AlthoughMortal Kombat 12is a chance to reboot the series, it can’t discard everything that has come out since the originals. TheMortal Kombatgames have evolved in every direction, from bigger rosters to a bigger universe to new features. Of course, the core of the game is the most important aspect, and that is the fast-paced yet tactical gameplay. IfMortal Kombat 12focuses on polishing up the combat that gaveMortal Kombatits name, it will be fantastic. However, focusing on the basics does not mean abandoning the advancements that the series has made.
It is hinted in theending ofMortal Kombat 11that Fire God Liu Kang is going to use his powers to remake the universe. After all the damage that had been done by Kronika, Shang Tsung, and the other villains of theMortal Kombatuniverse, he wants to try to repair everything with a new timeline. One way to read this could be thatMortal Kombat 12will essentially be a next-gen remake of the original game, stripping it back to basics. Going back to the beginning could lead to some solid story ideas, but could miss out on a lot of potential.
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Mortal Kombat’s World Needs More Than The Original Cast
Although there are a lot ofcharacters that could joinMortal Kombat 12the first game only gave players seven playable fighters to choose from: Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Raiden, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Kano. All of these characters have become iconic members of the franchise, and it’s hard to imagine any of them sitting out of aMortal Kombattitle. In addition, Goro and Shang Stung were not playable, but were present as unplayable boss characters, introducing two of the series' most memorable villains. This cast formed the backbone of what the series would evolve into in regard to both gameplay and story.
Despite this, the originalMortal Kombatwas missing many vital pieces. Most notably,Mortal Kombatfan favorite Mileenadid not show up until the sequel, nor did heroic mainstay Jax. Recurring antagonist Shao Kahn was also absent, which is especially shocking since he essentially eclipsed Shang Tsung as the main villain. Even beyond the classic characters, some excellent characters from recent games would be in danger of being lost as well. The best example may be Skarlet, who has an incredibly cool fighting style based on blood magic, but has not had the chance to tell much of a story on her own yet despite her link to Shao Kahn.
Scaling backMortal Kombat 12would also leave out some interesting plotlines regardingpopular characters fromMortal Kombatthat debuted after the original game. Kabal’s introduction gave Kano a visible subordinate, increasing the visibility of the Black Dragon. Without Kung Lao, Liu Kang wouldn’t have his best friend. Kitana and Mileena’s family feud would become one of the series' biggest rivalries. In addition to being the first playable Shokan, Sheeva’s arc in the latest entries provided the Shokan with a bit more narrative importance and focus. All of these characters came after the original game, and represent great story potential that shouldn’t be ignored.
There are a lot of good ideas that could come out of Liu Kang’s new timeline. WhileMortal Kombat 12can revisit past antagonists, it can also change the destinies of the series' various fighters. Of course, it can’t have an effect on characters who aren’t there in the first place. Even ifMortal Kombat 12is the beginning of a new version of the series' story, there are still characters beyond the first game who can play important roles even if events aren’t the same.Mortal Kombat 12may go back to where it all began, but it can’t ignore the past.
Mortal Kombat 12is in development.
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