Here is a prediction for the MK 11 story, which is also another problem I have with NRS' writing:
At one point the good guys will raid Liu Kang Khans and Kitana Khans fortress. Then there will be a scene where Jade comes storming in at them from the front, while yelling that she is the royal guard of the Khans. You know, like any other highly skilled and deadly assassin would do it. She will then get defeated by either Liu Kang or Kitana, whomever you choose and never be seen again.
And that's how it goes in NRS games. The characters get the advantage of a surprise attack, yet face their opponnents head on and ramble.
Same with Smoke, who comes storming in at Shang Tsung and Kano: "Ey! Ey! Put those guns down right now!"
... Instead of backstabbing them to death like a real ninja assassin would do it.
Raiden: "Did you challenge them to Kombat, like our traditions and rules want it?"
Smoke: "Why of course, Lord Raiden."
Raiden: "Well done, Smoke. Now let's hit the streets and find us some bitches."
You know something is off with your writing, when the biggest backstabber in the lore is the brutish warrior-sorceror-emperor-god.