Is Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Canon? Unraveling the Timeline
Yes, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is indeed canon, or at least, a specific ending from it is. Mortal Kombat 1 explicitly acknowledges and builds upon the “good” ending of Aftermath where Fire God Liu Kang defeats Shang Tsung and ushers in a new era.
Understanding Canon in Mortal Kombat
Canon in the Mortal Kombat universe is a tricky beast. For years, storylines shifted, were retconned, or simply ignored. The rebooted timeline starting with Mortal Kombat (2011) aimed for greater consistency, but even then, certain events were treated with more weight than others. Aftermath presented a unique situation: multiple endings, each seemingly offering a different future.
The release of Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) provides explicit confirmation. The trailer itself showcases Fire God Liu Kang’s new reality, giving credence to his victory over Kronika and Shang Tsung in the Aftermath DLC. This doesn’t mean every single detail from Aftermath is gospel, but the overarching outcome – Liu Kang’s ascension and his remaking of the timeline – is definitively established as the foundation upon which Mortal Kombat 1 is built.
The Significance of Aftermath’s Ending
The choice to make Liu Kang’s ending canon has significant implications:
- New Status Quo: The universe is fundamentally different. Liu Kang isn’t just a fighter anymore; he’s a creator, a god shaping the destinies of realms.
- Character Dynamics: Established relationships are altered. Some characters might exist in entirely different roles or with changed personalities.
- Narrative Potential: The slate is essentially wiped clean (though with familiar strokes), allowing for fresh storylines and unexpected alliances.
- It validated the DLC: Aftermath was more than just a content drop; it was a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s narrative.
Navigating the Multiverse: Mortal Kombat’s Storytelling
Mortal Kombat’s embrace of multiversal concepts has opened the door to endless possibilities. Timelines can be rewritten, characters can be resurrected, and alternate versions of familiar faces can clash. While this provides creative freedom, it also presents challenges in maintaining a cohesive narrative. The decision to solidify Aftermath’s ending as canon demonstrates a commitment to building upon established plot points and providing fans with a sense of continuity, even within the framework of a constantly evolving multiverse.
The Impact of Mortal Kombat 1’s Canon Choice
- Fans are invested: By acknowledging Aftermath’s ending, NetherRealm Studios acknowledges fan investment in the DLC’s narrative and characters.
- New characters have room to grow: The timeline reset means that new characters like Geras and Cetrion, introduced in Mortal Kombat 11, can have new and exciting roles.
- The mythology is more interesting: The universe will be expanded in interesting ways, with new enemies to face and new allies to discover.
- The franchise has a future: NetherRealm Studios is clearly invested in the future of the franchise.
Canon and Player Choice
It’s worth noting that while Liu Kang’s ending is the foundation for Mortal Kombat 1, the other endings from Mortal Kombat 11, including those from the base game, aren’t necessarily erased. The beauty of the multiverse is that they can exist as alternate realities, “what if” scenarios that could potentially be explored in future installments. Think of them as possibilities that didn’t come to pass in the “main” timeline, but still exist within the broader Mortal Kombat tapestry.
Mortal Kombat’s Educational Value
Games like Mortal Kombat, while primarily entertainment, can also provide opportunities for learning and skill development. From strategic thinking and problem-solving to understanding complex narrative structures, the gaming world offers more than meets the eye. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, accessible at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, are dedicated to exploring and promoting the educational potential of video games. Through research and collaboration, they aim to unlock the learning opportunities embedded within games and leverage them for positive impact. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly does “canon” mean in the context of Mortal Kombat?
In the Mortal Kombat universe, “canon” refers to the officially recognized storyline and events. These are the events that NetherRealm Studios considers to have actually happened within the main narrative, and upon which future games and stories will be built.
Is Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath the full game?
No, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is not the full game. It is an expansion to the base Mortal Kombat 11 game. To experience Aftermath, you typically need to own Mortal Kombat 11. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the full package, containing the base game, Kombat Packs 1 & 2, and the Aftermath expansion.
Is MK11 Aftermath a separate game?
No, MK11 Aftermath is not a separate, standalone game. It’s an expansion that requires the base Mortal Kombat 11 game to play. It adds new story content, characters, and features.
How long does it take to complete Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath’s story mode?
The main story objectives of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath typically take around 3 hours to complete. This can vary depending on your skill level and how much you explore the story’s intricacies.
What new characters are included in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath?
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath adds three new playable characters: Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, and Sindel.
How much does the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath DLC cost?
The price of the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath DLC varies depending on the platform and retailer, but it generally costs around $39.99 USD.
What is the main story of MK11: Aftermath about?
The story of MK11: Aftermath revolves around Fire God Liu Kang’s attempt to secure a future he envisions. He must enlist the help of unlikely allies, including Shang Tsung, to retrieve Kronika’s Crown and reset the timeline. The narrative focuses on themes of trust, deceit, and the consequences of altering time.
How many endings does MK11: Aftermath have?
MK11: Aftermath features two distinct endings, depending on whether you win the final fight as Liu Kang or Shang Tsung. The ending where Liu Kang wins has been declared the canon ending.
What is the difference between Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate and Aftermath?
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is a complete package that includes the base Mortal Kombat 11 game, Kombat Pack 1, the Aftermath expansion, and Kombat Pack 2. Aftermath is simply one of the components included in the Ultimate edition.
Why did Liu Kang reset the timeline in Mortal Kombat?
After becoming the Fire God at the end of Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang reset the timeline to create a new, better world free from the hardships and conflicts of the previous one.
Is Mortal Kombat 11 hard to master?
Mortal Kombat 11 is considered relatively beginner-friendly due to its dial-in combos and character variations. However, mastering the game requires dedication and practice to learn advanced techniques, matchups, and strategies.
What makes Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath worth buying?
Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath is worth buying if you enjoy story-driven fighting games and want to expand your MK11 experience. It offers a compelling new story campaign, additional playable characters, and new stages, adding significant value to the base game.
Is the MK11 DLC canon?
While not all DLC content is explicitly canon, the events of the Aftermath DLC are considered canon, specifically the ending where Fire God Liu Kang defeats Shang Tsung. This ending sets the stage for Mortal Kombat 1.
How did Liu Kang become a god?
In Mortal Kombat 11, after Raiden realizes he can no longer change the outcome to save the realms, he merges with the revenant Liu Kang and his younger self, transforming them into Fire God Liu Kang.
Which Mortal Kombat game should I buy: Mortal Kombat 11 or Mortal Kombat 1?
If you’re interested in experiencing the complete story that leads into the newest timeline, start with Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate (which includes Aftermath) and then move on to Mortal Kombat 1. If you want the latest gameplay and roster, jump straight into Mortal Kombat 1.