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Mortal Kombat 1is called that way not because it’s a remake of the original, but because, in the previous installment, Liu Kang changed the timeline. As such, some characters underwent many changes to their lore, like Scorpion being now Sub-Zero’s brother.
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Yet, other characters, like Johnny Cage, for example, have had their story stay pretty much the same. So when it comes to the big names like Raiden, what happened? Is his story the same, or has something changed? And if something did change, how come he can still shoot lighting bolts?
Spoiler Warning!
Is Raiden A God In Mortal Kombat 1?
No, Raiden is no longer a god in Mortal Kombat 1. He served as the protector of Earthrealm and God of Thunder in the original timeline, but Liu Kang made some changes with his own version of the events.
In short, Liu Kang is now the God Protector, whileRaiden is the chosen champion of Earthrealm.
Though not a decision taken lightly, the original Raiden had gone through a dark path due to his anger. Liu Kang wanted to have Raiden avoid that fate, andthought the life of a mortal would ease his temper.
While not wrong, this new incarnation of Raiden feels like he wasrobbed of something without his rage, as he shows in his own ending.
Why Can Raiden Use Lighting Powers?
Raiden wouldn’t be the same without his powers, that’s for sure. So, some excuse had to be created in order for him to maintain his essence, even without his godhood. Fortunately, the reason fits very well within the plot, and it gets established fairly early on.
Raiden ended up beingchosen to represent Earthrealm in a fight against Outworld, but he lacked any magical powers to be any competition.
This is whyLiu Kang saw it fitting to give Raiden a magical amulet that lets him summon and control lighting, allowing Raiden have the powers we all know him for.
