Highlights
- Mortal Kombat 1's campaign is one of the most significant storylines in the franchise's history, with its conclusion opening the door to numerous possibilities.
- Completing Tower Mode with a character like Sindel adds a small ending to their story, and Sindel's ending in particular sets up a perfect scenario for a full DLC expansion.
- Sindel and Jerrod's battle for control of Ermac presents an opportunity for a compelling and emotional narrative in an MK1 DLC, with potential topics including Mileena's infection and the impact of Jerrod's death.
Mortal Kombat 1 has ushered in a new era for the long-running fighting game franchise. Following the events of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, the entire Mortal Kombat universe was reconstructed to avoid the violent events of prior timelines. Mortal Kombat 1's campaign is among the most thematic and canonically significant storylines in the franchise's long history, with its conclusion opening the door to a plethora of possibilities. However, the narrative doesn't truly end with the campaign, as completing Tower Mode with any given kombatant features a small ending that adds to their story. These additions often feature small references and minor story arcs, but some dig much deeper. One such ending, Sindel's, is especially compelling, introducing a scenario that would be perfect for a full DLC expansion.
Mortal Kombat 1 focuses on a timeline created by Fire God Liu Kang, one of the potential victors from Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath's main campaign. The campaign saw Liu Kang and Shang Tsung fight for control of the Hourglass, with which an individual could shape time to their will. Mortal Kombat 1 follows Liu Kang's recreated timeline and the corruption of its trajectory from an outside force. By its narrative conclusion, many characters are left in a position that sees previous events repeat themselves, albeit with a unique twist. Sindel's may be the most unique of all, with its continuation in Tower Mode both surprising and immensely compelling.
Sindel's Tower Mode Ending Introduces a Postmortem Narrative
Sindel is one of the most important characters in Mortal Kombat 1's main campaign, ruling Outworld after the death of her husband Jerrod. However, her ability to rule objectively is compromised by the mysterious appearance of Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, whose foreboding prophecies of the future perpetuate a conflict with Liu Kang and the warriors of Earthrealm. As part of his manipulative plan, Quan Chi creates Ermac, a warrior comprised of thousands of souls from the Living Forest, including that of Jerrod. Near the narrative's conclusion, Jerrod gains control of Ermac, reuniting with Sindel and their daughters Mileena and Kitana. However, Sindel is soon mortally wounded, leading Jerrod to absorb her spirit, in order to preserve it, aside from his own, within Ermac's body.
Completing Mortal Kombat 1's Tower Mode with Sindel picks up the heroine's story at the very moment of her death. Sindel describes the situation that she and Jerrod face within Ermac itself, which sees the two forced to operate alongside thousands of dead souls with their own needs and agendas. Despite being the former rulers of Outworld, the two find their former power to hold no sway over the governing of Ermac. In order to be heard, Sindel and Jerrod must battle thousands of spirits for the right to control Ermac. In the scene's final moments, Sindel and Jerrod vow to win the right to govern Ermac, pledging to do so through the strength with which they formerly governed Outworld.
Sindel and Jerrod's Battle for Control is the Perfect Narrative for a Moral Kombat Expansion DLC
Sindel and Jerrod's battle for control of Ermac is the perfect set-up for an MK1 DLC expansion, as it opens the door to a compelling, violent, and emotional narrative. Sindel and Jerrod have been separated for quite some time, as the latter's death left Sindel alone to rule all of Outworld. The DLC could see the two catch up covering their respective experiences since the moment of their separation in death. Topics could include Mileena's Tarkat infection, Shang Tsung's appearance, Shao Khan's attempt to seize the throne, and the impact of Jerrod's death on various relationships.
The gameplay of this prospective Sindel DLC expansion could be just as compelling. Jerrod and Sindel could be controlled intermittently, providing diverse combat opportunities. Additionally, the thousands of potential opponents the two face off against could include the spirits of other Kombatants from across timelines and previous Mortal Kombat eras. Fans of the character are hopeful that Sindel's story will continue beyond Mortal Kombat 1's current offerings, and with Tower Mode leaving her story wide open, it is completely possible that future content could see the character return.
Mortal Kombat 1 is available now for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
