Summary
One of the key driving factors forMortal Kombat 1is the changes the game makes to the established story hierarchy. It acts as a soft reboot for the franchise in the shape of Liu Kang’s new era. Thebase game made tons of changes, including massive changes to the Shaolin Monks, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion, and nearly everything about the dynamics of Outworld. Be it the power struggles, the change to Baraka and the other Takartans, or the changes to Reptile and Rain.
Mortal Kombat 1makes tons of changes toMortal Kombatlore and fans expectKhaos Reignsto follow suit. While the expansion does make a couple of big changes that work out for the better, it tells a more contained and tame story, which is ironic given the primary antagonist has an obsession with Khaos. While the expansion wasn’t as much of a blockbuster as, say,MK11: Aftermath, it is still excellent and should leave fans excited for the future.
1Shift In Storytelling Direction
A Step In The Right Direction?
Fans were growing tired of only getting to play as the good guys in the story modes. After a couple of games, this did become somewhat stale. With Noob Saibot as one of the main characters of the expansion, players getting a chance to play as him through a vital part of the story was a refreshing change. Especially seeing his pre- and post-combat dialogue. Not having to play as one of the quintessential good guys of the franchise for some of the game’s climactic fights was a welcome change.
Similarly,Khaos Reignshas had a marked shift of direction in terms of story direction. While the multi-verse trope can get pretty tiring, it worked well in this expansion as the game scaled back a bit. Rather than a story revolving around an all-out war between realms,Khaos Reignscomes off as fairly tame in that it’s more of a rescue mission. While the story wasn’t incredible, it still worked well.
2Cyrax & Sektor
A Well Constructed Re-Imagining
Cyrax and Sektor had a lot to do to win fans over. The trailer showed the duoreceiving a pretty big changein that they’re no longer male. Fortunately, however, Netherrealm Studios executed this well, and it makes sense why the change was made. Sektor’s romance with Bi-Han, her position as his second-in-command, and the more level-headed alternative to his angst work effortlessly in the story. Rather than being a generic evil ninja, the new Sektor is more nuanced and definitely more interesting.
Cyrax, while always more popular than Sektor, hasalso had some welcome changes. While she is still reluctant toward the Lin Kuei’s ambitions, her new dynamic with Kuai Liang and her attempts to redeem herself play out well. Overall, both ninjas are more fleshed out and sympathetic characters now, and it’s been a long time coming.
3The New Noob Saibot
Bi-Han’s Khaotic Adventure
Noob has always been a fan favorite, the reaction to his inclusion inMK11was incredible, and he was a great character in that game. In terms of visuals, gameplay, and design, that is. The actual character of Bi-Han as Noob felt somewhat one-dimensional and a pushover, unfortunately.
Khaos Reignshas completely changed that. His design and visuals are still amazing,his gameplay is slick and complex. But, most importantly, Bi-Han’s descent into Khaos and his transformation into Noob was a lot better done. Hisconversations with his brother, Liu Kang, and Sektor were probably the best part of the game. Seeing Noob maul opponents while not quite being a typical villain was fun. While some fans may not like whatKhaos Reign’s ending had in store for Noob, there’s a lot of potential for this era’s new Noob.
4Cyber Lin Kuei
A Step Away From Robots?
The Cyber Lin Kuei has always been a cool part ofMortal Kombatlore. Especially with how Kuai Liang has to learn to fight and win his clan back while confronting his once allies. It has also led to some really fun characters as well, such as Tri-borg and Cyber Sub Zero.
However, at this point, fans were way too used to the robotic ninjas and the changes are welcome. Rather than a completely robotic Lin-Kuei, the cyber division is shown inKhaos Reignsto be slowly developing technology and not finalized yet. Additionally, Cyrax and Sektor are not complete robots, instead they wear powered-up mech-suits. While it remains to be seen how the Cyber Lin Kuei develops under Sektor, changing the red and yellow ninjas back into humans has been a welcome addition. As has the fact that the Lin Kuei narrative isn’t hyper-fixated on the Cyber Initiative anymore.
5Harumi
An Exciting Wrench In The Established Narrative
Harumi was Scorpion’s wife in the original timeline. Her death led to the development of Hanzo Hasashi as one of the most iconic characters in video game history, culminating in an incredible redemption arc as well. WithMK1not featuring Hanzo yet, and Kuai Liang already holding the mantle of Scorpion and founding the Shirai Ryu, players were left to wonder what happens to Harumi.
Kuai Liang ends up marrying her, andKhaos Reignsbegins with an attack by Bi-Han at the wedding. An all too familiar plot, the big change here is that she lives and that she’s an incredible swordswoman. Not only does this open up avenues for her future inclusion on a roster, but it also leaves Hanzo’s eventual introduction a lot more open-ended. Kuai Liang’s development as a character will also be much more interesting without reverting him to a simple revenge tale.
