Mortal Kombat: Legacy

Mortal Kombat: Legacy, originally debuted in 2011, is an anthology series from Machinima taking inspiration from the classic and critically acclaimed Mortal Kombat video game franchise. Directed by Kevin Tancharoen, who was also at the helm of the viral sensation Mortal Kombat: Rebirth, this series has seen two successful seasons, with its last episode released in 2013. Thanks to its unique premise and digital format, Legacy pushes the envelope, immersing fans into the brutal universe of Mortal Kombat in a way they have never experienced before.

This exceptional web series revolves around the original fictional universe of the Mortal Kombat franchise, introducing viewers to a universe steeped in a lethal, inter-dimensional fighting tournament. This multiverse is composed of realms, each one protected by age-old rules and restrictions, and each one facing the threat of termination through 'Mortal Kombat', a fighting tournament organized by the Elder Gods of the universe. This premise provides the backdrop for the entire Mortal Kombat: Legacy series, and the tournament forms the focal point of the narrative.

Each episode in the series shines a spotlight on different characters from the extensive Mortal Kombat roster. It is a testament to the creators' understanding of the source material as they manage to provide depth and backstory to characters that were largely confined to the realm of button-mashing video games. The lore is significantly expanded upon and individual characters are given in-depth background stories, humanizing them unlike ever before.

The series is very successful at weaving together the web of intertwining stories, contributing to the overall Mortal Kombat universe. Backstories of the characters, their motivations, their alliances and rivalries, all contribute towards their participation in the Mortal Kombat tournament. Fan favorite characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Sonya Blade, Johnny Cage, Kitana, and Raiden all feature in unique episodes, allowing viewers the opportunity to understand each character better. Each episode feels like a mini movie, presenting subplots that converge with the main narrative, gradually leading up to the climactic tournament.

The production value of Mortal Kombat: Legacy is surprisingly high for a web series, especially considering its time of release. The series features a blend of high-quality CGI and practical effects resulting in spectacular fight scenes and mesmerizing visuals that add a sheen of cinematic value to it. The signature graphic violence and gore of the Mortal Kombat franchise are excellently portrayed in this series.

Contrary to the games, the series adopts a more grounded, realistic approach. Where fantasy elements can't be avoided, they are still considerably toned down. The series also explores darker themes and has a serious tone, a shift from the campy nature of the original video game, which was marked by over-the-top violence and humor. This matured approach to storytelling allows the characters to move away from their one-dimensional video game origins into complex, multi-faceted individuals, with their own fears, desires, and motivations.

The series also finds success in its casting decisions. Mortal Kombat: Legacy boasts an ensemble cast featuring talents like Michael Jai White, Jeri Ryan, and Ian Anthony Dale, who breathe life into their characters with sterling performances.

One of the special elements of Mortal Kombat: Legacy is its accessibility. You don’t need to be a hardcore fan of the franchise to understand or appreciate the series. The show doesn’t shy away from unveiling its characters’ origins or the stakes of the Mortal Kombat tournament to newcomers. Simultaneously, it seduces long-time fans with its references to the rich lore of the franchise, respecting the history of the series while adding fresh perspectives.

In summary, Mortal Kombat: Legacy is a spectacular endeavor that successfully expands on the Mortal Kombat franchise. It's a must-watch for fans of the franchise and for those who appreciate intense, thematic storytelling paired with brutal combat and high-stakes drama. Both the seasons convey the essence of Mortal Kombat, making it more accessible to newcomers while giving a new perspective to dedicated fans of the franchise. This web series truly demonstrates that Mortal Kombat can flourish outside the realm of video games.