The Unveiling: Unraveling the Untold Story Behind MK1 - Mortal Kombat Tournament Rewritten

Highlights

The Mortal Kombat 1 reboot completely transforms the franchise's storyline, offering fresh origins for well-known characters and reintroducing long-lost characters that have been overshadowed in the past.

The Mortal Kombat tournament, a key aspect of the franchise, is undergoing a revamp in Mortal Kombat 1 to fit seamlessly with the compelling narrative surrounding Fire God Liu Kang. This revision introduces a fresh layer of complexity while retaining the essence fans are accustomed to.

In Mortal Kombat 1, rather than being orchestrated by the Elder Gods, it is Fire God Liu Kang and King Jerrod who oversee the tournament, potentially introducing new terms and stakes. The involvement of General Shao, who subtly undermines the tournament, adds an intriguing element to the storyline.

Mortal Kombat 1 is revolutionizing the franchise in a way that few previous entries have accomplished. Building off the success of the 2011 installment which revitalized the violent fighting series, Mortal Kombat 1 is undergoing a soft reboot, introducing the captivating new era of Fire God Liu Kang. Established characters such as Scorpion and Raiden now have fresh backstories, while overlooked fighters like Havik and Li Mei are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. However, this new installment is not only altering the characters, but also reimagining the core element that defines the series.

Throughout the Mortal Kombat franchise, the shocking fatalities have consistently taken center stage, but the essence of the series lies within its namesake tournament. This tournament serves as the catalyst for much of the conflict in various entries, determining the fate of Earthrealm and the game's greatest heroes. Mortal Kombat 1 is completely overhauling the origin of the tournament to align it with Fire God Liu Kang's new status quo. This reinterpretation will deepen the lore surrounding the Mortal Kombat tournament, while still remaining recognizable to loyal fans who have followed the franchise for years.

How The Mortal Kombat Tournament Worked Before MK1 Explained

The Mortal Kombat tournament's motivation has evolved over time, but recent entries have established a clear backstory that many fans are familiar with. In the world of Mortal Kombat, which is divided into different realms, the tournament was created to fairly determine if one realm can invade and merge with another. Winning ten consecutive tournaments grants a realm the right to do so, and any violation of the tournament's rules is considered a serious offense by the Elder Gods who established it.

The most detailed portrayal of the tournament's importance is seen in the 2011 game Mortal Kombat, also known as MK9. In MK9, Outworld challenges Earthrealm to Mortal Kombat after winning nine consecutive tournaments. The story unfolds similarly to the first three Mortal Kombat games, with players defeating Goro, Shang Tsung, and Shao Kahn to protect Earth. Subsequent Mortal Kombat games shift the focus to larger threats like Shinnok and Kronika, leaving the tournament behind. However, it appears that MK1 is reintroducing the tournament with a revised origin, making the stakes more personal.

Mortal Kombat 1's Tournament Explained

In NetherRealm Studios' latest release, the Mortal Kombat tournament has undergone a change in its organization. Instead of being overseen by the Elder Gods, it has been established by Fire God Liu Kang and King Jerrod, the late husband of Sindel and former ruler of Outworld. The precise rules and regulations of this tournament remain unclear, but the menacing words voiced by General Shao in the newest trailer for Mortal Kombat 1 imply that it is intended for more than mere sport. Drawing from previous Mortal Kombat lore, it is expected that General Shao will play a significant role in undermining the tournament's integrity, much like Shao Kahn did in the past.

Mortal Kombat 1 appears to be treading a delicate line between introducing fresh elements and staying rooted in its established history. It remains to be seen whether this deliberate narrative choice aims to depict Fire God Liu Kang's lack of experience as an Elder God. However, one certainty for fans is that the Mortal Kombat tournament will once again take center stage. As the game features a number of familiar faces from Mortal Kombat's extensive history, one of the main intrigues surrounding Mortal Kombat 1 is how it will differentiate this tournament from its predecessors.

Mortal Kombat 1 releases September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.