The Mysteries Unleashed: Unraveling Baraka's Vanishing Act in Fire God Liu Kang's New Era!

Fighting game rosters rely on two key elements: dynamic move sets and memorable personalities. Mortal Kombat, a renowned fighting franchise, has maintained its popularity for the past three decades by expertly balancing satisfying gameplay with recognizable characters. Whether it's Scorpion, Sub-Zero, or Raiden, Mortal Kombat characters are easily distinguishable even to those unfamiliar with the franchise's gory action. However, in Mortal Kombat 1, NetherRealm Studios aims to challenge players' expectations and turn the established Mortal Kombat formula on its head.

Continuing the storyline from Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, Mortal Kombat 1 introduces the beginning of Fire God Liu Kang's new era. In this altered timeline, Liu Kang strives to rewrite history and create a more peaceful world. Unfortunately, the trailers for MK1 show that history tends to repeat itself, suggesting that Liu Kang's efforts may be in vain. In this new era, some of Mortal Kombat's most iconic characters have different origins, while others are noticeably absent. One such character who currently falls into the latter category is Baraka, the sharp-toothed Tarkatan who has been a part of the franchise since Mortal Kombat 2. Although Baraka has yet to appear in MK1's gameplay, his presence can be found elsewhere.

How Baraka Could Appear in Mortal Kombat 1

Baraka has been a long-standing character in the Mortal Kombat series, debuting in Mortal Kombat 2 alongside Jax Briggs and Kung Lao. While these fighters brought a fresh perspective to the human characters, Baraka introduced a more monstrous element with his arm blades and sharp teeth. He has since become a staple in almost every major MK release, earning a devoted following for his brutal fighting style, alongside fighters like Noob Saibot.

However, the inclusion of Baraka in Mortal Kombat 1 poses a unique challenge in the new era of Fire God Liu Kang. As of now, Baraka's participation in Mortal Kombat 1 remains unconfirmed. On the other hand, Mileena, Kitana's sister, has been confirmed as a character in the game. Mileena shares a distinct connection to Baraka's Tarkatan race. In previous MK lore, Mileena was a clone of Kitana infused with Tarkatan DNA, resulting in her distinctive appearance. However, in Mortal Kombat 1, Mileena's origins have undergone significant changes.

The Tarkat disease has taken its toll on Mileena, as mentioned in her bio on the Mortal Kombat 1 website. This disease has caused her mouth to adopt a grotesque appearance, potentially eradicating the Tarkatan species but maintaining a connection through the disease's name. If Baraka were to make an appearance, his origin story could also be altered, making him a fellow Edenian suffering from the Tarkat disease. This could lead to a sense of solidarity between Mileena and Baraka, ultimately establishing the Tarkatans as a new faction within the realms of Mortal Kombat.

The roster of Mortal Kombat 1 appears to be exceptionally unique, particularly with the introduction of the game's cameo fighters. With deceased fighters being brought back to life, familiar characters receiving new backstories, and an overall revision of Mortal Kombat lore, NetherRealm Studios is genuinely taking the franchise into uncharted territory. While it remains uncertain whether Baraka will be included in the upcoming game, the limited information available to fans hints at the possibility. Only time will reveal if the Fire God Liu Kang has made room for the formidable fighter in his new era.

Mortal Kombat 1 releases September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.