Mortal Kombat II is already more accurate to the video games than its predecessor by following an essential rule. 2021’s Mortal Kombat was a drastic improvement over the last film in the franchise, 1997’s Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. However, the Simon McQuoid-directed film made some changes to the game’s story that bothered video game players.

The film introduced an original character, Cole Young, as the main protagonist, and altered the lore behind the conflict between Scorpion and Sub-Zero. It also failed to include some fan-favorite characters, like Johnny Cage and Quan Chi. It felt more like a prequel to the actual Mortal Kombat film, especially since the tournament never happens in the film.

While the fights themselves are bloody fights to the death, there are rules that surround the tournament. One significant rule established in the first film is that a rival world can invade another if it defeats the other in ten Mortal Kombat tournaments. Earthrealm is in danger of losing its tenth to the Outworld, creating the main conflict for the film.

However, the 2021 film violates another rule from the video games, where opposing fighters are not allowed to fight one another until Mortal Kombat is officially declared. Violating this rule is considered an act of treason against the Elder Gods and will be met with punishment. Yet, the first film completely ignored this rule.

Mortal Kombat 2’s Fights Seemingly All Come After The Tournament Begins

The first film’s storyline was dissatisfying, primarily because Mortal Kombat never happens. The sequel is delivering the tournament for audiences, as well as several matchups that players should be excited to see adapted into a live-action film. As a result, it’s finally respecting the video game fight rule.

When Raiden recruits Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 2‘s trailer, it appears that the tournament will start soon, and Mr. Cage needs to train quickly before accepting his next role. The fights are primarily one-on-one matchups, with a few being viewed by a crowd, suggesting they take place during the tournament and follow the rules.

That’s a drastic improvement on the first film, which had Shang Tsung order Sub-Zero and his other champions to kill Earthrealm’s fighters before Mortal Kombat begins. While that’s not made to be too significant in the movie, anyone familiar with the games knows how big of a deal that really is.

In the video games, this would be considered a major violation of the rules, and would face retaliation from the Elder gods. However, Shang faces almost no consequences of his cheating methods. He simply has to wait for the tenth tournament to start before striking again.

This is now happening in Mortal Kombat II, and he is now joined by Shao Khan, the ruler of Outworld. It should be fascinating to see if there are any repercussions for his previous actions in the sequel or if they attempt to cheat the rules in other ways once the tournament officially begins.