Mortal Kombat 1 could signal a troubling future for Sonya Blade in the series. Her absence from the game's timeline represents a significant change for Mortal Kombat, leaving fans concerned due to the lack of clear information about her presence in the game.

Unless something changes soon, Mortal Kombat 1 may have foreshadowed a grim future for one of the series' most iconic fighters. However, since the game is still receiving support, with another DLC wave on the horizon, there is still hope for a turnaround. Currently, it appears that a character who has been a mainstay throughout the series might not be part of the new timeline at all. Losing a longtime fighter would be a significant shift, even for a game that has already dramatically altered the status quo. As of now, Mortal Kombat 1's roster still has a noticeable gap.

Figure 1. Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1's roster features characters from all across the series, including familiar faces like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Mileena, as well as more unexpected choices like Li Mei and Reiko. The base roster even includes Geras, who was first introduced in Mortal Kombat 11. Alongside its diverse lineup, the game also brought significant changes to the series' status quo, with several former villains becoming heroes and some heroes unexpectedly turning to evil. [1] Mortal Kombat 1 has successfully delivered on its promise to reset the timeline, setting up an intriguing future for the series. Figure 1 shows Mortal Kombat 1.

Sonya Blade only appears as a Kameo fighter in Mortal Kombat 1

Sonya Blade is not a playable character in Mortal Kombat 1

A notable inclusion among Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo fighters is Sonya Blade, primarily because she isn't part of the main roster. Sonya has been a staple in the series since the first game, and although she has been absent from a few titles before, her presence in Mortal Kombat 1 is unique. Unlike other Kameo fighters, like Khameleon and Sareena, who are shown in the new timeline, Sonya does not appear in it. Her appearances are limited to being selected as a Kameo fighter, with no clear indication that she actually exists within Mortal Kombat 1's timeline.

Even after two DLC waves, Sonya is still missing from Mortal Kombat 1

Sonya could still make a return, but her absence from Mortal Kombat 1's Khaos Reigns DLC puts her in a challenging position. If a third DLC wave does not include her, Sonya may miss out on the game entirely. While there's a chance, she could become playable in Mortal Kombat 2, her absence from the first game of the new timeline isn't a promising sign. Nearly every significant character from the series is included in some form, making Sonya's absence in Mortal Kombat 1's timeline a noticeable anomaly.

Sonya's absence could significantly impact the future of Mortal Kombat

If Sonya doesn't appear, it would represent another major shift in Mortal Kombat 1's timeline. As a steadfast ally of the forces of light throughout the series, her absence would be particularly noticeable, even with new allies like Baraka and Mileena. [2] Additionally, Sonya's absence raises questions about the future of Cassie Cage, who, in the previous timeline, was the daughter of Sonya and Johnny Cage. While Cassie could still be born without Sonya's presence, the circumstances would likely lead to her being a very different character.

Sonya Blade's role in Mortal Kombat 1's new timeline remains uncertain. Although she holds an iconic status in the series, her limited presence as just a Kameo fighter raises concerns. If she does not make a return, it would mark one of the most dramatic shifts in the timeline. Without changes, Mortal Kombat 1 could signal a troubling future for Sonya Blade.

References:

1. https://gamerant.com/mortal-kombat-1-update-patch-notes-august-2024/
2. https://gamerant.com/mortal-kombat-1-sonya-blade-kameo-timeline-missing-future/

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), Mortal Kombat 1's Decision to Cut a Long-Standing Fighter May Have Determined Their Fate, AnaTechmaz, pp. 56