Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a fresh storyline, marking a departure from the franchise's previous narratives. Positioned as the twelfth installment in the Mortal Kombat series, Mortal Kombat 1 revolves around Liu Kang's initiative to assemble a team of fighters for the latest Mortal Kombat tournament. This shift in focus showcases Liu Kang's prominent involvement in the game, following his relinquishment of the title acquired in Mortal Kombat 11.
The conclusion of Mortal Kombat 11 witnessed the fusion of Raiden with Revenant Liu Kang, leading to the amalgamated soul inhabiting the past Liu Kang's body. This amalgamation bestowed upon Liu Kang the combined abilities of both himself and Raiden, crowning him as the God of Thunder and Fire. While Liu Kang's ascension to godhood provided an exhilarating character arc, a subtle alteration in his designation emerges in Mortal Kombat 1, where he is now primarily recognized as the God of Fire.
Liu Kang's Revamped Role in Mortal Kombat 1
Despite existing in a distinct narrative timeline from Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang's essence remains unaltered. Empowered by his newfound status as the Fire God following the events of Mortal Kombat 11, Liu Kang initiates a new historical era, setting the groundwork for the events of Mortal Kombat 1. Within the game, Liu Kang identifies himself not only as the Earthrealm's guardian but also as the God of Fire, omitting any reference to thunder.
Reimagining Raiden in Liu Kang's Altered Timeline
Previous entries in the franchise depicted Raiden as a deity with dominion over lightning as the God of Thunder. However, Liu Kang's narrative revision reshapes Raiden's essence. Instead of retaining his godly status, Raiden is reborn as a mortal in Liu Kang's retold history, ensuring he avoids the pitfalls of his prior divine existence. While the former incarnation of Raiden possessed immense power, his volatile temper clashed with his divine nature.
Liu Kang Surrenders Thunder Powers
Post the timeline reset in Mortal Kombat 11, where Liu Kang retains the thunder abilities from the previous Raiden, he opts to renounce these powers entirely. Transferring the thunder capabilities into the Amulet crafted by the Elder Gods for Raiden in the former timeline, Liu Kang later bestows this amulet, infused with thunder prowess, upon Raiden, enabling him to confront formidable adversaries from the Outworld.
Closing the Narrative Loop
Despite Raiden assuming mortal form in the revised timeline, Liu Kang's act of passing on the thunder-infused amulet symbolizes a cyclical narrative closure. This gesture ensures a safer conduit for Raiden to wield thunder-based abilities. Mortal Kombat 1 diverges from established franchise norms in various facets, with Raiden's portrayal standing out as a significant departure. While Raiden's thunder powers hold iconic status in the series' lore, this narrative twist imbues the character with potency while grounding him in mortality.
As the designated protector of Earthrealm and the God of Fire, Liu Kang shoulders increased responsibilities. The decision to reimagine Raiden as mortal yet permit him to wield thunder and lightning powers underscores Liu Kang's unwavering commitment to maintaining peace. The multiverse of Mortal Kombat introduces compelling reinterpretations of beloved characters, with Liu Kang exemplifying a steadfast guardian of Earthrealm's interests.