Reptile’s is still one of the more tragic ones as well. Kitana’s may be a little less so now, mostly since MK 4, but hers and Sindel’s goes back and forth on being pretty tragic. And also Scorpion’s, of course, is one of the most. And Cyrax, lol. And many others. Not just because they’re tragic, but Mortal Kombat had a lot of compelling storylines
Yeah Shujinko was manipulated from a child to a old man and been in jail cause he broke curfew from a realm he doesn't even belong to that's probably the biggest WTF moment in Mortal Kombat history.
Shujinko's cool. He's literally the only character that got a full game dedicated to his life's story. Yeah the continuity didn't make any sense, but we know more about Shujinko than any other Kombatant. Besides, at the very end he had a bout of character development, learned what he did wrong and set out to fix it.
@@mkdemigodzillawarrior I personally made a MK timeline on DeviantArt similar to what Snake did although with a different approach (you can look up Kombatgod Mortal Kombat Timeline, I also do other franchise timelines and MK gender swaps btw), and while I didn't include Konquest for now, I already have its description written. Here's an abridged version: First of all a couple of premises: there's a misconception that the "timeskips" where Shujinko ages are the only times in his adventure where years pass, however it's more appropriate to say that any amount of time can pass between any two missions of his quests. Another thing is the "MK outfit rule": basically outfits are ignored. Characters are redesigned all the time in MK in contradicting ways (look at Mileena's mouth in MKX) and sometimes their new design is inexplicably brought to flashbacks so we must ignore what each character looks and only focus on the events told. Also I'll only focus on main story missions and we can ignore optional side missions, because those can usually be accessed at any time, so they don't have a specific placement. Lastly, even just looking at the main events there are elements that are impossible to reconcile 100% with the main plot, so we can assume Konquest to not have happened in the main canon 100% as told (although it MUST be at least partially canon because it's the background of the game's main characters). Now the timeline: Shujinko is 13 at the beginning and an old man during MKD, so his adventure begins decades prior to MK1. The first problem is that in his youth he meets Noob who shouldn't exist yet, but it's possible he's just supposed to be a generic Netherrealm wraith, similar to how Hotaru and Baraka are used to represent generic Seidan guards and Tarkatan warriors respectively. Similarily, there also is Mileena, who in MK9 is retconned to have only been created around the time of MK2, and this is pretty much impossible to reconcile unless you consider MK9 a complete reboot rather than a divergent timeline (missing the whole purpose of its story) like that stupid MK Wiki does, or imagine she's meant to represent a generic female Tarkatan or a previous attempted clone of Kitana (applying the "MK outfit rule" we can imagine her canon appearance to be anything we like). There also is Ermac, who in MK9 is stated to be the "latest creation of Shao Kahn" during the first tournament, so he should be relatively young, but I think he can exist years prior, as long as the MK1 tournament is the first one he competes in. At one point Shujinko trains with Nightwolf and a timeskip happens which takes "years", then shortly afterwards he gets authorization to partake in the Mortal Kombat tournament from Shang Tsung (but ultimately doesn't compete) and it seems to be very imminent since Kenshi leaves for the island. This means that MK Mythologies (set 2 years before MK1) happens during the Nightwolf time skip and then MK1 happens after meeting Kenshi. Note that this can't be any other tournament because MK1 is the last tournament held at the island, and while Shujinko is old enough to be active 50 years prior, Kenshi isn't; Raiden also confirms this by saying that if Shang Tsung wins this time "Earthrealm will belong to Shao Kahn". Also note that Kenshi deciding to compete in the tournament is a harmless retcon. After meeting Raiden, Shujinko leaves Earthrealm to the Netherrealm where he meets Scorpion who's been torturing Quan Chi for some time, referencing the MKDA backstory, meaning that between these two encounters MK 1 through 4 happened. Afterwards Raiden is shown gathering warriors to combat the Deadly Alliance, so MKDA's backstory told in its intro by Raiden happened shortly before this scene, most notably the supposed killing of Shao Kahn and the death of Liu Kang, which prompted Raiden to step down the role of Elder God. One weird thing is that Shujinko tells Raiden he had "just" seen Quan Chi in the Netherrealm, while really some time should pass between Quan Chi escaping and the forming of the Deadly Alliance, but I guess we can't trust Shujinko's perception of the passage of time. In Outworld Shujinko is captured by Kano to work on the construction of Shang Tsung's palace, and finally he trains Li Mei to compete in the Deadly Alliance tournament. Because the palace is already built in MKDA's intro, but it wouldn't make sense for Raiden to be gathering heroes for a long time, this part must happen immediately before the beginning of MKDA proper, meaning the palace was built in record time. Since Konquest mode ends with the resurrection of Onaga, which happens during (if not before) the final battle of MKDA, this final part of Konquest must necessarily take place concurrently with MKDA, but this the most problematic thing in the entire mode because it creates various discrepancies (I offer possible explanations in brackets): -first, after being arrested Shujinko is said to spend "untold years" in prison, but the events of MKDA can't take that long (my best explanation is that time moves slower in the Orderrealm, or maybe just in its prisons as a form of punishment, so while Shujinko spent years there, only days passed in the other realms) -second, the last part of Konquest is set in Edenia, where Sindel is repelling an attack of Shao Kahn's forces led by Kintaro, but at this point Shao Kahn should be believed dead (it's possible that Shao Kahn sent Kintaro in Edenia to search for the Kamidogu and the forces weren't made aware of their Emperor's death, maybe decieved by Kintaro himself; Kitana also mentions Shao Kahn while she should be aware of his death but that's just a mistake I think, and she meant "Deadly Alliance" instead); -third, Kitana is met upon entering Edenia, but during MKDA she should be in Outworld fighting the Deadly Alliance (she momentarily returned to Edenia to save her captive mother while the other heroes are preparing the attack against the Deadly Alliance. She says "I must return to Outworld to lead our forces there in a direct assult against the Emperor" but she meant "Deadly Alliance") -fourth, Tanya is also there fighting for Shao Kahn, while her MKD bio revealed she actually acted as an enforcer for the Deadly Alliance (I don't know, maybe after being defeated by Shujinko she went to Outworld and then started serving the Deadly Alliance, although the timing doesn't work very well) -fifth, Scorpion appears at the end, trying to stop Shujinko's quest, but he should be lost in the void until after seeing the events from the game's intro, which happens after the end of Konquest. (I believe he's implied to already be working for the Elder Gods, even though that's not explicitly stated likely to keep the plot twist of Shujinko not being their Champion, so basically the only dicrepancy is that according to Konquest Scorpion became the Elder God's enforcer slightly before than what told in his bio, so that's not a big thing) So there you go. The resulting timeline is: *established older backstory > Konquest up to Nightwolf training > Mythologies > Konquest from Nightwolf training to meeting Raiden > MK1 through MK4 > Konquest from meeting Scoprion to leaving Netherrealm > MKDA backstory > Konquest from meeting Raiden again to Li Mei's Training > concurrently MKDA and Konquest from Li Mei training to the end > MKD on*
@@TheDigitalApple man’s tragedy is basically on the same level as Sindel’s and Kitana’s tragic levels and that defo has potential. But they like to waste it(cough cough banshee thot)
Shujinko ain't a favorite character of mines but his story very tragic how easily manipulated and had his whole childhood and adulthood taken from him until he became a old man.
I never really had a problem with Shujinko using other character's moves, it was an in-universe explanation to facilitate you being able to 'play' as other characters during the story and sorta added some characterization for the guy as he traveled the realms in how willing and eager he was to learn from others despite some of his arrogance in the start.
Yeah, plus he had the potential to slowly grow more as character and learn to improve the techiniques he has and develop his own moves, becoming his own warrior instead of copying the moves of others.
Both Shujinko and Taven have a lot of potential as the heroes of the 3D games. And what's really silly about Cassie's ending is that she apparently didn't think to ask the old man his name *before* beating him to death.
It is possibly hand-waved away as Dark Raiden just telling Cassie what he looked like and told her that he was a master deceiver and thus shouldn't bother wasting time with him. If he told her that Shang Tsung was particularly creepy with her mother, she'd attack him no questions asked.
I like Shujinko. His journey was riveting and seeing him on his quest only to find out what happens to him at the end of Konquest Mode is genuinely tragic. Why the hell NRS had Cassie kill him off is beyond me. Give this old, beaten-down warrior some damn justice, NRS!
I would say go to *Death Battle* submission website, and submit Shujinko vs. Cassie Cage. It's very obvious who would win. But also give the original timeline characters some recognition.
Shujinko is a better character than anything NRS did. "He copies moves" In this setting THAT IS AWESOME. He could be the next rival to Shang Tsung if he could find a way to become immortal. Think about it: Shang steals your soul to steal your power. Shujinko just has to fight you. maybe train a bit he's basically the perfect anti-Shang. THAT would be a direction.
Honestly I think Shujinko's ability to be like Shang Tsung was a good idea. It puts you in the villain's shoes while also not trying to force a humanist side of the villain. Massive potential to be a rival to Shang Tsung. What they did to Shujinko at the end of Cassie's story was a lil mean tbh lol
Your not the only one who was ticked about how they've been treating mai boi Shunjinko. Seriously the good guys need a character who can use other people skills and in some cases better as well as being a mentor figure for everyone through his experience through going to EVERY SINGLE REALM and being tricked by a all powerful dragon god and then defeating said Dragon God.
The story of a young man giving up their youth, hope and dreams for what they believed to be a higher or noble cause only to find out he was just a pawn is sad. The fact people seem to have so little sympathy for him is even sadder. Like if people trick, use and scam you, it’s your own fault for letting them and not on the scumbag who did it.
Honestly, Deception is the best concept for a story MK has ever brought in IMO Seeing the journey of this young boy fulfilling his heroic destiny into adulthood, only to realize at the end he was helping out the bad guy all along It's nothing that wasn't done before, but it's more interesting than most MK has tried so far AND afterwards
His is rather similar to Kitana's arc yet many people (myself included) love her. Yeah, if people complained about his arc being a retread of an old one, I might see where their hate would be coming from but it's not even that.
Man i remember seeing cassie's ending back when i was barely into MK and didn't even care for shujinko and even then it just seemed so extremely weird and hilarious and an unintended way, like why the fuck would you brutally get rid of someone so innocent and just play it off as "wooops sheeee didwnt kwnooooow uwu well lwife gwoes on uwuwuwuwu" like dayumn lmfao
I appreciate you making this video! Been a Shujinko fan for years and I always felt bad for how he was groomed into believing he’d be the hero he always dreamed to be
I've been waiting a long time for this. Shujinko has to be my favorite MK character. I really don't get the disrespect from both the fans and the creators. Thank you for bringing this to light and clearing it up, Snake.
If he gets in, he'll either be treated as a joke, belittled or completely retconned. If he doesn't get in, his spot will probably go to Cole Young of all people. I feel like with Shujinko, it's a lose-lose situation, even though I like him a lot.
That'd be cool. Reminds me of when Shujinko trained Li Mei in Deception. Her learning fighting styles and special moves from him instead of asspulling previously unknown green powers makes more sense.
I’m glad someone like you is defending shujinko, he’s been one of my favorite characters for years, I love his sense of both great wisdom and redemption.
@@vukjankovic963 deception konquest played throughout the mk timeline at the start it was pre MK1 then by the end it was the end of MKDA and the intro of deception
Shuji-boy, and even Taven, were also kind of unpopular even back when they were new. I always liked Shujinko, tho, and I was always interested in Taven’s arc. But fans eventually started coming around to them. I’d say most fans would really appreciate Shujinko returning, particularly with a new storyline
I can see taven’s arc being interesting now considering rain is in the game and then U have his brother, daegon that has been intros. Problem is I feel like there are more interesting story arcs that are likely to get sidelined, such as the war between havik(chaos) and hotaru(order) which I genuinely want to see if there is another expansion and u can make them villains of the next story. Given with rain’s backstory(which was honestly one of the better changes since we understand why he is such a prick), how would taven react to how rain was brought up? Would he be disappointed with his father and turn against him or will he completely go with his father’s wishes?
Much like Onaga, Shujinko deserves more respect. Both were solid as both protagonist and villain and Onaga's trickery gave it that personal connection that other MK leads have lacked when faced with some of the Major threats.
I fucking love your videos. You see flaws and have evidence to back it up. I don’t always agree with you but i see what you are coming from and even managed to open my eyes quite a few times.
Finally something for Shujinko. But I reckon he had a pretty solid arc in his game and there's not much need to bring him back. Unless it's a remake and they modernize his story.
At least Stryker ended on a good note. People actually liked him in MK9, because the voice actor did a brilliant job with him and the character had an actual personality. Shujinko comes back in Armageddon just to get belittled by Taven. He gets his ass kicked by Cassie in her ending, when it should be the other way around. He returns again in the comics, but gets possessed. Can't he just return once and not be treated as a joke?
@@TheChosenMoose01 That was actually kinda funny though. It also makes sense if you've played Deception and done the Shang Tsung challenge in Netherrealm. He's impossible to beat.
I think the thing about Shujinko that people don't give him credit for, is that he's a super relatable character. Imagine being 13, hearing fantastic tales of a tournament against beings from other dimensions, and then a giant ball of light tells you that you can go on a quest to save all of that. Of course you'd go. And then when he learns his path is a sham he still wants to put things right, and strives to do so.
Brusk Poet did a video of the most powerful MK character, and his number 1 choice was Shujinko; and I honestly see it! Damashi/Onaga bestowing Shuj. The ability to absorb or quickly learn from another combatants and to become proficient in their fighting styles. It makes sense to me as to why he is up there in power level. Arguably the strongest in the Midway continuity.
Thanks for this video Snake. Shujinko has always been my favourite 3D era character (I'd even say favourite MK character after Scorpion / Mileena.) and I appreciate that you addressed the common criticisms people have that are either addressed or are just untrue. I've also seen Shujinko as the opposite of Shang. Two characters can copy the moves of others.
Fun fact: Shujinko didn't actually trust Damashi at first when Damashi asked him to become the Elder God's champion. Shujinko asks, "And if I refuse?" Which shows he didn't trust Damashi at first until he told Shujinko he'd take his offer to the kid who dresses up as Shang Tsung. After that, Shujinko rethinks his answer and accepts Damashi's offer.
Ah yes, a protagonist with a pretty real life and goals, whose we know almost his life history. I dunno if I like shujinko thanks to his moves, the times where I explored the mk universe, or both
I’ve been waiting for Shujinko to return since MK9 was first announced. He’s one of my favorite MK characters. They can totally redesign his appearance, by replacing “The Old Man” look for a much younger, stronger looking appearance like the way he looked when he collected the ChaosRealm Kamidogu. He can still have his old and young appearance as alternate skins like Shang in MK11. His variation can be like if one variation, he uses his own moves and power, the second variation can be where he uses other warrior’s powers in different ways we normally see the actual Kombatants preform them. And a third variation can be a mixed of both variations?
Shujinkos is a really bad ass character in a way "i developed and trained to be a hero i was never meant to be and unwittingly unleashed a darkness a pon existence...now im going to fix" he literally becomes the hero he always wanted to be
I didn't know what to think of Shujinko back than. At 1st I thought he was a discount Shang Tsung, old man who can do other ppl's moves but when I started to learn more about Deception and also saw HBTW's video on him, I grew more respect for him. I just wish they made him a little more aware
I remember to make fun of his name because its almost the spanish versión of *bad man* or *evil man* Probably IGN started to hate it and some fanbois follow that route.
I very much agree with your video Perhaps the hatred for the character is due to the fact that he can become a perfect reflection of a novice mortal kombat player. But beyond that, he is pretty cool.
I legit feel most people hate him because hes from the 3D era and there some strange thought process that if your from that era you automatically suck.
I never understood why Shujinko hated either I'm not saying he's a fan favorite or best character there are some things he did in Mortal Kombat Deception story that makes him ignorant and he fix all the mistakes he's done he I prefer Shujinko way over Taven.
I've thought about being a RUclipsr and making a video about Shujinko was one of the first ideas that popped into my head when I found out several people dislike him but I couldn't understand why. Thanks for the video but I don't know whether making my own is redundant or not now.
Shujinko is one of my favourite 3D era characters. I love the guy, he's just a guy who got where he was by training and training and training for his whole life, just a regular dude originally, until he grabbed some equipment like Scorpion's Spear and a few special powers.
I think Shujinko could be an interesting combatant with his ability to learn his opponent's move sets quickly could make for some interesting mechanics where he gets harder to combat the longer the match goes. Instead of just copying the techniques of other characters he could use those techniques in different ways, like using the spear as a slashing weapon like its used in the latest movie, or lobbing fireballs instead of shooting them straight.
Shang tsung does have original moves though. Unlike shujinko. Thats the part he skipped over. Same goes for quan chi. And shinnok, though shinnok only got original moves in armageddon. Hes also the 4th character who can copy the abilities of other characters (excluding k/chameleon). And yes, shang tsung did only get original moves in mk2, though at least that is excusable.
We need more shujinko content. It sucks because people hate him for his naivity even though he's probably the most realistic character, if someone told me I can get everything I wanted and gave me something to help me out with it I'd do it in a heartbeat. It wasn't like a clown told him it either, Shujinko and the others in the village probably only read about elder gods so seeing one was a new experience. For Christ sake Jax was fooled by Kronika with a less convincing argument and was much older than Shujinko at the time, but nobody talks about that because Jax is a 2d character. Now if you excuse me I'll clean out my brain because it has gotten really dirty from remembering Cassie's mkx ending
Cassie beating Shujinko is dumb bc it took Shujinko, Ermac, Nightwolf, and The Spirit of Liu Kang to beat the Dragon King Onaga. We’re talking years of experience and training from different groups across the realms lost to a College Girls natural talent pffftt
Something I'll always mention when someone states that Shujinko was meant to be the next Liu Kang: Liu Kang was meant to have a more vital role towards the end of Deception's Konquest mode, in the form of his spirit. They had to rush finishing Mortal Kombat Deception's release, and Ed Boon has said that there was supposed to be much more to the game. I'm assuming the team meant for Liu Kang's spirit to be the final person Shujinko trained with before defeating Onaga, which is why Shujinko can learn the Bicycle Kick. After all, it is the strongest move against Onaga. Unfortunately, due to the rushed release of Deception, you can only train with Liu Kang's spirt AFTER you've completed Konquest mode. Which, again, was not supposed to be the case. Shujinko is NOT equal to Liu Kang, and in fact, Liu Kang was meant to give Shujinko the final push that was needed for Onaga to be defeated.
Liu Kang Spirit actually plays a Great Role in Mk Deception Endings too. He Frees his Friends from Onaga's Control and Gives Bo Rai Cho tye inspiration nesscary to Fight Barakas Tarkatans and Also While Fg Liu Kang Now has ro Teach Raiden Spirit Liu Kang Teaches Shujinko Himself Post Mk Deception Konquest Mode so that's not Cut Content.
About my only problem with him is his move set but I still believe he has potential. Never completely understand the hate he gets. “How dare he be naive after being on a quest since he was 13 after being in the same village all his life dreaming of defeating Shang Tsung” it’s like they fail to remember those moments when they were in Shujinko’s place. At least Shujinko takes responsibility for what he did and sought to fix it.
Pretty funny that Shujinko's name being just protagonist is no different from other games like persona 4 literally having protagonist in the game named protagnist in the intro
Gotta not forget the best cinematic opening where Raiden disobeyed the elder gods and faced the deadly alliance alone It is not by chance that this trouble came to be, I was to the fool that gave evil the chance it needed
Shujinko has always been one of my favorite characters from MK, he really does deserve better. I really hope that he comes back as a playable fighter some day.
3:21 Doesn't Ed Boon hate Chameleon (and Khameleon) as much as Hsu Hao? And doesn't Shang Tsung's ninja special basically fill the void that Chameleon theoretically fill?
One thing I hope they do with Shujinko is if he ever returns in a future game, that they give him moves from characters who didn't make it in the game. That way he can have his own physical fighting style plus some new moves.
I honestly miss when mortal kombat use to actually have a good storyline and the writers actually had fun and passion...now MK is a game owned by Corporate people that Don't care for the story and more about the 💲💲💲
I actually really liked Shujinko, and I'm not saying that just because Deception was my jumping on point. How many old men are serious protagonists these days, you got Snake and that's kind of it. Even Neatherrealm realised they trucked up in Cassie's ending and now flavour text in the MK11 towers says Shujinko is a beloved master with the White Lotus. Honestly, how mean Cassie's ending was seemed to make people realize how unfair they'd been treating him. But yeah, the fact that he was (at first) nieve and then sought to atone gives him an actual character and MK's characters are its strength (not the gore and violence).
Reminds me of the dumb Game Theory (wait, that's the majority of them..) on Kirby being a big threat and one of the examples is him being deceived in Milkyway Wishes and Return to Dream Land. Because God forbid people not automatically know the ill intentions of those around them. Hell, with this logic, wouldn't Scorpion be more hated for being deceived by Quan Chi in both timelines? It's even worse with him since at least Shujinko immediately went off to fix his mistake. Scorpion, in MKX, goes away after being revived, gets his revenge on Quan Chi which not only seals the fates of the other heroes to remain as revenants, but also gives the bad guys a better opening for Shinnok to be released due to his attack on the base. And after all of that, he doesn't really do anything, from what I remember, to help fix the screw up his actions helped caused.
I always liked Shujinko narratively speaking but I wished in fights that you were still the Shujinko model with a spirit form of the fighter who’s moves you are using superimposed over him. I just always thought it was kinda weird how they did it but it was a smart way to write around what could’ve been a technical issue.
they created an original character that was supposed to be there even before the 1st game, met a lot of characters from many of subsequent games and whose actions (which made sense) led to the Deception plotline. and Midway did all that without making him feel a showed in Mary Sue and - this is the most important - WITHOUT MESSING WITH THE ESTABLISHED CANON. so many franchises (including MK) get this kind of character incredibly wrong, and, granted, it's kinda easy to mess up. but Midway did it right.
Shujinko's story is one of being deceived by Onaga his entire life in a game called Mortal Kombat: Deception. By the time he is unlocked as a playable character, he knows of the deception and fights to correct his mistake in trusting Damashi. It's a good story, and it makes sense given the title. Gameplay wise, Shujinko isn't even the first character to copy other characters' attacks (Reptile in MK1, Jade and Noob in MK2, Human Smoke being just a direct copy of Scorpion until MK9, MK4 Shinnok, ect.)
Shujinko is a head flipper for every child that dreams of adventure. Just imagine if Luke Skywalker or Harry Potter’s guide and mentor was actually the villain all this time.
Okay so people hate Shujinko because his part in onaga revival but no one talks about the pre fight between Kung and Raiden when Raiden said damoshi is really onaga and Kung response was damoshi told me you say that. So when Lau does onaga biting out of him not knowing it's okay but when Shujinko does it he's hated
It seems like they are going to repeat this storyline with great Kung Lao. I wish shujinko came back tho, he broke the trope of him being the “wise old man”. Imagine him being a corrupted blood god due to the daggers, that would defo be with seeing since he is one of the most op kombatants. I feel like with an updated design, he could be badass and acc get recognition.
Shujinko would be awesome still. His own martial arts style, but infused with other characters special moves with a different attribute. Examples: a hard knock down telekinetic slam that when amplified slams the opponent 5 times for heavy damage a 1-inch nut punch when amplified follows up with another punch that sends the opponent flying half screen A spear that pulls opponent in as Shujinko yells "Get over here" and he auto uppercut. Shujinko could be a very fun character if done right.
True and they also can use different forms of Shujinko as Playable ( He could be his Younger Version that Just Trained with Nightwolf or Him after he just went to the Neterrealm).
I never really had a problem with Shujinko, mostly because I was too busy trying to wrap my head around when certain events happen in the MK timeline. I still have no idea if armored Shujinko met Shang Tsung before the official Mortal Kombat Tournament, and then spent so long in the Netherrealm that several games of fighting passed before meeting Scorpion, or if he was just lying about his tournament being the "real" Mortal Kombat tournament, using it as a mask to hide the fact he was just gathering souls for Onaga's army. Also, I'm a little annoyed with how little I actually got to USE Shujinko in Konquest, with only three fights where he didn't have any of his specials.
Shujinko the most tragic character of MK his whole life was thrown away due to Onaga deception.
Reptile’s is still one of the more tragic ones as well. Kitana’s may be a little less so now, mostly since MK 4, but hers and Sindel’s goes back and forth on being pretty tragic. And also Scorpion’s, of course, is one of the most. And Cyrax, lol. And many others.
Not just because they’re tragic, but Mortal Kombat had a lot of compelling storylines
Yeah Shujinko was manipulated from a child to a old man and been in jail cause he broke curfew from a realm he doesn't even belong to that's probably the biggest WTF moment in Mortal Kombat history.
@@destinyseeker9477 I prefer living in Outworld than Seido.
@@boyoboyo2272 💯🍻
@@meganinten0078 agreed
Shujinko's cool. He's literally the only character that got a full game dedicated to his life's story. Yeah the continuity didn't make any sense, but we know more about Shujinko than any other Kombatant. Besides, at the very end he had a bout of character development, learned what he did wrong and set out to fix it.
Shujinko probably has the best character progression in just a single MK game!
I am curious when The4thSnake’s timeline video on Deception’s Konquest mode will come out.
@@mkdemigodzillawarrior I personally made a MK timeline on DeviantArt similar to what Snake did although with a different approach (you can look up Kombatgod Mortal Kombat Timeline, I also do other franchise timelines and MK gender swaps btw), and while I didn't include Konquest for now, I already have its description written.
Here's an abridged version:
First of all a couple of premises: there's a misconception that the "timeskips" where Shujinko ages are the only times in his adventure where years pass, however it's more appropriate to say that any amount of time can pass between any two missions of his quests.
Another thing is the "MK outfit rule": basically outfits are ignored. Characters are redesigned all the time in MK in contradicting ways (look at Mileena's mouth in MKX) and sometimes their new design is inexplicably brought to flashbacks so we must ignore what each character looks and only focus on the events told.
Also I'll only focus on main story missions and we can ignore optional side missions, because those can usually be accessed at any time, so they don't have a specific placement.
Lastly, even just looking at the main events there are elements that are impossible to reconcile 100% with the main plot, so we can assume Konquest to not have happened in the main canon 100% as told (although it MUST be at least partially canon because it's the background of the game's main characters).
Now the timeline:
Shujinko is 13 at the beginning and an old man during MKD, so his adventure begins decades prior to MK1. The first problem is that in his youth he meets Noob who shouldn't exist yet, but it's possible he's just supposed to be a generic Netherrealm wraith, similar to how Hotaru and Baraka are used to represent generic Seidan guards and Tarkatan warriors respectively. Similarily, there also is Mileena, who in MK9 is retconned to have only been created around the time of MK2, and this is pretty much impossible to reconcile unless you consider MK9 a complete reboot rather than a divergent timeline (missing the whole purpose of its story) like that stupid MK Wiki does, or imagine she's meant to represent a generic female Tarkatan or a previous attempted clone of Kitana (applying the "MK outfit rule" we can imagine her canon appearance to be anything we like). There also is Ermac, who in MK9 is stated to be the "latest creation of Shao Kahn" during the first tournament, so he should be relatively young, but I think he can exist years prior, as long as the MK1 tournament is the first one he competes in.
At one point Shujinko trains with Nightwolf and a timeskip happens which takes "years", then shortly afterwards he gets authorization to partake in the Mortal Kombat tournament from Shang Tsung (but ultimately doesn't compete) and it seems to be very imminent since Kenshi leaves for the island. This means that MK Mythologies (set 2 years before MK1) happens during the Nightwolf time skip and then MK1 happens after meeting Kenshi. Note that this can't be any other tournament because MK1 is the last tournament held at the island, and while Shujinko is old enough to be active 50 years prior, Kenshi isn't; Raiden also confirms this by saying that if Shang Tsung wins this time "Earthrealm will belong to Shao Kahn". Also note that Kenshi deciding to compete in the tournament is a harmless retcon.
After meeting Raiden, Shujinko leaves Earthrealm to the Netherrealm where he meets Scorpion who's been torturing Quan Chi for some time, referencing the MKDA backstory, meaning that between these two encounters MK 1 through 4 happened.
Afterwards Raiden is shown gathering warriors to combat the Deadly Alliance, so MKDA's backstory told in its intro by Raiden happened shortly before this scene, most notably the supposed killing of Shao Kahn and the death of Liu Kang, which prompted Raiden to step down the role of Elder God. One weird thing is that Shujinko tells Raiden he had "just" seen Quan Chi in the Netherrealm, while really some time should pass between Quan Chi escaping and the forming of the Deadly Alliance, but I guess we can't trust Shujinko's perception of the passage of time.
In Outworld Shujinko is captured by Kano to work on the construction of Shang Tsung's palace, and finally he trains Li Mei to compete in the Deadly Alliance tournament. Because the palace is already built in MKDA's intro, but it wouldn't make sense for Raiden to be gathering heroes for a long time, this part must happen immediately before the beginning of MKDA proper, meaning the palace was built in record time.
Since Konquest mode ends with the resurrection of Onaga, which happens during (if not before) the final battle of MKDA, this final part of Konquest must necessarily take place concurrently with MKDA, but this the most problematic thing in the entire mode because it creates various discrepancies (I offer possible explanations in brackets):
-first, after being arrested Shujinko is said to spend "untold years" in prison, but the events of MKDA can't take that long (my best explanation is that time moves slower in the Orderrealm, or maybe just in its prisons as a form of punishment, so while Shujinko spent years there, only days passed in the other realms)
-second, the last part of Konquest is set in Edenia, where Sindel is repelling an attack of Shao Kahn's forces led by Kintaro, but at this point Shao Kahn should be believed dead (it's possible that Shao Kahn sent Kintaro in Edenia to search for the Kamidogu and the forces weren't made aware of their Emperor's death, maybe decieved by Kintaro himself; Kitana also mentions Shao Kahn while she should be aware of his death but that's just a mistake I think, and she meant "Deadly Alliance" instead);
-third, Kitana is met upon entering Edenia, but during MKDA she should be in Outworld fighting the Deadly Alliance (she momentarily returned to Edenia to save her captive mother while the other heroes are preparing the attack against the Deadly Alliance. She says "I must return to Outworld to lead our forces there in a direct assult against the Emperor" but she meant "Deadly Alliance")
-fourth, Tanya is also there fighting for Shao Kahn, while her MKD bio revealed she actually acted as an enforcer for the Deadly Alliance (I don't know, maybe after being defeated by Shujinko she went to Outworld and then started serving the Deadly Alliance, although the timing doesn't work very well)
-fifth, Scorpion appears at the end, trying to stop Shujinko's quest, but he should be lost in the void until after seeing the events from the game's intro, which happens after the end of Konquest. (I believe he's implied to already be working for the Elder Gods, even though that's not explicitly stated likely to keep the plot twist of Shujinko not being their Champion, so basically the only dicrepancy is that according to Konquest Scorpion became the Elder God's enforcer slightly before than what told in his bio, so that's not a big thing)
So there you go. The resulting timeline is:
*established older backstory > Konquest up to Nightwolf training > Mythologies > Konquest from Nightwolf training to meeting Raiden > MK1 through MK4 > Konquest from meeting Scoprion to leaving Netherrealm > MKDA backstory > Konquest from meeting Raiden again to Li Mei's Training > concurrently MKDA and Konquest from Li Mei training to the end > MKD on*
@@TheDigitalApple man’s tragedy is basically on the same level as Sindel’s and Kitana’s tragic levels and that defo has potential. But they like to waste it(cough cough banshee thot)
.... And failed.
Shujinko being killed off in Cassie’s MKX ending is probably the most infuriating example of NRS having very little respect for the 3D era characters!
Agreed.
Especially how they made him look like a lingering chump
Also made Cassie look like an idiot...
As if NRS had any respect for anything in the first place.
As if NRS had any respect for anything in the first place.
@@nameless55697 They sort of used to, tho...
Finally, Someone actually giving Shujinko some respect..
Yea, i simply learned his name means protagonist and learned a cool fact about Kenshi
Endorse this to Fighters Den
As mentioned FightersDen gives your boy some respect. Check him out, if you like MK/Fighting game Yters.
I really liked shujinko and the deception story line
I liked the story and shujinko character too
And to think it presented itself as a tutorial.
Shujinko better outlast Cole Young's legacy XD
Even Taven is better than Cole.
Even Meat is better than Cole.
Dvora’h is better then Col...
We’re not going to go that far?
Hm...would that make Hsu Hao better than Cole?
YES!!!
Shujinko ain't a favorite character of mines but his story very tragic how easily manipulated and had his whole childhood and adulthood taken from him until he became a old man.
“no other good Shujinko videos "
Time to bully Bruskpoet into making the other one.
Was just thinking how Brusk could probably make a lore video on Shujinko xd
Does he like Shujinko?
@@angelsilva7207 he does
I never really had a problem with Shujinko using other character's moves, it was an in-universe explanation to facilitate you being able to 'play' as other characters during the story and sorta added some characterization for the guy as he traveled the realms in how willing and eager he was to learn from others despite some of his arrogance in the start.
Yeah, plus he had the potential to slowly grow more as character and learn to improve the techiniques he has and develop his own moves, becoming his own warrior instead of copying the moves of others.
I think it should have only been for Konquest only,
Both Shujinko and Taven have a lot of potential as the heroes of the 3D games. And what's really silly about Cassie's ending is that she apparently didn't think to ask the old man his name *before* beating him to death.
Yikes
It is possibly hand-waved away as Dark Raiden just telling Cassie what he looked like and told her that he was a master deceiver and thus shouldn't bother wasting time with him. If he told her that Shang Tsung was particularly creepy with her mother, she'd attack him no questions asked.
I like Shujinko. His journey was riveting and seeing him on his quest only to find out what happens to him at the end of Konquest Mode is genuinely tragic. Why the hell NRS had Cassie kill him off is beyond me. Give this old, beaten-down warrior some damn justice, NRS!
Cursed pfp
@@thefvguy5648 I know. She looks unnaturally happy.
@@ShiftyGuy777 it's not cursed. it's just drawn that way lol
@@RC99_Productions I was kidding.
I would say go to *Death Battle* submission website, and submit Shujinko vs. Cassie Cage. It's very obvious who would win. But also give the original timeline characters some recognition.
Now Shujinko jobbing to Cassie Cage
Domashi be like: grooming like true Discord mod
This is so fucking cursed
Lol XD
Shujinko is a better character than anything NRS did. "He copies moves" In this setting THAT IS AWESOME. He could be the next rival to Shang Tsung if he could find a way to become immortal. Think about it:
Shang steals your soul to steal your power. Shujinko just has to fight you. maybe train a bit he's basically the perfect anti-Shang. THAT would be a direction.
About him copying moves, I hear no one complaining about reptile having the exact same moves as subzero and scorpion in his first depiction
@@prestonlogan3808 yeah but back then he was just an Easter egg and every appearance after that had him be his own thing.
He fought Shang Tsung. He could probably be immortal already.
Honestly I think Shujinko's ability to be like Shang Tsung was a good idea. It puts you in the villain's shoes while also not trying to force a humanist side of the villain. Massive potential to be a rival to Shang Tsung. What they did to Shujinko at the end of Cassie's story was a lil mean tbh lol
Your not the only one who was ticked about how they've been treating mai boi Shunjinko.
Seriously the good guys need a character who can use other people skills and in some cases better as well as being a mentor figure for everyone through his experience through going to EVERY SINGLE REALM and being tricked by a all powerful dragon god and then defeating said Dragon God.
The story of a young man giving up their youth, hope and dreams for what they believed to be a higher or noble cause only to find out he was just a pawn is sad.
The fact people seem to have so little sympathy for him is even sadder. Like if people trick, use and scam you, it’s your own fault for letting them and not on the scumbag who did it.
It does sound rather victim blaming. That he was a kid when this started makes that even worse.
Shujinko is a respectable character. It was cool exploring his life in the MKD konquest mode.
Fighter's Den has a great MK Deception series praising Shujinko's character
"Now whose man is this? Who's claiming him?"
Yesssss! I fucking love that channel. Especially that series of “Whose man is this?” lol.
Make content
Honestly, Deception is the best concept for a story MK has ever brought in IMO
Seeing the journey of this young boy fulfilling his heroic destiny into adulthood, only to realize at the end he was helping out the bad guy all along
It's nothing that wasn't done before, but it's more interesting than most MK has tried so far AND afterwards
His is rather similar to Kitana's arc yet many people (myself included) love her. Yeah, if people complained about his arc being a retread of an old one, I might see where their hate would be coming from but it's not even that.
Man i remember seeing cassie's ending back when i was barely into MK and didn't even care for shujinko and even then it just seemed so extremely weird and hilarious and an unintended way, like why the fuck would you brutally get rid of someone so innocent and just play it off as "wooops sheeee didwnt kwnooooow uwu well lwife gwoes on uwuwuwuwu" like dayumn lmfao
It gets even worse when you remember just how much more powerful and skilled Shujinko is supposed to be than Cassie. Utter bullshit ending!
@@kayokango Cassie is a Mary Sue character. Change my mind
I appreciate you making this video! Been a Shujinko fan for years and I always felt bad for how he was groomed into believing he’d be the hero he always dreamed to be
Shujinko is underrated mannnn
Half 3D era characters are underrated and half are trash
So is his voice actor. How come Max Crawford never got to voice anyone else ever again?
Bruh, a fair amount of 3D era kharacters are underrated af
I've been waiting a long time for this. Shujinko has to be my favorite MK character.
I really don't get the disrespect from both the fans and the creators.
Thank you for bringing this to light and clearing it up, Snake.
Same I fucking hate the people who call him a shit character
There are literally people who hate on Shujinko because he has the power of every character? That’s just stupid. 🤦🏻♂️
TheFightersDen is one of the few RUclipsrs besides you that respects Shujinko! This guy is one of my favorites next to Raiden himself.
Shujinko is actually cool and, I would love to see him in mk11
Let’s put shujinko in the game where breakaway and sheeva aren’t a thing
If he gets in, he'll either be treated as a joke, belittled or completely retconned.
If he doesn't get in, his spot will probably go to Cole Young of all people.
I feel like with Shujinko, it's a lose-lose situation, even though I like him a lot.
Frankly , I want them to work with that Cassie Cage ending in MK10 and make Shujinko a mentor and friend for Cassandra .
That'd be cool. Reminds me of when Shujinko trained Li Mei in Deception. Her learning fighting styles and special moves from him instead of asspulling previously unknown green powers makes more sense.
I’m glad someone like you is defending shujinko, he’s been one of my favorite characters for years, I love his sense of both great wisdom and redemption.
Shujinko would have won the first Mortal Kombat tournament instead of Liu Kang but Raiden halted Shujinko from participating in the tournament.
I kind of wonder what would happen if he did participate.
Technically Shujinko would have been the chosen one.
Didnt deception play after the mortal kombat tournaments and invasion of earthrealm aswell as mk4?
@@vukjankovic963 deception konquest played throughout the mk timeline at the start it was pre MK1 then by the end it was the end of MKDA and the intro of deception
@@potater8034 Ah thank you
I really liked Shujinko and wish we could've seen more of him after Deception, besides his cameo in Armageddon's Konquest.
Shuji-boy, and even Taven, were also kind of unpopular even back when they were new. I always liked Shujinko, tho, and I was always interested in Taven’s arc. But fans eventually started coming around to them. I’d say most fans would really appreciate Shujinko returning, particularly with a new storyline
I can see taven’s arc being interesting now considering rain is in the game and then U have his brother, daegon that has been intros.
Problem is I feel like there are more interesting story arcs that are likely to get sidelined, such as the war between havik(chaos) and hotaru(order) which I genuinely want to see if there is another expansion and u can make them villains of the next story.
Given with rain’s backstory(which was honestly one of the better changes since we understand why he is such a prick), how would taven react to how rain was brought up? Would he be disappointed with his father and turn against him or will he completely go with his father’s wishes?
Much like Onaga, Shujinko deserves more respect. Both were solid as both protagonist and villain and Onaga's trickery gave it that personal connection that other MK leads have lacked when faced with some of the Major threats.
Onaga is seen as the best villain in MK, even better than Shao Kahn.
I fucking love your videos.
You see flaws and have evidence to back it up.
I don’t always agree with you but i see what you are coming from and even managed to open my eyes quite a few times.
Finally something for Shujinko. But I reckon he had a pretty solid arc in his game and there's not much need to bring him back. Unless it's a remake and they modernize his story.
I've always loved Shujinko and its a shame that we probably won't ever see him (Or stryker) again.
At least Stryker ended on a good note. People actually liked him in MK9, because the voice actor did a brilliant job with him and the character had an actual personality.
Shujinko comes back in Armageddon just to get belittled by Taven.
He gets his ass kicked by Cassie in her ending, when it should be the other way around.
He returns again in the comics, but gets possessed.
Can't he just return once and not be treated as a joke?
@@ChamChamRealSmooth You forgot Shang Tsung one punching him.
@@TheChosenMoose01 That was actually kinda funny though. It also makes sense if you've played Deception and done the Shang Tsung challenge in Netherrealm. He's impossible to beat.
@@ChamChamRealSmooth Never even beat the challenge on novice. Not worth the 500 coins
I think the thing about Shujinko that people don't give him credit for, is that he's a super relatable character.
Imagine being 13, hearing fantastic tales of a tournament against beings from other dimensions, and then a giant ball of light tells you that you can go on a quest to save all of that. Of course you'd go.
And then when he learns his path is a sham he still wants to put things right, and strives to do so.
I can’t believe people hate on Shujinko. He was just a kid and grew as a person
Brusk Poet did a video of the most powerful MK character, and his number 1 choice was Shujinko; and I honestly see it!
Damashi/Onaga bestowing Shuj. The ability to absorb or quickly learn from another combatants and to become proficient in their fighting styles. It makes sense to me as to why he is up there in power level. Arguably the strongest in the Midway continuity.
Kinda funny given that it would be his downfall.
Thanks for this video Snake. Shujinko has always been my favourite 3D era character (I'd even say favourite MK character after Scorpion / Mileena.) and I appreciate that you addressed the common criticisms people have that are either addressed or are just untrue. I've also seen Shujinko as the opposite of Shang. Two characters can copy the moves of others.
Fun fact: Shujinko didn't actually trust Damashi at first when Damashi asked him to become the Elder God's champion. Shujinko asks, "And if I refuse?" Which shows he didn't trust Damashi at first until he told Shujinko he'd take his offer to the kid who dresses up as Shang Tsung. After that, Shujinko rethinks his answer and accepts Damashi's offer.
Ah yes, a protagonist with a pretty real life and goals, whose we know almost his life history.
I dunno if I like shujinko thanks to his moves, the times where I explored the mk universe, or both
"What is a NFT?"
"I'll explain that later"
I’ve been waiting for Shujinko to return since MK9 was first announced. He’s one of my favorite MK characters. They can totally redesign his appearance, by replacing “The Old Man” look for a much younger, stronger looking appearance like the way he looked when he collected the ChaosRealm Kamidogu. He can still have his old and young appearance as alternate skins like Shang in MK11. His variation can be like if one variation, he uses his own moves and power, the second variation can be where he uses other warrior’s powers in different ways we normally see the actual Kombatants preform them. And a third variation can be a mixed of both variations?
Shujinkos is a really bad ass character in a way "i developed and trained to be a hero i was never meant to be and unwittingly unleashed a darkness a pon existence...now im going to fix" he literally becomes the hero he always wanted to be
At what Cost? His life was pretty much a lie
@@Eric6761 and? he killed killed onaga and saved the universe so i think that makes up for it
@@kobold7466 yeah but sucks for shujinko
Yeah, the hate is ridiculous. Shujinko is one of my favorite characters.
Also - with the emphasis on customization, how does MK11 not have Kreate-A-Fighter?
Laziness. Netherrealm just doesn’t put in the effort like they used to
I didn't know what to think of Shujinko back than. At 1st I thought he was a discount Shang Tsung, old man who can do other ppl's moves but when I started to learn more about Deception and also saw HBTW's video on him, I grew more respect for him. I just wish they made him a little more aware
I didn't know Mavado was hated. He was my favorite to use in Deadly Alliance.
I remember to make fun of his name because its almost the spanish versión of *bad man* or *evil man*
Probably IGN started to hate it and some fanbois follow that route.
He's mostly hated because he's a 3D era character, the MKX comic did him dirty for no reason
Yeah i thought he was fine. Hsu Hao too, he had one of the best fatalities
I personally hated him because I had a hard time beating him whenever he showed in Arcade Mode. But, that's my skill issue. Idk about anyone else.
If people being stupid was what made characters unpopular then Hanzo would be the most unpopular character
I very much agree with your video
Perhaps the hatred for the character is due to the fact that he can become a perfect reflection of a novice mortal kombat player.
But beyond that, he is pretty cool.
I legit feel most people hate him because hes from the 3D era and there some strange thought process that if your from that era you automatically suck.
I never understood why Shujinko hated either I'm not saying he's a fan favorite or best character there are some things he did in Mortal Kombat Deception story that makes him ignorant and he fix all the mistakes he's done he I prefer Shujinko way over Taven.
FINALLY SOMEONE SPEAK NICE OF MY BOY
Finally a proper video on shujinko . Great video. Not enough people giving the 3D games the love they deserve
I've thought about being a RUclipsr and making a video about Shujinko was one of the first ideas that popped into my head when I found out several people dislike him but I couldn't understand why.
Thanks for the video but I don't know whether making my own is redundant or not now.
Go for it anyway. You might have a unique perspective, or way to convey it.
Shujinko is one of my favourite 3D era characters. I love the guy, he's just a guy who got where he was by training and training and training for his whole life, just a regular dude originally, until he grabbed some equipment like Scorpion's Spear and a few special powers.
I think Shujinko could be an interesting combatant with his ability to learn his opponent's move sets quickly could make for some interesting mechanics where he gets harder to combat the longer the match goes. Instead of just copying the techniques of other characters he could use those techniques in different ways, like using the spear as a slashing weapon like its used in the latest movie, or lobbing fireballs instead of shooting them straight.
Mk fans: shujinko copys moves he sucks
Also mk fans: omg this guy that literally turns into another character and copys moves from the ninjas is great
Shang tsung does have original moves though. Unlike shujinko. Thats the part he skipped over. Same goes for quan chi. And shinnok, though shinnok only got original moves in armageddon. Hes also the 4th character who can copy the abilities of other characters (excluding k/chameleon). And yes, shang tsung did only get original moves in mk2, though at least that is excusable.
Shujinko Sword and Moves with the Sword are Original Though
We need more shujinko content. It sucks because people hate him for his naivity even though he's probably the most realistic character, if someone told me I can get everything I wanted and gave me something to help me out with it I'd do it in a heartbeat. It wasn't like a clown told him it either, Shujinko and the others in the village probably only read about elder gods so seeing one was a new experience. For Christ sake Jax was fooled by Kronika with a less convincing argument and was much older than Shujinko at the time, but nobody talks about that because Jax is a 2d character. Now if you excuse me I'll clean out my brain because it has gotten really dirty from remembering Cassie's mkx ending
I actually can see Shujinko as a mentor and master of Kung Lao in a new timeline
Cassie beating Shujinko is dumb bc it took Shujinko, Ermac, Nightwolf, and The Spirit of Liu Kang to beat the Dragon King Onaga. We’re talking years of experience and training from different groups across the realms lost to a College Girls natural talent pffftt
Something I'll always mention when someone states that Shujinko was meant to be the next Liu Kang: Liu Kang was meant to have a more vital role towards the end of Deception's Konquest mode, in the form of his spirit. They had to rush finishing Mortal Kombat Deception's release, and Ed Boon has said that there was supposed to be much more to the game. I'm assuming the team meant for Liu Kang's spirit to be the final person Shujinko trained with before defeating Onaga, which is why Shujinko can learn the Bicycle Kick. After all, it is the strongest move against Onaga. Unfortunately, due to the rushed release of Deception, you can only train with Liu Kang's spirt AFTER you've completed Konquest mode. Which, again, was not supposed to be the case. Shujinko is NOT equal to Liu Kang, and in fact, Liu Kang was meant to give Shujinko the final push that was needed for Onaga to be defeated.
Liu Kang Spirit actually plays a Great Role in Mk Deception Endings too. He Frees his Friends from Onaga's Control and Gives Bo Rai Cho tye inspiration nesscary to Fight Barakas Tarkatans and Also While Fg Liu Kang Now has ro Teach Raiden Spirit Liu Kang Teaches Shujinko Himself Post Mk Deception Konquest Mode so that's not Cut Content.
About my only problem with him is his move set but I still believe he has potential. Never completely understand the hate he gets. “How dare he be naive after being on a quest since he was 13 after being in the same village all his life dreaming of defeating Shang Tsung” it’s like they fail to remember those moments when they were in Shujinko’s place. At least Shujinko takes responsibility for what he did and sought to fix it.
Pretty funny that Shujinko's name being just protagonist is no different from other games like persona 4 literally having protagonist in the game named protagnist in the intro
"How does this game not have Shujinko, Chameleon, Khameleon, or Triborg!?"
Because they wouldn't be "Balanced."
Spending many years on prison until became an old man....
I prefer living in Outworld than Seido
Shujinko is my broski! I will always defend him! I really hope he becomes playable and not just a kameo later on in MK1 DLC!
Gotta not forget the best cinematic opening where Raiden disobeyed the elder gods and faced the deadly alliance alone
It is not by chance that this trouble came to be, I was to the fool that gave evil the chance it needed
Netherrealm should get a writer that is a fan of the 2d era and 3d era
Elder gods: Hey what are doing?!
Onaga: Nothing just playing my new game.
Elder gods: u got a game, what's it called?!
Onaga: shijinko
Never got why he was so hated.
Shujinko has always been one of my favorite characters from MK, he really does deserve better. I really hope that he comes back as a playable fighter some day.
Please show more love to shujinko
3:21
Doesn't Ed Boon hate Chameleon (and Khameleon) as much as Hsu Hao? And doesn't Shang Tsung's ninja special basically fill the void that Chameleon theoretically fill?
Shujinko personally is my fav character
Thanks for this. He still is one of my favorite characters from MK before the retcons
I never realized that Shujinko literally means protagonist in Japanese
One thing I hope they do with Shujinko is if he ever returns in a future game, that they give him moves from characters who didn't make it in the game. That way he can have his own physical fighting style plus some new moves.
I honestly miss when mortal kombat use to actually have a good storyline and the writers actually had fun and passion...now MK is a game owned by Corporate people that Don't care for the story and more about the 💲💲💲
Probably my favorite character overall narrowly beating Kabal. Both characters were done pretty dirty by netherrealm it seems
I actually really liked Shujinko, and I'm not saying that just because Deception was my jumping on point. How many old men are serious protagonists these days, you got Snake and that's kind of it. Even Neatherrealm realised they trucked up in Cassie's ending and now flavour text in the MK11 towers says Shujinko is a beloved master with the White Lotus. Honestly, how mean Cassie's ending was seemed to make people realize how unfair they'd been treating him. But yeah, the fact that he was (at first) nieve and then sought to atone gives him an actual character and MK's characters are its strength (not the gore and violence).
Reminds me of the dumb Game Theory (wait, that's the majority of them..) on Kirby being a big threat and one of the examples is him being deceived in Milkyway Wishes and Return to Dream Land. Because God forbid people not automatically know the ill intentions of those around them. Hell, with this logic, wouldn't Scorpion be more hated for being deceived by Quan Chi in both timelines? It's even worse with him since at least Shujinko immediately went off to fix his mistake. Scorpion, in MKX, goes away after being revived, gets his revenge on Quan Chi which not only seals the fates of the other heroes to remain as revenants, but also gives the bad guys a better opening for Shinnok to be released due to his attack on the base. And after all of that, he doesn't really do anything, from what I remember, to help fix the screw up his actions helped caused.
I always liked Shujinko narratively speaking but I wished in fights that you were still the Shujinko model with a spirit form of the fighter who’s moves you are using superimposed over him. I just always thought it was kinda weird how they did it but it was a smart way to write around what could’ve been a technical issue.
they created an original character that was supposed to be there even before the 1st game, met a lot of characters from many of subsequent games and whose actions (which made sense) led to the Deception plotline. and Midway did all that without making him feel a showed in Mary Sue and - this is the most important - WITHOUT MESSING WITH THE ESTABLISHED CANON.
so many franchises (including MK) get this kind of character incredibly wrong, and, granted, it's kinda easy to mess up. but Midway did it right.
Glad to see Shujinko getting some love
I agree he's very interesting character and you can do a lot with him
Shujinko's story is one of being deceived by Onaga his entire life in a game called Mortal Kombat: Deception. By the time he is unlocked as a playable character, he knows of the deception and fights to correct his mistake in trusting Damashi. It's a good story, and it makes sense given the title. Gameplay wise, Shujinko isn't even the first character to copy other characters' attacks (Reptile in MK1, Jade and Noob in MK2, Human Smoke being just a direct copy of Scorpion until MK9, MK4 Shinnok, ect.)
That's why i never anderstood the ratred agains Shujinko, i see him as the same way you see him, he has a lot of pontential as a character.
Thank you.
Finally someone who says it.
With Deception being my first introduction to MK, I'm a bit attached to Shujinko, surely would love to see him reintroduced to the series
Shujinko needs a wasted plotential video
Shujinko is a head flipper for every child that dreams of adventure. Just imagine if Luke Skywalker or Harry Potter’s guide and mentor was actually the villain all this time.
Shujinko is kinda the mortal kombats answer to soulcaliburs edge master I think.
THANK HOU FOR FINALLY SAYING THIS.
Been saying this for years and no one. And I mean no one is willing to listen.
Okay so people hate Shujinko because his part in onaga revival but no one talks about the pre fight between Kung and Raiden when Raiden said damoshi is really onaga and Kung response was damoshi told me you say that. So when Lau does onaga biting out of him not knowing it's okay but when Shujinko does it he's hated
It seems like they are going to repeat this storyline with great Kung Lao. I wish shujinko came back tho, he broke the trope of him being the “wise old man”.
Imagine him being a corrupted blood god due to the daggers, that would defo be with seeing since he is one of the most op kombatants.
I feel like with an updated design, he could be badass and acc get recognition.
I love thrive video thanks so much for making this video bringing me joy
Shujinko would be awesome still.
His own martial arts style, but infused with other characters special moves with a different attribute.
Examples:
a hard knock down telekinetic slam that when amplified slams the opponent 5 times for heavy damage
a 1-inch nut punch when amplified follows up with another punch that sends the opponent flying half screen
A spear that pulls opponent in as Shujinko yells "Get over here" and he auto uppercut.
Shujinko could be a very fun character if done right.
True and they also can use different forms of Shujinko as Playable ( He could be his Younger Version that Just Trained with Nightwolf or Him after he just went to the Neterrealm).
I never really had a problem with Shujinko, mostly because I was too busy trying to wrap my head around when certain events happen in the MK timeline. I still have no idea if armored Shujinko met Shang Tsung before the official Mortal Kombat Tournament, and then spent so long in the Netherrealm that several games of fighting passed before meeting Scorpion, or if he was just lying about his tournament being the "real" Mortal Kombat tournament, using it as a mask to hide the fact he was just gathering souls for Onaga's army.
Also, I'm a little annoyed with how little I actually got to USE Shujinko in Konquest, with only three fights where he didn't have any of his specials.
To answer the whole "lui kang replacement"
Ed boon did say in a interview he was supposed to be the next gen liu kang.