Warning: Spoilers ahead for Mortal Kombat 1.Despite some issues,Mortal Kombat 1is an excellent game. Yes, the Nintendo Switch port is painfully ugly and Megan Fox’s performance as Nitara has received some well-deserved criticism, but there is plenty to love about the game. The Kameo system has shaken up gameplay in an interesting way, while the series has never looked better thanks to some improved graphics. A strong story mode has allowed once-forgettable characters likeReptile and Barakato shine, too. Speaking of story, the game’s narrative makes an interesting choice when it comes to the canonicity of its predecessor, and it is one thatInjustice 3could replicate.
Mortal Kombat 11’s Aftermath DLC made a surprising decision when it came to its final fight, as players were allowed to choose between Fire God Liu Kang or the deceptive villain Shang Tsung. Whichever fighter won this battle shapedMortal Kombat’s new universe, and while it was fun to theorize about what Shang Tsung could do if he had unlimited power, most assumed that Liu Kang’s ending would be canon and the story would move forward from there. However,Mortal Kombat 1proved that both ofMK11’s ending choices were valid, andInjustice 2’s final choice could matter just as much inInjustice 3.
Injustice 3 Can Make Both Endings Official Like Mortal Kombat 1
After players have put a few hours intoMortal Kombat 1’s story, and are led to believe thatKronikahas returned, it is revealed that Shang Tsung was disguised asMortal Kombat 11’s villain all along. Specifically, it is the Titan variant who defeated Liu Kang inMK11Aftermath, and he has traveled from his universe where he was victorious. What results is a fun multiverse story, something that DC is all too familiar with.
From Earth Prime and the Metal universe to Earth-Two and the world of Flashpoint, DC has offered countless elseworlds and alternate timelines over the years. TheInjusticefranchise is one such world, as it focuses on a timeline where Superman becomes unhinged following the death of Lois Lane. After killing The Joker, he attempts to rule Metropolis and the rest of earth with an iron fist, but is opposed by Batman and a handful of other rebellious heroes. Eventually, the war betweenBatman and Supermancomes to an end inInjustice 2.
After defeatingBrainiac, the final chapter ofInjustice 2has players pick between Batman and Superman, just like they did inMK11’s Aftermath expansion. If players choose Superman, they are met with the shocking revelation that Brainiac has been killed and his technology has been used to brainwash the Caped Crusader. With the genius planning of Batman on his side, Superman would essentially be impossible. In Batman’s ending, The Dark Knight uses gold kryptonite to depower the Man of Steel and sends him to The Negative Zone, offering Supergirl a place in a reformed Justice League.
Most would assume that the straightforward, “safe” ending where Batman returns and things return to the status quo would be the option NetherRealm takes for a sequel, even if the Superman ending would let someone other than Batman oppose him. However,Mortal Kombat 1suggests that NetherRealm would not have to commit to one ending or the other. WithInjustice 3, players could have to deal with the Superman who was victorious entering into the timeline where Batman won. To stop him, perhaps Batman would need to let his Superman out of the Negative Zone.
With DC already embracing alternate universes in its comic book and animated content, andMortal Kombat 1establishingNetherRealm’s willingness to embrace such a wacky concept, it seems that the studio has another option to consider withInjustice 3. It could go with the Batman ending for a safe sequel, the Superman ending for something fresh, or make both endings canon for a multiversal affair. Regardless of what path is taken, though, many fans would just be happy to finally see a newInjusticegame get released.
Mortal Kombat 1is available now on PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X.
