Unveiling the Overhaul in Mortal Kombat 1: A Fresh Perspective on the Intricate Timeline and Vast Mythology of the Fighting Game Franchise
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| Unpacking the Story Changes in Mortal Kombat 1: Exploring the Timeline Alterations in this Reboot |
The Mortal Kombat series has always thrived on its intricate lore, and Mortal Kombat 1 is no exception. While technically a continuation of Mortal Kombat 11, it embarks on a fresh narrative path by rebooting the timeline and crafting an entirely new universe. Classic characters receive a makeover, and even some lesser-known characters from the past get a chance at redemption.
To provide some context, the initial seven Mortal Kombat games led to a catastrophic event, prompting Raiden to resort to time travel to rectify the situation. His efforts yielded mixed results, saving the universe but sacrificing many of his allies. After several installments altered this timeline, a time-manipulating entity known as Kronika emerged as the next major threat, culminating in Liu Kang's defeat of her and his ascent to the role of Keeper of Time. As a benevolent figure, Liu Kang seeks to create a utopian reality.
However, instead of simply eliminating the malevolent members of the Mortal Kombat roster, Liu Kang is pursuing a more constructive approach. Characters like Shao Kahn, Mileena, Rain, Reptile, and others are given what Liu believes they want or need, with the hope that they will become contributors to the well-being of all realms. Nevertheless, this effort teeters on the brink of collapse, whether due to flaws in Liu's plan or external sabotage, remains uncertain. Yet, Liu Kang perseveres in his quest to set things right.
Here's how Liu Kang's vision differs from the established lore:
The Champions of Light
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
In previous timelines, Lord Raiden served as the God of Thunder and Protector of Earthrealm. His primary duty was to assemble champions to participate in Mortal Kombat, a tournament crucial to preventing the conquest of Earthrealm by Outworld. After nine consecutive tournament losses, Liu Kang, a highly skilled Shaolin warrior, emerged as the chosen one and successfully defended Earthrealm.
Liu Kang's best friend and rival, Kung Lao, was also a descendant of the Great Kung Lao, a former Mortal Kombat champion killed by Goro centuries earlier. While pure-hearted, Kung Lao's jealousy sometimes led him to recklessness.
However, the second timeline saw a rift between Raiden and Liu Kang due to Raiden's ill-fated attempts to alter history. Liu Kang perished and became a revenant, serving the Netherrealm and later ruling it. Eventually, the two reconciled and defeated Kronika. In the process, Liu Kang attained godhood, while Raiden became mortal.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
In this alternate reality, Liu Kang assumes the role of the God of Fire and Earthrealm's Protector, while Raiden becomes a skilled martial artist with the ability to wield electricity. Under Liu's tutelage, Raiden becomes Mortal Kombat's chosen champion.
Surprisingly, the Great Kung Lao was never brutally defeated in this world, and the Mortal Kombat tournament is more of a cultural celebration between Earthrealm and Outworld. Modern-day Kung Lao aspires to prove himself as a warrior but hopefully without the recklessness of his previous self.
The Lin Kuei
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
The Lin Kuei was an assassins' guild that offered its services to the highest bidder. Bi-Han, the first Sub-Zero and one of their most formidable warriors, was ruthless and lacked compassion. In one mission, he nearly allowed the Netherrealm to invade Earthrealm before thwarting it himself. Bi-Han's decision to stay with the Lin Kuei led to his demise as he was killed by a resurrected Scorpion, becoming the evil wraith Noob Saibot.
Bi-Han's brother, Kuai-Liang, assumed the Sub-Zero mantle. Unlike his brother, Kuai-Liang was honorable and despised the Lin Kuei's transformation of his assassins into cyborgs. This Sub-Zero initiated a coup and reformed the Lin Kuei into a force dedicated to protecting Earthrealm from evil.
Tomas Vrbada, known as Smoke, was kidnapped and turned into a smoke creature called an Enenra as a child. He joined the Lin Kuei, befriending Kuai-Liang. Tragically, in one timeline, he was turned into a robot and reprogrammed into evil, while in the other, he became a revenant after his death.
The Lin Kuei's main adversary was the Shirai-Ryu ninja clan, with Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi) being its most prominent member. After being slain by Bi-Han, Scorpion was resurrected and sought vengeance. His path remained tumultuous, especially in his relationship with the second Sub-Zero. In the second timeline, he converted to humanity, led the Shirai-Ryu, and became close allies with Sub-Zero.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
In this alternate timeline, the Lin Kuei initially takes on the role of Earthrealm's defenders. Bi-Han and Kuai-Liang are the sons of the Lin Kuei's Grandmaster, but Bi-Han, now Sub-Zero, grows disillusioned with the protective role and seeks to rule the world. Unexpectedly, Kuai-Liang's powers are fire-based, and he adopts the name Scorpion.
Smoke, their adopted brother, may no longer be Tomas Vrbada, and his origins remain clear. However, Kuai-Liang considers Smoke family, even if they do not share blood.
Outworld Monsters
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
The Tarkatans were a race of toothy creatures covered in sharp bone protrusions, dwelling in the Outworld wastelands. Baraka, one of their leaders, served Shao Kahn and aspired to elevate his race's status under Shao Kahn's rule, all while seeking equality for his people and plenty of blood and meat.
Reptile, a member of the Saurian race, was enslaved and nearly wiped out by Shao Kahn. Desperate to revive his kind or find acceptance, Reptile served various overlords. Kotal Kahn was the only one who truly respected him, given their shared status as the last of their kind.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
Tarkat is a plague infecting denizens of Outworld, transforming them into toothy, bone-protrusion-covered beasts, leading to their exile as outcasts. Baraka, once a merchant, also falls victim to this plague. Witnessing the plight of his kind, he stands up for the infected and fights for hope.
The absence of a cure for this disease raises questions. Why did Liu Kang allow this to happen? Could it be the work of an external force or a remnant of the previous reality trying to reassert itself?
While the Saurian race persists, Syzoth, also known as Reptile, does not live among them. Reptile has the unique ability to morph into a human ninja form, making him an outcast among his kind. However, he finds acceptance and friendship among Earthrealm's heroes.
The Outworld Throne
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
Shao Kahn, the Konqueror, ruled Outworld after defeating its previous leader, Onaga. Obsessed with conquest, Shao Kahn targeted other realms and merged Edenia, ruled by King Jerrod and Queen Sindel, with Outworld. He killed Jerrod and raised Sindel's daughter, Kitana, to be an assassin.
However, Shao Kahn grew dissatisfied with Kitana's killer instinct and tasked Shang Tsung with creating Mileena, a clone with Tarkatan biology. Mileena longed for her sister Kitana's love and acceptance but was met with disgust, driving her to madness. Kitana eventually learned the truth about her lineage and broke away from Shao's influence.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
In this alternate timeline, Sindel is a benevolent ruler of Outworld, mourning her husband Jerrod's untimely death. She and Lord Liu Kang founded the Mortal Kombat tournament years earlier and have twin daughters, Mileena and Kitana. Princess Mileena is born first and is destined to become empress.
Kitana is protective of her sister and desires Mileena to rule, but Mileena is paranoid, fearing that Kitana would make a more level-headed ruler. To complicate matters, Mileena appears to be infected by the Tarkat plague, which, if revealed to the public, could jeopardize her claim to the throne.
As for Shao Kahn, his new origin portrays him as a once-sickly child who transformed into the ultimate soldier through rigorous training. Now known as General Shao, he is a celebrated military officer in Outworld. However, he disapproves of Sindel's friendship with Liu Kang and holds Earthrealm warriors in low regard.
Soldiers of Outworld
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
Tanya, an Edenian, often sided with the greater threat to ensure her survival. She served as Shinnok, Onaga, and Mileena as a henchwoman.
Reiko, one of Shao Kahn's feared generals, secretly harbored ambitions of killing Shao Kahn and taking him over as the ruler of Outworld. He even donned Shao Kahn's skull mask in private, dreaming of the day he could seize power.
Li Mei, an Outworld peasant, led her people into Earthrealm as refugees due to Mileena's wrath. In another timeline, her people were enslaved by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
In this alternate reality, the Umgadi, a sect of highly trained warrior women, are tasked with protecting the Outworld throne at any cost. Li Mei previously served among their ranks but left after being blamed for failure to prevent King Jerrod's murder. Determined to redeem herself, Li Mei becomes a stable.
Tanya is also a member of the Umgadi and maintains a close relationship with Mileena. However, they must keep their romantic involvement a secret to uphold the Umgadi's oaths.
Reiko, still serving under Shao Kahn, now does so with unwavering loyalty and admiration. Shao saved Reiko from captivity and witnessed the young Reiko single-handedly kill his captors. Impressed, Shao took Reiko under his wing and made him his squire.
Earthrealm Allies
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
Johnny Cage, initially an obnoxious egomaniac with immense skill, eventually matured and found a family with Sonya Blade and their daughter Cassandra. Johnny's lineage traced back to Mediterranean warriors obsessed with creating fighters capable of slaying gods, explaining his trademark green glow, which allowed him and later Cassie to defeat the evil Elder God Shinnok.
Kenshi Takahashi, who fought alongside Johnny during Shinnok's invasion, was a warrior marked by ego. He fell victim to Shang Tsung's deception, resulting in the loss of his ancestors' souls and his blindness. Armed with his ancestral sword Sento, Kenshi gained psychic abilities to compensate for his sight loss.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
Johnny Cage remains mostly unchanged, still a great hero with occasional egotistical tendencies. However, Sonya's absence and the absence of Cassandra in this reality raise questions. Additionally, Johnny lacks his green glow powers, leaving some to speculate about Liu Kang's motives.
Kenshi's circumstances differ significantly. No longer riding the legacy of his bloodline, he seeks to restore his family's lost honor. The Takahashi family has fallen on hard times, with Sento now in Johnny's possession. Although Kenshi retains his sight in this adventure, challenges lie ahead.
The Ambitious Sorcerers
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
Rain, the bastard son of an Edenian god, grew up as an orphan, bitter and convinced of his destiny for greatness. He wielded power over water but felt he never received the recognition he deserved, despite serving Shao Kahn.
Shang Tsung, a pupil of Shao Kahn, became addicted to soul consumption and possessed shapeshifting abilities. His charisma and cunning made him a formidable trickster, nearly achieving rule over the realms twice.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
Rain ascends to the role of High Mage of Outworld, renowned for his sorcery. Despite his respect, Rain pushes himself further and delves into the study of darker magic.
Conversely, Shang Tsung, who grew up in poverty, leads a despondent life as a snake oil salesman. This curious twist raises questions, possibly stemming from Liu Kang's influence or Shang Tsung's refusal to embrace humility. A resembling woman Kronika appears to him, revealing that Shang is destined to rule the realms, and he threatens to disrupt Liu Kang's reality.
Beyond Outworld
Previous Mortal Kombat Timelines
Nitara, a vampire from Vaeternus, aimed to liberate her realm from Outworld's grasp. Manipulating Cyrax and Reptile, she pursued her goal.
Havik, the Cleric of Chaos from Chaosrealm, possessed an insane healing factor and thrived on sowing chaos throughout the realms. He often influenced heroes and villains to make events more interesting, despite rarely engaging directly.
What Mortal Kombat 1's Timeline Changes
Vaeternus remains independent of Outworld, but the vampire race faces a dire food shortage. Nitara is determined to save her people from starvation by any means necessary.
Havik, now a resident of Seido (Orderrealm), becomes an anarchist fueled by anger at the injustices within this ordered realm. His mission is to disrupt the established order and sow chaos.
Those Unchanged
While Mortal Kombat 1 introduces numerous alterations to established concepts, some elements remain consistent:
Ashrah, a demon from the Netherrealm, embarked on a journey after obtaining the mystical blade Datusha. By using Datusha to slay evil creatures, Ashrah's soul progressively purifies, transforming her into an almost angelic yet still dangerous being.
Geras, the protector of time, previously served Kronika as her main enforcer. Now, he works under Lord Liu Kang, appearing more as a friend to Liu Kang rather than a mere pawn. Geras is tasked with safeguarding Liu Kang's vision and eliminating those who oppose it, despite his formidable power, which may not guarantee success.
In summary, Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a captivating alternative timeline filled with intriguing character shifts, fresh dynamics, and unforeseen challenges. Liu Kang's pursuit of a harmonious reality brings both hope and uncertainty to this reimagined Mortal Kombat universe.
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