Is Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath the Full Game? A Deep Dive
The short answer is no, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is not a full game in itself, but rather an expansion to the original Mortal Kombat 11. Think of it as a significant, content-rich DLC that enhances the core MK11 experience. It builds upon the base game with a new story campaign, additional characters, stages, and gameplay features, but requires the original Mortal Kombat 11 to play. Let’s dissect what makes Aftermath such a crucial component of the overall MK11 experience and address frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion.
Understanding Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath
Mortal Kombat 11, upon its initial release, was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its deep fighting mechanics, impressive graphics, and compelling story mode. However, NetherRealm Studios isn’t one to rest on its laurels. They expanded the MK11 universe with the Aftermath expansion, offering fans even more content to sink their teeth into.
What Does Aftermath Add?
Aftermath isn’t just a handful of new skins or a couple of extra characters. It’s a substantial addition that significantly enriches the game. Here’s a breakdown:
- New Story Campaign: A completely new cinematic story that picks up where the original MK11 story left off. This expansion explores alternate timelines and introduces unexpected alliances.
- New Playable Characters: Sheeva, Fujin, and RoboCop join the fight, each with their unique movesets, fatalities, and place in the expanded narrative.
- New Stages and Stage Fatalities: Iconic stages like the Dead Pool and Soul Chamber return, alongside the brutal and fan-favorite Stage Fatalities.
- Friendships: A lighter, more humorous finishing move makes a comeback, offering a respite from the gore.
- Free Update for MK11 Owners: Even if you don’t purchase Aftermath, you still get a free update with new stages, Stage Fatalities, and Friendships.
A Modern Take on “Game of the Year” Editions
The Aftermath expansion, along with the subsequent release of Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, can be seen as a modern approach to the classic “Game of the Year” edition. These versions bundle the original game with all available DLC, offering a complete package for both newcomers and existing fans. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate in particular provides the definitive MK11 experience, encompassing the base game, Kombat Pack 1, and the Aftermath expansion, as well as Kombat Pack 2 featuring new characters such as Mileena, Rain and Rambo.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, designed to provide comprehensive information and clear up any lingering doubts.
Is Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath a standalone game?
No. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is an expansion pack and requires the base game, Mortal Kombat 11, to play. You cannot play Aftermath without owning the original game.
What is the difference between Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath?
Mortal Kombat 11 is the base game. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath adds a new story campaign, new playable characters (Sheeva, Fujin, RoboCop), new stages, Stage Fatalities, and Friendships.
What does Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath include?
Aftermath includes a new cinematic story, three new playable fighters (Sheeva, Fujin & guest RoboCop), new stages (Klassic Dead Pool and Soul Chamber), Stage Fatalities & Friendships (in a free update for MK11 owners), and new skin packs.
Is Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath worth buying?
For fans of Mortal Kombat 11, Aftermath is definitely worth buying. It offers a significant amount of new content, including a compelling story, new characters, and the return of fan-favorite features. It enhances the overall MK11 experience.
What is the difference between Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate and Aftermath?
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate includes the base game, Kombat Pack 1, the Aftermath expansion, and Kombat Pack 2 (featuring Mileena, Rain, and Rambo). Aftermath is just the expansion itself, without the other DLC packs.
Can you get Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath for free?
No, you cannot get Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath for free. However, all Mortal Kombat 11 owners received a free update that included new stages, Stage Fatalities, and Friendships.
How long is the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath story mode?
The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath story mode is approximately 3 hours long if focusing on the main objectives, and around 5 hours for completionists.
Which Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath ending is canon?
The ending where Liu Kang becomes the Fire God and shapes the new era is considered the canon ending. This is evidenced by the storyline in Mortal Kombat 1.
What happens in the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath story?
Aftermath follows the events after Kronika’s defeat. Fire God Liu Kang and Raiden attempt to use Kronika’s Hourglass to restore history, but are interrupted by Shang Tsung, Fujin, and Nightwolf.
How do I access the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath story mode?
In the main menu, select Konquer then Story. Aftermath will be located separately on the right side of the screen from the main story. It’s recommended to finish the main story first.
How many chapters are in the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath story?
The Aftermath expansion adds 5 extra chapters to the Story Mode, in addition to the original 12 chapters of the base game’s story, totaling 17 chapters.
Is Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath canon?
Yes, the events of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath are canon to the Mortal Kombat universe, as evidenced by references and plot points in Mortal Kombat 1.
Is Mortal Kombat 11 hard to master?
Mortal Kombat 11 is relatively beginner-friendly, with dial-in combos and character variations for different play styles. While mastering the game takes time and practice, it is accessible to new players.
How do you unlock Rambo in Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate?
Rambo is unlocked by purchasing Kombat Pack 2 or owning Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate.
Does Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate include everything?
Yes, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate includes the MK11 base game, Kombat Pack 1, the Aftermath expansion, and Kombat Pack 2. This provides the most complete MK11 experience.
Conclusion
Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath is not a full game in isolation, but a vital expansion that enriches the Mortal Kombat 11 experience. It adds a compelling new story, exciting characters, and features that make it a worthwhile purchase for fans. For newcomers, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is the best way to experience everything the game has to offer. It’s more than just a DLC; it’s a significant chapter in the ongoing Mortal Kombat saga, showcasing the depth and complexity of the franchise. It is a demonstration of the power of video games as complex learning environments, an area that the Games Learning Society explores extensively. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.