Baraka's Transformation: From Minor Antagonist to Potential Hero in Mortal Kombat 1

Mortal Kombat 1 is breaking new ground in the long-standing fighting game franchise, and fans are eagerly anticipating the unfolding of the bold narrative. With Fire God Liu Kang reshaping the universe and resurrecting lost allies, familiar characters like Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena and Johnny Cage are all back, but with altered backstories. Baraka, the Tarkatan warrior, finds himself in the spotlight with a completely reimagined role, leaving players curious about his potential impact on Mortal Kombat 1's plot.

In the original timeline, Baraka served as a loyal guard to Shao Kahn and later allied with Mileena in an attempt to overthrow the emperor. Despite his efforts, Baraka faced exile and became a puppet for various antagonistic forces. Even in the rebooted universe, Baraka's role remained as a servant to powerful villains, albeit with slightly more autonomy.

Now, Mortal Kombat 1 introduces Baraka as one of the 24 fully playable characters, and his origin and role in this new universe have undergone significant changes. According to the trailer and official bio details, Baraka was once a respected Outworld merchant who contracted the Tarkat disease. In this revamped universe, the Tarkatans are not a distinct race but individuals afflicted with a deadly, incurable disease that causes severe disfigurement.

Forced out of his Outworld home due to the disease, Baraka becomes a leader in a Tarkatan colony where others affected by the illness reside. He strives to improve the lives of his fellow sufferers and embraces a new role as their advocate.

While the extent of Baraka's involvement in Mortal Kombat 1's story remains unconfirmed, it appears that the Tarkat disease plays a crucial role, possibly affecting Mileena as well. Liu Kang's universe faces chaos, and Baraka, as the face of the disease, could play a more significant role than ever before. This transformation could potentially turn the once minor antagonist into a sympathetic and tragic hero, adding a new layer of depth to his character.