Mortal Kombat Has to Ditch the Dying Multiverse Trend

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Back in the day when Mortal Kombat returned with its ninth installment, gamers thought it was going to make the series easier to grasp with a simpler narrative. However, that didn’t last too long. MK 11 introduced time travel, while MK 1 took a massive leap into a sprawling multiverse tale. This storyline has left fans divided, and most of us believe it needs to wrap up sooner rather than later.

Simply put, the franchise needs to make things more grounded. Grounded for Mortal Kombat, anyway.

It’s misleading to claim that the series has consistently been realistic given its portrayal of characters with multiple arms, ninja blades, demon mouths, and so on. In truth, this series never aimed at developing the best fighter for personal growth, but rather to combat demons and protect the world. Embracing the fantastical elements is part of the show’s appeal, not a flaw.

Fans found the time travel element of Mortal Kombat 9 acceptable because it was coherent with Raiden and the Old Gods, creating a more straightforward narrative that resembled the tension of a Terminator-style plot. Long-time fans appreciated the nods to earlier games in the series.

When the eleventh installment arrives, things start to become a bit chaotic. Although the narrative remains largely comprehensible, repeatedly witnessing a reset yet again becomes quite frustrating for fans who have been keeping up with these series. Similarly, players in the Fighting Game Community (FGC) found the gameplay in the eleventh edition to be simplified, which had both positive and negative reactions from players who appreciated the intricate combos in MK X.

In Mortal Kombat 1, the multiverse element emerged when longtime fans grew tired of the ongoing storyline. Initially, they were captivated by Fire God Liu Kang’s interactions in the new universe he established. The unexpected twists for each character kept things interesting, and it remained an inviting starting point for novice gamers.

However, as Shang Tsung’s multiverse antics began to feature prominently, fans grew weary of this recurring theme. It’s become increasingly apparent that multiverse narratives have been prevalent across various platforms, taking center stage in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bayonetta, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and numerous other forms of entertainment. The introduction of Mortal Kombat into this trend was frustrating, given its lack of engaging developments apart from a more defined character arc for Havik.

With Mortal Kombat 1 concluding more quietly than expected, it’s intriguing to contemplate the direction this franchise might take next. Fans are eagerly anticipating a shift towards developing Liu Kang’s established universe, possibly with a focus on toning things down. The DLC story of Mortal Kombat 1 introduced many characters who later met untimely ends, making their demise less impactful.

It’s understandable to have concerns about an abundance of guest characters, as they don’t always affect the overall narrative. At best, these characters receive unique conclusions with impressive artwork and voiceovers, but that’s typically all. Instead, we believe Mortal Kombat could prioritize its storyline more, as it is often a key factor that attracts players in the first place.

It’s time for Mortal Kombat to take a step back, focus on world-building once more. The audience doesn’t require an elaborate Shakespearean drama, instead, a straightforward narrative of good versus evil would suffice.

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2025-04-19 14:12