Raiden
General Info
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Mercenary |
| Knows about | Martial Arts, Cybernetics |
| Nationality | Liberian |
| Alternate Name | Jack |
| Character Name | Raiden |
| Member of Organization | Maverick Security |
Introduction
His serious personality, symbolized by his characteristic conical hat and deep blue eyes, exudes a sense of wisdom and awe. Often seen with thunderbolt powers, he can teleport and fly, adding to his dominance on the battlefield. Several deaths associated with him show his merciless attitude towards his opponent, which adds to the fear and wonder.
But Raiden is more than just a warrior. His character often transcends to show a softer side, revealing his dedication to saving Earthrealm and Mortal Kombat warriors. This duality of his character, combining the brutality of an imaginary god with the sensitivity of a mentor, makes Raiden an unforgettable presence in the Mortal Kombat universe. His storied attackers, avid gamers and fans admire him for his balanced display of strength and compassion.
Biography
Raiden originally belonged to the Old Gods, but decided to give up his status to better protect the world of Earth. This sacrifice supports his character and highlights his unwavering devotion to duty and the preservation of life and harmony among all beings.
His wisdom and knowledge extend far beyond a lifetime, as he has existed in many forms throughout the ages. Despite his godlike status, Raiden displays a humble and empathetic character, often forming deep alliances with Earth's mortal defenders.
His role in the Mortal Kombat universe is not just defensive. Raiden isn't shy about jumping into battle himself when the need arises. He often takes it upon himself to recruit and train Earthworld soldiers when their world is threatened. He played a major role in the events that took place when Shao Kahn, the infamous Outworld Emperor, attempted to take over the Earth Kingdom. But the god of thunder is not without its flaws. His decisions, while always based on his protective nature, often lead to negative results. But whatever path he chooses, Raiden follows it with unwavering conviction, even if it means walking a morally gray line.
Therefore, Raiden is a beacon of hope for Earthrealm, the personification of thunder and lightning, whose strength and wisdom have often been the turning point of the acclaimed Mortal Kombat series.
Creation and Development
Boon and his team painted Raiden wearing an oriental straw hat as part of his look inspired by the movie Big Trouble in Little China. His outfit, originally a blue fabric leotard, evolved into a more traditional samurai-style outfit over the course of the series. His fighting style and abilities focused on controlling lightning and electricity, giving him unique powers and movesets compared to other characters. Raiden's storyline also changed over the course of the series. He was originally portrayed as an all-powerful god whose abilities were limited by his vow of neutrality. However, later rumors indicated that he took a more active role in defending Earthrealm. The character was fully humanized in Mortal Kombat 9, where Raiden was locked away as a mortal and forced to deal with human vulnerability and emotions.
Raiden was originally voiced by Midway employees. However, professional actors such as Richard Epcar were later hired to give Raiden a deeper and more commanding voice.
Raiden has now become a central figure in the Mortal Kombat franchise, an enduring fan favorite who continues to shape the ongoing story of the Mortal Kombat universe.
The creation and development of Raiden's character is a testament to the complex character design and storytelling that has contributed to Mortal Kombat's enduring success in the video game industry.
Character Profile
Raiden is not only a warrior, but also a god. Appointed as an Elder God, he must protect the Mortal Kombat universe from the nefarious ambitions of the dark forces of the outside world. Raiden's strength, wisdom, and age make him a highly respected member of the pantheon of gods. But unlike the esoteric detachment often associated with gods, Raiden's character embodies wisdom, determination, and action. Complementing his wisdom and strategic acumen, he is an enigmatic mentor to the heroes, his electric movements and ability to teleport make him a formidable foe in battle.
However, Raiden is extremely invincible. His moments of struggle, sacrifice, and despair, especially his transformation into Dark Raiden, add depth to his godlike personality, making him more relatable.
Despite his losses and transformations, Raiden's commitment to the Empire has remained unwavering, making him an eternally loyal figure in the Mortal Kombat universe. His character delicately balances between divine and human, straddling the line between wise protector and close-minded hero. It is this blend of strength, kindness, action and vulnerability that makes Raiden one of the most beloved characters in the Mortal Kombat series.
Story Arc
Raiden's intriguing saga unfolds straight from the original Mortal Kombat where he is the protector of Earthrealm. He sees it as his duty to protect mortals from the looming dangers of the merciless outside world. Believing in the potential of Earthrealm's soldiers, he leads them into battle against the villainous Shang Tsung, thus saving Earth from annexation.
Raiden's story takes a darker turn in Mortal Kombat II and III, when he renounces his godhood and sides with the mortals against the ruthless Emperor Shao Kahn. Help Liu Kang unleash his inner power and rise victorious against the evil emperor.
Mortal Kombat 4 reveals the darker nuances of Raiden's character as he battles the forces of Quan Chi and Shinnok to save Earth, but in the process initiates a cataclysmic future as predicted in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.
In the next Mortal Kombat: Deception story arc, a devastated Raiden transforms into a subtly evil version of himself who vows revenge against Shujinko, who was tricked into resurrecting Onaga. Raiden's arc in the Mortal Kombat universe is interwoven with courageous acts of defiance, duty, sacrifice, and moments of darkness, making him one of the most compelling characters. His relentless efforts to maintain balance between the realms and his constant struggle with his godlike nature add to his personality, ensuring that his story remains a compelling part of the Mortal Kombat saga.
Cultural Impact
Raiden's cultural influence extends to other forms of media. In professional wrestling, WWE wrestler The Undertaker references Raiden's moves in his matches. in 2011 the image of the character was created as a popular Halloween costume, symbolizing his mainstream popularity.
Raiden's "deadly" in-game move of teleporting in a cloud of electricity is a major personality trait of the character and has been referenced in several TV shows and comics. With the rapid expansion of esports and the Mortal Kombat competitive landscape, Raiden's influence will only grow as younger viewers discover this legendary character.
Legacy
Raiden is not only a formidable opponent in battle, but also a wise leader of Earth's soldiers. Using her timeless wisdom and knowledge, she often reveals the divine aspects of the universe, giving her allies a clearer path. Its distinguishing feature, above all, is its unwavering resilience. Whether he's facing off against the rebel Shang Tsung or the Emperor of the Outer Worlds, Shao Kahn, Raiden continues to demonstrate his strength and determination. Even in the face of danger, his zeal to protect Earth never fades.
Raiden's legacy in the Mortal Kombat universe sets him apart as more than a divine deity. It is a symbol of courage, wisdom and unwavering devotion to duty. His deeds and victories are often a beacon of hope for all the warriors of the Earth world, making him a true legend in every sense of the word.