Mortal Kombat 1 isn't too far away from its September release and Netherrealms are slowly building up excitement for the highly anticipated game. With the character bios released on the official website, alongside the latest trailers and Kombat Kast, it is clear that the Mortal Kombat 1 ninjas have been through some huge changes and are going to be heavily featured in the game's storyline.
Additional dialogue during the game's first beta has also made it clear what the major differences are and where every ninja's allegiance lies. Fans are already pleased to see so many favorites coming back, but what's more interesting is all the changes made to each character. A big selling point of this game is going to be the dynamics between the likes of Scorpion and Sub-Zero and how they operate differently compared to their Mortal Kombat 11 iterations.
5 Scorpion And Sub-Zero Are Brothers
One of the biggest changes in the history of the Mortal Kombat series has been confirmed in this game. Sub-Zero and Scorpion, long-standing rivals and enemies, are now confirmed to be brothers. Sub-Zero acts as the Grandmaster of the Lin-Kuei clan, taking up the mantle of his father and his brother Scorpion acts as his second in command.
Another factor to consider is that this Sub-Zero is the original Sub-Zero—Bi-Han. Bi-Han is famous for turning into Noob Saibot and is considered Scorpion's true enemy. While it isn't clear whether Scorpion is Hanzo Hashashi or Kuai Liang yet but it is definitely going to be a big reveal.
4 Human Smoke Is Back
Smoke has always been a fan favorite, partly due to his diverse and fun combos coupled with his unique play style and brutal fatalities. However, it is also due to his amazing design, both as a human and a cyborg. Moreover, Smoke has always been a popular member of the Lin-Kuei.
Smoke is finally back and his vapor powers have been confirmed to now be some sort of practical magic, as compared to the supernatural powers he previously possessed. Additionally, Smoke is now the adopted brother of Scorpion and Sub-Zero. This will be an interesting dynamic that we hope the story of MK1 explores, especially considering the new mellower Scorpion and the more brash and ambitious Bi-Han.
3 Rain Has A New Look
The purple prince is back as a member of the main roster after a long time. Whilst he was added as DLC in Mortal Kombat 11, and he was a minor character in the story of Mortal Kombat X, it seems that he'll now have a bigger influence on the events of Earthrealm. Rain has also been redesigned to look more like a mage rather than Edenian Royalty or a ninja.
Rain has been confirmed to be a member of the Outworld Imperial Academy of Sorcery, he was sought out by General Shao. Rain was then appointed by Empress Sindel as Outworld's High Mage. Through this role, he is currently seen to be engaged in combat with the Lin Kuei. While we don't know too much about Rain yet, it is exciting to see him be a major player in the main story again.
2 Sub-Zero Isn't The Friendly Grandmaster We Know
This Sub-Zero is the Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei and has been confirmed to be Bi-Han, not his more honorable and stoic brother Kuai-Liang. Sub-Zero has also been shown to lead the clan in new directions, being far more ambitious than his predecessors. The latest Kombat Kast has also revealed new dialogue where Sub-Zero confides in his brother, detailing his goals. Bi-Han isn't content with simply defending Earthrealm, he wants the Lin-Kuei to help lead it.
This is hinted and being a bone of contention between Scorpion and Sub-Zero and raises the question of whether there will be any hostilities between the two iconic ninjas over the control of the Lin-Kuei clan.
1 Cyrax And Sektor Are Good Guys Again?
Cyrax and Sektor have been Lin Kuei and thus, Mortal Kombat mainstays for a while now. Both have had many different character arcs surrounding their involvement in the Cyber-Initiative and their duels with Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Smoke. Cyrax has generally been the hesitant and honorable ninja forced into the initiative and forced against fighting against his comrades. Whilst Sektor has generally been more ruthless.
Both Cyrax and Sektor have gotten new re-designs revealed in the latest Kombat Kast, closer to their initial cyborg costumes. However, the more important detail, and one which many may miss, is that both cyborgs seem to be Kameos. These Kameos are always with Scorpion and Sub-Zero, the supposed good guys of the story. Not only does this hint at the rivalry not existing anymore, but it indicates that at least for the start of the story, both Cyrax and Sektor will be part of the Lin-Kuei. This side of these characters hasn't been seen for a while and it'll be interesting to see where it can lead, especially considering the influx of ninjas rumoured for the game.
Mortal Kombat 1 will be released on September 19, 2023, for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.