History Heartwarming / MortalKombat1

* Although Ermac's Collective has wrestled control back from Jerrod post-story, it's clear that he's no longer bound to Quan Chi after the sorcerer betrayed him. Pre-fight intros suggest Ermac is not an antagonist going out of his way to cause problems for the heroes, but is DesperatelySeekingAPurposeInLife like he did in the original timeline after [[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeception Kenshi freed him from Shao Kahn's control.]] Although Jerrod and Sindel may be lost in the Collection, it being unknown if they can take control again, there's at least some comfort knowing Ermac won't be allying with the remaining villains.

* Though Ermac's existence wasn't intended in the New Era, Liu Kang still welcomes him like the AllLovingHero.

* Although Ermac's Collective has wrestled control from Jerrod post-story, it's clear that he's no longer bound to Quan Chi after the sorcerer betrayed him. Pre-fight intros suggest Ermac is not an antagonist going out of his way to cause problems for the heroes, but is DesperatelySeekingAPurposeInLife like he did in the original timeline after [[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeception Kenshi freed him from Shao Kahn's control.]] Although Jerrod and Sindel may be lost in the Collection, it being unknown if they can take back control again, there's at least some comfort knowing Ermac won't be allying with the remaining villains.

* Now that he's free of Quan Chi, Ermac is now DesperatelySeekingAPurposeInLife, and Raiden offers encouragement.

* Although Ermac's Collective has wrestled control from Jerrod post-story, it's clear that he's no longer bound to Quan Chi after the sorcerer betrayed him. Pre-fight intros suggest Ermac is not an antagonist going out of his way to cause problems for the heroes, but is DesperatelySeekingAPurposeInLife like he did in original timeline after [[VideoGame/MortalKombatDeception Kenshi freed him from Shao Kahn's control.]] Although Jerrod and Sindel may be lost in the Collection, it being unknown if they can take control again, it's some comfort knowing Ermac won't be allying with the remaining villains.

** Looking at Liu Kang's allies [[ShockAndAwe Raiden]] [[BroughtDownToNormal isn't a god anymore but a mortal]] living life as a [[FarmBoy farmer]] instead of [[BeleagueredAssistant having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis]] due to the [[GodIsInept Elder Gods' incompetence]].

* Looking at Liu Kang's allies [[ShockAndAwe Raiden]] [[BroughtDownToNormal isn't a god anymore but a mortal]] living life as a [[FarmBoy farmer]] instead of [[BeleagueredAssistant having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis]] due to the [[GodIsInept Elder Gods' incompetence]].

** Looking at Liu Kang's allies [[ShockAndAwe Raiden]] [[BroughtDownToNormal isn't a god anymore but a mortal]] living life as a [[FarmBoy farmer]] instead of [[BeleagueredAssistant having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis]] due to the [[GodIsInept Elder Gods' incompetence]].

** [[LizardFolk Reptile's species]] have been restored but [[VoluntaryShapeshifting Syzoth]] is still [[AllOfTheOtherReindeer an outcast among Outworld]]. However, he manages to gain friends from Earthrealm and Outworld, a [[OfficialCouple girlfriend]] in [[TheAtoner Ashrah]] and his ending has him becoming an {{ambadassador}} for the Zaterrans and vowing to destroy a [[TheConspiracy conspiracy against him and fellow Zaterrans with his mutation]].
** [[MakingASplash Rain]] gains the position and respect he yearned for not by [[ScrewTheRulesIHaveConnections birthright]] but skill and hard work. Sadly, siding with [[LesCollaborateurs the plots against the royal family]] makes him lose all of this and he ends up helping [[AxCrazy Havik]] out of desperation, damaging [[OrderIsNotGood Orderrealm]] by creating a flood that destroys its capital of Seido and kills many people, thus allowing Havik to rename it [[WorldOfChaos Chaosrealm]]. However, if one good thing is to be gleaned from ''all that'' Rain [[HeelRealization undergoes]] [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone remorse]] and heads to Outworld authorities, finally [[HumblePie humbling himself]].

** [[BigBrotherWorship Kuai Liang]] is [[PlayingWithFire Scorpion]] in this timeline and still human rather than a long-suffering, [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] [[OurZombiesAreDifferent revenant]] and allowed to grow up alongside his brother [[CoolBigBro Bi-Han]]. Shame about Bi-Han's [[{{Pride}} arrogance]] and [[AmbitionIsEvil ambitions]] ultimately souring their relationship.

** Looking at Liu Kang's allies [[ShockAndAwe Raiden]] [[BroughtDownToNormal isn't a god anymore but a mortal]] living life as a [[FarmBoy farmer]] instead of having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis due to the [[GodIsInept Elder Gods' ineptitude]].
** [[WarriorPrincess Kitana]] finally gets to know her real parents and gains a sister in Mileena rather than losing her father [[TheGoodKing Jerrod]] before she can remember him, being raised and brainwashed by a tyrant, getting betrayed by her mother [[TheHighQueen Sindel]] and having a [[AbhorrentAdmirer twisted pursuer]] [[EvilTwin made from her very essence]].

*** In hindsight he did make ''one'' positive change to Shang Tsung's life. In past timelines he [[WasOnceAMan was a human sorcerer]] who learned how to steal souls in order to gain power and [[FountainOfYouth longevity]] [[PowerAtAPrice at the cost of having to keep doing so to maintain it]] which is why he [[CategoryTraitor defected to Outworld]]. In the New Era he's reborn as an Outworlder with [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld a naturally long lifespan and is still young and handsome-looking by the time we meet him]].

*** In hindsight he did make ''one'' positive change to Shang Tsung's life. In past timelines he [[WasOnceAMan was a human sorcerer]] who learned how to steal souls in order to gain power and [[FountainOfYouth longevity]] [[PowerAtAPrice at the cost of having to keep doing so to maintain it]] which is why he [[CategoryTraitor defected to Outworld]]. In the New Era he's reborn as an Outworlder with [[ActuallySevenHundredYearsOld a naturally long lifespan and is still young and handsome-looking by the time we meet him]].

Liu Kang's goal for a timeline filled with warmth and peace is ever so present in this New Era.

* The fact [[DeityOfHumanOrigin Liu Kang]] gave different lives to past antagonists as well is {{irony}} since he gave them what they wanted without the negative events that happened before (i.e., bloodshed):

** [[EvilOverlord Shao Kahn]] (now just Shao) is reduced to a [[FourStarBadass general]] but he's still in a position of power like he coveted, albeit one where he can't really abuse people as a despot. Also, he was forced to earn his power by hard work [[SicklyChildGrewUpStrong due to being sickly]] unlike past versions that just violently took whatever they wanted. This leads to to him becoming [[ALighterShadeOfBlack somewhat of a better person than his original self]], even when he undergoes his FaceHeelTurn since he has concerned over Outworld and its people (albeit due to [[TheParanoiac paranoia]]) unlike the [[KickTheDog cruel]], [[ItsAllAboutMe selfish]] Shaos from previous timelines who conquered [[GloryHound for glory]].
** [[LizardFolk Reptile's species]] have been restored but unfortunately [[VoluntaryShapeshifting Syzoth]] is still [[AllOfTheOtherReindeer an outcast among Outworld]]. However, he manages to gain friends from Earthrealm and Outworld, a girlfriend in Ashrah and his ending has him becoming an {{ambadassador}} for the Zaterrans and vowing to destroy a [[TheConspiracy conspiracy against him and fellow Zaterrans with his mutation]].
** [[MakingASplash Rain]] gains the position and respect he yearned for not by birthright but skill and hard work. Sadly, siding with the [[TheUsurper plots against the royal family]] makes him lose all of this and he ends up helping [[AxCrazy Havik]] out of desperation, damaging [[OrderIsNotGood Orderrealm]] by creating a flood that destroys its capital of Seido and kills many people, thus allowing Havik to rename it [[WorldOfChaos Chaosrealm]]. However, if one good thing is to be gleaned from ''all that'' Rain [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone undergoes remorse]] and heads to Outworld authorities, finally [[HumblePie humbling himself]].
** [[VowOfCelibacy Tanya]] gets to live in a free [[MulticulturalAlienPlanet Edenia]] which is merged with [[{{Mordor}} Outworld]] from the beginning. Without a desire to free her realm she has no reason to be a self-serving [[FantasticTerrorists terrorist]].
** [[TheStrategist Reiko]] now has UndyingLoyalty towards Shao as his [[TheDragon second-in-command]], finally getting to serve whom he wants.
** [[TheStoic Geras]] is now an ally and his job is mainly looking after the [[MacGuffin Hourglass]] and being an advisor to Liu Kang, not just an [[CompleteImmortality immortal]] [[TheHeavy flunky]] with no free will that gets [[CosmicPlaything regularly abused by forces greater than himself]].
** [[BigBrotherWorship Kuai Liang]] is [[PlayingWithFire Scorpion]] in this timeline and still human rather than a long-suffering, [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] [[OurZombiesAreDifferent revenant]] and allowed to grow up alongside his brother Bi-Han. Shame about Bi-Han's [[{{Pride}} arrogance]] and [[AmbitionIsEvil ambitions]] ultimately souring their relationship.

** Looking at Liu Kang's allies, [[ShockAndAwe Raiden]] [[BroughtDownToNormal isn't a god anymore but a mortal]] happily living life as a farmer instead of having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis due to the [[GodIsInept Elder Gods' ineptitude]].

** [[WoobieDestroyerOfWorlds Hanzo Hasashi]] is reborn as a young StreetUrchin which seems like a worse life on paper if not for circumstances leading to him meeting [[SuperSmoke Tomas Vrbada AKA Smoke]] and becoming the first initiate into the new Shirai Ryu, allowing him to bond with and train alongside those who were on the opposite end of the Shirai Ryu's bloody history in his previous life. It also lessens the likelihood of him losing everything to a massacre considering those running the Shirai Ryu this time are significantly more empowered.
** [[WolverineWannabe Baraka]] was a wealthy merchant and [[RetiredBadass former soldier]] with a happy family [[YankTheDogsChain before Tarkat stole it from him and reduced him to an outcast]]. But with Mileena being newly crowned empress, he has a better chance of doing his community right. He's also not frequently treated like a [[ButtMonkey punching bag]].
** The only exception seems to be [[YourSoulIsMine Shang Tsung]] as he seemingly has quite a miserable life; however, Liu Kang says in a pre-fight line it was to teach him humility and learning to treat others with respect, presumably setting the way for allowing Shang Tsung to lift himself out of squalor. [[EvilSorcerer Quan Chi]] could've also been going through his own self-discovery before the events of the game happened. Unfortunately [[TheManBehindTheMan Titan!Shang Tsung]] had other plans.
*** In hindsight he did make ''one'' positive change to Shang Tsung's life. In past timelines he [[WasOnceAMan was a mortal sorcerer]] who learned how to steal souls in order to gain power and [[FountainOfYouth longevity]] at the cost of having to keep doing so in order to maintain it which is why he [[CategoryTraitor defected to Outworld]]. In the New Era, he's reborn as one of the Outworlders who have naturally long lifespans and is still young and handsome by the time we meet him.
*** Also while other villains like Shao and Rain managed to attain their positions and success in life through honest and hard work[[note]]Shao grew up sickly and Rain honed his skills and talents[[/note]] Shang Tsung's situation is entirely his fault due to his [[BrilliantButLazy inherent dislike of such things]].
* Liu Kang's portrayal all-around is heartwarming; he clearly learned a lot from the mistakes of the Raiden of past timelines and fills the role of the BigGood far better than he did. His very presence gives off wisdom, tranquility and compassion. He instructs his champions on what to expect in Outworld, is patient with them through their ignorance of the larger universe they're learning about for the first time, is conservative about showing off his powers, is polite and respectful to everyone he meets (though it's through clenched teeth when he talks to General Shao) and demonstrates respect and admiration for the myriad cultures of Outworld. In short, he's what you'd logically get if an AllLovingHero became a PhysicalGod.
** At the same time, GoodIsNotSoft: he's not afraid to use a brief show of power to get his point across when more diplomatic approaches fails, takes threats to the peace between realms very seriously and will take direct and decisive action against them. He has absolutely no desire for a war with Outworld but as it becomes increasingly likely that it may be inevitable, he begins preparing his champions for it to ensure they'd win.
** And yet he's retained his humility, as he repeatedly shoots down Sindel's comments about treating him as a god, he expects no worship from mortals even once they learn he was once the Keeper of Time and when he talks on the assumption that Sindel will help him in the coming conflict, he quickly clarifies that he's asking as a friend, not commanding as a god.
* Many long-time villains in the series (including one of its most signature ones in Mileena) are now heroes in this game, with Liu's new fruitful reality giving everyone (save for Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, purposefully) more favorable circumstances to better their fates, and the characters in turn taking it.
* Baraka, in his bio, is stated to be determined to find a cure for Tarkat, not just for himself but for everyone who's suffering from it. In fact, in this timeline, Baraka is a fierce, but understanding individual who went from a disposable henchman to being recognized as a noble warrior, if one with a horrifying disease.
* Reptile in previous games was almost always regarded with contempt by the other characters: the heroes were disgusted by him and the villains saw him as little more than a minion to use for their own ends, with little regard for him as a person. In this game, not only is he referred to by his given name, Syzoth, but he's welcomed into the heroic faction and they're actually impressed by his abilities.
* Mileena's entire plotline in this game can be summed up as a redemption arc for her character. In the two previous lives, she was denied what she had always wanted: the throne of Outworld and the love of her family, especially her sister Kitana. Now, in Liu Kang's New Era, she finally gets her dreams fulfilled. She's born the legitimate daughter of Jerrod and Sindel, is Kitana's elder twin sister and is poised to become Empress of Outworld. Although she gets afflicted with the Tarkat disease, which mutates her into the monster she was in previous timelines, New Era Mileena has a much healthier mindset due to not being raised by AbusiveParents like Shao Kahn and once she starts becoming accustomed to her Tarkatan affliction, she gradually gains more control of it over the course of the story. By the end of the story, she's a hero to the people of Outworld (especially the Tarkatans and Zaterrans) and still has most of her family with Kitana and her dearest Tanya by her side as her aides, along with the support of a revived-as-Ermac Jerrod and Sindel, who after her death became a part of Ermac.
* After the highly criticized portrayal of her in ''11'' that outraged fans, Sindel is back to being the wise and benevolent Queen that she was before who loves her home and both of her daughters equally.
* Kuai Liang in general, despite taking the moniker of the usually more villainous Scorpion, proves to be the same kind hearted hero his previous timeline counterpart was.
* The New Era version of Geras is far from the cold detached agent of Kronika he was. He values Liu Kang as a friend, sees how much being defender of Earthrealm matters to him; he safeguards Liu Kang's Titan powers when he gives them up, but doesn't tell Liu Kang about it [[GodzillaThreshold until it is necessary]] so that the latter can enjoy his life as Earthrealm's protector. More importantly, he believes and is committed to Liu Kang's vision of a peaceful timeline not because he's compelled to, but because it genuinely appeals to him.

** [[ArrogantKungFuGuy Bi-Han]], still [[AnIcePerson Sub-Zero]] is TheLeader of the [[{{Ninja}} Lin Kuei]] instead of the Grandmaster who had Quan Chi wipe out the [[TheRival Shirai Ryu]] and [[UnwillingRoboticisation forcibly turned members into unfeeling cyborgs]]. It's just unfortunate his [[HolierThanThou self-righteousness]] leads to him taking everything he's been given for granted. On the plus side he survived the main game, something that can't be said for his past selves.

** [[LizardFolk Reptile's species]] have been restored but unfortunately Syzoth is still [[AllOfTheOtherReindeer an outcast among Outworld]]. However, he manages to gain friends from Earthrealm and Outworld, a girlfriend in Ashrah and his ending has him becoming an {{ambadassador}} for the Zaterrans and vowing to destroy a [[TheConspiracy conspiracy against him and fellow Zaterrans with his mutation]].

** [[EvilOverlord Shao Khan]] (now just Shao) is reduced to a [[FourStarBadass general]] but he's still in a position of power like he coveted, albeit one where he can't really abuse people as a despot. Also, he was forced to earn his power by hard work [[SicklyChildGrewUpStrong due to being sickly]] unlike past versions that just violently took whatever they wanted. This leads to to him becoming [[ALighterShadeOfBlack somewhat of a better person than his original self]], even when he undergoes his FaceHeelTurn since he has concerned over Outworld and its people (albeit due to [[TheParanoiac paranoia]]) unlike the [[KickTheDog cruel]], [[ItsAllAboutMe selfish]] Shaos from previous timelines who conquered [[GloryHound for glory]].

** [[WolverineWannabe Baraka]] was a wealthy merchant and [[RetiredBadass former soldier]] with a happy family [[YankTheDogsChain before Tarkat stole it from him and reduced him to an outcast]]. But with Mileena being newly crowned empress he has a better chance of doing his community right. He's also not frequently treated like a [[ButtMonkey punching bag]].

*** In hindsight he did make ''one'' positive change to Shang Tsung's life. In past timelines he [[WasOnceAMan was a mortal sorcerer]] who learned how to steal souls in order to gain power and [[FountainOfYouth longevity]] at the cost of having to keep doing so in order to maintain it which is why he [[CategoryTraitor defected to Outworld]]. In the New Era he's reborn as one of the Outworlders who have naturally long lifespans and is still young and handsome by the time we meet him.

** [[ArrogantKungFuGuy Bi-Han]], still [[AnIcePerson Sub-Zero]] is TheLeader of the [[{{Ninja}} Lin Kuei]] instead of the Grandmaster who had [[EvilSorcerer Quan Chi]] wipe out the [[TheRival Shirai Ryu]] and [[UnwillingRoboticisation forcibly turned members into unfeeling cyborgs]]. It's just unfortunate his [[HolierThanThou self-righteousness]] leads to him taking everything he's been given for granted. On the plus side he survived the main game, something that can't be said for his past selves.

** The only exception seems to be [[YourSoulIsMine Shang Tsung]] as he seemingly has quite a miserable life; however, Liu Kang says in a pre-fight line it was to teach him humility and learning to treat others with respect, presumably setting the way for allowing Shang Tsung to lift himself out of squalor. Quan Chi could also be going through his own self-discovery before the events of the game happen. Unfortunately Titan!Shang Tsung had other plans.
*** In hindsight he did make ''one'' positive change to Shang Tsung's life. In past timelines he was a mortal sorcerer who learned how to steal souls in order to gain power and immortality at the cost of having to keep doing so in order to maintain it which is why he defected to Outworld. In the New Era he is reborn as an Outworlder who have naturally long lifespans and is still young and handsome by the time we meet him.
*** Also while other villains like Shao and Rain managed to attain their positions and success in life through honest and hard work[[note]]Shao grew up sickly and Rain honed his skills and talents[[/note]] Shang Tsung's situation is entirely his fault due to his inherent dislike of such things.

* The fact Liu Kang gave different lives to past antagonists as well is {{irony}} since he gave them what they wanted without the negative events that happened before (i.e., bloodshed):
** He had Mileena be born as the legitimate twin sister of Kitana and ''heir apparent'' to Outworld's throne, granting her [[IJustWantToBeLoved desire to be accepted and adored]].
** Shao is reduced to a [[FourStarBadass general]] but he's still in a position of power like he coveted, albeit one where he can't really abuse people as a despot. Also, he was forced to earn his power by hard work due to being sickly unlike past versions that just violently took whatever they wanted. This leads to to him becoming somewhat of a better person than his original self, even when he undergoes his FaceHeelTurn since he has concerned over Outworld and its people (albeit due to [[TheParanoiac paranoia]]) unlike the [[KickTheDog cruel]], [[ItsAllAboutMe selfish]] Shaos from previous timelines who conquered [[GloryHound for glory]].

** Rain gains the position and respect he yearned for not by birthright but skill and hard work. Sadly, siding with the [[TheUsurper plots against the royal family]] makes him lose all of this and he ends up helping Havik out of desperation, damaging Orderrealm by creating a flood that destroys Seido and kills many people, thus allowing Havik to rename it Chaosrealm. However, if one good thing is to be gleaned from ''all that'' Rain [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone undergoes remorse]] and heads to Outworld authorities, finally [[HumblePie humbling himself]].
** Tanya gets to live in a free Edenia which is merged with Outworld from the beginning. Without a desire to free her realm she has no reason to be a self-serving terrorist.
** Reiko now has UndyingLoyalty towards Shao, finally getting to serve whom he wants.
** Geras is now an ally and his job is mainly looking after the [[MacGuffin Hourglass]] and being an advisor to Liu Kang, not just an [[CompleteImmortality immortal]] [[TheHeavy flunky]] with no free will that [[CosmicPlaything gets regularly abused by forces greater than himself]].
** Kuai Liang is Scorpion in this timeline and still human rather than a long-suffering, [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] [[BackFromTheDead revenant]] and allowed to grow up alongside his brother Bi-Han. Shame about Bi-Han's [[ArrogantKungFuGuy arrogance]] and [[AmbitionIsEvil ambitions]] ultimately souring their relationship.
** Bi-Han, still Sub-Zero, is TheLeader of the Lin Kuei instead of the corrupt Grandmaster who had Quan Chi wipe out the Shirai Ryu and [[UnwillingRoboticisation forcibly turned several members into unfeeling cyborgs]]. It's just unfortunate his self-righteousness leads to him taking everything he's been given for granted. On the plus side, he survived hi death in the main game, a thing that cannot be said for his past selves.
** Looking at Liu Kang's allies, Raiden isn't a god anymore but a mortal happily living life as a farmer instead of having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis due to the Elder Gods' ineptitude.
** Kitana finally gets to know her real parents and gains a sister in Mileena rather than losing her father before she can remember him, being raised and brainwashed by a tyrant, getting betrayed by her mother and having a twisted pursuer made from her very essence.
** Hanzo Hasashi is reborn as a young street urchin which seems like a worse life on paper if not for the circumstances leading him to meeting Smoke and becoming the first initiate into the new Shirai Ryu, allowing him to bond with and train alongside those who were on the opposite end of the Shirai Ryu's bloody history in his previous life. It also lessens the likelihood of him losing everything to a massacre considering those running the Shirai Ryu this time are significantly more empowered.
** Baraka was a rich merchant and former soldier with a happy family [[YankTheDogsChain before Tarkat stole that from him and reduced him to an outcast]]. But with Mileena being newly crowned empress he has a better chance of doing his community right. He's also not frequently treated like a punching bag.
** The only exception seems to be Shang Tsung as he seemingly has quite a miserable life, however, Liu Kang tells him in a pre-fight line it was to teach him humility and learning to treat others with respect, presumably setting the way for allowing Shang Tsung to lift himself out of squalor. Quan Chi could also be going through his own self-discovery before the events of the game happen. Unfortunately Titan!Shang Tsung had other plans.
*** In hindsight he did make ''one'' positive change to Shang Tsung's life. In the past timelines he was a mortal sorcerer who learned how to steal souls in order to gain power and immortality at the cost of having to keep doing it in order to maintain it which is why he defected to Outworld. In the New Era he is reborn as an Outworlder who have naturally long lifespans and is still young and handsome by the time we meet him.
*** Also while other villains like General Shao and Rain managed to attain their positions and success in life through honest and hard work[[note]]Shao grew up sickly and Rain honed his skills and talents[[/note]] Shang Tsung's situation is entirely his fault due to his dislike of honest work.

* The fact [[DeityOfHumanOrigin Liu Kang]] gave different lives to past antagonists as well is {{irony}} since he gave them what they wanted without the negative events that happened before (i.e., bloodshed):
** He had [[HotBlooded Mileena]] be born as the legitimate twin sister of [[WarriorPrincess Kitana]] and ''heir apparent'' to Outworld's throne, granting her [[IJustWantToBeLoved desire to be accepted and adored]].
** [[EvilOverlord Shao Kahn]] (now just Shao) is reduced to a [[FourStarBadass general]] but he's still in a position of power like he coveted, albeit one where he can't really abuse people as a despot. Also, he was forced to earn his power by hard work due to being sickly unlike past versions that just violently took whatever they wanted. This leads to to him becoming somewhat of a better person than his original self, even when he undergoes his FaceHeelTurn since he has concerned over Outworld and its people (albeit due to [[TheParanoiac paranoia]]) unlike the [[KickTheDog cruel]], [[ItsAllAboutMe selfish]] Shaos from previous timelines who conquered [[GloryHound for glory]].
** [[LizardFolk Reptile's species]] have been restored but unfortunately Syzoth is still [[AllOfTheOtherReindeer an outcast among Outworld]]. However, he manages to gain friends from Earthrealm and Outworld, a girlfriend in [[TheAtoner Ashrah]] and his ending has him becoming an {{ambadassador}} for the Zaterrans and vowing to destroy a [[TheConspiracy conspiracy against him and fellow Zaterrans with his mutation]].
** [[MakingASplash Rain]] gains the position and respect he yearned for not by birthright but skill and hard work. Sadly, siding with the [[TheUsurper plots against the royal family]] makes him lose all of this and he ends up helping [[BombThrowingAnarchist Havik]] out of desperation, damaging [[OrderIsNotGood Orderrealm]] by creating a flood that destroys [[ShiningCity Seido]] and kills many people, thus allowing Havik to rename it [[WorldOfChaos Chaosrealm]]. However, if one good thing is to be gleaned from ''all that'' Rain [[MyGodWhatHaveIDone undergoes remorse]] and heads to Outworld authorities, finally [[HumblePie humbling himself]].

** [[ChronicBackstabbingDisorder Reiko]] now has UndyingLoyalty towards Shao, finally getting to serve whom he wants.

** Kuai Liang is [[PlayingWithFire Scorpion]] in this timeline and still human rather than a long-suffering, [[{{Revenge}} vengeful]] [[BackFromTheDead revenant]] and allowed to grow up alongside his brother Bi-Han. Shame about Bi-Han's [[ArrogantKungFuGuy arrogance]] and [[AmbitionIsEvil ambitions]] ultimately souring their relationship.
** [[AnIcePerson Bi-Han / Sub-Zero]] is TheLeader of the Lin Kuei instead of the corrupt Grandmaster who had Quan Chi wipe out the Shirai Ryu and [[UnwillingRoboticisation forcibly turned several members into unfeeling cyborgs]]. It's just unfortunate his self-righteousness leads to him taking everything he's been given for granted.
** Looking at Liu Kang's allies, [[ShockAndAwe Raiden]] isn't a god anymore but a mortal happily living life as a farmer instead of having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis due to the Elder Gods' ineptitude.

** The only exception seems to be Shang Tsung as he seemingly has quite a miserable life but Liu Kang tells him in a pre-fight line it was to teach him humility and learning to treat others with respect, presumably setting the way for allowing Shang Tsung to lift himself out of squalor. Quan Chi could also be going through his own self-discovery before the events of the game happen. Unfortunately Titan!Shang Tsung had other plans.

** He had [[EvilCounterpart Mileena]] be born as the legitimate twin sister of [[WarriorPrincess Kitana]] and ''heir apparent'' to Outworld's throne, granting her [[IJustWantToBeLoved desire to be accepted and adored]].
** [[EvilOverlord Shao Kahn]] (now just Shao) is reduced to a [[TheDragon general]] but he's still in a position of power like he coveted, albeit one where he can't really abuse people as a despot. Also he was forced to earn his power by hard work due to being sickly unlike past versions that just violently took whatever they wanted. This leads to to him becoming somewhat of a better person than his original self, even when he undergoes his FaceHeelTurn since he has concerned over Outworld and its people (albeit due to [[TheParanoiac paranoia]]) unlike the [[KickTheDog cruel]], [[ItsAllAboutMe selfish]] Shaos from previous timelines who conquered [[GloryHound for glory]].

** One particular conversation between Liu Kang and Raiden has the latter clearly worrying about losing the tournament. As a response, Liu Kang gently advises him to focus on his actions, not the outcome that results from them. This might seem minor, but throughout the events of the first reboot title, Lord Raiden is clearly fretting over preventing Earthrealm's fall in Armageddon, leading him to making decisions with catastrophic consequences to change potential outcomes, something that led to Liu Kang's death and revival as a Revenant.\\
\\
Given Liu Kang had taken up his Revenant counterpart's memories, he has every reason to have conflicted feelings on these events, and yet as soon as he sees the same signs, he softly mentors Raiden that he can't control the outcome, nor should he try to, but he can control the actions he takes in the moment and work from there as best he can. Despite the pain he went through in the past timeline, Liu Kang is happily doing what he can to support and guide Raiden into avoiding making the same mistakes, regardless of past events.

** Once Syzoth, Ashrah and the Earthrealmers manage to escape from Outworld, Liu Kang gives Ashrah and Syzoth a warm welcome to their new realm, with Ashrah instantly adopting it as her new house. As soon as the group arrive on Earthrealm, Liu Kang is every bit of welcoming as Cage said he was.

* Liu Kang's portrayal all-around is heartwarming; he's clearly learned a lot from the mistakes of the Raiden of past timelines and fills the role of BigGood far better than he did. His very presence gives off wisdom, tranquility, and compassion. He instructs his champions on what to expect in Outworld, is patient with them through their ignorance of the larger universe they're learning about for the first time, is conservative about showing off his powers, is polite and respectful to everyone he meets (though it's through clenched teeth when he talks to General Shao), and demonstrates respect and admiration for the myriad cultures of Outworld. In short, he's what you'd logically get if an AllLovingHero became a PhysicalGod.
** At the same time, GoodIsNotSoft: he's not afraid to use a brief show of power to get his point across when more diplomatic approaches fail, and he takes threats to the peace between realms very seriously and will take direct and decisive action against them. He has absolutely no desire for a war with Outworld, but as it becomes increasingly likely that it may be inevitable, he begins preparing his champions for it to ensure they'd win.
** And yet he's retained his humility, as he repeatedly shoots down Sindel's comments about treating him as a god, he expects no worship from mortals even once they learn he was once Keeper of Time, and when he talks on the assumption that Sindel will help him in the coming conflict, he quickly clarifies that he's asking as a friend, not commanding as a god.

* Baraka in his bio is stated to be determined to find a cure for Tarkat, not just for himself but for everyone who's suffering from it. In fact, in this timeline, Baraka is a fierce, but understanding individual.

* Baraka went from disposable henchman to being recognized as a noble warrior, if one with a horrifying disease.

* In a very strange way, Shang Tsung and Quan Chi's relationship. Both are usually conniving snakes who'll backstab anyone and everyone for their own sakes, yet the two have a lot of trust and respect for each other. Hell, we see that their deadly alliance transcends timelines and were willing to share glory and power to conquer all the realms. Evil or not, these two make quite the pair.

* Liu Kang's portrayal all-around is heartwarming; he's clearly learned a lot from the mistakes of the Raiden of past timelines and fills the role of BigGood far better than he did. His very presence gives off wisdom, tranquility, and compassion. He instructs his champions on what to expect in Outworld, is patient with them through their ignorance of the larger universe they're learning about for the first time, is conservative about showing off his powers, is polite and respectful to everyone he meets (though it's through clenched teeth when he talks to General Shao), and demonstrates respect and admiration for the myriad cultures of Outworld.
** At the same time, GoodIsNotSoft: he's not afraid to use a brief show of force to get his point across when subtler approaches fail, and he takes threats to the peace between realms very seriously and will take direct and decisive action against them. In short, he's what you'd logically get if an AllLovingHero became a PhysicalGod.

** Kenshi reciprocates his fondness for Johnny when his announcer voice calls him ''Hollywood's Greatest Actor.''