Mortal Kombat 1's title admittedly sounds a bit odd, especially for a sequel, but the awkward nature of the title has yet to fully come into view. In a sense, the title does make sense considering what NetherRealm's intent for the game is. However, the meaning behind a title can only go so far before other factors come into play. Of course, gameplay is still the most important thing, and Mortal Kombat 1 looks like it will more than deliver in that department. However, over time the game's title will likely have further need to explain itself.

With the way that fighting games have evolved in recent years, Mortal Kombat 1 looks like another potentially strong entry into the genre. The game is looking ambitious, with a series-spanning roster and new storyline that could turn several established norms of the Mortal Kombat universe on their heads. That combined with the first slate of announced DLC fighters and a completely new game mode is giving players plenty of reasons to be excited about the new game. Mortal Kombat 1 could be a deeply important entry for the series. The biggest prying question is whether the finished product can deliver on the hype, though in a few years when attention shifts toward a sequel, fans could begin questioning the series' naming conventions.

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Mortal Kombat 1's Title Puts the Next Game in an Odd Place

Even though it may sound unusual at first glance, Mortal Kombat 1's remade universe explains the game's new title in itself. After Kronika and Shang Tsung were defeated at the end of Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang ascended to become a god, and used his newfound powers to recreate the timeline in an attempt to make a more peaceful world. Mortal Kombat 1 is the first game set in this new timeline, and is effectively a reboot of the series, which explains why it is titled as such. With that context, the reason for the game's name should be clear.

Unfortunately, there are still a few imperfections regarding the game's title. Players who are unfamiliar with Mortal Kombat 11's canon ending could be confused by the decision, for one. Not to mention, much like other franchises that have rebooted with similar titles to the original entry, discussing the game could become difficult due to the decision. While Mortal Kombat 1 is admittedly the first game in the series with that exact title, it's not uncommon for people to refer to the first Mortal Kombat that way for simplicity's sake. There's a natural confusion that will come from the title despite the reasoning for it.

The bigger problems with Mortal Kombat 1's name will come into focus once the next game in the series comes around, no matter how well Mortal Kombat 1's story justifies it. Once the next game comes around, it can't be called Mortal Kombat 2, because that game already exists. One possibility would be to continue the usual numbering, although this would make an unusual pattern with the games going from 11, to 1, to 13. Another option is to start using subtitles again, similar to what started with Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance. No matter what, the sequel can't become a second Mortal Kombat 2 without even causing more confusion.

Mortal Kombat 1's title could end up being the game's biggest issue, simply because of the odd position it seems destined to have in the series. Even if Mortal Kombat 1 learns from recent entries' mistakes, it may have opened up an entirely new issue all on its own. It seems like regardless of what happens next, the title is going to be one in an odd place entirely due to its name, despite its meaning being made clear. Mortal Kombat 1 may be the first game in a new cycle, but whatever game follows it will need to get very creative with its title.

Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on September 19, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

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