MK info: Sub-Zero

SUB-ZERO
Appearances: Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat 3/ UMK3, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Mortal Kombat 4/Gold, MK: Deadly Alliance, MK: Deception/Unchained, Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, MK: Shaolin Monks, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm
Species: Cryomancer-Human Hybrid
Alignment: Good
Fighting styles
Shotokan (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A)
Dragon (MK:DA, MK:D)
Weapons
Ice Scepter (MK4, MKG)
Kori Blade (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A)



There are in fact two Sub-Zeros: older and younger. Both are blue garbed warriors (assassins, but not "ninjas", since the Lin Kuei are Chinese despite being called ninjas in several Mortal Kombat games) that descended from Cryomancers, an Outworld race possessing the ability to generate and control the powers of ice, although both of them were born in Earthrealm. The younger one bears a conspicuous scar on his right eye, however, as of Deception the scar has faded away. The Elder Sub-Zero appeared in the first Mortal Kombat and then, after being killed by Scorpion, his younger brother replaced him for the rest of the games- the elder Sub-Zero later became the undead Netherealm wraith, Noob Saibot.

The younger Sub-Zero clearly shares many traits with his older brother. Upon his introduction, the younger Sub-Zero was perhaps too similar to his brother. Like the elder, the younger Sub-Zero gives the impression of being a stern, distant and cold man who goes about his business silently, without attracting unwanted attention. However, as time progressed, Sub-Zero evolved from what fans labeled a "carbon copy" of his brother to a man of great integrity and self-discipline. The disparities between the brothers, who were once neutral and almost indistinct from each other, have now grown so large that one could speak of the evil twin syndrome.

While the younger Sub-Zero was depicted as a young Lin Kuei warrior who was living in the shadow of his older brother, he has since changed and grown into a warrior who has progressed towards the more humane sides of moral issues. This change in characteristics has not only strengthened him as a man, but has also set him apart from his former Lin Kuei counterparts. This included leaving his clan in disgust and breaking the sacred codes of honor (after the Lin Kuei resorted to transforming their members into cyborgs), joining the rebellion against Shao Kahn and assisting Raiden and Liu Kang (along with Earthrealm's other chosen warriors). More recently, he defeated the cyborg assassin Sektor to gain the leadership of the Lin Kuei and become the Grandmaster, where he has grown even stronger and more powerful. He is a dependable ally of Earthrealm who is willing to assist when needed, especially when Raiden gives the call.


SIGNATURE MOVES (moves indicated with the symbol * indicate the moves used by the elder Sub-Zero)



Iceball*
Sub-Zero sends a ball of ice horizontally towards the opponent to temporarily freeze them in place for a free hit. In the earlier Mortal Kombat games, if Sub-Zero were to freeze the opponent twice, the second iceball would defrost the opponent and freeze Sub-Zero, setting him up for a free hit. (all games)



Slide*
Sub-Zero slides across the floor, knocking the opponent off their feet. It is assumed Sub-Zero slides by freezing the soles of his feet. This move was later given to Frost. (MKII, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:SM)



Ground Ice*
Sub-Zero freezes the floor and whoever steps on the circle of ice will temporarily slip all over the place, setting the opponent for a free hit. This move was also later adapted for Frost. (MKII, MK:SM)

Ice Clone*
Sub-Zero creates an ice statue of himself anywhere he chooses, and anyone who touches it will freeze. (MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)



Ice Shower
Sub-Zero shoots ice straight overhead which falls back down atop his opponent. He can shoot it close, mid way, or far away to freeze the opponent. In Armageddon, instead of falling on the opponent, the ice comes up under them, freezing and suspending them in the air. (MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK:A)



Cold Shoulder
Sub-Zero rushes the opponent with his shoulder, leaving a trail of ice behind him on the ground. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)

Mk info: Scorpion

SCORPION

Appearances: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Mythologies: Sub-Zero, Mortal Kombat 4/Gold, MK: Deadly Alliance/Tournament Edition, MK: Deception, MK: Unchained, MK: Shaolin Monks, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm (reborn in Netherrealm)
Species: Wraith (formerly Human)
Alignment: Neutral
Fighting styles:
Hapkido (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)

Moi Fah (MK:D, MK:U)

Pi Gua (MK:DA)
Weapons:
Axe (UMK3, MKT)

Broadsword (MK4/Gold)

Ninja Sword (MK:DA)

Mugai Ryu (MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)

Formerly a human ninja named Hanzo Hasashi and member of the Japanese ninja clan Shirai Ryu of Osaka, Scorpion is now a black and yellow garbed, hell-spawned spectre, inexorably seeking vengeance against those responsible for the destruction of his clan and the death of his family. Despite the fact that Scorpion has previously allied himself with the forces of evil (when promised either a means of resurrection on Earth or the chance to inflict his wrath against those who butchered his clan), he is not inherently evil.
In fact, Scorpion has, at times, indirectly assisted the game's protagonists, although his reasons for doing so always ultimately serve to benefit his own motives. Fans of the series often perceive Scorpion as the title's foremost anti-hero, due to his tendency to undertake actions which serve to benefit good, albeit in his own gruesome, self-serving and vigilante manner. Scorpion's demeanor, characteristics, persona and self-reliance have all contributed to his popularity, with Scorpion ironically appearing as the most human in nature and choice when compared to the purely virtuous "good guys" and the diabolically evil "bad guys."

When masked, Scorpion appears human, although this is merely an illusion. When revealing his true self, only Scorpion's skull remains, which sometimes appears on fire. Scorpion's most popular and recognised skill is his famous spear attack, which is used to draw an opponent toward him. Scorpion will shout "Get over here!" or "Come here!" whilst attempting this technique with a nasty brutality ending.
Scorpion as Hanzo was once manipulated by Quan Chi, who promised him life in exchange for his impressive combat abilities in order to defeat Sub-Zero the elder. It was during the events of Mortal Kombat Mythologies that Hanzo was decapitated by Sub-Zero, and his soul was sent to the Netherealm, where he was born as the sceptre we know today. Two years later, he participated in the Mortal Kombat tournament and exacted revenge on the elder Sub-Zero by incinerating him. Despite such actions, Scorpion is not entirely merciless, as he spared the life of Sub-Zero's younger brother in the second tournament the following year.

During the events of Mortal Kombat 4/Gold however, he found out that it was Quan Chi, not the younger Sub-Zero, who was responsible for wiping out his clan and his family. In a fit of rage, Scorpion dragged Quan Chi into the 5th plane of the Netherealm, where he would spend the next few years chasing down, torturing and brutalizing the sorcerer. Scorpion was then thrown into the Soulnado by the Oni Drahmin and Moloch, who had agreed to help Quan Chi fight off the sceptre.

Scorpion managed to escape into the Void before the purity of the Soulnado could tear him apart. The Elder Gods were aware of his presence and enhanced his mortal and supernatural abilities, making him the Champion of the Elder Gods. The Elder Gods gave him a new mission, to seek and destroy Onaga before he unmade the realms. Scorpion emerged from the Void and returned to Outworld.

Although Scorpion is featured alongside the forces of evil in the opening scene of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, he remains neutral, due to his fierce hatred of Quan Chi for causing the death of his family and clan. He also appears to be no longer willing to serve as the Elder Gods' champion. This is due to the bargain he had made with the Elder Gods to serve them in the first place; they would resurrect the Shirai Ryu clan in return for his services. The Shirai Ryu clan was resurrected as hellspawned warriors, the same as Scorpion. Enraged at what he perceived as their betrayal, Scorpion vows to gain vengeance on the Elder Gods by removing the two things crucial to their plans- Taven and Daegon. They were the Elder Gods' only means to prevent Armageddon.

Signature Moves

Bloody Spear

Sending out a rope with a tipped Knife at the end, it impales itself into the victim's chest, allowing Scorpion to pull him or her through the air towards him for a free hit, as well as cause a small bit of damage. This move often follows the words, "GET OVER HERE!" or "COME HERE!" This is Scorpion's most famous signature move. It was originally believed that Scorpion's spear was actually a snake-like creature spawned from the palm of his hand when really it was a simple knife; while still being launched from the palm of his hand as seen in the newer games such as Deadly Alliance and Deception it is not the snake like picture as depicted elsewhere. (all games)

Teleport Attack/Hellfire Punch

Teleporting behind his opponent he connects with a punch. In Deception and Unchained; Scorpion gained this attack as a kick instead of a punch, however he regained this attack as a punch in Armageddon, whilst the kick form of this attack is given to Chameleon. (all games)

Aerial Back Teleport Punch

Scorpion performs his hellfire punch in the air. (MKII, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:SM)

Leg Takedown

Scorpion trips his opponent with a leg scissor takedown. (MKII, MK:SM)

Air Throw

Scorpion throws his opponent while in the air. (MKII, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:SM)

Breathe Fire

Removing his mask to show his flaming skull, Scorpion spews fire on his opponent (mostly for weakening, not for destroying). This move started off as a finishing move for the titles prior to MK4, and can now be used as a special move. (MK4, MKG)

Hellfire

Scorpion summons the fires of Hell to burn his opponent from underneath. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:U, MK:SM, MK:A)

Backflip Kick

Scorpion performs a backflip kick followed by a trail of fire. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)

MK info: Sonya Blade

SONYA

Appearances: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 3/UMK3/Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Mortal Kombat 4/Gold, MK: Deadly Alliance, MK: Shaolin Monks, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm
Species: Human
Alignment: Good
Fighting styles
Kenpō (MK:DA)

Tae Kwon Do (MK:DA, MK:A)
Weapons
Wind Blade (MK4, MKG)

Kali Sticks (MK:DA, MK:A)

Debuting in the first Mortal Kombat, Lieutenant Sonya Blade is a member of a top United States Special Forces unit, member of the Outer World Investigation Agency and the only chosen female warrior from Earthrealm since the first game. Her impulsiveness is catalyzed by her superior and good friend Major Jackson "Jax" Briggs. Sonya represents a very emancipated and headstrong woman, but for all her stubbornness and pride, she deeply cares about the lives of her friends and comrades. She has a long-standing enmity with the thug Kano, who stands for everything Sonya despises.

Signature moves

Energy Rings

Sonya clangs her wrists together and send out rings like whirlwind fireballs that would hit the opponent exploding and leaving rain-like drops of magical energy in the ground that would dissolve. (MK, MK3, UMK3, MKT)
Leg Grab

Sonya does a handstand and grabs her opponent with her feet and slams them on the ground. (MK, MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG)
Square Wave Punch / Face Planter

Sonya takes off into the air and flies across the screen with a punch to anyone who was in the air. This attack was also given to Kitana in the later games. (all games except MK:DA)
Inverted Bicycle Kick

Sonya performs a great counter-air attack rising into the air with a series of vertical kicks. (MK3, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG)
Air Leg Throw

Using her legs, she tosses the opponent to the ground from the air. (MK4, MKG)

Cartwheel Kick

Sonya performs a cartwheel at her opponent kicking them on impact. (MK4, MKG)
Kiss of Death

Sonya blows a poisonous mystical kiss that would stun/blind the opponent temporarily. This move was translated from her Kiss of Death fatality as a move, and was given to Kira in Mortal Kombat: Deception. (MK:DA, MK:A)
Armed Forces

Sonya shoots a purple projectile at her opponent. This attack was later given to Kira in Deception, while she does this attack after crouching, in a similar way to Tanya's MK4 projectile. Sonya also crouches before releasing the projectile in Armageddon, similar to Kira. (MK4, MKG, MK:A)
Flying Boots

Sonya delivers a flying kick to her opponent. This move is borrowed from Liu Kang. (MK:DA, MK:A)

MK info: Raiden

RAIDEN

Appearances: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Mortal Kombat 4,MK: Sub Zero Mythologies, MK: Deadly Alliance, MK: Tournament Edition, MK: Deception, MK: Shaolin Monks, MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon

Realm of Origin: The Heavens

Species: God

Alignment: Good

Fighting styles:
Nan Chuan (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A)

Jujutsu (MK:DA, MK:D)
Weapons:
Warhammer (MK4, MKG)

Staff (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:SM, MK:A)

The thunder god of the MK universe is also a protector of Earthrealm. Raiden is a wise and powerful force. Often, he leads the forces of good against those of evil. Raiden has played a pivotal role in the Mortal Kombat games and storyline and will likely remain a key player in the future. Since he is a thunder-god, Raiden commands many supernatural abilities such as the ability to teleport, control lightning, and fly. As an immortal, he thinks in terms of eternity rather than normal human lifespans and his memories date back to the beginning of time itself. It is unlikely that Raiden can ever be truly killed. Even if his mortal form is destroyed, Raiden will rematerialize some time afterward.

Signature moves

Static Teleport

At will Raiden vanishes and reappears behind the opponent. (all games)

Lightning Bolt
Raiden sends bolts of lightning flying at the opponent. (all games)

Flying Thunder God

Raiden flies at his opponent and pushes them against the wall. Raiden can also do the move on the air, although not in the first game and Armageddon. (all games)

Shocking Touch

Raiden grabs the opponent, holds them in the air and electrocutes them. On Deception and Armageddon, he ends the move punching the enemy away. (MKII, MKT, MK:DA, MK:D, MK:U, MK:A)

MK info: Liu Kang

LIU KANG

Appearances: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat 3/UMK3, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Mortal Kombat 4/Gold, MK: Deception, MK: Shaolin Monks, MK: Unchained, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm
Species: Former Human/ God - Protector of Earthrealm
Alignment: Good
Fighting styles:

Jun Fan (MK:D, MK:A)

Pao Chui (MK:D)

Jeet Kune Do (MK:SM)

Choy Lay Fut (MK:SM)

Monkey (MK:SM)

Dragon (MK:SM)
Weapons
Dragon Sword (MK4, MKG)

Nunchaku (MK:D, MK:A)

Liu Kang is a Chinese Shaolin fighting monk. He moves quickly and possesses formidable fighting skills. Throughout the series, Liu Kang has been gradually portrayed as the main hero, becoming Champion after the first Mortal Kombat tournament and then following whatever quest Raiden has in mind for him. His romantic interest is Princess Kitana, but he is unable to commit himself to a relationship due to his duty (protecting Earthrealm as the Champion of Mortal Kombat) while Kitana has to stay in Edenia/Outworld as reigning princess.
Liu Kang was brutally murdered by Shang Tsung (who had Quan Chi's assistance) in the prelude of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, his soul consumed by Tsung. He did return in Mortal Kombat: Deception, albeit as a zombie. He also co-stars alongside Kung Lao, Sub-Zero, Scorpion and others in the adventure game Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (as a human, due to the game taking place during the time of Mortal Kombat II), in Mortal Kombat: Unchained and is featured again in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon in zombie form, although his human form is his alternate costume.

In the culmination of the events of Mortal Kombat: Deception, Raiden released his godlike essence in order to destroy Onaga, killing Shang Tsung and presumably Quan Chi in the process. Raiden, now somehow corrupted in his reformation, reanimated Liu Kang's body and sent it on a rampage, slaughtering many of Liu Kang's fellow Shaolin monks. Liu Kang's spirit decided to stay in Outworld to assist in the war against Onaga, but he soon discovered his body's "resurrection" and was stricken by what he had done. Although Liu Kang wasn't technically responsible, he couldn't help but feel responsibility for the actions committed by his corporeal form. He also learned about his comrades and how they had been enslaved by Onaga. From there, Liu Kang enlisted the mysterious ninja Ermac as an ally and had two missions to complete. The first was to try and save his friends from Onaga with Ermac, the second to defeat and stop his body from doing further harm.

Signature moves

Flying Kick

Liu Kang flies across the screen and connects with a kick to the opponent's torso. (all games)

High Dragon Fire

Liu Kang sends a fiery flame in the shape of a dragon across the screen out of his hands at his opponent. After MKII he gained the ability to perform this while crouching and in the air (he lost this variation in Deception and Armageddon). (all games)

Flying Bicycle Kick

Liu Kang flies across the screen with a series of multiple kicks to the opponent's torso. (all games except MKI)

MK info: Kano

KANO

Appearances: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 3/UMK3, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, MK: Special Forces, Mortal Kombat Advance, MK: Deadly Alliance, MK: Shaolin Monks, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm
Species: Human
Alignment: Evil
Fighting styles:
Xing Yi (MK:DA, MK:A)

Aikido (MK:DA)
Weapons:

Butterfly Knives (all games)

Kano made his debut in the first Mortal Kombat game. In it Kano is one of the incarnations of evil. A portion of Kano's face is covered with a metal plate, with the plated eye being a glowing red orb capable of emitting laserlike beams. Originally a mercenary and leader of the international crime cartel known as the Black Dragon, a criminal empire of cut-throat madmen. He rises beyond the level of mere brutality and aggression by also being sly and cunning. It was through his resourcefulness that he convinced Shao Kahn to spare his life, and it was through ruthless ambition that he later ascended to position of general of Outworld's armies. Kano combines the features of a cowardly minion, a lone survivor, a crazed madman, and an intelligent commander. His actions have made him the enemy of Lt. Sonya Blade.

Signature moves

Cannonball
Kano would crunch into a ball and fly at his opponent. (all games)
Upwards Cannonball
Kano would aim his Cannonball move upwards to an aerial opponent. (UMK3, MKT)
Psycho Cannonball
This version saw Kano flying all over the screen. (MKT)
Knife Throw
Kano would throw a pair of knives into his opponent's torso. (MK, MK3, UMK3, MKT)
Blade Swipe
Kano slashes his opponents with his knife in an upward swing. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
Blade Spin (MK1 Kano only)
Kano spins both of his knives in a circular fashion, knocking the opponent up into the air if it connects. (MKT)
Air Throw
While in the air Kano would use his legs to push the opponent to the ground. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
Chokehold
Kano would grab his opponent and lift them in the air by the throat and proceed to shake them. (MK3, UMK3, MKT)
Eye Laser
Kano shoots a laser from his eye at the opponent. This move made its initial debut as a finishing move in MK3, UMK3 and MK Trilogy. (MK:DA, MK:A)
Inner Rage
Kano concentrates for a short amount of time before covering his hands in red energy. Using this move increases the amount of damage dealt. (MK:A)
Fist of Power
Kano rapidly lunges forward and strikes the opponent with an energy covered fist. (MK:A)

MK info: Johnny Cage

JOHNNY CAGE

Appearances: Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Mortal Kombat 4/Gold, MK: Deadly Alliance/Tournament Edition, MK: Shaolin Monks, MK: Armageddon
Realm of Origin: Earthrealm
Species: Human
Alignment: Good

Fighting styles:

Jeet Kune Do (MK:DA)

Karate / Shorin-Ryu (MK:DA, MK:A)
Weapons:
Broadsword (MK4, MKG)

Nunchaku (MK:DA, MK:A)

Johnny Cage, real name John Carlton, is a movie star who is an expertise at martial arts, and made his debut in the first Mortal Kombat game. Although he is a primary character in the Mortal Kombat series, he's more of a stab at comic relief in contrast to the stoicism of Liu Kang. He jokes around a lot and can be a little full of himself every now and then. Nevertheless, his skills are nothing to joke about, and he is a good friend to Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Sonya Blade.
In interviews during the development of Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks it was stated by Ed Boon and several other staff members that Johnny Cage is indeed considered the comic relief character of Mortal Kombat. This is also noticeable throughout the series as Cage as often been the root of many jokes by the team working on the series (such his MK4 ending and his storyline in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance).

Signature moves

Green Orb / Plasmic Fireball

Cage throws a green fireball into the air, which leaps through the air before curving down towards the ground until it hits the opponent. In the games preceding Deadly Alliance, this move had a variation, in which Cage throws the fireball on a higher arc. (MKII, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:DA, MK:SM, MK:A)

Shadow Kick

Cage would slide across the floor, connecting with a kick to the torso of his opponent. As its name implied, he left a green trailing image of himself, or a red trailing image as seen in MK II and MK Trilogy. However in Deadly Alliance and on, he just leaves a trail of green behind him. (all games)

Split Punch /Sliding Uppercut/ Ball Breaker

One of Cage's most memorable moves where he does a split and punches the opponent in the groin. This only worked on male fighters, except in Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, where he is able to do the move on Kitana. In Deadly Alliance and on, Cage can do a modified version of this when instead of punching the groin, he rises up with a surprise uppercut with his punching arm a glowing green. (MK, MKII, MK4, MKG, MK:DA, MK:SM, MK:A)

Shadow Uppercut
Cage would leap into the air and deliver an uppercut which launched his foe into the air, this would also leave a green trailing image of himself. (MKII, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:SM)