Summary
ThroughoutMortal Kombat’s nearly 32-year-long history, the series has garnered over 70 playable characters across its 25 game entries. While not every character has appeared in every game, most have reappeared in at least one other entry alongside fan-favorite mainstays such as Scorpion or Sub-Zero. Oftentimes, these characters' movesets and outfits would change slightly or drastically, much to fan debate.
This left some fantastic character designs to be forgotten and abandoned on various past-gen consoles. With a sequel to 2023’sMortal Kombat 1seemingly inevitable and bound to bring a roster of new and returning characters, NetherRealm Studios should make sure to bring back optional klassic skins for these characters.
Mortal Kombat 1’s Klassic Skins
Mortal Kombat 1is set in a new universecreated by Titan Liu Kang, where the current Fire God was able to direct events and people’s lives to what he perceived would create the perfect timeline. This caused certain characters to have their stories changed and some appeared as entirely different species than from the originalMortal Kombattimeline. This is perhaps best shown with Kuai Liang Scorpion, who was the second Sub-Zero in the originalMortal Kombatuniverse. Despite these lore changes, NetherRealm was still able to bring back some klassic character skins across its roster throughMortal Kombat 1’s multiplayer.
Here, players can earn or purchase a variety of skins from the original Midway arcade cabinet games for klassic characters, including the comedic actor Johnny Cage. Even unplayablekameo fighters had skins based on previous games, notably their original arcade incarnations, such as Earthrealm Special Forces’ Sonya Blade and the Black Dragon mercenary Kano. These klassic skins weren’t limited to the arcade games, however, as characters who first appeared in later games had optional outfits available based on their initial debut. This can be seen with a skin for the vampire Nitara, based on her first appearance in 2002’sMortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.
Mortal Kombat 2’s Potential Klassic Skins
It’s currently unknown who will appear in the roster forMortal Kombat 1’s sequel, presumably titledMortal Kombat 2. No matter which characters return, NetherRealm should ensure to bring back at least a fewklassic skin options for allMKfighters. These skins don’t have to be restricted to the arcade games either and could be based on appearances from early 2000s and 2010 games and even live-action films.
For example, if Cyrax becomes a playable character, NetherRealm could offer players an outfit for him based on his human Lin Kuei form seen in 2011’sMortal Kombat. Cyrax’s brief human appearance was a welcome event for fans, with many hoping to see the Cyber Lin Kuei return to his human form once more. Similarly, since NetherRealm is owned by Warner Bros. Games, klassic skins based onfighters' outfits in 2008’sMortal Kombat vs. DC Universecould make a return, such as Shang Tsung’s appearance in the game. WhileMK vs. DCwasn’t widely successful, it did introduce theMortal Kombatfranchise to many young players at the time, and this could be a way for NetherRealm to effectively tap into players’ nostalgia.
Klassic Skins Based on Mortal Kombat Films
Mortal Kombatfilms have never been widely praised or reached critical acclaim as more modern theatrical video game adaptations, but 1995’s and2021’sMortal Kombatfilmsare still regarded as fan favorites. With the upcoming release of the filmMortal Kombat 2in 2025, NetherRealm could release some klassic film-inspired skins for characters in the eventualMortal Kombat 2game. Appearances from 1995’s Johnny Cage, Raiden, Shang Tsung, Sonya Blade, have already appeared inMortal Kombat 11, so there is precedent for movie-inspired skins appearing inMortal Kombatgames. NetherRealm could include skins from 2021’s Scorpion and Sub-Zero, for instance, to help increase players’ excitement for the release ofMortal Kombat 2and possiblyMortal Kombat 3films.
According toMortal Kombatco-creator Ed Boon, a skin of 1995’sMortal Kombatfilm Scorpion is expected to release inMortal Kombat 1soon.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
