Mortal Kombat: 8 Best Monster Characters

Key Takeaways

Motaro, a rare Centaurian character, has made a big impact on
Mortal Kombat 3
with his unique design and abilities.
Onaga, the Dragon King, remains a formidable villain in the franchise due to his intimidating design and story.
Baraka, a Tarkatan character, has evolved from a generic villain to a more pivotal and beloved character in
Mortal Kombat
lore.

As a longtime fan of the Mortal Kombat franchise, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia when I reminisce about these iconic characters that have left their indelible marks on the game’s history. From the brutal and unpredictable Mileena to the fearsome Goro, these characters have not only defined the Mortal Kombat experience but also shaped my own gaming journey.

The Mortal Kombat series is famous for its diverse cast of gods, ninjas, and even monster characters, among which the newest addition, Mortal Kombat 1, belongs. Interestingly, since the inception of the original Mortal Kombat game, a consistent theme running throughout every game, spanning over three decades, is the presence of characters that are actually monstrous beings.

Through the various settings of the Mortal Kombat games, such as Earthrealm, Outworld, and the Netherrealm, players have encountered a diverse array of creatures. These beings have taken on roles ranging from heroes to villains, and sometimes even occupying the gray area in between. Some have gone on to become cherished figures within the popular Mortal Kombat fighting game series.

8 Motaro

A Powerful Centaurian That Rarely Appears In The Games

First appeared in Mortal Kombat 3
Race: Centaurian

In Mortal Kombat 3, the initial sub-boss character wasn’t your typical Centaurian from fantasy tales. Motaro had a unique design with a cybernetic tail and horns resembling a goat on his head. When Mortal Kombat 3 was in the arcades, players found Motaro to be quite the challenge, as he seemed to devour quarters like candy!

Despite making relatively few appearances, the unique Centaurian character design of Motaro has earned him a spot among fans’ favorites. His ability to shoot lasers from his tail and teleport, coupled with his towering stature compared to other in-game characters, certainly contributes to this popularity. In the latest installment, Mortal Kombat 1, Motaro reappears as one of several Kameo fighters that players can summon during combat.

7 Onaga

The Original Dragon King Who Deserves A Comeback

First appeared in Mortal Kombat: Deception
Race: Dragon

Before Shao Kahn, Onaga was a colossal dragon-like figure who served as the primary antagonist in Mortal Kombat: Deception. He swiftly captivated fans by effortlessly eliminating characters such as Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, portraying them as insignificant to him. Remarkably, he even took the life of Raiden, the deity character from the series.

In one of the iconic storylines of the franchise, it’s disclosed that Onaga is a menacing force even Shao Kahn dreads. His appearance stands out uniquely within the series, and players familiar with Deception will confirm that he’s an unforgettable final boss battle. The sheer number of his unblockable attacks, capable of wiping out the player in just a few hits, has been known to provoke such frustration that controllers have been flung in defeat.

6 Baraka

Prolific Thug Who Was Sidelined For Years

First appeared in Mortal Kombat 2
Race: Tarkatan

Over the years, Baraka has been a recurring figure in numerous games since his introduction in “Mortal Kombat II”. His distinctive features such as arm blades, rows of razor-sharp teeth, and a grotesque monstrous face endeared him to many fans. However, it’s unfortunate that the narratives frequently portray him as a stereotypical villain, serving under other antagonists.

Over time, Baraka’s gameplay has been exceptionally captivating, often emphasizing swift combos and unique blade techniques that left many players hoping for improved representation. Fortunately, developers have taken notice of fan feedback, and in games like Mortal Kombat 11 and particularly Mortal Kombat 1, Baraka and his Tarkatan tribe have gained significant importance within the series’ storyline.

5 Sheeva

A Warrior That Went From C-Lister To A-Lister

First appeared in Mortal Kombat 3
Race: Shokan

Following Goro’s introduction of the Shokan species in the initial Mortal Kombat game, Sheeva was brought into the scene in Mortal Kombat 3, serving to further develop this concept. As a female member of the Shokan, she shares many of Goro’s attacks and special moves while also possessing her unique ones, which frequently make her a formidable opponent.

Over time, Sheeva has consistently featured in Mortal Kombat games, surpassing the popularity of the well-known Shokan prince. In fact, she rose to prominence in Mortal Kombat 11, boasting a richer gameplay and narrative depth than ever before.

4 D’Vorah

Made A Legacy Out Of Killing Legacy Characters

First appeared in Mortal Kombat X
Race: Kytinn

In a manner reminiscent of characters from David Cronenburg’s “The Fly”, the character D’Vorah, who first appeared in Mortal Kombat X, captivated audiences right away. From Kelly Hu’s delightfully wicked portrayal to her unique insect-like appearance, fans had never encountered a character quite like D’Vorah, which is why she reappeared in Mortal Kombat 11.

In the world of Mortal Kombat, D’Vorah gained notoriety among fans because she eliminated numerous beloved characters, such as Mileena and Hanzo Hasashi, better known as Scorpion. This infamy, however, has resulted in her being one of many highly demanded characters for potential downloadable content (DLC) in Mortal Kombat 1.

3 Mileena

Fans Are Obsessed With The Princess Of Outworld

First appeared in Mortal Kombat 2
Race: Edennian/Tarkatan Hybrid (Original), Outworlder (New Era)

Appearing like an Edennian, Mileena is actually a hybrid with Tarkatan blood in her veins. Initially, Mileena was a clone of Kitana, crafted by Shang Tsung, but in the Mortal Kombat series, she’s portrayed as Kitana’s twin sister who contracted a disease due to time travel manipulation. Regardless of the origin story, Mileena is always characterized by her red eyes and fearsome sharp teeth that make even the most skilled warriors think twice before facing her.

In a unique and bloodcurdling way, Mileena significantly contributed to the legendary status of Mortal Kombat through her intense fighting style using her signature sais and her distinctive teeth, leading to some of the most gruesome fatalities ever seen in the game series. The passionate fanbase adores Mileena so deeply that it sparked a heated debate when she was initially omitted from the character lineup in Mortal Kombat 11.

2 Reptile

From Secret Fighter To Iconic Reptilian Warrior

First appeared in Mortal Kombat (1992)
Race: Zaterran

Originally appearing as a hidden boss battle in the initial Mortal Kombat game, Reptile later became a regular roster member in most subsequent installments. This Zataran warrior had limited involvement in the storyline until the reboot of Mortal Kombat 1, which developed him into a significantly more intricate character.

A reptile character has consistently excelled in both design and gameplay aspects due to its unique skills and visual flair. Originally, it was just a colored version of Scorpion, but over the course of games, developers increasingly emphasized his reptilian traits. These enhancements include acidic powers, attacks utilizing a long tongue, and swallowing enemies as signature fatalities, making him stand out distinctively.

1 Goro

A Monster That Has Been There Since The Beginning

First appeared in Mortal Kombat (1992)
Race: Shokan

In the original Mortal Kombat game, players had to overcome Goro, the Shokan prince, before they could face Shang Tsung. Goro, with his four arms, has long been a frustrating adversary for many gamers across various titles due to his unique abilities. He is resistant to knockbacks and throws, and can even break any attack launched against him by the player.

The Shokan design has consistently captivated fans, inspiring the development of additional characters like Sheeva and Kintaro. Goro’s fierce rivalry with Johnny Cage, famously depicted in the 1995 film, is another testament to his popularity. This enduring monster is underscored by his status as a pre-order bonus character for Mortal Kombat X.

2024-10-01 16:34