Delving into the adrenaline-fueled world of Mortal Kombat can be a daunting task for both newcomers and long-time fans, given its extensive array of games and complicated timelines. However, this guide aims to take you on a captivating journey through the iconic series, helping you navigate each game chronologically.
This article will introduce you to the evolution of the Mortal Kombat franchise, its progression across various gaming platforms, intricate storylines, and unforgettable characters. Be ready to trace the journey of this fighting game powerhouse, from its humble beginnings to its enormous legacy, and level up your combat skills one game at a time. Whether you’re an ardent veteran or a curious rookie, this guide has something for everyone to enjoy the Mortal Kombat series in its true essence.
Table of Contents
First Timeline
Mortal Kombat’s inaugural chronology originates from quite simple roots, unfolding gradually to carve its position as an iconic figure among the pantheon of fighting game franchises. This journey is not only about how a single game developed but also about how it changed the landscape of the industry forever. In many ways, the saga of Mortal Kombat can be seen as a tale of humble beginnings turning into an extraordinary legacy, reflective of an underdog story that resonates with many of us.
Starting as a modest project, the game’s growth can be likened to a tree sprouting from a tiny seed into a towering oak. Yet, the influence of Mortal Kombat on the video game industry is arguably more like a mighty river that carved out its own path, creating a new landscape as it flowed.
With the release of the original title, Mortal Kombat didn’t just enter the scene; it stormed the bastion of the gaming world, capturing attention like a bolt of lightning in a clear sky. The impression it left on video gaming was anything but temporary. The mark it made was as permanent and impactful as an artist leaving their signature on a masterpiece, creating a precedent that would influence generations to come.
Indeed, the first Mortal Kombat title did more than just become a game; it became a phenomenon, a part of our cultural fabric. Its influence and popularity, its ability to continuously reinvent itself while staying true to its roots, has allowed it to maintain its relevance and appeal. These factors have made Mortal Kombat a titan among fighting games, elevating it to the status of an invaluable piece of video game history.
In retrospect, the journey of Mortal Kombat from its debut to becoming a well-respected and highly influential franchise is akin to the classic tale of the caterpillar transforming into a beautiful butterfly. This transformative journey symbolizes not only the evolution of the Mortal Kombat franchise but also the evolution of the video game industry as a whole, underscoring how far we’ve come and hinting at the potential we have for the future.
Mortal Kombat 1
- Available Platforms: This first chapter of the legendary franchise was initially rolled out for various systems such as SNES and Mega Drive. It also found a home on Sega Game Gear, the Commodore Amiga, and the Sega Master System. Later, it made its way to the Xbox and Sega Mega-CD, ensuring a wide platform reach.
- Launch Year: The memorable year was 1992 when Mortal Kombat first graced our screens.
As for the plot, it introduces us to the brave warrior Liu Kang, the protagonist. His mission is to thwart the evil plans of the wicked sorcerer, Shang Tsung, who proves to be a formidable foe. Armed with an arsenal of powerful weapons and forming alliances with a range of fearsome villains, Shang Tsung’s intention is to seize control of the world. His master plan centers around the universal fighting tournament, ominously named Mortal Kombat. This gripping narrative draws players into a world of fantasy, high-stakes battles, and the struggle between good and evil.
Mortal Kombat 2
- Available Platforms: The second installment of Mortal Kombat expanded its horizons by extending its availability to Sega Saturn and Super Nintendo. It also marked the franchise’s debut on PS1 and PC, expanding its fanbase.
- Launch Year: This sequel made its grand entry in 1995, three years after the original game’s release.
In terms of the storyline, it picks up right where the first game left off. After achieving a hard-fought victory over the dark sorcerer Shang Tsung, the warriors from Earth find themselves whisked away to Outworld. This isn’t a joyous field trip, though. They are compelled to engage in yet another bloody, bone-crushing tournament. This time, the stakes are even higher because the fate of their home planet, Earth, hangs in the balance. Shao Kahn, relentless in his pursuit of domination, remains firm in his objective to conquer Earth. This sequel presents players with a familiar yet escalated conflict, increasing the tension and the thrill of the game.
Mortal Kombat 3
- Available Platforms: Mortal Kombat 3 catered to a wider audience with its compatibility across multiple systems, including Sega Game Gear, Master System, and Mega Drive. It also extended its reach to GameCube, PS1, Xbox, and PS2, ensuring the game’s continued popularity.
- Launch Year: The game made its striking appearance in the year 1992.
This chapter of the Mortal Kombat saga sees the return of the relentless villain, Shao Kahn. The Earthrealm, our very own planet Earth, becomes the target of his ruthless invasion. What makes the situation even more dire is that Shao Kahn’s strategy is not a hasty decision. Instead, it’s a cunningly elaborate scheme that has been simmering for over 10,000 years. With a swift move, he manages to transport his formidable army to the Earthrealm. But his ambitions don’t stop there; he aims to reclaim his deceased wife, shrouded in mystery and only capable of being revived by the sorcerer Shang Tsung, and that too, only within the confines of Earthrealm. This narrative delves deeper into the world of Mortal Kombat, weaving a complex tale of power, love, and ancient forces at work.
Mortal Kombat 4
- Available Platforms: The fourth installment of the franchise is accessible on PS1, N64, and PC, further broadening its fan base.
- Launch Year: Mortal Kombat 4 emerged in the gaming world in 1997.
The plot of Mortal Kombat 4 embarks on a new and thrilling journey. The saga takes an intriguing twist when Quan Chi, a character shrouded in malevolence, endeavors to liberate Shinnok from his prison in the Netherrealm, often equated with the concept of Hell. Quan Chi’s objective is to harness Shinnok’s mighty powers against Earth’s protectors. Thus, Raiden and his band of warriors are faced with an unprecedented challenge. They must thwart this menacing threat to avert the potential obliteration of all life forms on Earthrealm. This chapter introduces new antagonists, escalating the tension, and amplifying the excitement, promising an even more immersive gaming experience.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
- Available Platforms: This title was developed for PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, GameCube, and Xbox, continuing to reach a wide audience.
- Launch Year: It was first introduced to the gaming world in 2002.
In this captivating chapter of the Mortal Kombat series, the treacherous Shang Tsung and the nefarious Quan Chi pool their dark resources. Their sinister goal is to breathe life back into an ancient army, long forgotten but incredibly powerful. By doing so, they aim to conquer both the Outworld and the Earthrealm. This unholy alliance sets off a cascade of conflicts as tensions rise and alliances are tested. The valiant warriors, now faced with a grave threat, mobilize to confront and defeat these menacing villains before time runs out. The narrative amplifies the stakes and further intensifies the intricate web of storylines that is Mortal Kombat’s trademark.
Mortal Kombat: Deception
- Available Platforms: Mortal Kombat: Deception expanded its reach to PlayStation 2, NGC, and Xbox users.
- Launch Year: This thrilling sequel hit the market in 2004.
In the aftermath of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, a momentary peace settles upon the realms of Outworld and Earthrealm. However, the tranquility is short-lived as the Dragon King Onaga makes his grand entrance. Possessing formidable powers and commanding a formidable army, Onaga has a singular aim: to conquer every kingdom that stands in his path. Adding to the peril, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, the usual formidable opponents, are out of the picture, leaving no apparent force to halt Onaga’s advances. This chapter of the Mortal Kombat saga introduces a new, dangerous adversary, promising an exciting and action-packed gameplay experience.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
- Available Platforms: The game was designed to be compatible with PS2, Xbox, and for the first time, with Wii as well. This expansion onto a new platform was a significant step in continuing to engage a diverse audience.
- Launch Year: Mortal Kombat: Armageddon made its debut in 2006 and was further rolled out in 2007.
Acting as a direct sequel to Mortal Kombat: Deception, Armageddon picks up the narrative threads where Deception left off. The game’s story doesn’t just advance the plot; it brings us to the brink of a final, climactic showdown that promises to forever change the Mortal Kombat universe.
This cataclysmic battle, which the game aptly sets up, isn’t just another skirmish in the ongoing conflict between the forces of good and evil. It’s an all-out war, the magnitude of which hasn’t been seen in the Mortal Kombat saga. The fate of not one, but all of the realms is poised precariously on the edge of this epic confrontation.
In essence, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon unfolds like a thrilling novel nearing its conclusion, with each moment leading up to a battle that holds the potential to reshape the future of the Mortal Kombat world. It’s not just about winning or losing – it’s about survival, about the existence of entire kingdoms. The stakes have never been higher, adding a new layer of urgency and excitement to the game’s engaging narrative.
Second Timeline
In the second timeline of Mortal Kombat, we witness a fresh wave of exciting challenges and substantial enhancements in gameplay. These changes have succeeded in striking a chord with not just the seasoned veterans of the game but also the newcomers. It’s like the franchise has undergone a revitalizing process, breathing new life into the game’s atmosphere, mechanics, and narratives.
This transformation essentially began with Mortal Kombat 9, a game that is often seen as a reboot of the series. With this installment, the creators took a bold step and rewound the clock, rewriting history while preserving the essence of what makes Mortal Kombat so special. This new approach provided a clean slate to redraw the boundaries of the Mortal Kombat universe and set a new direction for the narrative arc.
From there, the saga has progressed, with each game building on the renewed foundation, pushing the limits, and exploring new frontiers of the gaming experience. Each release brings something new to the table while honoring the legacy of the original games, creating a blend of nostalgia and novelty.
Now, as we stand at the brink of yet another exciting release, the anticipation is palpable. Mortal Kombat 12, the forthcoming title in this beloved franchise, is set to carry the torch forward. The journey that began decades ago continues to evolve, with each installment writing a new chapter in the annals of this iconic game.
Mortal Kombat 9
- Available Platforms: Mortal Kombat 9 was developed for a diverse audience and is playable on PS3, Xbox 360, and PC platforms.
- Launch Year: This innovative addition to the Mortal Kombat franchise made its first appearance in 2011.
The story of Mortal Kombat 9 is an exciting journey through the game’s history, taking the threads from the original game’s events and weaving them into a refreshed narrative. This game is more than a mere continuation; it’s essentially a reboot that gives the series a new lease on life, taking what was familiar and putting a fresh spin on it.
The warriors are no longer just fighting for glory or survival; they’re defending their respective kingdoms from the threat of Shao Kahn, a power-hungry antagonist. Shao Kahn’s ambitions go beyond conquest; he seeks a power that could potentially tip the balance in his favor and destabilize the universe.
But that’s not all. Mortal Kombat 9 also introduces an element of time travel, ushering in a wealth of alternate events that veer from the original storyline. These unforeseen twists and turns keep players on their toes, changing the course of history and creating a new path for the narrative to follow.
As the plot thickens, it leads to a dramatic conclusion that pushes our heroes to their limits. With the universe on the brink of total destruction, they must band together, combining their strengths and overcoming their differences to save everything they hold dear. This climactic showdown forms the centerpiece of Mortal Kombat 9, marking it as a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s evolution.
Mortal Kombat X
- Available Platforms: Mortal Kombat-X reaches out to an even larger audience, extending its compatibility to PC, PS4, and Xbox One, thereby covering most of the major gaming platforms.
- Launch Year: This installment joined the celebrated franchise in 2015.
Set a quarter of a century after the events of Mortal Kombat 9, Mortal Kombat X opens a new chapter in the series’ history. With the vanishing of the notorious Shao Kahn, a hard-won peace has descended upon the kingdoms. Years of conflict have given way to a period of tranquility that has lasted longer than anyone could have expected.
However, just when everyone is starting to enjoy this long-overdue peace, a new threat emerges from the shadows. Shinnok, a character of formidable power and malign intent, makes his move. Harnessing his power to summon the forces of the underworld, he prepares for an invasion of Earth.
But Shinnok doesn’t stop there. He also brings back warriors who had previously been defeated and lost to the sands of time, adding them to his growing army. With this army of revived combatants at his command, Shinnok poses a major threat to the peace that the kingdoms have struggled so hard to maintain.
In the face of this impending danger, the warriors must regroup and ready themselves for a new battle. Mortal Kombat-X thus sets the stage for another thrilling saga of conflict and heroism, of battles fought and sacrifices made, all in the name of safeguarding their home. The fate of Earth once again hangs in the balance, bringing a renewed sense of urgency to the gameplay.
Mortal Kombat 11
- Available Platforms: Mortal Kombat 11 broadened its horizons further by being playable not just on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, but also introducing compatibility with Nintendo Switch and Google Stadia.
- Launch Year: The franchise welcomed this thrilling addition in 2019.
The narrative of Mortal Kombat 11 cleverly takes off from a point that precedes the conclusion of Mortal Kombat X. In this iteration of the game, Raiden takes center stage. After absorbing the malicious energy emanating from the jinsei source, a change comes over Raiden. No longer the calm and collected Thunder God, he is now merciless, even ruthless.
His first act in this transformed state is to decapitate Shinnok, a move that not only shocks the Mortal Kombat universe but also sets into motion a chain of events that will define the course of Mortal Kombat 11. Raiden’s actions catch the attention of a new enemy, a powerful entity who has been silently observing the timelines of all the Mortal Kombat ninjas.
This enemy is none other than Kronika, Shinnok’s mother. Distraught and enraged by the brutal death of her son at Raiden’s hands, Kronika vows to avenge him. Her entrance into the narrative adds a fresh layer of conflict and tension to the game, promising a new saga filled with danger, struggle, and high stakes.
Mortal Kombat 11 thus unfolds not just as a continuation of a beloved franchise, but also as a captivating story in its own right. With new challenges, enemies, and twists, the game keeps players engrossed and on the edge of their seats. The heroes will need all their skills and courage to face this new threat and preserve the balance of their universe.
