Multiverse Fatigue: How the MCU’s Decline Mirrors Mortal Kombat 1’s Struggles

The MCU’s Decline

It’s hard to deny that the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has seen better days. Gone are the heights of Black Panther, Civil War, and Endgame, and in their place are a few sporadically good movies and a smattering of tolerable series. The media dominance the MCU once enjoyed seems to be waning, yet its impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. The concept of a “cinematic universe” has become a buzzword, with countless franchises attempting to weave intricate, interconnected storylines. Though the MCU didn’t invent the idea, it certainly made it trendy.

But beyond the cinematic universe, the MCU has also popularized another narrative device: the multiverse.

The Problem with the Multiverse

Multiverses aren’t new. Alternate realities have been a staple in media for decades, often used to create intriguing crossovers or explore familiar characters in new lights. However, in recent years, the multiverse has evolved from a clever plot device into a crutch that trivializes character deaths, glosses over weak writing, and serves as a convenient way to resurrect beloved characters. This overreliance on the multiverse has led to what I like to call “multiverse fatigue,” a phenomenon that has spread beyond the MCU to other franchises, including Mortal Kombat.

Mortal Kombat 1’s Multiverse Problem

When Mortal Kombat 1 was announced, I was initially puzzled by the mixed reception. Sure, the game’s monetization and grind are frustrating, but those issues were present in MK11, and that game still managed to find a fanbase. As I dug deeper into the critiques, two major complaints emerged: the story and the Kameo system. As someone who enjoys assist mechanics and isn’t deeply attached to Mortal Kombat lore, I didn’t mind these aspects. However, for many fans, the story’s reliance on the multiverse and the Kameo system’s potential character implications were deal-breakers.

In MK1, the Kameo system allows you to pair your character with a sidekick, but some of these sidekicks—like Goro, Motaro, and Jax—could have been full-fledged characters. This issue is compounded by the fact that Scorpion and Sub-Zero are both Kameos and playable characters, leading to the bizarre possibility of a Sub-Zero/Sub-Zero team. While it may seem logical from a gameplay perspective, the explanation for this phenomenon? You guessed it: multiverse.

NetherRealm’s Storytelling Evolution

Since MK9, NetherRealm Studios has set a high bar for storytelling in fighting games, crafting narratives that feel more like playable movies. Even with its flaws, MK11 offered a solid story, largely thanks to its exploration of the multiverse, time travel, and multiple timelines. At the time, these elements felt fresh and added depth to the interactions between characters, like the memorable exchanges between young and old Johnny Cage.

However, in MK1, the multiverse feels more like a burden than a boon.

The Downfall of MK1’s Story

Let’s dive into the story of MK1 (spoilers ahead). The game starts strong with a new timeline, featuring interesting shakeups: Liu Kang as a god, Raiden as a humble farmer, and General Shao in a commanding role. The narrative teases Kronika’s return, only to reveal that it was all part of an alternate reality Shang Tsung’s plan. What follows is a multiverse clash that, despite its scale, feels lackluster and anticlimactic. The earlier story arcs—Mileena managing her affliction, Li Mei’s redemption, and the Lin Kuei’s internal conflict—held much more potential. Instead, the narrative devolves into a multiversal mush, leaving the player yearning for the more grounded stories that came before.

Why Multiverse Fatigue is Real

Multiverse fatigue is a real phenomenon, whether it’s in the MCU, Mortal Kombat, or other media. The multiverse plot device, when overused, robs a story of its consequences, making it difficult for audiences to care about the stakes. While there are ways to make the multiverse entertaining, in MK1, it feels forced and unnecessary. Liu Kang’s timeline rewrite could have provided all the explanation needed for character appearances, but instead, the story opts for a convoluted multiverse showdown.

Conclusion: The Future of Mortal Kombat and the Multiverse

The general sentiment among Mortal Kombat fans, especially casual players, reflects a growing weariness with the multiverse trope. While pros have their concerns—like game balancing and the effectiveness of the Kameo system—it’s the casual audience that NetherRealm needs to win over. With the grindy Invasions mode and a story that fails to deliver, MK1 is in a precarious position. A strong story could have saved it, but as it stands, the game risks being remembered as a disappointment, even by those who appreciated MK11.

As we look to the future of Mortal Kombat and other franchises, it’s clear that the multiverse needs a rest. There are endless possibilities for storytelling without relying on this tired trope. For the sake of both casual players and long-time fans, let’s hope NetherRealm finds a new direction before MK1 becomes a cautionary tale in the annals of gaming history.

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