Mortal Kombat 1’s timeline reset
Mortal Kombat 1’s timeline reset has left some fans feeling uneasy about the direction the fighting game is headed, as the decision to make Kuai Liang the new Scorpion has left many feeling conflicted over the change.
Since the reveal of Mortal Kombat 11’s story, fans have been speculating about Scorpion’s identity, with many believing the battler is actually Kuai Liang, the second Sub-Zero. That theory seems to be correct in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1, but it has left some fans feeling disappointed by the change.
Since the timeline reset was first revealed, speculation about Scorpion’s identity has been ongoing. Many believed the fighter was actually Kuai Liang, due to the character’s close bond with Smoke and due to the fact that Kuai Liang is actually Bi-Han, the original Sub-Zero, who later took on the identity of Scorpion.
Though the story director, Dominic Cianciolo, seemingly confirmed the theory in an interview with IGN, some fans are displeased by the change, believing it to be unnecessary and confusing for new fans.
“This is just a Scorpion to a new fan,” one fan writes, “and they’re like ‘who’s this guy?’ and new fans are the ones that matter. This is like a new Batman being Clark Kent.”
“I’m really not a fan of this change,” another writes. “I understand it’s an alternate timeline, but this new Scorpion just feels like an unnecessary change to a beloved character.”
Many are also concerned about Hanzo’s fate in the game and the universe, given the fighter’s importance as a character. Some, however, are positive about the change, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to give Kuai Liang a new role, while also hoping that Hanzo can be free from the cyclical storyline.
“I don’t understand why this is a bad thing,” one fan writes. “At least Kuai is getting some form of characterization and backstory. In MKX and the current timeline, he’s just a henchman.”
The thread discussing the change has over 600 comments, and the overall tone leans slightly more negative than positive. It’s suggested to wait and see how the change is implemented before making a final judgment.
The reveal that Scorpion is actually Kuai Liang is also causing the news to trend on social media.
The fighting game sequel launches April 23 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
