The original Mortal Kombat game was released in 1992, and its story is relatively straightforward. The game's plot revolves around the Shaolin Tournament, a martial arts competition held in the mystical realm of Earthrealm. The tournament is organized by the thunder god Raiden to protect Earthrealm from being absorbed by the evil Outworld.

Here's a brief summary of the storyline of the first Mortal Kombat game:

1. Introduction:
   The game begins with an introductory text that explains the background of the tournament and the threat posed by the sorcerer Shang Tsung, who represents Outworld.
2. Tournament Announcement:
   Seven fighters from Earthrealm are chosen to participate in the tournament to defend Earthrealm against Shang Tsung and his master, Shao Kahn. These fighters include Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Kano, and Raiden.
3. Character Journeys:
   Each character has their own reasons for entering the tournament. Liu Kang seeks to honor his fallen martial arts brother; Johnny Cage wants to prove himself as a true warrior, and Sonya Blade is on a mission to apprehend the criminal Kano.
4. Encounters and Fights:
   As the players progress through the game, they face off against a series of opponents, including other Earthrealm fighters and powerful warriors from Outworld, such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Shang Tsung.
5. Final Battle:
   The ultimate goal is to defeat Shang Tsung and prevent him from taking over Earthrealm. The final battle takes place in Shang Tsung's island fortress.
6. Ending:
   If the players successfully defeat Shang Tsung, they are treated to an ending sequence specific to the character they chose. Each character's ending provides a glimpse into their future or their achievements as a result of winning the tournament.

The first Mortal Kombat game is known for its unique characters, intense fights, and the controversial level of violence that contributed to the establishment of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The success of the original game laid the foundation for the expansive Mortal Kombat franchise.