Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a soft reboot for the overall franchise timeline, and while there have been strong moments in this new era, last year’s release of the Khaos Reigns expansion highlighted glaring issues with the game’s trajectory. The emphasis on the multiverse and its shockingly short length made the DLC’s price tag rub many players the wrong way. Now that Mortal Kombat 1 is entering its second year, it may be wise for NetherRealm Studios to look to other IPs for its next game.
For the past few years, NetherRealm has doubled down on Mortal Kombat. It’s been nearly a decade since the developer brought gamers a title that wasn’t a Mortal Kombat entry. 2017 saw the arrival of Injustice 2, which was quickly followed up by Mortal Kombat 11 in 2019. With Mortal Kombat 1 upsetting a large portion of its fan base due to expansion costs and unsatisfying story arcs, creating either another Injustice chapter or a brand-new franchise may be the best path forward.
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Mortal Kombat 1 Teases T-1000 Fatality and Surprising New Kameo Fighter
NetherRealm Studios gives Mortal Kombat 1 fans a quick look at the upcoming guest character, T-1000, teasing his fatality and a new kameo fighter.
Injustice 3 or a Fresh Project May Help NetherRealm Out of its Mortal Kombat Slump
DC is Gearing Up for a Resurgence
The state of DC adaptations in general has been rough lately. Between the performance of games like Gotham Knights and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and the DC cinematic universe being completely reworked, the brand needs a fresh shake-up. Now that James Gunn is in charge of DC film adaptations, a fresh take on some of pop culture’s most iconic superheroes may help the brand be seen in a more positive light. Gunn’s Superman adaptation will be the first real test of how this new approach to DC-based movies goes, and if successful, it presents NetherRealm with the perfect opportunity to return with the Injustice series.
However, NetherRealm has yet to confirm if Injustice 3 is planned. At the moment, it feels unlikely, but a resurgence in DC popularity could potentially change that. Even if NetherRealm never revisits its Injustice franchise, steering clear of another Mortal Kombat for a while may be wise.
Mortal Kombat 1‘s next DLC character, Terminator‘s T-1000, arrives on March 18.
NetherRealm Needs to Look Beyond Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is definitely director Ed Boon’s most notable work, but showcasing that NetherRealm is much more than this particular fighting franchise is important. Showcasing versatility, even if it’s still in the fighting genre, can be a powerful move for NetherRealm. With rumors of Mortal Kombat 1‘s next DLC being canceled, its developer may be eyeing a new path, but it remains to be seen if that’s through a fresh IP or not.
Mortal Kombat 1 Potentially Wrapping Up May Be for the Best
Of course, NetherRealm hasn’t made it clear if Mortal Kombat 1‘s post-launch support is over, but if rumors hold true, it could ultimately be good news for both the studio and the franchise. NetherRealm can have the chance to branch out while also taking extra time to refine its storytelling skills in order to give the next Mortal Kombat entry a far more satisfying narrative.
The next live-action adaptation of the franchise, Mortal Kombat 2, is set to be released on October 24, 2025. Karl Urban will take on the role of Johnny Cage.
Granted, there has been a lot to celebrate with Mortal Kombat 1. From fun DLC character offerings, like Conan the Barbarian and Scream‘s Ghostface, to a fresh timeline, there have still been plenty of strong moments since the game’s launch. However, the franchise is also in need of a breather. As the year continues, it will be interesting to see how NetherRealm proceeds with the game now that rumors of canceled DLC are circulating. Whatever lies in store next, the studio hopefully has the chance to demonstrate that it can expand its reach outside the Mortal Kombat name.
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series’ most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
- Released
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September 19, 2023
- ESRB
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M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Publisher(s)
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Warner Bros. Games