The Ultimate Mortal Kombat 1 Comeback: Unveiling the Most Epic Character Re-Introductions

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 features familiar characters with new twists thanks to Liu Kang's new timeline, making them more engaging and relatable.

Both villains and heroes have undergone exciting transformations, revitalizing their characters and enhancing the enjoyment of watching and playing as them. Iconic figures such as Shao Khan, Sub-Zero, Baraka, Havik, Raiden, Mileena, and Reptile have experienced notable revisions, introducing a new layer of intricacy and depth to their narratives and personas.

In Mortal Kombat 1, the latest installment of the game series, familiar characters from the universe return, but with a twist. Liu Kang's new timeline has transformed many of these beloved kombatants, resulting in a more captivating and relatable experience. Alongside the villains, even the Earthrealm heroes have undergone much-needed makeovers after years of remaining unchanged. While not all character reintroductions have resonated with fans, there are numerous instances where they have rejuvenated the character, adding excitement to the story and, at times, enhancing the gameplay.

7 General Shao

Shao Khan has been the iconic antagonist in the Mortal Kombat narrative since the arcade era. However, in Mortal Kombat 1, his character has been slightly modified to showcase a more restrained yet still sinister demeanor. Rather than a merciless tyrant, Shao now assumes the role of Outworld's army general, effectively adding a mythical element to his legacy due to his courage and unwavering commitment to safeguard his people by any means necessary. Additionally, he now aligns himself with his empress, Sindel, who was previously known as his wife in past timelines.

Nevertheless, it should not be misconstrued that he has morphed into a protagonist. As the story unfolds, Shao's malevolent nature gradually resurfaces, leaving players to witness his maleficence in full force. By transforming him into a military leader, NetherRealm has successfully grounded his character, making him more plausible while preserving his status as one of the most formidable entities in the Mortal Kombat universe.

6 Sub-Zero

In the original Sub-Zero's storyline, the focus was primarily on the deep-seated animosity between him and Scorpion, a rivalry that has endured since the very first game and even continued into the Mortal Kombat 9 reboot. However, there have been significant changes in Mortal Kombat 1. Sub-Zero, now the revered leader of the Lin Kuei, which includes Scorpion and their adopted member Smoke, exhibits a much darker and malevolent aspect to his character.

Throughout the story, he consistently belittles Smoke, reminding him of his non-bloodline status among the Lin Kuei members. Furthermore, he openly criticizes Liu Kang, whom he believes has hindered the clan's progress. This shift in Sub-Zero's demeanor, where he assumes a more ruthless and assertive role, has truly rejuvenated the character, particularly considering he has often been overshadowed by Scorpion over the years.

5 Baraka

Baraka remains largely unchanged in appearance in the new timeline, setting him apart from many other characters. However, beneath his menacing teeth and arm-blades lies a character with a significantly different persona and a deeply tragic backstory. Rather than being inherently bloodthirsty as a Tarkatan, Baraka was originally a modest Edenian merchant who tragically contracted the Tarkatan disease, leading the Outworld inhabitants to cast him out.

In an effort to combat the Tarkatan disease's effects, Baraka gathers other victims to establish the Tarkatan Colony. Additionally, he joins forces with Johnny Cage and Kenshi in their mission to defeat the malevolent sorcerer, Shang Tsung. It becomes challenging to categorize Baraka as an antagonist in this new timeline; while he remains a fierce Kombatant, players can perceive his lack of enjoyment in inflicting harm through the character interactions preceding each match.

4 Havik

Having last appeared in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, Havik has made his long-awaited return, but his character has undergone a significant transformation. In Mortal Kombat 1, players witness a gradual and believable decline in Havik, adding depth and complexity to his persona, surpassing the previous games.

Unlike his previous origin in Chaosrealm with an existing obsession with death and chaos, Havik now originates from Orderrealm in the new timeline. Initially, he is a member of Seido, but his weariness and frustration with the realm's laws, particularly its oppressive caste system, lead to his eventual rebellion. This expanded backstory and character development elevate Havik beyond a mere troublemaker, making him much more intriguing and multi-dimensional.

3 Raiden

Raiden had become incredibly powerful in Mortal Kombat 11, thanks to the intense trials he had endured in previous games. From a temporary stint as an evil force to sending a message back in time to save himself from annihilation, Raiden's accomplishments were impressive. In the original timeline, he even vanquished Shang Tsung and Quan Chi with a single devastating attack. However, as the story progressed, it became apparent that NetherRealm was struggling to find new ways to utilize Raiden, especially with Liu Kang having now assumed the role of a deity.

In the new timeline, Raiden has undergone a significant transformation. Instead of the wise, formidable sage capable of defeating any opponent, he is portrayed as a young, somewhat inexperienced individual who is still learning to master his powers. Interestingly, he has taken on the position previously held by Liu Kang, now serving as Earthrealm's hero under the guidance of the Fire God. This fresh and unseasoned portrayal of Raiden adds relatability to his character, as he demonstrates unwavering determination to grow stronger and protect his people. Furthermore, he becomes a more enjoyable presence, injecting a sense of fun into the overall narrative.

2 Mileena

Mileena has always been a beloved character among fans, but NetherRealm probably didn't anticipate just how immensely popular she would become over the years. The truth is, her intriguing backstory as Shang Tsung's creation, designed to surpass Kitana, didn't leave much room for character development. She was essentially a terrifying monster driven solely by the desire to attack anyone who crossed her path.

Although Mileena undeniably fit well within Mortal Kombat's dark and gruesome world, fans were eager for additional scenes that could delve deeper into her character. NetherRealm only partially addressed this in the arcade mode of Mortal Kombat 11. In Mortal Kombat 1, however, they took a different approach, portraying her as Kitana's biological sister afflicted with the Tarkatan disease. As a result, while Mileena's gameplay remains just as unhinged and bloodthirsty, her story now carries a heartfelt element of aspiring to be the best empress she can be while battling against her own affliction.

1 Reptile

Unfortunately, Reptile has always been a lesser-known fighter in past Mortal Kombat games. However, his intriguing and sorrowful backstory has been overshadowed. Thankfully, in Mortal Kombat 1, Reptile is finally receiving the recognition he deserves. Previously, he was the lone survivor of the Zaterrans, facing an Outworld invasion that drove him to madness. As a result, he became a chaotic underling, desperately aligning himself with any leader who could restore his planet's former glory.

In the new timeline, the Outworld invasion did not occur. Instead, Reptile is ostracized because of his shapeshifting ability, which allows him to transform into a human at will. Now, he has transformed into a freedom fighter. Initially, his focus is on rescuing his captive family from Shang Tsung. Eventually, he joins forces with Liu Kang. This altered version of Reptile's backstory makes him a much more captivating character - a significant figure in the Mortal Kombat universe, rather than a forgettable grunt.

Mortal Kombat 1

Platform(s) PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series SReleased September 19, 2023Developer(s) NetherRealm StudiosGenre(s) Fighting