The Ultimate Roster Wish List for Liu Kang's New Era in Mortal Kombat

The Mortal Kombat franchise has a diverse lineup of fighters, spanning thirty years. From Raiden to Reptile, numerous kombatants have engaged in bloody battles throughout the series. Mortal Kombat 1 brings back both familiar and obscure characters, providing them with new origin stories. NetherRealm Studios has made the bold decision to start fresh with many fighters, removing unnecessary elements from previous entries. Despite this, Mortal Kombat 1 effectively executes this approach, creating a captivating experience.

Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a mix of well-known fighters alongside characters who have been absent from MK games for years. From Reiko to Nitara, these kombatants have not been seen since the 3D era of MK. NetherRealm successfully reintroduces them, giving them more depth than ever before. However, as a consequence, Mortal Kombat 1 leaves out some popular fighters. Although it is likely that these characters still exist in Fire God Liu Kang's new era, their whereabouts remain unexplained in Mortal Kombat 1's canon.

Kabal

Kabal, the speedy hooksword specialist, has been a part of the Mortal Kombat franchise since Mortal Kombat 3. Throughout the series, he has been a frequent presence, except for his absence in Mortal Kombat 1. In the previous storyline, Kabal was known as a member of the notorious Black Dragon, a gang led by Kano and often allied with Shao Kahn. Additionally, he served as a police officer alongside the MK1 Kameo fighter, Stryker, starting from MK9. Surprisingly, there are no traces of Kabal or his previous allegiances in MK1. However, it is possible that a sequel or future story DLC for MK1 could reintroduce Kabal and the Black Dragon. As of now, though, the beloved character remains nowhere to be seen.

Nightwolf

Nightwolf, a formidable Native American warrior, made his debut in Mortal Kombat 3. Throughout the Mortal Kombat saga, he has consistently fought on the side of good, employing his iconic green tomahawks to vanquish his enemies. It is plausible that Nightwolf remains connected to his tribe during the events of Mortal Kombat 1, leaving ample room for a potential sequel or upcoming DLC to uncover the origins of his extraordinary abilities. Moreover, as an enduring comrade of Raiden, it is conceivable that NetherRealm is laying the groundwork for their initial encounter, ultimately intertwining their fates in a fresh narrative. Regardless, Nightwolf would undoubtedly be a valuable addition, warmly embraced by the devoted MK fanbase.

Jade

Jade, a beloved fighter in Mortal Kombat since its early days, has had a close connection to Kitana and Shao Kahn in previous lore. As Kitana's best friend and an assassin for Shao, Jade's origins could receive significant revisions if she were to appear in Mortal Kombat 1. One potential storyline could still involve her aligning with General Shao, but this time, Jade would serve as an ally as Shao attempts to take control of Outworld. While Jade's relationship with Kitana would persist, it would be portrayed in a more antagonistic manner.

Mortal Kombat 1 showcased remarkable creativity in its new canon, with noteworthy changes such as Liu Kang and Raiden swapping roles and the bold exploration of Sub-Zero and Scorpion's dynamic. These risks paid off, leaving fans wondering where NetherRealm will take the franchise following the monumental events of MK1's final act. It is evident that the developer is unafraid to shake things up, making it exciting to anticipate MK1's story DLC or a sequel to discover more about the diverse range of characters, including the influential trio.

Mortal Kombat 1 is available now for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.