Mortal Kombat is one of the rare franchises that evolved beyond its gaming roots to become a legitimate slice of pop culture history. Since 1992, creator Ed Boon has pushed the boundaries of video game violence, creating one of the most enduring and beloved fighting brands in the process. Nine core entries and a few less than memorable offshoots have built a deep Mortal Kombat mythology populated by dozens of diverse heroes and villains. Fighting games aren’t known for having cohesive storylines––if any exist at all––but Mortal Kombat has always been dedicated to giving fans more than just two kombatants squaring off to the death. Mortal Kombat X is a bold evolution of the franchise that pays tribute to the past while ushering in a fresh future.
Round 1…Fight
Mortal Kombat began as a tournament with the fate of Earth (Earthrealm) hanging in the balance, but over the years its roots have dug far deeper. The past few games have included “story modes,” a fan service that isn’t perfect but still leagues ahead of what the competitors offer. In each chapter, the player takes control of a different character as the narrative is constructed through a combination of cutscenes and fights. This is far more immersive than the traditional “tower” design of most fighting games where you have a number of random matches, fight the boss, then receive a minimal ending for your chosen character.
Mortal Kombat 9 was a reboot of sorts where Earthrealm’s protector, the Thunder God Raiden, traveled back in time to the events of the first three games in order to prevent an apocalyptic catastrophe. This created an alternate timeline within the Mortal Kombat universe and tightened up 20 years of muddled history. This has been a common practice these days, one that DC comics used a few years back with the New 52 reboot.
Mortal Kombat X takes place in the new timeline and offers an altered look at the events of Mortal Kombat 4. The original franchise villain, Shao Kahn, had tried to invade Earthrealm and failed. An even worse foe emerges in the form of the fallen Elder God, Shinnok, whose power threatens every realm. The story opens with Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage taking down Shinnok. The god can’t be killed, so Raiden imprisons him in an amulet that Shinnok created as the focal point of his divine power.
Fast-forward twenty years…!
Fresh Blood
Mortal Kombat X took a huge risk with its roster of fighters after having killed off many fan favorites in the previous game. Combined with the jump in time, this gave NetherRealm studios the chance to introduce a new generation of fighters deeply rooted in the relationships fostered during the previous games. I’ve never seen such commitment to implementing new characters while preserving the memory of others.
Johnny Cage, now in his 50s, heads up a Special Forces unit comprised of the next generation: his own daughter, Cassie; Jacqui Briggs, who signed up against the wishes of her father and retired robotic-armed badass, Jax; Takeda, student of Scorpion and estranged son of the blind warrior Kenshi; and Kung Jin, former thief/Shaolin outcast and cousin of the deceased Kung Lao. The young group is inexperienced but extremely skilled and eager to prove themselves. Johnny and the team answer only to his ex-wife, General Sonya Blade, whose diehard work ethic and disapproving nature has all but destroyed her family.
Old Feuds, New Alliances
A lot has changed in twenty years. Since Shao Kahn’s failed invasion and death, the entire world now knows of the existence of other realms. Kahn’s homeland, Outworld, is in the midst of a civil war between his heir, Mileena, and a challenger named Kotal who claims Mileena has no right to the throne since she is a biological experiment––not a blood heir to Shao Kahn. There is a very tenuous agreement of non-violence between Outworld and Earthrealm, and that peace could shatter at any moment.
When Outworld refugees begin to flee to Earthrealm, the Special Forces learns that Mileena may be in possession of Shinnok’s amulet…and blindly using it with disastrous results on all of her enemies. Cassie and co. travel to Outworld to verify their suspicions, but their unlawful presence strains the agreement between Outworld and Earthrealm. To make matters worse, Kotal’s second in command, D’Vorah, is actually a double agent for Netherrealm (land of the dead). She has been working with its ruler, the powerful sorcerer Quan Chi, to release Shinnok from his prison in the amulet.
I don’t want to spoil too much, but everything hits the fan. Earthrealm once again finds itself alone and facing annihilation. Johnny Cage and Sonya are forced to work closely together, revisiting decades of mistrust and bitterness. Jax is brought out of retirement, and even Sub Zero and Scorpion enter the conflict. But when the old guard can’t get it done, it’s up to Cassie and her team to defeat Shinnok and save the world.
You’ve Been Caged!
As a piece of storytelling, Mortal Kombat X is often convoluted, perhaps due to the companion comic used to fill in other details. Despite the solid spread of characters, you won’t find many traditional dramatic arcs. Characterization is sacrificed for an aggressive pace to get you to the next fight or action sequence. Still, the story mode is basically a gift to players and something that did not have to be included for the genre. Even with the story mode flaws, other games like Street Fighter could learn a thing or two.
What I enjoyed most about the story was its exploration of the dysfunctional Cage family. Cassie and Johnny have a very close relationship while Sonya is on the outskirts, never seeming to approve of Cassie no matter her accomplishments. Their path to familial reconciliation is a bit schmaltzy but provides a nice spine and heart for a story drenched in blood. Likewise, flashbacks for the other Special Forces members flesh out their backstories and give their inclusion purpose so they don’t feel so foreign. I’ve never enjoyed playing new characters in a fighting game more, and that’s because of the connection to their personalities and history established via the story mode.
The Devil’s in the Details
Beyond the story mode, the characters of Mortal Kombat X ooze personality, making every match have more impact. This is achieved through a number of small but vital details: the animations and taunts during the character select, the unique introductions for every possible match up, and the little quips thrown at each other while fighting. The models are also more detailed and realistic than ever, especially the women who are no longer proportioned like ‘90s superheroes.
The individual endings of the traditional tower mode are also a welcome surprise. These short pictures and narration used to act as a “what if” scenario for each character. For the first time, most (if not all) of the endings seem to be genuinely canon storylines that set the stage for Mortal Kombat XI. Those details, combined with character profiles and concept art descriptions, paint a clearer picture of every fighter’s motivations.
Finish Him!
Fighting games will never be the pinnacle of storytelling. Don’t go into Mortal Kombat X expecting a dramatically emotional experience, but you have to respect the ballsy choice to bring the franchise into a new era. The story mode and little touches peppered throughout the game give it more character and personality than any previous entry.
Oh, and if you’re wondering? Mortal Kombat X is an insanely kickass fighting game that’s a joy to play. Gorgeous graphics, slick gameplay, a diverse roster, and gruesomely detailed fatalities prove that NetherRealm Studios is at the top of its game. Plus, you can play as Jason Voorhees. Flawless Victory over the competition.
If you have enjoyed this post, please check out my fantasy epic, Fall From Grace.
Available now on Amazon in paperback and eBook formats.