It's finally been announced that Mortal Kombat 12 is coming soon. The new entry in the series promises amazing combat and an even more engaging story that will push the franchise to new heights. However, following the events of Mortal Kombat 11, players are asking questions about where the story can go from here, and how past events in the Mortal Kombat series will come into play.
Over the past decade, the Mortal Kombat franchise has evolved by expanding upon and redefining its established stories without diminishing the lore and characters that fans love so much. Now, Mortal Kombat 12 will introduce exciting new stories, characters, and guest fighters that are a product of the three games that came before it. The events of Mortal Kombat 9, MKX, and MK11 are crucial to understanding the overall narrative, with the games having some of the best moments in the series so far.
Mortal Kombat 9 Reinvigorated the Franchise
2011's Mortal Kombat kick-started a new generation of the series on a new generation of consoles. In doing so, it went back to the past to forge a new future. The game retells the events of the first three Mortal Kombat games through the eyes of an alternate version of Raiden who has been enlightened by his future self. Because of this, some of the events in the original games happen differently, like Sub-Zero becoming a Cyborg instead of Smoke, Liu Kang being killed by Raiden, and Kitana dying in battle. In the end, this creates a new timeline fitting for a new era of stories.
Mortal Kombat X Ushered in a New Generation
Mortal Kombat X takes place two decades after the previous installment, and introduces a more peaceful world where Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade helped defeat Shinnok. The game adds a new generation of characters to the Mortal Kombat roster, including Cassie Cage, Jacqui Briggs, Takeda and Kung-Jin. Together, these new heroes face off against a resurrected Shinnok, as well as new foes like D'Vorah and the undead revenants of Liu Kang and Kitana. In the end, the new team sets a high standard for Mortal Kombat. The game also teases a new enemy -- none other than Raiden.
Mortal Kombat 11 Changed the Franchise in a Big Way
Mortal Kombat 11 is the true start of a new age, and is set two years after Mortal Kombat X. Now that players have gotten acquainted with the new generation of fighters, the story celebrates the past and present with a timeline-crossing journey that sees classic versions of heroes meeting their present-day counterparts and children.
For example, when Cassie loses her present-day mother, a younger Sonya Blade appears in her place. As the heroes fight Kronika, daughter of Shinnok, they discover that she is one of the most powerful manipulators of the timeline. Thankfully, both generations join forces, and a more powerful version of Liu Kang, merged with Raiden, takes over Raiden's role, seeking to keep the timeline safe for all.
The Aftermath DLC also sees Shang Tsung return with Nightwolf and Fujin to take part in a timeline-spanning heist for a powerful crown. Tsung doesn't take long to show his true colors, though, and it's up to Fire Lord Liu Kang to stop him. In doing so, he erases the sorcerer from existence and starts a brand-new timeline where he chooses the Great Kung Lao as his champion, setting the stage for the next game -- or perhaps setting up a fitting conclusion for the series.
Mortal Kombat 12 Will Explore New Angles of Classic Ideas
Mortal Kombat 12 could see Fire Lord Liu Kang's New Era come to pass, as the epilogue of Aftermath saw him choose the Great Kung Lao as his champion. While this would come full circle to retelling the events from the original game, the erasure of Shang Tsung may tease a new timeline instead.
Considering the Great Kung Lao took place long before his ancestor would meet Liu Kang in the games, it's safe to assume that Mortal Kombat 12 could be a prequel or a soft reset to the story. For now, it's hard to predict exactly where the story could go, but Mortal Kombat 12 has great potential to capitalize on the iconic characters and storylines that made the past 30 years of games so great.