that this new timeline is here to stay. While it’s been a convoluted plotline,Mortal Kombathas always been sure to rationalize its resets with actual in-game events relating to the gods. With Liu Kang having taken a firm hold over the newest game’s world within the narrative, it would take another massive shift to return to the classic status quo.
Though the upcoming game’s true story is still mysterious, the vision for Fire God Liu Kang’s timeline is sure to define theMortal Kombatfranchise as it moves forward. Given NetherRealm Studios’ track record for increasing the quality of their fighting games with each subsequent entry, this latest title is unlikely to disappoint fans and force the developer to recalibrate. The narrative could still end up further subverting expectations by actually sticking to the original timeline’s formula, but the series seems far more inclined towards leaning into the bold new world established inMortal Kombat 1’s exciting reveal trailer.
Mortal Kombat 1is currently in development.
MORE:Mortal Kombat 1’s Reborn Universe Hopefully Doesn’t Play It Too Safe
