Legend has it "Rule Number Six" is 'don't take yourself so damned seriously', but Ed Boon is getting very serious with his latest Mortal Kombat 11 clue! This time Dr. Boon is prescribing a cryptic number teaser that's got everyone figuring their favourite cult character -- but what does it all mean? Read on for more details and theories:
Previous clues recruited Queen and Freddy Krueger, but this time there were no accompanying video clips to cause further confusion. Just a simple, straight forward statement that alliteratively alludes to something significant: "Seriously #6".
Seriously #6#actualclue3
— Ed Boon (@noobde) September 25, 2020
This might be Boon's most puzzling clue yet -- and with good reason: According to another tweet earlier in the week, the Creative Director ran a different teaser past NetherRealm Studios staff that was deemed "too easy to solve". In a reply tweet, he also revealed that the first two clues were successfully decyphered: "Some people have figured them out. We just didn’t acknowledge it".
Earlier tweets might provide speculative fuel for the latest clue, as well. During the mad dash for Xbox Series X console pre-orders, Boon regailed followers with his method of refreshing six browser tabs for different online stores. The clue could be read as a follow-up statement to that fact.
It might be a bit of a stretch to search for meaning in tab number six, but two tweets by @Xbox -- including a Mortal Kombat 11 gif labelled "gifsyoucanhear_seeyousoon.gif" -- have some theorists wondering if Microsoft's reported interest in WarnerMedia led to an acquisition.
Xbox announced the purchase of ZeniMax Media during the week, acquiring Bethesda Softworks and properties such as Doom and Elder Scrolls. Business insiders previously reported Warner had reversed its decision to sell game assets.
gifsyoucanhear_seeyousoon.gif pic.twitter.com/CIjnbj0Bgi
— Xbox (@Xbox) September 23, 2020
The first two clues had us thinking about Reptile, and in yet another recent Twitter interaction, Boon shared a Reptile cosplayer's photo. The latest clue doesn't obviously apply to the stalwart character, but he may be conspicuous by omission. Sixth game Mortal Kombat: Deception was one of the few to omit the stalwart fighter.
Game number six introduced a variety of new characters, including final boss Onaga, and the serious Seidan guardsman Hotaru. It also created an expansive, realm-spanning adventure in Konquest mode, which continues to be remembered fondly by fans. Mortal Kombat 11's Krypt goes some way to recapturing the experience by recreating portions of Shang Tsung's Island.
[Related Article: Purple Rain: Mortal Kombat's Living Prince Tribute]
Interestingly, the Alter K label released a 2013 compilation album called Seriously, Eric? #6. We don't suppose the mysterious Eric, or sixth track Amerika, means much in this context, but pondering Ed Boon's music taste draws an interesting line through all three clues. Look up to the sky and you might see Rain, who was inspired by Prince's sixth album Purple Rain - released the same year as A Nightmare on Elm Street.
We know somebody cracked the code. Think it's you? Share your thoughts about the latest clue in the comments below and include the reason behind your latest deductions. Jump into the Mortal Kombat 11 forum to find more clues and discussion, while you're here!