Unleashing the Hilarious Humor of Mortal Kombat 1: Revisiting the Series' Controversial Elements

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 focuses on previous MK characters rather than new creations, bringing 3D era fighters out of obscurity.

The absence of the Kombat Kids, who were introduced in MKX and MK11, in MK1's roster might be a satisfying outcome for certain critics. MK1 cleverly addresses the critique of the Kombat Kids through a playful cutscene, demonstrating NetherRealm's attentiveness to the opinions of fans.

Mortal Kombat has introduced numerous fighters throughout its extensive history. The roster of playable characters has evolved significantly, with dozens of options available in MK's various games. Although Mortal Kombat 1 may not have the most extensive lineup, it prioritizes familiar faces from previous MK games rather than introducing new ones. From beloved classics to once obscure contenders, there is something for every type of fan to enjoy in Mortal Kombat 1's roster.

Instead of creating new characters or utilizing more recent additions, MK1 chooses to bring back fighters from the 3D era of MK. As a result, many characters prominently featured in Mortal Kombat X and Mortal Kombat 11 are absent, including some that fans were not particularly fond of. Notably, the Kombat Kids, who are the children of MK's most iconic fighters and received significant attention in the last two games, are missing from MK1. However, these younger fighters do receive a fleeting moment of acknowledgment, which is sure to bring some fans amusement.

MK's Kombat Kid's Explained

MK's Kombat Kids made their debut in MKX, when NetherRealm decided to move ahead in time after MK9. During the twenty-year gap between the two games, Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade formed a Special Forces team comprising their daughter, Jax's daughter, Kenshi's son, and Kung Lao's younger cousin. The team consisted of Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Takeda Takahashi, and Kung Jin respectively. Although they offered a fresh take compared to the well-known characters, their portrayal in MKX and MK11 failed to connect with a significant portion of fans.

Mortal Kombat has always struck a balance between fantastical and realistic elements, with characters like Raiden and Stryker sharing the same universe. However, with the introduction of the Kombat Kids, MK sidelined some of its more dynamic fighters in favor of characters with limited depth. Cassie and Jacqui heavily relied on firearms and hand-to-hand combat, while Kung Jin wielded a simple bow and arrow. Takeda stood out with his unique bladed whips, which likely contributed to his inclusion in MK1's Kombat Pack 1. In the end, though, the Kombat Kids were seen as newcomers overshadowing the more established characters.

How MK1 Handles the Kombat Kids

The absence of the Kombat Kids in MK1's main roster is seen as a positive by some critics. NetherRealm, however, took it a step further by acknowledging the backlash towards these new characters in MK1's final act. As players progress through a series of unique character combinations, a cutscene depicts the confrontation between the chosen fighter and all four Kombat Kids. Before they have the chance to fight, Titan Kitana intervenes and swiftly eliminates them in a brutal manner. This moment is a playful nod to fans who are aware of the criticism, showing how much NetherRealm pays attention to feedback.

Mortal Kombat 1 is filled with unexpected twists and turns, and the brief presence of the Kombat Kids is just one example. MK1 incorporates elements of the classic MK lore while also crafting a distinct story separate from previous narratives. Similar to Fire God Liu Kang shaping a new era, NetherRealm appears to be forging a new era for the franchise through an engaging storyline and innovative gameplay mechanics. It remains uncertain if the Kombat Kids will have a place in future MK projects considering the extensive experimentation, but with DLC, the possibilities are endless.

Mortal Kombat 1 is available now for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.