Protagonist for MK10

[Flying Jinko]

I see characters like Li Mei and Kenshi as more supporting protagonists like Kabal and Jade were in MK9 with their own agendas rather than main protagonists.

To be more specific, Quan Chi's demise since he has the real amulet (unless Shinnok finds out and gets it from him somehow). Although I agree with you

Yea that's true, but then again no one in the MK world knows that other than Quan Chi himself.

 

[Revamp_Kombat]

If Liu Kang goes rogue... what happens if he helps those in Outworld and Kai becomes a new protector of Earthrealm?

 

[Subz 711]

Even though they showed two males and two females in Raiden's ending, they could easily retcon that as it isn't anything major, plus it would make more sense. Didnt know Sareena was going to be in MK9, but even if they did have a model for her, that can't really guarantee her spot in Mk10, since it will most likely run on next gen consoles. Also I never understood how people are connecting Sareena with Kuai Liang? Yes she was involved with Bi Han in mythologies but was immediately killed thereafter. Although she was killed, her human form was only destroyed and she was banished to the inner planes of the netherealm. It was only during the time of MKDA she managed to escape the plane through the same portal created by Quan Chi for him to escape. Thus going canonically she is still at the netherealm, away from the other dead combatants. She may have a role, but I doubt it would be a major one.

They get the relationship between Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang) and Sareena from Deception. At least that's where I get it from. Not only did she save him from Noob Saibot and Smoke, but Sub-Zero also then gave her shelter in the Lin Kuei. Now, I know you say well that's Deception, but Sub-Zero also didn't find out Noob Saibot was his brother until Deception. He already knows in the new timeline so it's not a far stretch to say that Sareena could already have been brought back by Quan Chi, especially because we don't know that everything in mythologies is canon anymore. We just assume it is. They changed Mileena's complete backstory so Sareena being alive would not be out of question for me. Her helping Kuai Liang out, possibly confusing him with Bi-Han, would not surprise me either.

Also I don't think they would retcon Raiden's ending so easily like that. I'm sure that if they made it that way, with two guys and two girls, then they probably already have certain characters in mind (If his ending is indeed canon, which I think it partially will be).

As for Sub Zero, although he helped Raiden he still isn't ready. As of now, he is dead and he has to get revived back. Even with that he would have his own agenda with Scorpion, Quan Chi and the Lin Kuei and he wouldn't be willing to accept the responsibility of being a protector not until he has sorted his stuff out..

Well, I've already said I think Sareena could play a part in that helping revive him thing. That's just my theory though. Also I'm pretty sure his beef with Scorpion is now squashed since he seen what a dick his brother is. I wouldn't guarantee that, but I would say it's safe to assume that he's done with Scorpion. He also seemed to have just forgotten about the Lin Kuei there in the end of MK9, so I would say that would be put off until Earthrealm is safe. You bring up another important part though he does, or will have beef with Quan Chi. If he was somehow revived I would think he would have a big problem with Quan Chi trying to hold his soul captive and all. So seeing as how Quan Chi IS one of the main baddies in MK4 I still say that he could be in the running along with Sareena.

Yes he was a member of the OIA BUT only during the MKDA timeline, that is almost 10 years after MK1. As of MK9, he is fresh out of his training having mastered fighting without sight and the only goal he has in mind is to kill Shang Tsung. Yes, Shang Tsung is apparently dead but no one in Earthrealm really knows that. Kenshi needs that development cycle before he starts moving away from his past goals, he can have that in MK10, as one of the heroes but not the main one.

Again, Things that happened in the later timeline's have already happened. Sub-Zero knowing Noob is his brother is just one example. Quan Chi showing up in EVERYTHING is another. Kenshi joining the OIA at any time is a pretty good signal that he's on board to help Earthrealm out. He may not know Shang Tsung is dead either, but I'm pretty sure if Raiden knows of his existence he would let him know that Shang's dead. Kenshi could just as easily be one of those four heroes.

Again you are ignoring the fact that she is from outworld. You are also ignoring the fact that Earthrealm heroes or the four chosen (if Raiden's ending is canon) are not going to be the only heroes in MK10. Outworld too is going to go head on with the Netherealm and characters like Ermac, Mileena, Goro, Kintaro, Sheeva, Li Mei etc can actually have a turn around and step up as heroes when they realized they would be at the receiving end. There is no reason for Li Mei to go running to Earthrealm when her own realm is in peril. It's like saying Liu Kang joining Outworld to be its defender instead of Earthrealm.

You're right about the heroes being from Earthrealm, I believe I'll have to check that one. However, I am not ignoring that she is from Outworld. The only reason why that would matter is if there was a tournament. Because if Li Mei fought for Outworld then Kahn, or Onaga, or whoever the boss is would be able to rule Earthrealm. However, there is no tournament here. The heroes are merely trying to stop Shinnok from taking Earthrealm, Outworld, and the heavens for himself. There is no tournament though, I don't believe. Plus, like I said Outworld is coming under attack as well so it shouldn't be out of question to think that maybe Li Mei would be chosen by Raiden to help stop the invasion.

 

[Commander]

Welp, it looks like Kai, Shujinko and Johnny Cage are in the lead.

Out of those 3, I'd like to see Johnny Cage be the main protagonist.
If SOME of his MK9 ending were to be canon, he could go to the realm of Seido and learn to master his new power and lead the forces of light to victory.

As much as I don't give a shit for Hotaru, his story could include joining up with Johnny Cage (once he's mastered his powers) , and maybe NRS could even come up with a NEW character from the OrderRealm which also helps Raiden, Sonya and the rest of the good guys.

Cyrax (Replacing Frost)

Fixed 8)
NO ONE should replace Sub-Zero.

 

[CryHavok]

Kenshi joining the OIA at any time is a pretty good signal that he's on board to help Earthrealm out. He may not know Shang Tsung is dead either, but I'm pretty sure if Raiden knows of his existence he would let him know that Shang's dead. Kenshi could just as easily be one of those four heroes.

Didn't he only join the OIA in the first place because it was the only way Jax would let him use their resources to hunt down Shang Tsung? I never thought he did that just because he cared about Earthrealm. And if you take his bio from Armageddon he even says he has no desire to be part of any battle between good and evil. As soon as it is even rumoured that Shang Tsung is dead he quits.

 

[Flying Jinko]

They get the relationship between Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang) and Sareena from Deception. At least that's where I get it from. Not only did she save him from Noob Saibot and Smoke, but Sub-Zero also then gave her shelter in the Lin Kuei. Now, I know you say well that's Deception, but Sub-Zero also didn't find out Noob Saibot was his brother until Deception. He already knows in the new timeline so it's not a far stretch to say that Sareena could already have been brought back by Quan Chi, especially because we don't know that everything in mythologies is canon anymore. We just assume it is. They changed Mileena's complete backstory so Sareena being alive would not be out of question for me. Her helping Kuai Liang out, possibly confusing him with Bi-Han, would not surprise me either.

Yea they had a relation in deception but that doesn't mean that they would automatically have one in Mk10, you have to look at the events that led to their meeting in the original timeline and their reasons for it. Sareena, after she escaped from the netherealm and got back her human form, went seeking Kuai Liang saying he owed her for saving his brother's life once.(in mythologies). Kuai Liang gave her shelter etc mainly out of gratitude and pity and that's the reason she saved him from Noob Saibot later on. Going by this, since there was nothing in Mk9 and probably nothing else that triggered this chain of events atleast upto MK4 part of this timeline. Sareena is trapped in the inner planes of the netherealm, where she would have no chance to interact or meet the dead heroes plus she has no reason to help Kuai Liang. Even if she is still serving Quan Chi, they both would be under Quan Chi's control, so unless there is an external force involved, they can't break free on their own. I'm guessing they will get freed only by the end of MK10 story, which I think is a better and logical way to go about it.

Also you bring in Sub-Zero meeting Noob in Mk9, yes that happened and that was a change from the original timeline but there was a good reason for it as well, Raiden changing up things, getting Sub to become Cyber was it. They also haven't really changed much the story as you put it. Mileena's backstory must have been changed but it was all pre-mk1, same with Kenshi, nothing really changed as far as the actual events of mortal kombat was concerned.

And how can you assume mythologies isn't canon anymore? Was there anything in Mk9 mentioning that? Plus Raiden did say Bi Han helped defend Earthrealm against Nethrealm in the storymode indicating that the mythologies story arc was indeed canon.

Also I don't think they would retcon Raiden's ending so easily like that. I'm sure that if they made it that way, with two guys and two girls, then they probably already have certain characters in mind (If his ending is indeed canon, which I think it partially will be).

I don't think NRS really puts much stock into arcade endings. Look at nightwolf's and Cyber Sub Zero's for example. Even still, since it was Raiden who finally defeated Shao Kahn in the storymode, it could happen but then again as I explained above they need to bring in some event or reason to trigger that change from the original timeline, flat out retconing would be a lazy move IMO.

Even if that ending is true I would rather have it make sense than stick to the same 2 male- 2 female concept which would have been most likely added for visual/balanceappeal than anything else. They seem like placeholders, indicating any able warrior of Earthrealm can be chosen, giving something for fans to speculate. It doesn't have to be two males and two females.

Again, Things that happened in the later timeline's have already happened. Sub-Zero knowing Noob is his brother is just one example. Quan Chi showing up in EVERYTHING is another. Kenshi joining the OIA at any time is a pretty good signal that he's on board to help Earthrealm out. He may not know Shang Tsung is dead either, but I'm pretty sure if Raiden knows of his existence he would let him know that Shang's dead. Kenshi could just as easily be one of those four heroes.

Again as I explained above , for every change in the new timeline from the old, there is a good reason, event triggering it. Sub Zero knowing about Noob Saibot was triggered by Raiden. As far as Quan Chi is concerned I would not consider it a change, it is more of like an expansion of events that happened, as his involvement wouldn't really affect the overall outcome of the tournaments had Raiden not interfered with the events and if would have been same as the original timeline.

Even if Kenshi joins the OIA (which he most likely will), I can see him play the role of only a supporting hero. Plus I doubt Raiden would choose him when someone like Shujinko is available.

You're right about the heroes being from Earthrealm, I believe I'll have to check that one. However, I am not ignoring that she is from Outworld. The only reason why that would matter is if there was a tournament. Because if Li Mei fought for Outworld then Kahn, or Onaga, or whoever the boss is would be able to rule Earthrealm. However, there is no tournament here. The heroes are merely trying to stop Shinnok from taking Earthrealm, Outworld, and the heavens for himself. There is no tournament though, I don't believe. Plus, like I said Outworld is coming under attack as well so it shouldn't be out of question to think that maybe Li Mei would be chosen by Raiden to help stop the invasion.

Yea there is no tournament, where did I say there was one? Also you are over expanding Raiden's role here. He is the protector of Earthrealm, and he is only concerned for it. The same with other realms, they are concerned only about their safety primarily. This was evident with Edenia's invasion. Both Earthrealm and Outworld are going to fight their individual battles against Shinnok and may later team up when all other ways seem futile. Going by that there is little to less chance of Li Mei being one of the Earthrealm heroes.

 

[Commander]

Even if that ending is true I would rather have it make sense than stick to the same 2 male- 2 female concept which would have been most likely added for visual/balanceappeal than anything else. They seem like placeholders, indicating any able warrior of Earthrealm can be chosen, giving something for fans to speculate. It doesn't have to be two males and two females.

Agreed.
I'm also assuming that Raiden's ending is partially true (recruiting 4 EarthRealm warriors), considering that HE defeated Shao Kahn at the end of MK9.
I also agree that it doesn't have to be 2 males and 2 females.
Going with the North, East, South and West Earth direction for fighting off evil (Raiden's ending) sounds like a pretty cool idea too.
I just hope that he trains them and doesn't just divide himself in 4.
Raiden needs to be in MK10, especially considering that he has unfinished business with Quan Chi.

Plus I doubt Raiden would choose him when someone like Shujinko is available.

I doubt that Raiden would choose someone like Shujinko to lead especially when he specifically said to Liu Kang in MK9 "He is a hero Liu Kang, thou he may not yet know it."
Seems like Raiden is putting his faith in Johnny Cage and Sonya for MK10, as leaders.
Shujinko may be in MK10 helping the protagonists, but I don't see him leading.

 

[Subz 711]

Agreed.
I'm also assuming that Raiden's ending is partially true (recruiting 4 EarthRealm warriors), considering that HE defeated Shao Kahn at the end of MK9.
I also agree that it doesn't have to be 2 males and 2 females.
Going with the North, East, South and West Earth direction for fighting off evil (Raiden's ending) sounds like a pretty cool idea too.
I just hope that he trains them and doesn't just divide himself in 4.
Raiden needs to be in MK10, especially considering that he has unfinished business with Quan Chi.



I doubt that Raiden would choose someone like Shujinko to lead especially when he specifically said to Liu Kang in MK9 "He is a hero Liu Kang, thou he may not yet know it."
Seems like Raiden is putting his faith in Johnny Cage and Sonya for MK10, as leaders.
Shujinko may be in MK10 helping the protagonists, but I don't see him leading.

See I have no reason to believe that Shujinko will be involved yet at all. His storyline does span events before even MK1 but his main arc revolves around uniting the kamidogu which is, most likely, not going to be a part of MKX. We are revolved around Shinnok trying to overtake the realms right now, not the one-being. I get that some events will be changed but I see no reason for Shujinko to even be brought up yet. I don't know it's probably just because like I said over the years he's just became meh to me. Like Taven and Daegon. Shujinko yes did have an amazing story in Deception I'm not arguing that. So did Taven though. Taven had potential to stop Armageddon, and his destiny was to face blaze at the end of Armageddon. So above all he should be an awesome character. Is he though? No. He and Daegon are probably two of the worst characters created. My thing with Taven though is that at least he has an original moveset. He can manipulate time. Shujinko, as of now not saying it can't be done, does not. His moveset is that of a Chameleon or Khameleon even if he does have a cooler reason than them to have it.

I'm not knocking Shujinko it just seems most people here have him pegged for being the main hero next time around, and I just don't think that should happen. If anything I would take Johnny over him anyday. I say wait on Shujinko for MKX. The thing is, and Boon said this a couple years back at E3. Boon said we would see our heroes again, and he said not everything is permanent or something of that nature. Leading me to believe some of those heroes that died are going to be back. You can't blame me for placing Sub-Zero at the top of the list either because naturally he's one of the fan favorites. I don't know who else, but I'm not expecting everyone who died in MK9 to stay dead. Some of them will be in the game, and some of them will be playable.

 

[Flying Jinko]

I doubt that Raiden would choose someone like Shujinko to lead especially when he specifically said to Liu Kang in MK9 "He is a hero Liu Kang, thou he may not yet know it."
Seems like Raiden is putting his faith in Johnny Cage and Sonya for MK10, as leaders.
Shujinko may be in MK10 helping the protagonists, but I don't see him leading.

Yea, but I don't think we can really read too much into that line. When Raiden said that, Cage was unwilling to join them and mocked them before leaving. What Raiden said felt more like, " he will eventually join us, when he knows what's at stake." But it could still have a more deeper meaning going into MK10. But then again, as far Cage is considered there is a LOT he has to undergo to put away his carefree ways, discipline himself, control his powers and train to be a more able fighter and all of that takes experience and time. Shujinko already has what is takes to lead the Earthrealm heroes and would seem like the more obvious choice.

Also I had mentioned this before, as far as heroes are concerned I rather have it be more of a team effort in overthrowing the forces of Netherealm than just going by a single hero alone. Of course in the end only one can challenge Shinnok, but otherwise each of the heroes should have equal importance irrespective of their powers and have a significant role to play. It shall be much more appealing than just one guy doing everything and they can also please more fans in the process.

See I have no reason to believe that Shujinko will be involved yet at all. His storyline does span events before even MK1 but his main arc revolves around uniting the kamidogu which is, most likely, not going to be a part of MKX. We are revolved around Shinnok trying to overtake the realms right now, not the one-being. I get that some events will be changed but I see no reason for Shujinko to even be brought up yet.

Shujinko's story spans before Mk1 and during MK1 to MK deception as well. Yes his main quest is reuniting the Kamidogu but he was involved in a lot of significant events during the course of his journey. He helped the Lin Kuei overthrow the Shirai Ryu at one point, he helped Scorpion find Quan Chi just before the events of MKDA in the Netherealm to name a few. In fact in the original timeline Raiden did actually come seeking Shujinko's help in defending Earthrealm even when able warriors like Liu Kang were living. Thus in the altered timeline I'm pretty sure one person alone is enough to defend Earthrealm. Raiden would require Shujinko's help more than ever now, considering he is potentially the strongest warrior of Earthrealm. There is actually many more reasons to include Shujinko in MK10 with little to no reason on not including him.

I don't know it's probably just because like I said over the years he's just became meh to me.

Yes it is that as it seems your bias towards the character is clouding your judgement had you viewed him from a neutral point of view. You yet have to give any solid reason for his non inclusion.

Like Taven and Daegon. Shujinko yes did have an amazing story in Deception I'm not arguing that. So did Taven though. Taven had potential to stop Armageddon, and his destiny was to face blaze at the end of Armageddon. So above all he should be an awesome character. Is he though? No. He and Daegon are probably two of the worst characters created. My thing with Taven though is that at least he has an original moveset. He can manipulate time. Shujinko, as of now not saying it can't be done, does not. His moveset is that of a Chameleon or Khameleon even if he does have a cooler reason than them to have it.

Please don't compare Taven's and Daegon's story to Shujinko's. Those two characters were a silly excuse to end the series, nothing more. As I said before Shujinko story is not limited to deception as it spans decades with him getting involved in major events, he can very well be included in the MK4 story arc for reasons I already mentioned in this thread.
And please don't tell me his move set is the reason you don't want him in Mk10. It's not like NRS is going to repeat the same mistakes again. As me and others have mentioned he has tremendous potential in his gameplay itself and there are lots of creative ways to develop a unique moveset for him even with his current story. You just have to be more open-minded to see it.

 

[Commander]

Yea, but I don't think we can really read too much into that line. When Raiden said that, Cage was unwilling to join them and mocked them before leaving. What Raiden said felt more like, " he will eventually join us, when he knows what's at stake." But it could still have a more deeper meaning going into MK10. But then again, as far Cage is considered there is a LOT he has to undergo to put away his carefree ways, discipline himself, control his powers and train to be a more able fighter and all of that takes experience and time. Shujinko already has what is takes to lead the Earthrealm heroes and would seem like the more obvious choice.

Cage matured and became more of a warrior by the end of MK9s Story Mode.
By the end of MK9, Cage seemed like he was prepared to be a leader, and was more serious.
At the end of the MK9 story, Raiden also said to Sonya and Johnny Cage "Come, let us tend the fallen. Then we must help our realm rebuild."
I don't think he would have asked them to help him out if he didn't think that they could be possible leaders.
There's a reason that NRS left Johnny Cage and Sonya alive, and it's VERY possible that Raiden, Sonya and Johnny Cage would be the 3 main lead characters for the forces of light.
I'm not saying that Shujinko can't play a pivotal role in MK10, but I feel like the 3 main good guys for the forces of light will be those 3.

 

[Metal Overlord]

Cage hasn't really matured for good just yet, he's just on his way now. IMO, the reason Cage acted more mature and responsible towards the end of the story was because the situation demanded it; lives were being lost, and the idea of Kahn conquering Earthrealm had become a very real possibility to Cage. So there wasn't any room for his usual behavior. We don't know how he'll act now that Earthrealm is not in danger anymore; he could go back to being his old self, at least until later on in the story of MK10. With that said, however, I doubt that considering everything he's seen and been through now.

I do agree though that Cage and Sonya both survived for a reason; their arcade endings hint at this even further. In all honesty though, I think that Sonya might simply be still around to become a love interest for Cage, although I hope she has more of a serious role than that.

 

[Commander]

We don't know how he'll act now that Earthrealm is not in danger anymore; he could go back to being his old self, at least until later on in the story of MK10. With that said, however, I doubt that considering everything he's seen and been through now.

EarthRealm is in even MORE danger now, since Quan Chi and Shinnok are planning an all out invasion for MK10.

The only reason he seemed to be a jokester in MK9, was because he didn't think the tournament and the characters in it were really real.
He even told Baraka to call his agent to use him for his next movie, "Johnny Scissor Fist" or something like that.
Cage got more serious as the game went on, after Liu Kang beat Ermac and Shang Tsung.
Sure, he'd throw in the occasional joke, but he seemed more serious about helping Raiden and the group, as a whole.

 

[Metal Overlord]

EarthRealm is in even MORE danger now, since Quan Chi and Shinnok are planning an all out invasion for MK10.

That's true, Earthrealm is still in danger, I just meant that Johnny Cage and the others don't know this yet

 

[Nasty_Freak]

Raiden
Fujin
Bo Rai Cho
Johnny Cage
Sonya
Li Mei
Kenshi
Kai
Shujinko
Cyrax
Ermac
Nitara
Sareena
Scorpion

Now that's more like it.

 

[Subz 711]

Yea, but I don't think we can really read too much into that line. When Raiden said that, Cage was unwilling to join them and mocked them before leaving. What Raiden said felt more like, " he will eventually join us, when he knows what's at stake." But it could still have a more deeper meaning going into MK10. But then again, as far Cage is considered there is a LOT he has to undergo to put away his carefree ways, discipline himself, control his powers and train to be a more able fighter and all of that takes experience and time. Shujinko already has what is takes to lead the Earthrealm heroes and would seem like the more obvious choice.

Also I had mentioned this before, as far as heroes are concerned I rather have it be more of a team effort in overthrowing the forces of Netherealm than just going by a single hero alone. Of course in the end only one can challenge Shinnok, but otherwise each of the heroes should have equal importance irrespective of their powers and have a significant role to play. It shall be much more appealing than just one guy doing everything and they can also please more fans in the process.



Shujinko's story spans before Mk1 and during MK1 to MK deception as well. Yes his main quest is reuniting the Kamidogu but he was involved in a lot of significant events during the course of his journey. He helped the Lin Kuei overthrow the Shirai Ryu at one point, he helped Scorpion find Quan Chi just before the events of MKDA in the Netherealm to name a few. In fact in the original timeline Raiden did actually come seeking Shujinko's help in defending Earthrealm even when able warriors like Liu Kang were living. Thus in the altered timeline I'm pretty sure one person alone is enough to defend Earthrealm. Raiden would require Shujinko's help more than ever now, considering he is potentially the strongest warrior of Earthrealm. There is actually many more reasons to include Shujinko in MK10 with little to no reason on not including him.


Yes it is that as it seems your bias towards the character is clouding your judgement had you viewed him from a neutral point of view. You yet have to give any solid reason for his non inclusion.



Please don't compare Taven's and Daegon's story to Shujinko's. Those two characters were a silly excuse to end the series, nothing more. As I said before Shujinko story is not limited to deception as it spans decades with him getting involved in major events, he can very well be included in the MK4 story arc for reasons I already mentioned in this thread.
And please don't tell me his move set is the reason you don't want him in Mk10. It's not like NRS is going to repeat the same mistakes again. As me and others have mentioned he has tremendous potential in his gameplay itself and there are lots of creative ways to develop a unique moveset for him even with his current story. You just have to be more open-minded to see it.

Well even if Shujinko is meh to me I'm not overlooking him completely. I mean yeah he definitely could show up, but I don't think he should play this pivotal role that you seem to think. It's like you want him as the new Liu Kang, and I don't think he deserves that. Everyone can play their part in the next game, it ain't gonna revolve around Shujinko. Perhaps your bias towards him is clouding your judgement to see that he could wait til MK11.

One of the main reason I don't want him there though is because I feel there's better options for now. Kai being the main one. There's a couple others too though. It seems like you think Shujinko could be instantly inserted into a main character role, yet everyone else is either unprepared or just don't fit. Johnny, Kai, and yes I still think Kenshi could play a very important role in the next game, and they all came before Shujinko.

Also, I'm pretty sure that if they took time to make Taven and Daegon that they didn't intend them to be a silly excuse to end the series. They intended them to be decent characters at least that people could get into. For one I actually wouldn't mind Taven returning down the line. Not Daegon though he can suck on it. Shujinko just felt special because we all got to play the best story theyve had yet in Deception, and it was with him. We got to travel the realms with him, and see what they looked like. So naturally you, and others got attached. If he wouldn't have had that though, and would have been just a normal character with an ending I'm doubting that he would have any more fans than Taven or Daegon.

I'm not dissing you for liking him as I realize he does have his fair amount of fans here, but I don't think he should be a main protagonist like that again. He's a decent character, but he's not going to be the one saving the day again I don't think.

 

[Flying Jinko]

Well even if Shujinko is meh to me I'm not overlooking him completely. I mean yeah he definitely could show up, but I don't think he should play this pivotal role that you seem to think.

Again, you have yet to give me any good reason why you think he shouldn't be included or why his role shouldn't be pivotal other than he is "meh" to you. That itself shows your bias.

It's like you want him as the new Liu Kang, and I don't think he deserves that. Everyone can play their part in the next game, it ain't gonna revolve around Shujinko. Perhaps your bias towards him is clouding your judgement to see that he could wait til MK11.

Where did I say that? In fact this what I wanted and said in case you missed it.

Also I had mentioned this before, as far as heroes are concerned I rather have it be more of a team effort in overthrowing the forces of Netherealm than just going by a single hero alone. Of course in the end only one can challenge Shinnok, but otherwise each of the heroes should have equal importance irrespective of their powers and have a significant role to play. It shall be much more appealing than just one guy doing everything and they can also please more fans in the process.

So please stop assuming things and actually read what I had posted. Everything I posted was with facts/reasons instead of preferences, which is not the case with you. And Shujinko doesn't deserve to be bought back? Why not?

One of the main reason I don't want him there though is because I feel there's better options for now. Kai being the main one. There's a couple others too though. It seems like you think Shujinko could be instantly inserted into a main character role, yet everyone else is either unprepared or just don't fit. Johnny, Kai, and yes I still think Kenshi could play a very important role in the next game, and they all came before Shujinko.

Where did I propose the inclusion of Shujinko in place of other characters? Earthrealm needs heroes as of now and even with the inclusion of Johnny, kai Cage, Kenshi etc it won't be as strong as it was in the original timeline and Raiden would try to convince as many strong warriors he can. And yes, Shujinko can be inserted into a hero role and I gave my reasons for it. I have yet to see any counter arguments from you on that regard.

Also, I'm pretty sure that if they took time to make Taven and Daegon that they didn't intend them to be a silly excuse to end the series. They intended them to be decent characters at least that people could get into. For one I actually wouldn't mind Taven returning down the line. Not Daegon though he can suck on it. Shujinko just felt special because we all got to play the best story theyve had yet in Deception, and it was with him. We got to travel the realms with him, and see what they looked like. So naturally you, and others got attached. If he wouldn't have had that though, and would have been just a normal character with an ending I'm doubting that he would have any more fans than Taven or Daegon.

You can give Taven the benefit of doubt but not Shujinko? What's the logic in that? And Taven too wasn't all that unique gameplay wise, he had a time stop move and that's it, everything else including his control over fire was generic. Taven too has a conquest mode dedicated to him and he too travelled different realms and yet he is not very much liked as compared to Shujinko. The reason? Shujinko had an overall better story and character progression. Plus the concept behind him was unique (though how they implemented it in the gameplay was not) and he had a more relatable adventurous story. He is epitome of the ultimate martial artist, travelling and learning to better his skills and that's real inspiration for agreeing to carry on the quest, not for reasons like vengeance, ultimate power, to be heroic in saving realms etc. There is nothing more noble and dutiful than trying to be the best in what one does. Saving the realms became his goal later on but his first love was always for martial arts. His story is too good in fact with the right direction and sense it could even be made in a succesful TV series. It's not everyday you hear of people sacrificing their entire lives for the greater good of others.

EarthRealm is in even MORE danger now, since Quan Chi and Shinnok are planning an all out invasion for MK10.

The only reason he seemed to be a jokester in MK9, was because he didn't think the tournament and the characters in it were really real.
He even told Baraka to call his agent to use him for his next movie, "Johnny Scissor Fist" or something like that.
Cage got more serious as the game went on, after Liu Kang beat Ermac and Shang Tsung.
Sure, he'd throw in the occasional joke, but he seemed more serious about helping Raiden and the group, as a whole.

The thing with him again is though he seems to be maturing he needs to be disciplined and trained, and if his arcade ending is true, he needs to learn to control his powers as well. He can't just go to Seido one day and return the next all changed, it will take time and going by his case, years perhaps and Shinnok's invasion may begin before that. Of course he will definitely be stronger but he would still be in training and not reached his potential, at least not strong enough to go head on with Shinnok. Unless they find a way to get past the time he requires to develop and train (like I did in my fanfic) he would not really be strong enough for Mk10.

 

[Metal Overlord]

Also, I'm pretty sure that if they took time to make Taven and Daegon that they didn't intend them to be a silly excuse to end the series. They intended them to be decent characters at least that people could get into. For one I actually wouldn't mind Taven returning down the line.

They didn't intend Armageddon to be a silly excuse to end the story, either. Doesn't change the fact that it's still horrible.

As a matter of fact, I'll even explain to people here why Armageddon's story was so terrible: for one, it pretty much killed all of the buildup and momentum both the characters' stories and the overall story had. Any character development that the characters could have had in Armageddon was cut short because Midway decided that having a random fight to the death at a pyramid for every single character was more interesting than say, the One Being as a villain, or hell, even just all of the previous major villains uniting one final time in an attempt to conquer all the realms. No, we just got to see all of the characters kill each other to get on top of the pyramid and fight a lava monster so that they could have the ultimate power.

The story itself was a complete ass pull. Everything about it was random, confusing, unsatisfying and just flat-out poor writing on Midway's behalf. As I stated before, Deadly Alliance and Deception both slowly built up a greater conflict for future games to come because they introduced new story elements that not only fit the current story, but could be used for another story, as well. Quan Chi and Shang Tsung joining forces to revive The Dragon King army in Deadly Alliance helped set the stage for Onaga's return, and Onaga's return along with the introduction of the Kamidogu in Deception helped set up what was supposed to be the One Being's entrance as a threat in the game after Deception.

And what did Armageddon do? Midway threw together a conflict almost completely unrelated to the previous ones and didn't care to actually explain how the conflict came to be. The "overwhelming power" of the kombatants somehow threatened the fate of the realms, and that Blaze was created to correct the "imbalance" of power within the realms. We don't even know what Armageddon is supposed to be, what happens what Armageddon happens, or how the imbalance of power is supposed to tie in to that. We just know that evidently, it was a conflict that needed to be stopped.

What makes it even worse is that they created new characters simply to stop this new conflict while setting the other characters to the wayside. Shujinko might have been created to defeat Onaga but the huge difference between his and Taven's stories is that Shujinko is actually his own character. They took the time to develop him along with the overall conflict. Taven is just a walking plot device, created to stop Armageddon and nothing more. There are probably Kreate-A-Fighter characters more fleshed out than he is. They didn't even care to explain why Taven or Daegon were the ones that were supposed to be defeated Blaze in the first place! They just randomly introduced them as the main characters, no character development, no real backstory behind them, they were just there to basically shit on every character's story.

In Taven's defense, however, since he was only created for the story of Armageddon, he failed as a character less because of his own merits and more because of Armageddon's story. But why give Taven, probably the most generic character we have in MK, a pass but criticize Shujinko for nearly the same reason? The only unique bone he has in his body is the ability to control time. The concept behind Shujinko at least is original, it's just the execution (in other words, his moveset) that isn't so unique.

Shujinko just felt special because we all got to play the best story theyve had yet in Deception, and it was with him. We got to travel the realms with him, and see what they looked like. So naturally you, and others got attached.

We not only got to see the realms and story unfold, but his character grow. This is the big reason why we love Shujinko, not just for him being the playable character in Deception's Konquest, but because Midway actually took the time to develop his character, as well. We got to see his entire life unfold slowly, and how he got to become the warrior that he was currently in Deception. It's not just the fact that we got to see the main story and the MK universe with him, as you seem to think, we actually got to experience Shujinko himself as a character

If he wouldn't have had that though, and would have been just a normal character with an ending I'm doubting that he would have any more fans than Taven or Daegon.

I don't really see how this makes sense in the argument, this is like saying, "If Taven and Daegon were ninjas, then I doubt that they wouldn't at least be as popular as Shujinko if not moreso". Not exactly a bad point, but not exactly relevant either.

The point is that Shujinko isn't a normal character, and that his story alone is a great reason why he needs to return in future MK installments as a major protagonist, if not the main protagonist. If he were a normal character instead of what he was in Deception, than we most likely wouldn't be requesting his return as a main hero if he wasn't even a main hero in his original debut, now, would we?

He's a decent character, but he's not going to be the one saving the day again I don't think.

So who exactly is going to be the one to defeat Onaga then?

I think you need to realize that we aren't saying Shujinko should be a main protagonist again because of our personal feelings right now. Shujinko has a huge role within the MK story, as he is the one who is ultimately responsible for Onaga's return. His story spans not only before MK1, but after as well. He may not directly influence or be directly involved with the current major conflicts (Shinnok's return and Outworld's invasion of Earthrealm), but he is still a significant part of the MK universe. So it's not just, "Oh, his story is great so he should come back", we're trying to argue his return for the sake of the entire MK story and objective reasoning. Maybe not in MK10, but he needs to return in this new timeline at some point.

Well even if Shujinko is meh to me I'm not overlooking him completely. I mean yeah he definitely could show up, but I don't think he should play this pivotal role that you seem to think.

Why exactly do you think that? Why shouldn't he have a pivotal role in MK? I haven't seen you answer these questions at all, instead you're just trying to justify your own bias for Shujinko by saying that you don't completely overlook him. Fact of the matter is, unless you prove me wrong, you don't have a real reason why Shujinko's role shouldn't be pivotal. You just want to see other characters that you like more have roles as main protagonists, at the cost of Shujinko's role, whether you realize this or not.

 

[Revamp_Kombat]

Save Shujinko in MK11 then. Scorpion can be a new protagonist.

 

[CryHavok]

I think if they are ever going to make Scorpion the protagonist they'll give him his own side game. Whatever happened to Fire and Ice? Are NRS still thinking of making that?

 

[Commander]

I think if they are ever going to make Scorpion the protagonist they'll give him his own side game. Whatever happened to Fire and Ice? Are NRS still thinking of making that?

Agreed about him getting his OWN game.
Fire and Ice was unfortunately cancelled when Midway went bankrupt, so it never came out.
I'm actually hoping that Ed Boon and NRS revisits that idea, and the next project that they work on is a Sub-Zero and Scorpion game?

Now I know it was being done by Paradox, but Paradox was working with Midway.
NRS could have the guys at Paradox do this again, now that they have WB's financial backing.
At least that's what I'm hoping for.