As the dust settles from the epic confrontations in Mortal Kombat 1, we eagerly await the continuation of this high-stakes saga in Mortal Kombat II. The first game left us eager to know what’s next, thanks to intertwining stories, shocking revelations, and unresolved conflicts. Picking up from where Mortal Kombat 1 concluded, the new, upcoming Mortal Kombat II is already heavily awaited. As players want to explore deeper character arcs, see the introducement of new fighters, and the expansion of the intricate lore of the Mortal Kombat universe.
[Warning: Spoilers from Mortal Kombat games are below!]
Mortal Kombat II needs a refreshed and original story
After the climactic victory of Liu Kang and Earth’s champion over Shang Tsung from the alternate Mortal Kombat 11 timeline, Earthrealm and its allies face new challenges as they attempt to restore balance. Liu Kang, once again the God of Fire & Thunder, takes on the mantle of protector with a heightened sense of responsibility. He is aware that new threats lurk in the shadows, and some of the evil Titans from the final battle survive and are planning to take over the Earth.
The fragile alliance between Earthrealm, Outworld, and Edenia will be put to the test as the Earth defenders will confront new threats. The enigmatic return of Shinnok, the fallen Elder God, and his heralds, may be a part of this story. Because of an infinite number of timelines, and variants of characters we know (or even those we have never seen yet) there’s a new era of chaos and danger.
Shinnok’s return, or rather first appearance, in this new timeline, may not be a coincidence, but part of Shang Tsung’s larger plan. Even though he and Quan Chi are imprisoned in Mileena’s jail, they’re too smart to be held there forever. They could find out what happened in the old timeline and figure out his plan.
The other part of the story of Mortal Kombat II should be the constantly evolving sister relationship between Kitana and Mileena. Since Mileena is good now, and is a princess of Edenia, she must make some hard choices. One of them may be an expansion of territories to safely secure other parts of her Kingdom.
This, of course, may look like an attempt to enslave people and act like an evil Emperor. But thanks to Liu Kang’s involvement, it may not be the case. Political disruptions are an integral part of each Mortal Kombat game, and it should be a part of this one. During one of those disruptions, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi may escape.
In my opinion, the main backbone of the story should be focused on the first appearance as fully playable characters of Sonya, Jax, Stryker, and Master Bo’ Rai Cho, as they are trying to find and train new defenders of the Earth. They can develop relationships, and are set to influence the story. As an example, perhaps we’ll meet Sonya and Jax as students of the academy, and no longer as soldiers. That could be an original story fans may be interested in exploring.
To bring back some more negative relationships, we should see Bi-Han back, and resolve his conflict with Kuai Liang and Tomas. In addition, we still don’t know much about Hanzo Hasashi (he may still be replacing Takeda as the student of Scorpion), but that’s something we’ll surely see soon; perhaps even in one of the last upcoming DLCs for Mortal Kombat 1.
The narrative of Mortal Kombat II is expected to deliver an outstanding story, as Mortal Kombat 1 did. Thanks to the new timeline, we’re going into the unknown, and that’s something that developers must work with. Let’s not repeat already known stories, but use them to create something new for players to explore. We should also expect a much darker and mature tone in Mortal Kombat II, as the characters may have moral dilemmas and face the consequences of their actions.
A perfect time to upgrade the gameplay even more
Visually, Mortal Kombat II will use the same engine as Mortal Kombat 1. The cinematics, animations, combos, and fatalities looked extraordinary. They were, and still are, a true feast for the eyes. The game’s graphics could be even more detailed and realistic, with meticulously designed environments that interact with everything we do (not only the items on the first plane).
From the hell landscapes of the Netherrealm to the mystical temples of Outworld, each location we’ll visit should be crafted with care to enhance the player’s immersion in the game world. The character designs will also be upgraded and more realistic, with attention to detail in their costumes and animations that highlight their fighting styles and personalities. This was already good in Mortal Kombat 1, but upgrades are always welcome.
The combat system in Mortal Kombat II will also build on the solid foundation of its predecessor, offering a unique for game experience. The introduction of new mechanics, move sets, and a possible replacement of Kameos could ensure that battles are more strategic and varied. Okay, even more strategic, and not so challenging to finish in multiplayer mode.
Multiplayer and online features will be expanded in Mortal Kombat II, providing us with additional ways to acquire cosmetics, banners, and achievements. Let’s hope ranked matches, tournaments, and community events will be fixed, but for more casual players. We aren’t all trying to master the characters and their moves, we sometimes just want to chill and have fun. That’s something that developers should consider in Mortal Kombat II.
The soundtrack and visuals have high potential for Mortal Kombat II
The development team at NetherRealm Studios has been keen on addressing player feedback from previous Mortal Kombat games, ensuring that upcoming projects not only meet but exceed the expectations of fans. This includes improvements to the game’s balance, the introduction of more accessibility options, and enhancements to the overall user experience.
With a focus on fun and a great gaming experience, the game should aim to make both hardcore fans and newcomers happy. Making it easier for everyone to enjoy the brutal and complex world of Mortal Kombat is something that will attract even more players. What I would also like to see are different items equipped, character’s skins, map/environment, etc…
In terms of audio, Mortal Kombat II will continue to deliver a top-notch experience with a powerful soundtrack, impactful sound effects, and exceptional voice acting. The soundtrack, composed by Wilbert Roget II, will blend orchestral scores with intense, rhythmic beats. Sound design will play a crucial role in immersing players in the brutal world of Mortal Kombat, from the crunch of bones during a fatality to the ambient noises of the various realms.
Mortal Kombat II may be shaping up to be a thrilling continuation of the beloved series. But its main focus should be on the following: deepening character arcs, introducing formidable new adversaries, creating a much more intriguing, complex, and original story, and expanding the Mortal Kombat universe.
All in all, fans can still look forward to intense battles, emotional storylines, and a game that will challenge everyone to think strategically while enjoying the pure satisfaction of thrilling combat. Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, Mortal Kombat II should be another unforgettable entry in this iconic franchise.
Have you played Mortal Kombat 1 (available on the official site)? Are you as excited as I am to jump back into the universe? Let us know on social media @mycosmiccircus or join The Cosmic Circus Discord server where we have a channel dedicated to gaming!
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