Mortal Kombat 1 is the 12th mainline iteration of the series. The name is a deliberate choice, signifying its status as a reboot of the universe (albeit one directly following and influenced by the events of Mortal Kombat 11.) After gaining control of Kronika's hourglass and becoming the God of Fire, Liu Kang crafted the fates of mortals, relinquishing his time powers to a reformed Geras shortly after. Nonetheless, Liu Kang's influence is reflected in this new world, namely an active effort to limit the evils and animosity he knew before. To this end, virtually every character began as less evil than they once were.