Moment pages are Spoilers Off by default, so all spoilers were removed. Proceed with caution. Also Moment pages admit no Meta moments. You Have Been Warned.
Pictured here, a bond once impossible in past timelines, but not in the New Era.
Liu Kang's goal for a timeline filled with warmth and peace is ever so present in this New Era. open/close all folders
Individual characters
- 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 desire to be accepted and adored.
- Shao Kahn (now just Shao) is reduced to a 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 this 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 Face–Heel Turn since he's concerned over Outworld and its people (albeit due to paranoia) unlike the cruel, selfish Shaos from previous timelines who conquered for glory.
- Reptile's species have been restored but Syzoth is still 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 conspiracy against him and fellow Zaterrans with his mutation.
- Rain gains the position and respect he yearned for not by birthright but skill and hard work. Sadly, siding with the 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 its capital of Seido and kills many people, thus allowing the latter to rename it Chaosrealm. However, if one good thing is to be gleaned from all that Rain undergoes remorse and heads to Outworld authorities, finally 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 terrorist. She's also allowed to remain by Mileena's side, though in a limited capacity due to the obligations of her role.
- Reiko now has Undying Loyalty towards Shao as his second-in-command, getting to serve whom he wants.
- Geras is an ally and his job is mainly looking after the Hourglass and being an Honest Advisor to Liu Kang, not just an immortal flunky that gets regularly abused by forces greater than himself.
- Kuai Liang is Scorpion in this timeline and still human rather than a long-suffering, vengeful revenant and allowed to grow up alongside his brother Bi-Han. Shame about Bi-Han's arrogance and ambitions ultimately souring their relationship.
- Bi-Han, still Sub-Zero is The Leader of the Lin Kuei instead of the Grandmaster who wiped out the Shirai Ryu and forcibly turned 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 the main game, something that can't be said for his past selves.
- Looking at Liu Kang's allies Raiden isn't a god anymore but a mortal living life as a farmer instead of having to deal with every major Earthrealm crisis due to the Elder Gods' incompetence.
- Kitana finally gets to know her real parents and gains a sister in Mileena rather than losing her father Jerrod before she can remember him, being raised and brainwashed by a tyrant, getting betrayed by her mother Sindel 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 circumstances leading to him meeting 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 lives. It also lessens the likelihood of him losing everything to a massacre considering those running the Shirai Ryu are significantly more empowered this time.
- Baraka was a wealthy merchant and former soldier with a happy family before Tarkat stole it from him and reduced him to an outcast. But with Mileena being 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 says in a pre-fight line it was to teach him humility and learning to treat others with respect, presumably setting the way for Shang Tsung to lift himself out of squalor. Quan Chi could've also been going through his own self-discovery before the events of the game happened. Unfortunately Titan!Shang Tsung had other plans.
- In hindsight he made one positive change to Shang Tsung's life. In past timelines he was a human sorcerer who learned how to steal souls in order to gain power and longevity at the cost of having to keep doing so to maintain it which is why he defected to Outworld. In the New Era he's reborn as an Outworlder with a naturally long lifespan and is still young and handsome-looking by the time we meet him.
- Also, while other villains like Shao and Rain managed to attain their positions and successes through honest and hard worknote Shang Tsung's situation is entirely his fault due to his 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 Big Good 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 All-Loving Hero became a Physical God.
- At the same time Good Is Not Soft: 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 it may be inevitable he begins preparing his champions for it to ensure they'd win.
- And yet he's retained 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 a signature one in Mileena) are now heroes 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: heroes were disgusted by him and 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 her previous lives she was denied what she 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 she has a much healthier mindset due to not being raised by the likes of Shao Kahn and once she starts becoming accustomed 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 Tanya by her side as 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 she was before who loves her home and both of her daughters equally.
- Despite taking the moniker of the usually more villainous Scorpion, Kuai Liang proves to be the same hero his previous counterparts were.
- The New Era version of Geras is far from the cold, detached agent of Kronika. He values Liu Kang as a friend and 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 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.
- 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 are willing to share glory and power to conquer all the realms. Evil or not, these two make quite the pair.
- 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 Desperately Seeking A Purpose In Life like he did in the original timeline after 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.
Story Mode
- Chapter 1: The New Era:
- Raiden is reborn as a mortal Shaolin monk and is also chosen as champion of this timeline's Earthrealm. After all the crap he went through in the previous timelines, it's nice to see him having a fresh start.
- Madam Bo's relationship with Kung Lao and Raiden is as heartwarming as it gets. On top of training them in martial arts, she's also kind of a surrogate grandmother to them, treating them like her own sons, and it's clear that they reciprocate the sentiment and love her like a mother.
- Chapter 3: The Chosen One
- After the small tournament to decide who should represent Earthrealm in the upcoming tournament, Liu Kang instructs his champions on what to expect in Outworld. And once there, he's patient with them through their ignorance of the larger universe they're learning about for the first time, while also being polite and respectful to everyone he meets (the only exception being General Shao, whom he talks through clenched teeth), and demonstrating respect and admiration for the myriad cultures of Outworld.
- The state of Outworld in the New Era is a sight to behold: it is a lush, colorful realm where a majority of Outworld's citizens peacefully co-exist with each other; a far cry from the dreary, barren wasteland it once was in previous timelines. It may not be perfect, but it's clear that Liu Kang took care in crafting a more prosperous Outworld for his friends to live in. And from the look of things, Liu's method was simple, elegant, and brilliantly ironic: he made Edenia, once just another realm Shao Kahn had conquered and absorbed, into Outworld's central region, turning its idyllic environment into Outworld's default landscape and granting the realm truly benevolent leadership in the form of Jerrod and Sindel.
- The Mortal Kombat tournament itself has become a non-fatal tournament, with fighters like the bloodthirsty General Shao abiding by its newfound code of honor.
- Liu Kang made Sheeva's wish for the Shokan to be more than destroyers come true. There are Shokan performing on drums and having drinks among the other Outworlders and instead of lazy slobs like Sheeva saw, they are still warriors from the looks of their muscles.
- 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 this 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.Liu Kang: Worry expends energy for no purpose, Raiden.
Raiden: (worried) But the tournament. If I lose...
Liu Kang: Focus on your actions, not the outcome. It is all you can control. - The fact Liu Kang took Raiden's faith in Johnny Cage to heart since all the way back in the first tournament. His conversation with Raiden about Johnny at the Outworld Banquet is exactly how him and Lord Raiden spoke.Raiden: What do you see in him?
Liu Kang: He is a hero, Raiden... though he may not know it. - Kitana actually regards Mileena as a sister this time around and is trying to help her.
- At the end of the chapter, we're introduced to the New Era version of Geras. As opposed to being treated as an expendable minion with no say over his fate in the last game, here, he's treated as an old friend and confidant by his new master, Lord Liu Kang.
Liu Kang: Geras, my old friend. It's been eons. It's good to see you.
Geras: Likewise, Lord Liu Kang.- On that note, when Liu Kang feels Geras' presence before the latter even fully materializes, the Fire God forms a warm, happy smile, greeting Geras like a dear friend. And the feeling is clearly mutual.
- Chapter 4: Secrets and Lies
- Kenshi protects Johnny from a berserk Tarkat-infected Mileena, which ends with him blinded by her. This eventually pays off and is the start of a friendship.
- Chapter 5: Weird Science
- When Syzoth is defeated in Shang Tsung's Laboratory, Baraka spares him, knowing he was only doing what he's been doing in order to protect his family, and stating he would have done the same.
- Despite their rough first encounter and occasionally drawing ire to each other, eventually Johnny and Kenshi form and develop a very close friendship. After the events of Chapter 4, Johnny feels indebted to him, as he does whatever it takes to bring Kenshi back to his spirits; he strips a leather part of his armor which would be Kenshi's signature blindfold, helps him get around by having his hand on his shoulder, and at the end of the chapter, he finally gives him Sento.
- The Living Forest in this timeline is a beautiful, idyllic glade with gentle faces, a massive departure from previous timelines. It is stated to a sacred resting ground for the honored dead of Edenia, with their souls inhabiting the trees as benevolent spirits. Which makes the forest's corruption upon Quan Chi using the souls to create Ermac (the resulting Corrupted Forest even more grotesque than the original Living Forest) all the more grotesque and horrifying.
- While walking through the Living Forest, Johnny muses that it reminds him of one of his films, when Kenshi chimes in revealing even he's seen Cage's films, eliciting an excited "Yes!" from Johnny, as Kenshi muses he can still picture how the film looked with a smile on his face.note
- Chapter 6: Upward Climb
- At the end of the chapter, Ashrah and Syzoth are invited by Johnny Cage to return to Earthrealm with the gang, with Cage believing Liu Kang would be all welcoming. She is beaming with joy, saying she has never had a home and accepts it.
- Chapter 7: Narrow Escape
- The fact that Mileena and Tanya are implied to be together (albeit in secret, due to Tanya's vow of chastity as an Umgadi). After seeing how angry and devastated Mileena was in 11 over Tanya's death, seeing her being able to be with her lover in the new timeline, even in limited capacity, shows how much better things are for when the timeline starts.
- 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 home. As soon as the group arrive on Earthrealm, Liu Kang is every bit of welcoming as Cage said he was.
- Chapter 8: Band of Brothers
- Seeing Scorpion and Bi-Han working together for once is nice, showing that this time, Liu Kang did in fact stop the incident that damned both of them to being Netherrealm specters and made Kuai Liang this timeline's Scorpion. Sadly, their good relation doesn't last too long.
- When Bi-Han begins to seriously consider breaking off from Liu Kang and making the Lin Kuei an independent nation, both Kuai Liang and Tomas question the wisdom of this ambition. Bi-Han coldly dismisses them and even states that Tomas was not a true Lin Kuei because he was adopted.
- Chapter 9: Civil War
- At the end of the chapter, Kuai Liang turns around and assures Tomas that even if they were not of the same blood, he still regarded him as a brother.
- When Geras and Liu Kang discuss the events that are leading to the disruption of the timeline, they both agree on letting Sindel and her daughters learn about Liu's actual role in the timeline, with Geras promising to appear before them.
- Chapter 11: For the Empire
- At the end of the chapter, Liu Kang reveals to Sindel who he is in reality. When Sindel asks if she's expected to bow down, he shoots her comments about treating him as a god, as 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.
- Furthermore, Geras reveals to Liu Kang that he safeguarded his Titan powers when he gave them up, but didn't tell Liu Kang about it until it was necessary so that the latter can enjoy his life as Earthrealm's protector.
- Chapter 12: Queen's Gambit
- Jerrod's reunion with his wife and daughters after taking control over Ermac's body. It's also just incredible to see him have an actual role in the games beyond his death, as well as the fact that he'll technically be playable through Ermac.
- When Tanya tells Jerrod about how Li Mei left in disgrace after failing to stop his murder, he says it wasn't her fault, displaying his kindness, and likely how close friends the two were.
- Chapter 14: Time of Death
- Compare where the Hourglass is kept before to the new timeline: Instead of Kronika's domain (a monochromatic room with gears where the Hourglass is the focus point), it's kept in a colorful garden filled with trinkets, blending in with the many treasures collected from the timeline.
- At the beginning of the chapter, when Liu Kang asks to Geras why he didn't pick the powers of the Keeper of Time for himself, having unfettered access to them, Geras replies that 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.
- One of the first allies Liu Kang calls upon in his mission to defeat Shang Tsung is a Titan variant of Kitana... except, it's NOT a variant. Because of the events of the previous game shredding the timeline into multiples, this Kitana is from the previous timeline Liu Kang hailed from, save for her being the one that defeated Kronika instead of him. Upon realizing their connection and that they both perfectly remember when she was crowned Kahn, the two share an embrace and a kiss - a fleeting moment of happiness after being apart for so long. And while they both know it may not last, they make the most of it anyways, with the implications that, if they really want to see one another again, they can just do it the same way Shang Tsung had been going between timelines.
- This is also Heartwarming in Hindsight in regards to the good ending of 11's story, showing that it more or less happened after all, just with both of them as Titans watching over their respective timelines.
- When Liu Kang reunites with the original Kung Lao, Raiden and Kitana, his old allies immediately pledge their support - Kung Lao even offering his timeline's White Lotus society who is now millions strong. Eons apart but they immediately join up like no time has passed.
- Chapter 15: Armageddon
- Even if he faced betrayals or his designs go astray, Liu Kang seems to at least be willing to pull out alternate versions of Bi-Han, Reiko, Havik, General Shao, and Nitara, and they willingly fight alongside him to prevent Armageddon. It certainly shows that even if he can be disappointed, Liu Kang is big-hearted enough to still remember their potential and bother to pull alternate, heroic versions of the villains that didn't quite hit the mark on his designs.note This even applies to Shang Tsung, who Liu has the most reason to despise of anyone, and Quan Chi, often a key instigator of mischief. To see them in heroic-looking golden robes, knowing that somewhere out there, in the multiverse of timelines, they are noble men and use their skills for Outworld's benefit, perhaps even serving as genuinely loyal vassals to Sindel, is a very nice image.
- And even if these Good Counterparts of these villains utilize their more aggressive, villainous personalities in combat, when Liu Kang approaches them after defeating Titan Shang Tsung, they suddenly become respectful. If you want to see one of these villains acting nice, even if it's just a good version from another universe, this is it.
- Among the allies from other timelines are benevolent versions of Shang Tsung, Quan Chi, and even Shao Kahn, showing while Liu Kang's efforts to ensure it in this timeline failed, they were still not beyond redemption in other timelines. All of them even part on good terms with Liu Kang after defeating Titan Shang Tsung.
- Post-Story:
- Raiden and Kung Lao are having dinner at Madam Bo's, but this time with Johnny, Kenshi, and Liu Kang. While their enemies are still at large, the God of Fire has no doubt that Earthrealm's best will rise to the challenge. The final shot of the game has Liu Kang walking away from Madam Bo's teahouse after having dinner with his champions, beaming with pride at their performance and musing that Earthrealm is safe in their hands.
Liu Kang: The realms are in safe hands.- Right as Liu Kang leaves and thanks his champions for saving the Realms, Johnny Cage thanks Liu Kang, by using the same words Liu said to him when they met, he changed the "arcs of their lives" for the better. The big smile Liu Kang gives shows how much that really meant to him, as if he could receive no greater gift.
- By the end of the story mode, 16 of the 23 launch-roster charactersnote in the narrative are unambiguously good guys, with another (Rain, in his canonical arcade ending) repentant over his actions in the story.
Pre-fight Intros
- Liu Kang passes genuine condolences to Johnny over the collapse of his marriage.
- Liu Kang: It saddened me to see your marriage end.
Johnny Cage: (wistful sigh) Me too, Liu Kang...
- Whenever Madam Bo is mentioned in pre-fight dialogues, it's clear that Raiden and Kung Lao have nothing but the utmost respect for her, and one of Kung Lao's pre-fight lines has him mention that the only thing he misses about his hometown is Madam Bo and her cooking.
- In his intro with Tanya, when she says no Earthrealm woman could fight like an Umgadi warrior, Kung Lao's first answer is Madam Bo, that is how highly he thinks of her, to not disregard Raiden's Sister as well, naming her second.
- One of the possible pre-fight intros for a match between Raiden and Smoke has the latter mention that he would like to revisit Madam Bo's restaurant, quickly adding that it would be for a meal, not a fight. Raiden happily offers to invite him.
- Many intros with Baraka have characters express interest in his impressive fighting skills or horror at how he is treated, displaying open sympathy and disgust. Even better, one intro with Johnny Cage suggests that Baraka is an In-Universe Ensemble Dark Horse in Earthrealm (although Baraka is more insulted with people "mocking his affliction" through cosplay).
- Johnny and Kenshi's friendship from the Story Mode is further told in their pre-fight intros.
- Liu Kang commends on Johnny giving Sento to Kenshi:
Liu Kang: Giving Kenshi Sento was most honorable.
Johnny: After what he did, he deserved it.- It is implied that after the main story, Johnny and Kenshi are helping each other in solving their respective problems and giving each other support which they definitely deserve. For instance, Kenshi accepts a role in one of Johnny's films and is paid handsomely for it, in return Johnny assists Kenshi in battling the Yakuza.
Johnny: Thanks so much for taking this part.
Kenshi: Thank you for the points.Kenshi: Johnny's helping me. Why won't you?
Raiden: It's not for the Shaolin to battle the Yakuza. - Most of the intros between Kitana and Johnny are just the playboy Johnny flirting with a very annoyed Kitana, except for one surprisingly wholesome intro which reveals that Kitana went to go see a movie at Johnny's request and loved it.Kitana: You were right! Seeing a film is a transcendent experience!
Johnny: Hollywood magic for the win.- It's particularly sweet seeing Kitana finally be able to have some casual fun after two whole timelines worth of heartbreak. She's more than earned the chance to just relax and hang out with the rest of the heroes.
- In fact, there's something particularly heartwarming that some characters are genuinely interested in learning about Johnny's career compared to the previous timeline where they tended to dismiss his movies, usually by flat out telling him they were bad.note
- Geras reveals to Smoke that he considers Liu Kang the closest thing he has to a family.
- Various pre-fight intros reveal that Syzoth and Ashrah started dating following the events of the story. With the exception of Kung Lao, all of the heroes who acknowledge their relationship are happy for them. Even Johnny, who just recently went through a divorce.
- In addition to having a new home in Earthrealm, Ashrah also has True Companions — chief among them Syzoth, the two becoming best friends and being somewhat sad that they can't stay together when Syzoth's duties as Mileena's emissary to the Zaterrans requires him to remain in Outworld. There's even a little bit of Ship Tease, curtesy of Johnny.
Johnny Cage: I did not see you and Ashrah coming! Kudos, sir!
Reptile: (confused Aside Glance) What are "kudos", Johnny? - Rain, while still arrogant on his hydromancy, is a lot more remorseful of his actions in this timeline. He realizes the mistake he made by pairing with Shao and Shang Tsung and the numerous deaths he brought on from their schemes. His dialogue emphasizes his guilt and wanting to atone for his crimes.Rain: I will make amends. To everyone.
Geras: I hope you achieve that ambition. - In one of Mileena's pre-match dialogues with Kenshi, she profusely apologizes for blinding him while under the influence of Tarkat. Kenshi is quick to reassure her that he doesn't blame her in the slightest, recognizing that it was her disease controlling her actions and not Mileena herself.
- In one of Ashrah's pre-match intros, she points out Kitana's Incorruptible Pure Pureness, much to the latter's bafflement. It shows that with her great love for her family and her strong sense of duty for the Outworld, Liu Kang made her an even greater paragon of good that she was in previous timelines.Ashrah: My kriss senses no evil in you at all.
Kitana: (gasps) That can't possibly be right.- Smoke also gets a free pass:
Smoke: Is there evil in me?
Ashrah: My kriss senses none. - Say what you will about Omni-Man, but he still cares about his family, as his Mirror Match intros attest.Mirror Omni-Man: You should have discarded Debbie years ago.
Omni-Man: Think I've gone soft? Shut the fuck up and hit me!Mirror Omni-Man: I'll set the example for Mark you failed to be.
Omni-Man: You wouldn't dare!- His dialogue with Johnny Cage also shows an air of pride in Mark, enemy or no.
Johnny Cage: You look like the dad I never had.
Omni-Man: You're fragile. My son, is Invincible.- If facing Kitana, Omni-Man will remark that her tenacity reminds him of Debbie. His expression will noticeably soften as he says so.
- Though acting like a pigheaded boor most of the time, Peacemaker has qualms about fighting Raiden.Peacemaker: I hate to do this. You seem like a nice kid.
Raiden: What makes you think you'll get the better of me? - Now that he's free of Quan Chi, Ermac is Desperately Seeking A Purpose In Life, and Raiden offers encouragement.Ermac: We envy your clarity of purpose.
Raiden: You will find yours. Have faith. - Though Ermac's existence wasn't intended in the New Era, Liu Kang still welcomes him like the All-Loving Hero.Ermac: You did not plan our creation.
Liu Kang: No. But I find myself glad it happened.
Endings
- Ashrah's ending has her not only being given a home, she was even asked to study under the Shaolin masters. While she is happy with this, this inspires her to save her sister, Sareena, from Quan Chi's magic, believing she too deserves this life as well. With the help of Liu Kang, Ashrah freed her sister and welcomed her to Earthrealm, protecting the world that has welcomed them with open arms.
- In Baraka's ending, Baraka laments that, despite the realms being saved, his people continue to suffer from Tarkat until he realizes the opportunity to ask for help from Empress Mileena. With help from Syzoth, he gained an audience with her and with just one visit, she immediately sent help for his people, who were infected by Tarkat. Baraka is clearly touched and, in Mileena's ending, swore his loyalty towards her and Outworld due to her compassion. All he ever wanted was help for his people and he got it.
- In Scorpion's ending, Scorpion and Smoke are forced to flee to Japan to elude Bi-Han and his loyalists. There, they meet up with Harumi Shirai, an old family friend. With her help, Scorpion and Smoke build a new clan to take on the duties Bi-Han and the Lin Kuei had forsaken. In respect to his friend turned bride, Scorpion names the new clan the Shirai Ryu after her.
- In Smoke's ending, while Kuai Liang, Tomas and Harumi have the arduous task in finding the right initiates to fill the ranks the Shirai Ryu, Smoke is attacked by what he suspects to be a Lin Kuei assassin. It's not until he notices the uncertainty and anger in the attacks that he sees his assailant is a Street Urchin looking for money. Smoke sees in the boy what he could've been had he not been taken in by the Lin Kuei. Instead of punishing his would be attacker, Tomas and Kuai Liang take him in as their first initiate. The boy's name: Hanzo Hasashi.
- Mileena's ending builds off of several others: Baraka's, Kitana's, and Tanya's. She wants to help the victims of Tarkat, and she does it by revealing her infection. While it was scandalous, her honesty won over her doubters.
- Sindel's ending is tragic, but she is immediately reunited with her beloved Jerrod within Ermac. The souls within Ermac are a collective, and so the two battle side by side against the others to maintain Jerrod's authority over the gestalt: A perfect ending for a warrior queen.
- Omni-Man's ending has him buy time for Mark to grow stronger by conquering the Mortal Kombat universe to distract the Viltrumite Empire.
Other
- Johnny returns with his own announcer option in this game and as expected he gives mostly irreverent nicknames for all the fighters and Kameos. However, what does he call Kenshi in one of them? Best friend. You can hear the grin in his voice as he says it.
- The ending of Invasion Season 1: The Spectre: After Hanzo's defeat, Liu Kang searches through the hourglass for a timeline where Harumi is alive but unattached to someone else. He eventually does find it: A timeline where Hanzo was killed by Quan Chi and Harumi became Scorpion. Bonding over the loss of each other in their respective timelines, the two Scorpions become a Battle Couple to defeat Quan Chi and other evil in her timeline. After so much pain and misery in his life, it's just gratifying to see Hanzo get a happy ending for once.
