Developer NetherRealm studios has become a cornerstone of the fighting game genre with Mortal Kombat, and has gone on to inspire books, television shows, and famous movies. The most recent Mortal Kombat movie 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 latest Mortal Kombat was a great film, it could stand to take a few hints from current games like Mortal Kombat 11.
Mortal Kombat 11 sees the classic fighting franchise in 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 in Mortal 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 from Mortal Kombat 11 too.
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While the fights in the Mortal Kombat movie were 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 the Mortal Kombat games. 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.
The fights in the Mortal Kombat movie were 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.
When all is said and done, the Mortal Kombat movie 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 in Mortal Kombat 2. While it would be hard to put in all 25 of the base characters from Mortal 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 of the 2021 Mortal Kombat reboot seems to hint at a want for one. If the support is there, it could even set up Mortal Kombat for 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 from Mortal Kombat 11. That being said, maybe fans of Mortal Kombat will be just as happy with fights that don't make meaningful use of the character's classic weapons and abilities.
Mortal Kombat 11 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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