Which Mortal Kombat Games are Canon?
The Mortal Kombat series has been a staple of the fighting game genre for decades, with a rich history of complex characters, intricate storylines, and over-the-top violence. With so many games in the series, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s considered "canon" – that is, what games are considered part of the official storyline. In this article, we’ll explore which Mortal Kombat games are considered canon, and what that means for fans of the series.
The Early Years: Mortal Kombat 1-3
The first three Mortal Kombat games, released between 1992 and 1995, laid the foundation for the series. These games introduced players to the world of Mortal Kombat, where Earthrealm warriors battled against the forces of Outworld in a series of tournaments. The games’ stories were relatively simple, focusing on the rivalry between Earthrealm’s champion, Liu Kang, and Outworld’s emperor, Shang Tsung.
The Shift to Midway: Mortal Kombat 4-6
In the late 1990s, Midway Games took over the Mortal Kombat franchise, releasing Mortal Kombat 4 in 1997. This game marked a significant shift in the series’ tone and style, introducing new characters and a more complex storyline. The games that followed, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002) and Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004), continued to build on this new direction.
The Reboot: Mortal Kombat (2011) and Mortal Kombat X
In 2011, NetherRealm Studios released a reboot of the series, simply titled Mortal Kombat. This game retconned the previous games, introducing a new storyline and characters. The game’s success led to the release of Mortal Kombat X in 2015, which continued the story of the reboot.
The Current Canon: Mortal Kombat 11 and Beyond
Mortal Kombat 11, released in 2019, is the latest game in the series and is considered the current canon. The game’s story mode picks up where Mortal Kombat X left off, with a new timeline and characters. The game’s success has led to the release of additional content, including DLC characters and story chapters.
What’s Considered Canon?
So, what exactly is considered canon in the Mortal Kombat series? Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Games: Mortal Kombat 1-3, Mortal Kombat 4, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Mortal Kombat: Deception, Mortal Kombat (2011), Mortal Kombat X, and Mortal Kombat 11 are all considered canon.
- Storylines: The storylines of these games are considered part of the official Mortal Kombat canon, including the events of the games and the characters’ backstories.
- Characters: The characters introduced in these games are also considered part of the canon, including their abilities, movesets, and personalities.
- Events: Major events in the games, such as the tournaments and battles between characters, are also considered part of the canon.
What’s Not Considered Canon?
On the other hand, some Mortal Kombat games and content are not considered part of the canon. These include:
- Mortal Kombat: Special Forces: This 2000 game is a spin-off that is not considered part of the mainline series.
- Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks: This 2005 game is a side-scrolling action game that is not considered part of the mainline series.
- Mortal Kombat: Armageddon: This 2006 game is considered non-canonical due to its non-linear storyline and alternate timelines.
- Mortal Kombat: Legacy: This 2011 web series is a re-imagining of the series and is not considered part of the mainline canon.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Mortal Kombat canon:
Q: Is Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance considered canon?
A: Yes, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance is considered part of the Mortal Kombat canon.
Q: Is Mortal Kombat: Deception considered canon?
A: Yes, Mortal Kombat: Deception is also considered part of the Mortal Kombat canon.
Q: Is Mortal Kombat: Armageddon considered canon?
A: No, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is considered non-canonical due to its non-linear storyline and alternate timelines.
Q: Is Mortal Kombat: Legacy considered canon?
A: No, Mortal Kombat: Legacy is a re-imagining of the series and is not considered part of the mainline canon.
Q: Are the Mortal Kombat movies considered canon?
A: No, the Mortal Kombat movies are not considered part of the mainline canon.
Q: Are the Mortal Kombat comics considered canon?
A: Some Mortal Kombat comics are considered part of the canon, while others are not. It’s best to check the specific comic book series to determine its canonicity.
Q: Are the Mortal Kombat games on mobile and PC considered canon?
A: No, the Mortal Kombat games on mobile and PC are not considered part of the mainline canon.
Q: Is Mortal Kombat 11’s story mode considered canon?
A: Yes, Mortal Kombat 11’s story mode is considered part of the Mortal Kombat canon.
Conclusion
The Mortal Kombat series has a rich history, with many games and pieces of media that have contributed to its complex and intricate storyline. By understanding which games are considered canon, fans can better appreciate the series’ history and characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, understanding the Mortal Kombat canon is essential for fully immersing yourself in the world of Mortal Kombat.
Table: Mortal Kombat Games and Their Canonicity
| Game | Canonicity |
|---|---|
| Mortal Kombat 1 | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat 2 | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat 3 | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat 4 | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat: Deception | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat (2011) | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat X | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat 11 | Canon |
| Mortal Kombat: Armageddon | Non-canonical |
| Mortal Kombat: Legacy | Non-canonical |
Table: Mortal Kombat Characters and Their Canonicity
| Character | Canonicity |
|---|---|
| Liu Kang | Canon |
| Scorpion | Canon |
| Sub-Zero | Canon |
| Raiden | Canon |
| Shang Tsung | Canon |
| Kano | Canon |
| Sonya Blade | Canon |
| Johnny Cage | Canon |
Note: This article is based on the current understanding of the Mortal Kombat canon and may be subject to change with future updates and releases.