Mortal Kombat is a fighting game franchise that debuted in 1992, created by Ed Boon and John Tobias. Its chronology is very interesting.The first game was developed by Midway Games for arcade machines and quickly became a global success. The title gained attention for its use of digitized graphics featuring real actors and its explicit violence, which included blood splattering and the famous fatalities—brutal finishing moves that eliminated opponents in graphic ways. The series not only influenced the creation of other fighting games but was also a driving force behind the creation of the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), which assigns age ratings to video games.
Over time, Mortal Kombat expanded to various platforms, such as home consoles, and spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, movies, series, and even comics. The franchise is known for its intricate storyline, blending dark fantasy with martial arts and mythology. The plot stands out for its rich and complex narrative, featuring iconic characters and epic battles across different realms. It’s worth mentioning that the timeline has been reset a few times, making it a bit harder to keep track of.
One important example is Mortal Kombat 9, which served as a reboot of the franchise by altering past events after Raiden sent a message to his past self. Since then, the series has delved into themes of time manipulation, with Mortal Kombat 11 further exploring this concept by introducing Kronika, a goddess of time, who attempts to restore balance to the timeline. This has added a unique layer of complexity to the franchise, making its narrative even more engaging for fans.
Below is the chronological order of the main games in the series, according to their narrative events.
1. Mortal Kombat: Special Forces
Originally released for the original PlayStation, Mortal Kombat: Special Forces stars Jax, with a plot focused on stopping special forces commanded by Kano. The gameplay was a beat ’em up style, set before the franchise’s first tournament.
This spin-off was heavily criticized for its simplistic gameplay and frustrating controls. Unlike the series’ traditional fighting games, Special Forces attempted to be a third-person action game but failed to captivate fans. The tumultuous development led to delays and the removal of characters like Sonya Blade. Ultimately, the game was considered one of the low points of the series, particularly in terms of narrative and technical execution.
2. Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero was the first spin-off in the franchise, and it divided opinions. Some fans saw it as innovative, while others found it strange to have an adventure game starring Sub-Zero. The plot reveals how Bi-Han was manipulated by gods to become the famous fighter you know as one of the mascots of the series and depicts the death of the original Hanzo Hasashi, AKA Scorpion.
Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero was the franchise’s first attempt to expand its universe through an action game with platforming elements. The game combined pre-rendered backgrounds with side-scrolling gameplay, which was unusual for the time. It also introduced FMV cutscenes, a novelty for Mortal Kombat fans back then but remembered today for their over-the-top acting and low production quality.
3. Mortal Kombat
As you might expect, Mortal Kombat is the franchise’s first official game.It shocked the world with its realistic graphics (for the time) and high levels of violence. Players could not only perform combos that made blood splatter across the screen but also finish off opponents with violent and explicit fatalities.
Beyond its cultural impact for graphic violence, the first Mortal Kombat was innovative by introducing digitized characters instead of hand-drawn models, bringing a sense of realism to the game. The game’s release also sparked massive controversy, especially in the United States, leading to the creation of the ESRB, a game rating system that remains in use today.
4. Mortal Kombat II
Many fans consider Mortal Kombat II the best chapter in the franchise, due to its more dynamic gameplay and the introduction of new fighters, including the famous Shao Kahn.
In addition to expanding the story and adding new characters, Mortal Kombat II refined the graphics and gameplay, becoming an immediate hit. It was one of the first games to feature fluid combo sequences, setting it apart from other fighting games at the time. Mortal Kombat II was crucial in establishing the series as a worldwide phenomenon, expanding its fanbase and leading to adaptations in comics and films.
5. Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3 cemented the saga as a reference in the genre. One of its main attractions was the number of new characters, as well as the addition of different types of finishers beyond fatalities, such as Babalities, Stage Fatalities, and Friendships.However, despite these appealing features, the game also faced criticism for cutting some fan-favorite characters. Notably, iconic fighters like Scorpion and Raiden were absent from the initial roster, which surprised many players.
Mortal Kombat 3 innovated by introducing a “run” system, allowing characters to close the gap quickly and start more devastating combos. Another highlight was the inclusion of interactive stages, where players could knock opponents into other arenas during the fight. These features expanded the gameplay, making battles more dynamic and strategic—a trend that would continue in future games.
6. Mortal Kombat 4
Mortal Kombat 4 was the first 3D Mortal Kombat, featuring polygonal graphics, and it also divided opinions. Some players praised the new direction, while others felt the change was too drastic, impacting the core gameplay.
The transition to 3D graphics in Mortal Kombat 4 was a bold move for the franchise, which had been known for its realistic 2D visuals. Although the reception was mixed, the game introduced innovations like weapons during combat, which would influence future titles. Additionally, Mortal Kombat 4 was the first in the series to feature 3D-rendered endings, with short scenes that revealed the characters’ fates after the tournament.
7. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Often referred to as Mortal Kombat 5, Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance was criticized for its gameplay. It used a system similar to classic games of the time, such as Tekken and Soul Calibur, allowing characters to move in 360 degrees, rather than just forward and backward like before.
Deadly Alliance marked a significant shift, as it was the first game where Liu Kang, the traditional protagonist, was killed in the main plot. This bold narrative decision shocked fans and paved the way for a new story, where Shang Tsung and Quan Chi formed a deadly alliance. The game also introduced new fighting styles for each character, one with weapons and two with martial arts techniques, adding an unprecedented depth to the combat system.
8. Mortal Kombat: Deception
Mortal Kombat: Deception’s gameplay was praised by fans, but the exclusion of some protagonists from previous versions disappointed many. While this made sense for the story, many players were unhappy not being able to play as their favorite characters.
Deception also introduced an innovative “Konquest Mode,” allowing players to explore the Mortal Kombat world in an adventure campaign with RPG elements. The game featured minigames like Chess Kombat and Puzzle Kombat, offering a more diverse experience that appealed to many players. This focus on alternate game modes helped Deception stand out as a unique title in the series.
9. Mortal Kombat: Armageddon
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon is considered by many to be a reboot of the franchise, as it brought back almost all the characters from previous games. As a result, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon featured the most fighters in franchise history.
In addition to including nearly every character in the series, Armageddon introduced the “Kreate-a-Fighter” system, allowing players to create their own characters with a range of customizable options. The game also brought back racing in the form of Motor Kombat, a light-hearted addition that contrasted with the series’ usually dark tone. Although the story was less cohesive, the gameplay was praised for its variety.
10. Mortal Kombat
Bringing the franchise back to its roots, the ninth chapter of Mortal Kombat restored the classic 2D gameplay, along with a roster of fan-favorite characters, and rebooted the story to realign the series’ events.
The game was a commercial and critical success, revitalizing the series for a new generation of consoles. Mortal Kombat (2011) also brought back brutal fatalities and introduced the X-Ray Move system, where players could see the internal damage caused by special moves. The story mode was praised for its cinematic narrative, and the game kicked off a new trilogy, introducing many new fans to the franchise.
11. Mortal Kombat X
Mortal Kombat X introduced a new generation of fighters, including Cassie Cage, the daughter of Johnny Cage and Sonya Blade. The story takes place several years after MK9, showing a conflict between the Special Forces, led by the rookie Cassie, against a new version of Shinnok.
Mortal Kombat X introduced a new combat variation system, where each character had three different fighting styles, expanding the players’ tactical options. The game also brought a more modern approach to graphics and violence, with extremely realistic detail in the fatalities. Mortal Kombat X was a success, particularly in the competitive scene, solidifying its place in eSports.
12. Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11 jumped on the multiverse trend, popular at the time, and introduced Kronika, the keeper of time, who summons villains and heroes from the past for a tournament. However, she didn’t anticipate that Raiden’s enemies would also appear, leading to an epic clash of generations.
The game expanded even further with the release of the Aftermath DLC in 2020. In this expansion, Liu Kang, after defeating Kronika, ascends to godhood, becoming the Fire God Liu Kang. He inherits Raiden’s power and recreates the timeline, with the events resetting the story that ultimately leads back to the original Mortal Kombat tournament (MK1). This conclusion ties Liu Kang’s divine status to the origins of the franchise, setting the stage for future installments while preserving the classic legacy of the series.
In addition to its time-travel premise, Mortal Kombat 11 introduced a character customization system that allowed players to modify their favorite fighters’ outfits, weapons, and abilities. The cinematic storytelling continued to be a high point, with impressive graphics and an engaging narrative.
13. Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1is a reboot of the franchise, reimagining classic characters with new stories and versions of the fighters. It serves as a direct continuation of Mortal Kombat 11, where Liu Kang, now a fire god and protector of the realm, recreates the universe following the events with Kronika.
The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, including Kameo Fighters, which are assist characters that can be summoned to aid players during battle. Mortal Kombat 1 also sees a return to the 2D fighting plane, with updated graphics and refined gameplay, staying true to the series’ roots while bringing innovation to the table. The story mode continues to be a hallmark of the franchise, offering a fresh take on the origin of its iconic characters.
