In the world of Mortal Kombat 1, there are a plethora of references, Easter eggs, and callbacks waiting to be discovered. From Sub-Zero’s hairline fracture fatality nodding to the anime film Ninja Scroll to Shujinko’s faithful recreation of the five-point palm exploding heart technique from Kill Bill, the game is filled with mind-blowing connections to pop culture. #MK1#MortalKombat#gamespot. But that’s not all, my friend. In Johnny Cage’s Tower Ending, an epilogue to the main story, it is revealed that he plans to unveil the truth of the universe and the other realms to humanity through a cinematic universe of films, TV shows, and video games. With Johnny Cage as the driving force behind many iconic references and cheeky nods, the Mortal Kombat universe becomes a wild ride of intertwining narratives and surprising connections. So get ready to explore the rich tapestry of references in Mortal Kombat 1 and have your mind blown!
Sub-Zero’s Fatality Hairline Fracture
Ninja Scroll reference
In the Mortal Kombat franchise, the developers always find unique and creative ways to pay tribute to other works of art. One such example is Sub-Zero’s fatality known as the “hairline fracture,” which is a direct reference to the 1993 anime film Ninja Scroll. In this film, the protagonist Jubei Kibagami fights against a ninja with the ability to freeze his opponents. The hairline fracture fatality showcases Sub-Zero’s icy powers, as he shatters his opponent’s head, much like the frozen bodies in Ninja Scroll. It’s a subtle nod that fans of both Mortal Kombat and anime can appreciate.
Shujinko’s Fatality
Kill Bill reference
Another incredible nod to popular culture can be found in Shujinko’s fatality move. Shujinko is a character in Mortal Kombat who possesses the ability to mimic various martial arts and techniques. His fatality, known as the “five-point palm exploding heart technique,” is a direct reference to the iconic move from the movie Kill Bill. In Kill Bill, the main character, Beatrix Kiddo, learns this technique and uses it to kill her enemies. Shujinko’s fatality mirrors this move, demonstrating the developers’ admiration for Quentin Tarantino’s unforgettable film.
Johnny Cage’s Tower Ending
Epilogue to the main story
Plans to show the truth of the universe to humanity
Creation of a cinematic universe of films, TV shows, and video games
In Mortal Kombat 1, one character, in particular, stands out for his role in shaping the future of the Mortal Kombat universe. That character is Johnny Cage, the Hollywood actor turned fighter. His tower ending serves as an epilogue to the main story, giving players a glimpse into his plans for the future.
In Johnny Cage’s tower ending, it is revealed that he has grand plans to reveal the truth of the universe and the other realms to humanity. His vision involves creating a cinematic universe of films, TV shows, and video games that will gradually introduce the people to the real, palpable existence of these realms. This unique approach to storytelling not only adds depth to the Mortal Kombat universe but also provides an exciting and immersive experience for fans across different platforms.
Johnny Cage’s Tongue-in-Cheek Nods
Creating iconic names for locations, objects, and people
Examples of iconic names created by Johnny Cage
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Mortal Kombat franchise is the humor and self-awareness injected into the characters. Johnny Cage, in particular, has a knack for creating iconic names for locations, objects, and people within the Mortal Kombat universe. These tongue-in-cheek nods add an additional layer of fun and entertainment for players and fans alike.
For example, one of Johnny Cage’s creations is “Shang’s A Real Laboratory,” which is a playful reference to the iconic character Shang Tsung and his ability to transform into other fighters. Another nod comes in the form of the “Flesh Pits,” a callback to a cheap film Johnny Cage did in his early days. Other examples include “Soul NATO,” a humorous name for a powerful entity in the Mortal Kombat universe, and “Reptile,” which is Johnny’s playful response to an encounter with the character.
The White Lotus Society and Order of Light
Origins in the original timeline
New formations in the new era
The Mortal Kombat franchise is known for its deep lore and intricate world-building. In the original timeline, the White Lotus Society was founded by Raiden, the god of thunder, and served as a force of good, seeking to protect Earthrealm from the threats of the other realms. The Order of Light, on the other hand, was first mentioned in Mortal Kombat Deception and was associated with the character Ashra.
In the new timeline, created through the events of Mortal Kombat 9, the White Lotus Society was created by Liu Kang, the Earthrealm champion. In this new era, the Order of Light is formed by Ashra and Serena, further expanding the lore and mythology of the Mortal Kombat universe. These two factions play a crucial role in the fight against evil and serve as a beacon of hope for Earthrealm and its inhabitants.
Ashra’s Hat
Recreation of her classic look from Mortal Kombat Deception
One of the visual callbacks in Mortal Kombat 1 is Ashra’s hat. Ashra, a character introduced in Mortal Kombat Deception, is known for her unique style, which includes a hat that hides her face. In the game, Johnny Cage gives Ashra a hat while they are disguising themselves in Sundo, and it happens to be the same style as her classic look from Mortal Kombat Deception.
This recreation of Ashra’s classic look not only pays tribute to her character but also adds a sense of nostalgia for long-time fans of the Mortal Kombat series. It’s just one of the many small details that the developers have included to create a rich and immersive experience for players.
Susan Eisenberg as Asra’s Voice Actor
Voice actor known for voicing Wonder Woman in Injustice games
Voice acting plays a significant role in bringing the characters of Mortal Kombat to life. In Mortal Kombat 1, the character Asra is voiced by Susan Eisenberg, who is best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the Injustice games. Eisenberg’s talent and experience in the industry bring depth and authenticity to Asra’s character, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
The choice to cast Eisenberg further emphasizes the attention to detail and dedication that the developers have for creating a captivating and immersive world. It’s yet another example of the Mortal Kombat franchise’s commitment to providing fans with the best possible gaming experience.
Megan Fox as Nitara’s Voice Actor
References to Megan Fox and Jennifer’s Body
In Mortal Kombat 1, the character Nitara is voiced by Megan Fox, an actor known for her roles in various films, including the bi-sexual classic, Jennifer’s Body. The decision to cast Fox as the voice actor for Nitara not only adds star power to the game but also allows for references to be made to her previous work.
Throughout Nitara’s interactions and dialogue, players can discover subtle nods to Megan Fox’s filmography, creating a connection between the character and the actor. It’s a clever way to inject some pop culture into the Mortal Kombat universe and adds an extra layer of enjoyment for fans of both the game and Fox’s work.
Jean-Claude Van Damme Influence
Influence on Johnny Cage’s character
Special skin for Johnny Cage in Premium Edition
The Mortal Kombat franchise has always drawn inspiration from various sources, and one significant influence can be seen in the character Johnny Cage. Johnny Cage’s visual appearance, fighting style, and even his personality draw heavily from Jean-Claude Van Damme, renowned action star of the ’80s and ’90s.
To pay homage to this influence, the developers have created a special skin for Johnny Cage in the Premium Edition of Mortal Kombat 1. This skin replaces Johnny’s voice and appearance with Jean-Claude Van Damme, allowing players to experience the character in a whole new way. It’s a delightful addition that adds nostalgia and excitement for fans of both Mortal Kombat and Van Damme’s work.
Cameo Appearances and Callbacks
Cyrax’s cameo appearance during Chapter 15
Spin on Scorpion’s Fatality from Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
The usage of ‘error macro’ message
Toasty Easter egg
Familiar faces in picture frames
Nod to Mortal Kombat Armageddon
In addition to the numerous references and easter eggs in Mortal Kombat 1, there are also several cameo appearances and callbacks to previous games and characters.
During Chapter 15, players can catch a glimpse of Cyrax, another popular character from the Mortal Kombat series, making a cameo appearance. This subtle nod to Cyrax adds an extra layer of depth to the game’s story and allows long-time fans to reminisce about their favorite characters.
Scorpion’s fatality in Mortal Kombat 1 is a spin on one of his classic fatalities from Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. This clever callback provides a sense of nostalgia for players and showcases the developers’ attention to detail in ensuring that the game stays true to its roots.
One of the more intriguing references in Mortal Kombat 1 is the usage of the ‘error macro’ message. This message, which appears during Johnny Cage’s final blow, is a throwback to the early days of Mortal Kombat when the developers would use ‘error macro’ to catch coding errors. It’s a fun way to incorporate a piece of the game’s history into the present.
Another iconic easter egg in Mortal Kombat 1 is the “Toasty” reference. This reference harkens back to Mortal Kombat 2, where sound designer Dan Forden’s face would pop out of the corner of the screen accompanied by the iconic “Toasty” line. This unexpected easter egg adds an element of surprise and delight for players.
Throughout the game, players may notice familiar faces in picture frames. These frames include MK versions of characters like Kano, Sub-Zero, and Scorpion. These subtle callbacks to the past create a sense of continuity and connect the present game with its rich history.
Finally, Mortal Kombat 1 pays homage to the previous game, Mortal Kombat Armageddon, during its final chapter. This chapter features a gauntlet of different characters mashed together, reminiscent of the character selection screen in Mortal Kombat Armageddon. This nod to the past adds an extra layer of depth for fans who have been following the series since its inception.
In conclusion, Mortal Kombat 1 is a treasure trove of references, easter eggs, and callbacks that pay homage to the past and add depth to the game’s universe. From Sub-Zero’s Ninja Scroll reference to Johnny Cage’s tongue-in-cheek nods, and the cameos and callbacks sprinkled throughout the game, Mortal Kombat 1 is a love letter to fans and a testament to the developers’ attention to detail. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the franchise or a newcomer, these references and easter eggs add an extra layer of enjoyment and appreciation for the Mortal Kombat universe.
In the world of Mortal Kombat, there is a strong tradition of paying homage to past games and popular culture references. Mortal Kombat 1 is no different.
Have you ever noticed that Sub-Zero’s fatal move, the hairline fracture, is actually a tribute to the 1993 anime film Ninja Scroll? And did you know that Shujinko’s fatality is a faithful recreation of the explosive five-point palm technique from Kill Bill? It’s mind-blowing to see these subtle nods, isn’t it?