Highlights

  • Janet Cage's introduction in Mortal Kombat 1 could pave the way for more unique fighters in the roster.
  • Harumi as Scorpion offers a fresh take on the character, with the potential for a distinct moveset and playstyle.
  • The concept of alternate universe fighters in DLC became more relevant with Janet Cage's addition to the game.

The unveiling of Janet Cage in Mortal Kombat 1 could provide a path for another potential fighter to join the roster. As one of the more surprising entries to Mortal Kombat 1 to date, there is plenty worth discussing about Janet. While she is joining as a Kameo fighter rather than a full-fledged combatant, her spot on the roster is still quite notable. Normally her character concept alone would be interesting enough. However, there's a chance that she could be a harbinger of the game's future in a sense, particularly in regards to future DLC fighters.

Janet Cage was featured in Mortal Kombat 1's Peacemaker trailer. With her being an alternate version of Johnny Cage and sharing many of his personality traits, she is a perfect accompaniment to Peacemaker's own irreverent antics. Although her role as a Kameo limits her participation somewhat, fans should have a good idea of what to expect from her. The original Johnny Cage is cocky, a show-off, and despite his comedic nature, has some serious talent when it comes to martial arts. In addition, Janet technically adds Johnny to the list of characters who can be both a main fighter and a Kameo, and her introduction will add a spark to the Kameo roster.

Khameleon surrounded by the Great Hall's decorations from Mortal Kombat 1
Related
How Mortal Kombat 1's Khameleon Breaks Tradition For the Character

Khameleon was a surprising addition to Mortal Kombat 1's Kameo Roster, but her appearance breaks an unusual pattern for the character.

Mortal Kombat 1's Janet Cage Could Set a Precedent For Harumi

Janet Cage Comes From One of Mortal Kombat's Many Timelines

Janet is hardly the only alternate version of Mortal Kombat's Johnny Cage. At the story's climax, both Liu Kang and Titan Shang Tsung summon an army of alternate versions of the cast for the forces of good and evil, respectively. This massive roster includes plenty of redesigns, as well as some characters who look like fused versions of other fighters. While this seemed to just be a series of fun design choices, Janet Cage making the Kameo roster means that pulling characters from alternate universes in DLC is fair game. After that revelation, one fighter's potential stock as a DLC fighter rose immensely.

Harumi as Scorpion Was Already Shown Off in Invasion

For the longest time, Harumi was little more than a minor character in Mortal Kombat, but Mortal Kombat 1 changed that. Although not a playable fighter at launch, she is shown in her brief appearance to be a formidable warrior in her own right. An alternate version of her takes that even further, though. At the end of Mortal Kombat 1's first Invasion season, it's shown that one version of Harumi became the Scorpion of her timeline after the death of her husband Hanzo. Harumi was already a good idea for the roster, and Janet Cage getting in makes her argument even stronger.

Harumi Could Provide a New Take on Scorpion's Abilities

Harumi would need something in her moveset to set her apart as a new version of Scorpion in Mortal Kombat 1, but there are a few ways around that. Of course, if she's a Kameo fighter like Janet, then she will only need a couple of moves. Since she's from an alternate timeline, Harumi could have her own twist on some iconic Scorpion moves. Since Harumi is shown to be a skilled swordswoman, she could mix moves like the Spear and Hell-Port with masterful swordplay, making her moveset more distinctive. Either as a Kameo or fighter, Harumi could provide a unique take on Scorpion.

Scorpion has used various swords in past games, but his chained kunai is easily his most iconic weapon.

Harumi as Scorpion looked cool at the end of the first Invasion season, and she would be a good candidate for a second Mortal Kombat 1 Kombat Pack. Players only got a glimpse of her, but it may have been more foreshadowing than Janet Cage got before her announcement alongside Peacemaker. Janet looks to embody everything that makes Johnny entertaining, so it stands to reason that alternate Harumi could embody Scorpion's aura of intensity. Since Janet's coming to Mortal Kombat 1, there should be a place for Harumi.