Developer NetherRealm studios has become a cornerstone of the fighting game genre withMortal Kombat, and has gone on to inspire books, television shows, and famous movies. The most recentMortal Kombatmovie was released last month and featured a cast of hit characters and intense fights. Seeing as the movie ends with a teaser for a new fighter, it’s likely that we can expect another movie in the future. While the latestMortal Kombatwas a great film, it could stand to take a few hints from current games likeMortal Kombat 11.
Mortal Kombat 11sees the classic fighting franchisein all its current-gen glory. It boasts a large list of characters and dynamic fights that can be tilted in either player’s favor with the right strategy. The first movie did great at staying true to the characters' abilities and classic lines from the franchise. That being said, it could’ve still taken a few notes from how the fights are structured inMortal Kombat 11, as well as some of the effects that happen during. The next movie has already teased one character, but it could also benefit from adding a few of the popular characters fromMortal Kombat 11too.
Fights in the Mortal Kombat Movie
While the fights intheMortal Kombatmoviewere certainly impressive, the dial for the special effects could’ve been turned up a little higher. Especially when fans are used to the visceral fights in theMortal Kombatgames. In addition to the teasing of Johnny Cage, the next movie should also put more emphasis on fight scenes. There are certain effects the game adds to make the fights more entertaining, such as interactive environments and close ups of dramatic moments.
Thefights in theMortal Kombatmoviewere cool to watch, but felt lacking in showmanship. The games have had to adjust for this over time, adding in new X-ray mechanics and slow-mo events when a hit lands especially well. These extremely intense moments that break from the fast-paced combat often act like exclamation points emphasizing the battle. Instead of the fights feeling like a fluid motion where one side is clearly winning, these moments allow both fighters in the game to feel like their damage is being recognized. In the movies, these effects would also serve to enhance the lethality of each fight.
Mortal Kombat 11’s Roster
When all is said and done, theMortal Kombatmovie roster is comparatively lacking in fighters. In the final scene it teases the next movie will have Johnny Cage, but that’s only one of the heroes who should make their debut inMortal Kombat 2.While it would be hard to put in all 25 of the basecharacters fromMortal Kombat 11,the story also hasn’t progressed that far. Instead, a handful of new characters in the next movie, while keeping most of the others, will allow for a more fleshed-out world and diversity in the fights.
There has been no confirmation that there is a second movie in the works, but the end scene ofthe 2021Mortal Kombatrebootseems to hint at a want for one. If the support is there, it could even set upMortal Kombatfor a series of movies that deal with the balance of power in the Realms. If NetherRealm Studios wants its IP to reach that level of support, then the next movie could take a few tips fromMortal Kombat 11.That being said, maybe fans ofMortal Kombatwill be just as happy with fights that don’t make meaningful use of the character’s classic weapons and abilities.
Mortal Kombat 11is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
