1. The New Era
The opening scene does not disappoint.
Start at:4:00
This is the first cutscene we see in Mortal Kombat 1. In this opening scene we see Raiden and Kung Lao relaxing and grabbing food together after a hard days work. Their beloved host Madame Bo is attacked. They spring into action not knowing they are actually being tested. They succeed in battles against Scorpion and Sub-Zero resulting in them being chosen to fight for Earthrealm in The Tournament known asMortal Kombat
I love that this is one of the first things we see in this game. It truly builds the backstory on what the game is all about. The graphics are so beautiful and the storytelling is wonderful. I am glad we get to encounter a young Raiden in this storyline. It is a welcome surprise.
2. Chosen One
Raiden is truly the star of this scene.
Start at:3:32
This scene shows Raiden as he trains with the monks for a chance to be chosen for The Tournament. Lord Liu Kang is facilitating the training with Shaolin monks. Raiden must fight Johnny Cage, Kenshi, and Kung Lao to advance and compete. He receives an amulet that allows him to harness Lightning and Thunder.
The best part about this cutscene is getting to see Raiden’s signature abilities come to life. He may be harnessing the power from a physical object but it is still so iconic. His determination to defend Earthrealm is evident. His triumph shows that he is a very capable warrior and that Earthrealm has a chance at survival.
3. Weird science
Start at:4:03
Kenshi, Baraka, and Johnny Cage are imprisoned in Shang Tsung’s laboratory. Reptile is also present as a servant to Shang Tsung in exchange for his family's life. This scene is where the Earthrealm warriors learn that Reptile is the one who taught Shang how to shapeshift. They must fight Tarkatan Klones to escape this madhouse. Baraka is able to knock the door down and allow all of them to escape.
The coolest part of this scene is fighting the Super Tarkatan. He is large and gross and kind of difficult to defeat. The landscape of this lab/prison is so gruesome. There is blood and gore everywhere and I am here for it. After all, what is Mortal Kombat without the blood and guts?
4. Narrow Escape
We learn a bit about Reptile's origin story in this scene and what has shaped him into the man he is today.
Start at: 2:09
This cutscene is one of the best in the game. It opens with some of the Earthrealmers at an Outworld Celebration. The warriors are in disguise as they do their best to stay undetected in order to reach a portal. Reptile causes a diversion which ultimately lets them escape relatively unscathed.
The beautiful colors and vibrant animations in this scene really make it unique. I love that we get to see something so colorful and festive. Johnny Cage has some really funny lines in this scene as usual and that makes it very enjoyable to watch.
5. Band of Brothers
These three brothers have a strong bond and will fight for each other until the end.
Start at: 3:26
Tomas, Sub-Zero and Scorpion are on a mission to capture Shang Tsung. They arrive at a fortress and are quickly greeted by Nitara and Ermac. They must fight their way to Shang Tsung. Quan Chi is also present and is helping Shang build and operate large soul stealers that must be prevented from activation.
There is so much to this scene. The rendition of Quan Chi really makes him look terrifying. Nitara is one of the coolest characters in all of the Mortal Kombat franchise. I have to admit I was not that surprised to learn that Meghan Fox did the voice acting for her character.
6. Civil war
Start at: 1:00
This scene is very intense. Shang Tsung has Scorpion and Sub-Zero in chains and is leading them through a network of caves and tunnels. A large opening reveals a massive Dragon Army. A crown of great power is activated with stolen souls. Scorpion and Sub-Zero have the chance to join Shang Tsung and his undead army.
The Dragon Army is very menacing but beautifully crafted. Seeing how many soldiers are ready and willing to fight at any moment is just awesome. Shang Tsung is such a great villain in this game and I love to see him in action.
7. For the Empire
Sindel is a wonderful leader and her skill in battle is unmatched.
Start at: 1:00
Geras and Liu Kang are with Sindel and her daughters showing them the hourglass that regulates time and destiny. Liu Kang explains how he has altered and created his own timeline so that dark sorcerers will not possess evil powers. An unknown entity is manipulating Genral Shao and other villains and has given them the Amulet of Shinnok which is very dangerous.
The Amulet of Shinnok showing up in this timeline should not be possible. This is definitely a great twist that I didn’t anticipate. Sindel does battle her way through her enemies to acquire the amulet and succeeds in rescuing the prisoners held within. Sindel is the best female character in this game and her storyline is my favorite.
8. Queen’s Gambit
Start at: 2:00
This is by far the best chapter in Mortal Kombat 1. Shang Tsung and Quan Chi are at his fortress preparing to use the crown to control the Dragon Army. Mileena fights Ermac and wins, resulting in souls being released and the soul stealers being shut-down. This releases her father Jerrod after many years of being trapped there with no hope.
The unknown entity wreaking havoc is finally revealed as being no other than Shang Tsung from a previous timeline. We get to see an epic battle against timelines and the Dragon Army. Sindel is killed in this scene which allows Mileena to become empress.
9. Deadly Alliance
Shang Tsung is brutal and terrifying in this scene.
Start at:3:18
This scene opens up at the fortress with dark Shang Tsung and the alternative timeline villains. The Dragon Army is prepared for war but must be destroyed. There are five gateways that are activatedand have the ability to regenerate from Dark Shao’s lifeforce. Once he is defeated the gateways are permanently closed and the Dragon Army and their souls are trapped and imprisoned.
The best part of this scene is seeing all the champions come together. It is a classic light versus dark battle. Dark Shao is so dangerous but seeing him finally put to an end is very satisfying.
10. Armageddon
Start at: 1:54
This is the final battle scene in the game. All of the champions are gathered together and you have to choose your final warrior. The final boss to eliminate is Dark Shang Tsung. He must be killed to rid all timelines of his evil. He unleashes a dark army of his own and an onslaught of terror ensues.
This final battle is full of casualties. After killing Shang Tsung the timeline starts to fall apart. The game ends in a scene at Madame Bo’s just as it began. I love that everything came full circle and this is my favorite Mortal Kombat game to date.
