Best Ninjas In Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns

As a long-time fan of Mortal Kombat, I must say that these character developments in the latest expansion, Khaos Reigns, have been nothing short of exhilarating! Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Sektor, and Noob Saibot have all undergone transformative changes that breathe fresh life into their iconic personas.

As a devoted fan, I must say that Mortal Kombat 1 has truly shown love to the iconic ninja characters in a remarkable way, not just limiting itself to Scorpion and Sub-Zero. In this new era, Liu Kang’s storyline offers something fantastic for every main ninja. For years, fans have been eagerly anticipating a Mortal Kombat game that would bring all the ninjas together due to constraints in roster size and narrative direction. Regrettably, some of these fighters often find themselves left out in almost every game. A standout example from MK11 is the stunning design for Ermac, yet he was conspicuously absent both from the storyline and the playable roster.

The conversation primarily revolves around the traditional male ninjas depicted in the game “Mortal Kombat 1,” with a noticeable absence of female characters even after the release of “Khaos Reigns.” However, rumors suggest that Jade might make an appearance if mining data is accurate. Since Netherrealm Studios has poured considerable effort into each ninja character type in this game, let’s examine and rate the excellent from the exceptional based on gameplay, story significance, and design aesthetics. These aspects will be evaluated below.

9 Smoke

A Fun Character Who Gets Overshadowed

Best Ninjas In Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns

Smoke has always been a fan favorite, be it his luscious long hair in Mortal Kombat 9, or his variation as part of Tri-borg in MKX. Mortal Kombat 1 has been a return to form for human smoke. Not only has Tomasz been blessed with a great design and some incredible skins, but his gameplay is sleek, fun and unique. He’s also blessed with some of the coolest-looking combos to boot.

In the main game, Smoke’s role in the story wasn’t particularly significant, even though his encounters with Bi-Han and Kuai Liang were enjoyable. However, in an expansion focused on Lin Kuei (Khaos Reigns), it feels let down that Smoke is barely present at all, which is somewhat disappointing.

8 Cyrax

The Relectant Cyber Initiative Ninja

It might appear somewhat unmerciful to rank Cyrax so low, but every ninja has their shining moments, and she is no exception. Initially, some fans were hesitant about the revamped versions of Cyrax and Sektor, but at this point, it’s clear that the reimagining has been a triumph.

Cyrax has some of the coolest gameplay in the entire game, with a really high skill ceiling focused on traps, set-ups and hard to block loops. She also has a cool new design, but her customization options fall a little short of her companions. Cyrax plays the role of the conflicted member of the Lin Kuei well, but she comes off as a little gullible and her overall presence is unfortunately overshadowed by Sektor and Bi-Han. Regardless, MK1’s version of Cyrax is a solid iteration with some amazing potential.

7 Rain

Back With A New Look

Since his debut in Mortal Kombat, the Purple Prince has consistently been one of the most demanded characters across all new games. His appearances have showcased an array of stunning designs, from Mortal Kombat X to Mortal Kombat 11 and beyond. The character of Rain has undergone numerous transformations over time. In the era of Liu Kang, he’s no longer a member of the nobility; instead, he’s an accomplished Mage who’s risen through the ranks and remains loyal to Mileena and her allies.

In simpler terms, it takes time to fully understand and play effectively as Rain, who has a unique zoning, keep-away style in the game. However, players have adapted to him well, both casually and competitively. Originally a secondary character in the original game, his alternate form, Emperor Rain, made a delightful, though short-lived, appearance in the expansion, and he also received an exciting new skin.

6 Ermac

The Classic Mage With A Twist

In Mortal Kombat 1 (MK1), Ermac had a tumultuous journey. Initially, his debut design sparked controversy as fans favored the design hinted at in the earlier game. Additionally, while he was significant to the storyline, not being playable upon release wasn’t optimal.

Regardless of some early issues, Ermac has proven to be a delightful newcomer to the game. His ability to obliterate numerous adversaries in the story mode is impressive, as is his connection with Mileena and Jerrod, Kitana’s father. Ermac offers intriguing customization possibilities and an array of skins for players to explore. Although he was absent in Khaos Reigns, his later introduction as a downloadable character received praise, primarily because of his user-friendly and robust gameplay style.

5 Reptile

The Unlikely Zaterran Hero

Reptile is in a similar boat as Ermac, he wasn’t relevant to Khaos Reigns, and some of his skins and gear weren’t the best. However, the glow up Syzoth has released in MK1 cannot be overstated. Having been relegated to cannon fodder in the last few games, it was great playing through Reptile in the base game and his interactions with the likes of Baraka, Kenshi and Kung Lao were a treat.

A reptile character has been progressively given more appealing add-ons following its launch, enhancing its original appearance. Despite having a relatively simple playstyle, it’s enjoyable and effective. The transitions between its ‘ninja’ and reptilian forms are seamlessly executed, creating engaging combat experiences.

4 Sub-Zero

A Hot-headed Grandmaster?

In the latest era of Liu Kang, Bi-Han has made a striking comeback, skillfully portraying the ambitious grandmaster character. It’s refreshing that the writers keep him in a moral gray zone instead of casting him as an outright villain. Despite his occasional overtly comical and obstinate behavior, he manages to maintain an engaging persona. The evolution of Bi-Han in the Khaos Reigns extension is intriguing, and his interactions with Sektor and Liu Kang are a notable feature that enhances the expansion’s appeal.

Unfortunately, Sub-Zero’s character development is left incomplete towards the end of the expansion, leaving his main title undecided, which isn’t satisfying for such a renowned figure in fight game history. However, he excels in visual and cosmetic aspects, boasting some of the best in the game. The downside is that since its release, Sub-Zero has been one of the least powerful characters, despite occasional balance adjustments.

3 Scorpion

A Re-Imagination Done Right

Having the Scorpion mantle transfer to Bi-Han’s stalwart brother Kuai Liang was definitely a risky decision, but it played out well. Rather than Hanzo’s specter of vengeance, players are treated to a hot-headed, outspoken, yet extremely noble ninja. His relationship with Smoke, Harumi, Bi-Han and Cyrax are some of the best parts of the game. It will be fun to see how this character progresses in a potential sequel, especially with the newly established Shirai Ryu.

Scorpion boasts some of the most impressive skins and equipment in the game. His attack combinations are aesthetically pleasing, and his aerial maneuvers are genuinely enjoyable. However, Scorpion has taken on a more deliberate, footsie and stagger-focused playing style that might not appeal to everyone due to its slower pace.

2 Sektor

The Biggest Positive In Khaos Reigns

In the game Mortal Kombat 1, Sektor shines as one of the top ninjas, a stark contrast to her portrayal in earlier versions where she was typically just a mindless minion. This game gives depth to her character and her role as head of the new cyber-initiative within Lin Kuei is convincingly executed. Her ambition aligns nicely with Bi-Han’s, and their dynamic during conflicts is well-balanced. The writers have done an excellent job developing their relationship. As the story progresses, it will be intriguing to see how NetherRealm Studios handles Sektor taking on the role of Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei in future narratives.

Regarding design, Sektor excels in the MK1 version, and her equipment only enhances this. Her visuals are smooth and highly polished, playing out seamlessly. To put it simply, she offers unique and diverse gameplay that sets her apart from other ninjas, which is definitely an advantage.

1 Noob Saibot

Bi-Han’s Swan Song?

Noob Saibot is rightfully a consistent fan favorite. One of the coolest villains in Mortal Kombat, his new backstory, tied to Khaos rather than the Netherrealm/void, is done really well. He has a cool design as always and features some of the best brutalities and fatalities in the game.

Playing the role of Noob in the tale is an absolute blast, thanks to his intriguing encounters with Liu Kang and Scorpion. Despite some reservations about his conclusion, which could have been more impactful given the hinted redemption arc, it’s undeniable that he pulls off some of the most remarkable feats in the entire narrative. Furthermore, Noob offers some of the most intricate and thrilling gameplay within the entire game, solidifying him as one of the top characters in Mortal Kombat 1.

2024-10-01 17:06