Mind-Blowing Mortal Kombat 1 Theory: Is Shang Tsung Really the True Main Villain

Freshly unveiled footage from Mortal Kombat 1 has sparked intriguing speculations, indicating that Shang Tsung might not be the game's primary antagonist after all. Instead, the footage hints at the return of a beloved character from the franchise's past, sending waves of excitement through fans.

Shang Tsung has long been hailed as one of the most iconic villains in the Mortal Kombat series. With his sorcery skills and soul-stealing abilities, he made his menacing debut as the unplayable final boss and central adversary in the original arcade release of Mortal Kombat. Throughout subsequent installments, Shang Tsung transitioned into a playable character, evolving into somewhat of an anti-hero in later games. Despite his wicked nature, fans have developed a soft spot for the sorcerer.

While developers have confirmed Shang Tsung's inclusion as a playable character in Mortal Kombat 1, they have yet to officially disclose his role as the game's main antagonist. However, a recent Mortal Kombat 1 stress test featured a Twitter-shared clip that provides a potential clue regarding the primary villain. In the footage, two players controlling Liu Kang engage in character selection, with one player inquiring about the existence of Onaga in their timeline.The other Liu Kang responds, revealing that not only does Onaga exist but he also reigns supreme in his timeline.

Onaga, known as the Dragon King, previously ruled Outworld and made his debut as the central antagonist in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. He later returned as a playable character in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon. Despite his demise, Onaga has retained a devoted fan following, thanks to his immense power and captivating presence. As a result, many enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Onaga's potential comeback in Mortal Kombat 1.

Naturally, this recent footage does not confirm the character's definitive return. It is plausible that the interaction between the two Liu Kang players merely serves as a nostalgic nod to the deceased Dragon King, without implying his actual involvement. Determining which character assumes the role of the main villain in this latest entry remains uncertain. Mortal Kombat 1 serves as a throwback to the series' inaugural title, wherein Shang Tsung reigned as the primary antagonist. As such, it would be a fitting full-circle moment for him to assume the mantle of the main villain once again. However, if the developers aim to deliver a fresh rebooted experience for Mortal Kombat 1, introducing a newer antagonist like Onaga could be a captivating choice.