What Happened to Jade in Mortal Kombat 11?
In Mortal Kombat 11, the version of Jade that appears is technically her younger self, brought forward in time due to Kronika’s manipulations of the timeline. The older Jade, the one players knew from previous games, died in Mortal Kombat 9. After her death, she was resurrected as a Revenant by Quan Chi, becoming an unwilling servant of the Netherrealm. In MK11, both her human and Revenant forms are present, creating a complex and often conflicting storyline. While the human Jade fights to protect Earthrealm and restore the timeline, the Revenant Jade serves the Netherrealm’s interests. This duality explores themes of resurrection, free will, and the burden of past actions, making Jade’s role in MK11 both tragic and compelling.
Jade’s Journey Through the Mortal Kombat Timeline
The Fall of a Hero: Jade’s Death in MK9
To understand Jade’s role in Mortal Kombat 11, it’s crucial to revisit her fate in Mortal Kombat 9 (the 2011 reboot). In this game, Raiden’s attempts to alter the timeline resulted in a series of devastating changes. One of the most impactful was the death of several key Earthrealm warriors, including Jade. She bravely fought alongside her friends and allies but was ultimately slain by Sindel, who had been enhanced by Quan Chi’s sorcery. This death marked a turning point in the story, highlighting the severity of the altered timeline and the stakes involved.
Resurrection as a Revenant: Jade’s Role in MKX and MK11
Following her death in MK9, Jade was resurrected as a Revenant by Quan Chi. This meant her soul was bound to the Netherrealm, and she was forced to serve as a corrupted version of her former self. While Jade wasn’t playable in Mortal Kombat X, her presence was felt through the story and her influence on other characters.
In Mortal Kombat 11, the timeline shenanigans orchestrated by Kronika brought forth the past, human version of Jade. This created the unique scenario of having both a human Jade and a Revenant Jade coexisting. The human Jade, remembering her death and resurrection, is determined to prevent such a fate from befalling her again and works alongside Earthrealm’s defenders. Meanwhile, the Revenant Jade remains loyal to the Netherrealm, serving as an antagonist.
Facing Her Past: Jade’s Internal Conflicts
The coexistence of two versions of Jade leads to internal conflicts and interesting narrative possibilities. The human Jade struggles with the knowledge of her future and the actions she was forced to commit as a Revenant. She’s driven to protect her friends and allies, particularly Kitana, and prevent the dark future she experienced.
The Revenant Jade, on the other hand, represents the consequences of manipulation and loss of control. She embodies the corrupting influence of the Netherrealm and serves as a reminder of the high cost of Quan Chi’s necromancy. The dynamic between the two Jades allows for exploration of themes such as destiny, free will, and the ability to overcome even the darkest of fates.
Jade’s Allegiance and Motivations
Despite the complexities of her situation, the human Jade remains a steadfast ally to Earthrealm. Her primary motivation is to protect her friends, particularly Kitana, and prevent the tyrannical rule of evil forces like Shao Kahn. She utilizes her skills as a skilled fighter and strategist to aid the heroes in their fight against Kronika.
The Revenant Jade’s motivations are dictated by her servitude to the Netherrealm. She follows the commands of her masters without question, serving as a formidable opponent to Earthrealm’s defenders. Despite her corrupted state, there are moments where glimpses of her former self shine through, hinting at the internal struggle she faces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Jade in Mortal Kombat
1. Is Jade evil in MK11?
The human version of Jade in Mortal Kombat 11 is not evil. She is a hero and an ally to Earthrealm. However, the Revenant Jade, a resurrected and corrupted version of herself, serves the Netherrealm and acts as an antagonist.
2. Why is Jade a zombie in MK11?
Jade is a zombie, or rather a Revenant, in Mortal Kombat 11 because she died in Mortal Kombat 9 and was resurrected by the sorcerer Quan Chi. This resurrection binds her soul to the Netherrealm, turning her into a corrupted servant.
3. Who killed Jade in MK9?
Jade was killed by Sindel in Mortal Kombat 9. Sindel had been enhanced by Quan Chi’s magic and proved too powerful for Jade and the other Earthrealm warriors.
4. Is Jade playable in Mortal Kombat 11?
Yes, Jade is a playable character in Mortal Kombat 11. Players can choose to play as either the human Jade or the Revenant Jade, each with their unique movesets and abilities.
5. What are Jade’s signature weapons?
Jade’s signature weapons are a glaive and a bo staff. She utilizes these weapons in her fighting style, showcasing her agility and precision.
6. What is Jade’s relationship with Kitana?
Jade and Kitana are childhood friends. Their bond is a central part of Jade’s character and her motivations. She is fiercely loyal to Kitana and is always willing to fight by her side.
7. Is Jade in Mortal Kombat 1?
As of the initial release, Jade is not in Mortal Kombat 1. However, given her popularity, many fans are hoping she will be added as a DLC character in the future. The absence of popular characters from the initial roster, followed by their inclusion as DLC, has been a recurring pattern in the Mortal Kombat series.
8. What are Revenants in Mortal Kombat?
Revenants are resurrected warriors who have been brought back to life by necromancy, typically by Quan Chi. Their souls are bound to the Netherrealm, and they serve as corrupted versions of their former selves.
9. Why wasn’t Jade in Mortal Kombat X?
While Jade wasn’t a playable character in Mortal Kombat X, she was present in the story as a Revenant. Her absence from the playable roster was likely due to balancing the character roster and focusing on other characters’ storylines.
10. Who is Jade’s boyfriend in Mortal Kombat?
Jade has a romantic relationship with Kotal Kahn. Their relationship is complicated by their allegiances and the conflicts between Earthrealm and Outworld.
11. What is Jade’s connection to Edenia?
Jade is from Edenia, a realm known for its beauty and tranquility. She serves as a protector of Edenia and its royal family, including her friend Kitana.
12. What is Jade’s fighting style?
Jade’s fighting style emphasizes agility, precision, and the use of her glaive and bo staff. She is known for her evasive maneuvers and her ability to control the battlefield with her projectiles.
13. What are some of Jade’s special moves?
Some of Jade’s signature special moves include the Shadow Kick, where she disappears and reappears to deliver a powerful kick, and the Blazing Nitro Kick, a flaming kick attack.
14. Why does Jade sometimes turn purple?
In Mortal Kombat 11, when Jade uses the enhanced version of certain moves, she illuminates in a purple glow instead of a green glow. This effect often grants her temporary invulnerability or other buffs. The purple glow is a visual indicator of the enhanced power of her abilities.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore and characters of Mortal Kombat?
You can find more information about the lore and characters of Mortal Kombat on the official Mortal Kombat website, fan wikis, and forums dedicated to the game. Additionally, exploring the educational aspects of gaming can be insightful. To this end, the Games Learning Society (or GamesLearningSociety.org) offers resources on the broader impact of games on learning and culture, providing a valuable perspective on understanding games like Mortal Kombat in a wider context.