Tekken 9 Might Take a Page from Mortal Kombat 1

Since its release in January 2024, Tekken 8 has quickly become a fan favorite in the fighting game community. The recent announcement of Heihachi Mishima as the next DLC character has sparked excitement and speculation about the future of the series. With the franchise’s storyline evolving over the years, many are curious about the direction of the next main installment. Some believe Tekken 9 might benefit from a strategy similar to that of Mortal Kombat 1—resetting the timeline.

While the Tekken series has delivered captivating narratives, its storyline has sometimes veered into absurdity, especially with key characters like Kazuya and Heihachi being repeatedly "killed" only to make dramatic returns. This recurring plot device has somewhat diminished the stakes and left the story feeling stagnant, with the Mishima family often remaining the focal point. To revitalize the series, Tekken 9 could take a cue from Mortal Kombat 1 by rebooting its timeline, thereby refreshing its narrative and character relationships.

Justifying a Timeline Reset in Tekken 9

Mortal Kombat 1 successfully reworked its timeline by having Raiden transform Liu Kang into a deity tasked with rewriting history. This approach fit well within the franchise’s mystical and sometimes fantastical elements, making the change easier for fans to accept. If Tekken 9 were to follow a similar path, it would need a compelling rationale for altering its timeline. Here are a few potential explanations:

1. Extraterrestrial Influence: The extraterrestrials hinted at in Tekken 3 through the character Ogre could be introduced as powerful beings with time-altering abilities, adding a cosmic twist to the plot.

2. Kazuya’s Ambitions: Expanding Kazuya’s quest for global domination to include other worlds could lead him to discover or develop methods for interdimensional travel, thereby altering the timeline.

3. Devil Gene Origins: The origins of the Devil Gene—possibly linked to entities like Azazel—could culminate in a catastrophic event, necessitating a timeline reset for the survivors to rebuild.

While there are multiple potential directions for Tekken 9, a timeline reset could offer fresh opportunities and revitalize the franchise, keeping it engaging and relevant.

Impact of a Timeline Reset on Tekken

A timeline shift could significantly alter the dynamics of the Tekken universe. Currently, the Mishima family often dominates the storyline, leaving other characters underdeveloped. A reset could allow these secondary characters to take center stage, potentially with new roles and motivations. For instance, Marshall Law might achieve his dream of global fame by leveraging his martial arts skills and his dojo’s influence in a revamped storyline.

Beyond narrative changes, a timeline reset could also introduce new move sets and gameplay mechanics. As characters evolve or assume new roles, their fighting styles and abilities could shift, providing a fresh gameplay experience and potentially attracting new players to the franchise.

While a rebooted timeline could reinvigorate Tekken, it’s essential for the developers to handle the transition carefully. Striking the right balance between innovation and retaining core elements will be crucial to maintaining fan engagement and ensuring the series continues to thrive.