Who Canonically Won Mortal Kombat?
The Mortal Kombat series has been a staple of the fighting game genre for decades, with its rich history and complex storyline. One of the most pressing questions among fans is who canonically won the tournament. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Mortal Kombat and provide a definitive answer to this question.
The Early Years
The first Mortal Kombat game, released in 1992, introduced players to the world of Earthrealm, a realm threatened by the evil Shang Tsung and his master, Emperor Shao Kahn. The game’s story mode revolved around Liu Kang, a Shaolin monk who entered the Mortal Kombat tournament to defeat Shang Tsung and save Earthrealm.
Liu Kang’s Dominance
Throughout the early games, Liu Kang emerged as the champion of Mortal Kombat, defeating Shang Tsung and Shao Kahn in the tournament. Liu Kang’s victories solidified his position as the main protagonist of the series. His success was due in part to his skills as a martial artist and his connection to the divine, as he was chosen by the gods to defend Earthrealm.
Mortal Kombat 4 and the Shujinko Era
Mortal Kombat 4 marked a significant shift in the series’ storyline. Liu Kang was killed by Shinnok, and his soul was sent to the Netherrealm. The game’s story mode followed Shujinko, a new protagonist, as he entered the Mortal Kombat tournament to avenge Liu Kang’s death. Shujinko’s victory in the tournament made him the new champion of Mortal Kombat.
Mortal Kombat: Deception and the Return of Liu Kang
Mortal Kombat: Deception saw the return of Liu Kang, who was resurrected by the gods. Liu Kang’s resurrection marked a significant turning point in the series’ storyline, as he became the champion of Mortal Kombat once again. His victory in the tournament cemented his position as the main protagonist of the series.
Mortal Kombat (2011) and the Rise of Raiden
The 2011 reboot of Mortal Kombat saw the introduction of Raiden as the main protagonist. Raiden’s storyline focused on his efforts to defeat the evil sorcerer Shao Kahn and save Earthrealm. Liu Kang made a brief appearance in the game, but his role was limited to a cameo.
Mortal Kombat X and the Return of Liu Kang
Mortal Kombat X saw the return of Liu Kang, who was once again the champion of Mortal Kombat. Liu Kang’s victory in the tournament marked a significant moment in the series’ storyline, as it solidified his position as the main protagonist.
Mortal Kombat 11 and the Conclusion of the Storyline
Mortal Kombat 11 concluded the series’ storyline, with Liu Kang defeating Kronika and becoming the new defender of Earthrealm. Liu Kang’s victory in the tournament marked the culmination of his journey as the champion of Mortal Kombat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Liu Kang is the canonically winning character of Mortal Kombat. His victories in the tournament and his role as the main protagonist of the series have cemented his position as the champion of Mortal Kombat. Shujinko’s victory in Mortal Kombat 4 was a significant turning point in the series’ storyline, but Liu Kang’s return and subsequent victories have solidified his position as the main protagonist.
Table: Mortal Kombat Champions
| Game | Champion |
|---|---|
| Mortal Kombat (1992) | Liu Kang |
| Mortal Kombat II (1993) | Liu Kang |
| Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) | Liu Kang |
| Mortal Kombat 4 (1997) | Shujinko |
| Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004) | Liu Kang |
| Mortal Kombat (2011) | Raiden |
| Mortal Kombat X (2015) | Liu Kang |
| Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) | Liu Kang |
References
- Mortal Kombat (1992) game data
- Mortal Kombat II (1993) game data
- Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) game data
- Mortal Kombat 4 (1997) game data
- Mortal Kombat: Deception (2004) game data
- Mortal Kombat (2011) game data
- Mortal Kombat X (2015) game data
- Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) game data
Note: The references provided are based on the game data and may not be exhaustive.