Best Versions Of Raiden In Mortal Kombat

Summary

Raiden has appeared in almost every installment of Mortal Kombat, embodying order and protection in the franchise's universe.
Different versions of Raiden have different designs and appearances, showcasing his evolution throughout the franchise's history.
Raiden's character has undergone changes in personality and attire throughout the different Mortal Kombat games and adaptations, but he remains a powerful and iconic character.

In Mortal Kombat, Raiden stands as one of the most iconic characters of the entire roster. Having appeared in nearly every installment of the franchise, Raiden's legacy is cemented. Raiden embodies order and sovereignty in the Mortal Kombat universe; as an elder god of lightning, it is his duty to protect the Earth Realm and fend off invaders such as Shao Khan and Shang Tsun.

Raiden returns in Mortal Kombat 1, although he is greatly changed since history has been rewritten at the hands of Fire God Liu Kang. As one of Earth Realm's most powerful warriors, the God of Thunder dominates the battlefield with devastating poise and command of lightning. Over the franchise's three-decade lifespan, Raiden has had many different designs and appearances, from video games to feature films, with multiple roles throughout the story of Mortal Kombat itself. Here are some of the best versions of Raiden in Mortal Kombat.

8 Raiden From Mortal Kombat Deception

Mortal Kombat Deception was a darker take on the franchise's already bleak setting. Earth Realm was threatened by outside forces once again, and it came down to Raiden to protect it from being annihilated.

Raiden's design was wildly different from his other iterations; he dawned a more armored attire, losing the trademark blue tunic fans had come to know, and featured a pair of red glowing eyes. The Raiden in Deception was also more ruthless and didn't shy away from making the hard decisions, which would make the God of Thunder a much more menacing individual.

7 Raiden From Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat 11 exploded on the scene with one of the most tumultuous stories in the Mortal Kombat franchise. Raiden leaned into his more ruthless persona, going against his usually good and moral depiction.

Raiden's main design retained the more armored aesthetic, which complimented his more aggressive changes, such as his new red lightning. At the same time, the game's time-twisted storyline also featured a Raiden from the past wearing a more traditional costume.

6 Raiden from Mortal Kombat (1995 Film)

Mortal Kombat's rise to international success spawned an entire universe that branched out into multiple mediums outside of video games. Mortal Kombat was adapted into comics, cartoons, and a live-action feature film.

In the first Mortal Kombat film, Raiden was played by Christopher Lambert, also known for his Highlander role, who delivered the movie's stand-out performance. Raiden would be a calm leader for Earth Realm fighters, leading them toward preserving peace and order.

5 Raiden From Mortal Kombat 9

In a final battle against Shao Khan, Raiden found himself at his mercy, and in a last-ditch effort to right the wrong choices he made, he sent his account of events to his past self. The Raiden featured in this game was the original version from the first Mortal Kombat tournament.

Kind, benevolent, and patient, this Raiden was unscarred by the constant battles and tug of war between good and evil. Raiden's attire was a modernized version of his classic costume, which was beautifully crafted for the new generations of graphic capabilities.

4 Raiden From Mortal Kombat 1

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With Liu Kang now the god of fire and the keeper of time, a new timeline commenced that only knew peace and kept those who would see it end in their proper place. In the most recent release in the Mortal Kombat franchise, Raiden is featured multiple times, the best being a disciple of Liu Kang and a loyal friend.

This iteration of Raiden is seemingly mortal and young but still as fierce a fighter as ever. Young Raiden's design has more Shaolin Monk influences mixed with the character's original design as he is now the bonded brother of Kung Lao instead of Liu Kang.

3 Raiden From Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

In a drastic step to ensure victory, the sorcerers Shang Tsun and Quan Chi decided to align their powers against the warriors of Earth Realm. Raiden, fearing the worst, took it upon himself to lead the charge against the alliance when the Elder Gods took no action to protect the realm.

This was the beginning of Raiden's descent, with him trying to hold on to the righteous God of Thunder he had always been. In Deadly Alliance, Raiden still wore his classic attire and colors, but he had a bulkier silhouette to prepare for the war against the forces of Shang Tsun and Quan Chi.

2 Raiden From Original Mortal Kombat

The original Mortal Kombat is the game that ushered in the legacy of visceral martial arts that swept across the world like wildfire and shot to the top of the charts during the nineties. Raiden's first appearance would be his most iconic, dawning the white Gi with a neon blue tunic overlaid.

This would also feature the iconic sound effects and move set of the character that would make him a staple in nearly every Mortal Kombat game to date.

1 Raiden From Mortal Kombat 10

In Mortal Kombat 10, Raiden is at the height of his power, facing a looming threat known as Shinnok, a powerful elder god seeking to consume Earth Realm for its power. Raiden, while weary from the recent war between Outworld and Earth Realm, is resolute in defeating Shinnok once again and protecting Earth Realm.

Raiden's design is very regal and elegant in this iteration of the game, and he is seen as a benevolent elder god among the cold and distant others.

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