Highlights
- Mortal Kombat 1 establishes a deeper narrative within the franchise, with Scorpion and Sub-Zero's storyline taking center stage in future conflicts.
- The conflict between the Shirai Ryu and Lin Kuei clans should be the focus of Mortal Kombat 2, given their new origins and impact on the rebooted universe.
- The introduction of a young Hanzo Hasashi in Mortal Kombat 1 hints at his role in the conflict and his training alongside Scorpion and Smoke.
Mortal Kombat 1 is the latest entry in one of the fighting genre's most celebrated and long-lasting franchises. While the Mortal Kombat series has been host to various soft and hard reboots, no title has attempted to establish a deeper narrative than Mortal Kombat 1. The title served as both a sequel and a complete reboot of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath's universe, offering veteran fans unique reinventions of its characters' origins and motivations. Among these reinventions, Scorpion and Sub-Zero's serves as the most compelling and volatile, with their combined storyline setting the stage for a deep and extensive future conflict. Mortal Kombat 1's narrative introduces various future plot lines, but the immediate implications of Scorpion and Sub-Zero's storyline make the case for the pair taking center stage in 'Mortal Kombat 2'.
Mortal Kombat 1 primarily focuses on a fresh timeline created by Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath's Fire God Liu Kang. While created to enjoy an eternity of peace and prosperity, a hidden threat sows seeds of violence, with the intent of reestablishing major alliances and conflicts from the previous timeline. Liu Kang creates a team of fighters to defend his new Earthrealm, including Lin Kuei members and brothers Bi-Han, Kuai Liang, and Tomas Vrbada, known as Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Smoke, respectively. While the brothers operate as some of Earthrealm's most efficient warriors, a twist in Mortal Kombat 1's late narrative sees them forced to choose opposing sides.
MK1's Scorpion and Sub-Zero Storyline Opens the Door to a Pivotal Conflict
Mortal Kombat 1's eighth chapter, titled "Band of Brothers" sees Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Smoke sent on a mission to destroy Shang Tsung's Soul Stealers at the ruins of Ying Fortress. The three infiltrate the stronghold, with players taking on the role of Sub-Zero, the eldest of the brothers and current master of the Lin Kuei. The chapter sees Scorpion and Sub-Zero move deeper into the fortress, leaving Smoke to keep watch outside. Despite defeating various strong kombatants, the two are captured by Shang Tsung, who presents them with his main plan.
Chapter 9 sees Mortal Kombat 1's Shang Tsung present Sub-Zero with a compelling offer. The villain shares that his Soul Stealers exist to fuel the Dragon King's Army, a large collection of statue-like warriors, with which the Lin Kuei could rule Earthrealm if Sub-Zero joins his cause. Sub-Zero agrees, eliciting cries of betrayal from Scorpion, before the latter escapes his binding and fights his way out of the Ying Fortress. Scorpion regroups with Smoke, sharing that Sub-Zero has betrayed Earthrealm, before the two agree to desert the Lin Kuei. With Sub-Zero commanding a clan of profoundly dedicated warriors, Scorpion and Smoke decide to create their own clan to defend Earthrealm, the Shirai Ryu.
The Shirai Ryu vs Lin Kuei Conflict Should Take Center Stage in 'Mortal Kombat 2'
Mortal Kombat 1's Scorpion and Sub-Zero end the title's campaign as the heads of opposing clans, with the Shirai Ryu in the earliest stages of development. The conflict between these two clans has long served as a springboard for the Mortal Kombat series' most compelling storylines and the introduction of various fan-favorite characters. Given the clans' new origins and deep impact on Mortal Kombat 1's rebooted universe, the series' next title should focus on the growing conflict between their leaders. The case for this focus is further strengthened by information revealed in Mortal Kombat 1's Tower Mode endings.
Mortal Kombat 1 Smoke's Tower Mode ending introduces a pivotal player in the Shirai Ryu vs Lin Kuie conflict. In a scene showing Scorpion and Smoke training a group of new recruits, Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a young Hanzo Hasashi. Longtime fans know Hanzo as the original Scorpion, whose role in the conflict leads to the death and resurrection of Bi-Han as Noob Saibot. Mortal Kombat 2 may explore Scorpion's training of Hanzo, alongside Smoke, and the figure's role in early conflicts with Bi-Han's Lin Kuei. While the next title is likely years away, fans may catch a glimpse of the coming conflict as the brothers' narrative continues in future Mortal Kombat 1 DLCs.
Mortal Kombat 1 is available now for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
