The Mind-Blowing Significance of Mortal Kombat 1's Title for NetherRealm's Reboot

The announcement of Mortal Kombat 1 as the next installment in the legendary fighting game franchise has met fans' expectations for a direct sequel to Mortal Kombat 11. However, the title's surprising name also suggests that it will serve as a reboot and continuation of the game's storyline in a new universe. This upcoming game seems poised to establish a more consistent and stable vision for the series, considering the significant differences between recent titles. The Mortal Kombat timeline has undergone significant changes throughout the series' history, with numerous resets nullifying previous events. The ninth entry marked a significant reboot following Mortal Kombat: Armageddon's apocalyptic event, leading to a modern timeline defined by the sequels to the 2011 reboot that featured bold new reimaginings alongside familiar characters. Despite the series' innovative aesthetics and gameplay, the Mortal Kombat games of the 2010s have largely adhered to the classic formula in terms of setting and characters.

Mortal Kombat 2011 Started a Reboot Trend

Mortal Kombat X took the series in a new direction with a time skip and introduction of a new generation of fighters, making it more of a reimagining than a direct sequel to the 2011 reboot. Mortal Kombat 11 continued this trend with a focus on conflicts between timelines and a reset of the series' narrative, feeling more like a new vision for the franchise rather than a conclusion to a unified trilogy. With Mortal Kombat 1 set to be a harder reboot, it appears that NetherRealm Studios is fully committed to this new direction for the series.

Mortal Kombat 1’s Title Shows NetherRealm’s Commitment to the Timeline

The new game's follow-up is not expected to deviate significantly from the fighting game series' current direction, as Mortal Kombat 1's title implies finality and limits the potential for major changes. Despite the complexity of the plot, the series has always justified its resets with in-game events relating to the gods. With the newest game's narrative placing Liu Kang in a prominent position, a significant shift would be necessary to return to the classic status quo. The upcoming game's story remains unknown, but Fire God Liu Kang's timeline is expected to shape the future of Mortal Kombat. Based on NetherRealm Studios' history of improving their fighting games with each new release, fans are unlikely to be disappointed, and the developer is unlikely to need to make significant adjustments. While the narrative could still surprise by returning to the original timeline's formula, the series appears more inclined to embrace the exciting new world established in Mortal Kombat 1's reveal trailer.

Mortal Kombat 1 is currently in development.