Top 8 Most Iconic Mortal Kombat Characters Of All Time

Mortal Kombat is one of the most popular fighting game franchises in history. Since it started in 1992, it’s brought us loads of memorable characters. These guys have become cultural icons with their unique skills and moves. For example, when I play at OnlineCasinosKiwi, I sometimes try out the slots with Mortal Kombat themes. These slots feature heroes from Mortal Kombat. So,let’s check out the top 8 most iconic Mortal Kombat characters of all time, with some stats  and quotes from the gaming community to back it up.

Scorpion

Scorpion is  one of the most famous characters in the game. His line “Get over here!” and his spear moves are legendary. IGN’s 2023 survey even ranked him as the top Mortal Kombat character. He got  35% of the votes.

Some say Scorpion’s been in too many games and media, overshadowing others. But hey, he’s been in every Mortal Kombat game since the start. It shows how many  fans love him.

According to Ed Boon, one of the creators, “Scorpion is the face of Mortal Kombat. His revenge story and awesome moves connect with players worldwide.”

Sub-Zero

According to Ed Boon, “Sub-Zero is just too cool. His ice powers make him stand out in looks and how he plays.”

He’s that ice ninja everyone loves. He’s been through a few changes, played by different guys. The original, Bi-Han, and his younger brother, Kuai Liang, are the most famous.

Players dig Sub-Zero for his freezing skills. Players who like to strategize especially enjoy playing as Sub-Zero. GameSpot’s 2022 poll even ranked him as the second most popular character (30% of the votes).

Some fans find all the backstory changes confusing, but Sub-Zero’s ice powers and rivalry with Scorpion keep us all hooked.

 Raiden

And you gotta remember Raiden, the thunder god. He’s basically the big protector of Earthrealm and a key player in the game’s stories. His lightning control and wisdom make him a standout character.

Did you see that Kotaku survey from 2021? Raiden snagged the third spot as the most popular character with 25% of the votes. Fans really dig his leadership vibes and his strong moves.

John Tobias, the guy who helped create Mortal Kombat, said, “Raiden represents the balance of power and wisdom.” He’s one of those characters everyone respects.

Some folks think Raiden’s storylines are getting a bit stale. But as Earthrealm’s guardian, he’s still crucial to the series. Always cool to see him in action.

Liu Kang

Check this out – in a survey by Polygon back in 2020, Liu Kang scored fourth place as the most popular character, grabbing 20% of the votes.

Liu Kang is  like the main guy in Mortal Kombat. He is  the Shaolin monk who’s gone from humble beginnings to being Earthrealm’s champion. His journey’s a big part of the story. Fans love his martial arts skills and that cool dragon transformation.

Ed Boon, one of the creators, said, “Liu Kang embodies the spirit of a true warrior.” He’s all about protecting Earthrealm, and that’s why fans look up to him.

Though some players say Liu Kang’s character lacks a bit of depth compared to others, he always has a crucial role to play.

Johnny Cage

 Throughout the series, Cage is depicted as a key defender of Earthrealm against diverse threats, often serving as the comic relief. In the revised timeline, he also features as the romantic interest of Special Forces officer Sonya Blade and the father of their daughter, Cassie. Inspired by martial arts icon Jean-Claude Van Damme, specifically Van Damme’s portrayal of Frank Dux in the 1988 film Bloodsport, Johnny Cage has become a fixture of the franchise, extending his presence beyond the games into various other media.A 2019 poll by Game Informer ranked Johnny Cage as the fifth most popular character, with 18% of the votes.

Kitana

Kitana from Mortal Kombat is  a major character known for her lethal fighting skills.She first appeared in “Mortal Kombat II” back in 1993. She’s an Edenian princess, the daughter of Queen Sindel and adopted by Shao Kahn. Her story is all about uncovering her true heritage and joining forces with Earthrealm’s defenders against Shao Kahn’s tyranny.

You can spot Kitana by her distinctive blue outfit and those twin steel fans she’s always twirling. Her fighting style mixes martial arts with deadly fan strikes and aerial moves. Players appreciate her balanced gameplay and iconic moves like the “Fan Lift” and “Fan Throw.”

She’s appeared in movies, comics, and animated series. She’s definitely one of the standout characters in Mortal Kombat.

 Shang Tsung

A 2017 poll by IGN ranked Shang Tsung as the seventh most popular character. “Shang Tsung is the ultimate villain,” said John Tobias. “His cunning and power make him a constant threat.”

Shang Tsung first appeared in the original “Mortal Kombat” game in 1992. He hails from Outworld, a realm ruled by Shao Kahn, and serves as Kahn’s lead sorcerer. His goal is to conquer Earthrealm by winning the Mortal Kombat tournament.

Shang Tsung is typically depicted as an elderly sorcerer often dressed in traditional Chinese attire. His most notorious ability is to absorb the souls and life force of defeated opponents. This makes him a formidable opponent who can adapt to various fighting styles and use dark magic.

Throughout the Mortal Kombat series, he is portrayed as the mastermind behind numerous schemes to conquer Earthrealm and expand Outworld’s influence. His mastery of deception and magic allows him to manipulate events to serve his ambitions.

Sonya Blade

General Sonya Blade of Earthrealm’s Special Forces is portrayed as a strong, determined leader known for her resilience and commitment to her comrades. Her character embodies independence and tenacity. Yet beneath her tough exterior, she deeply values the well-being of those she cares about. 

During the events of Mortal Kombat 11, Sonya engages in a pivotal military promotion match against her daughter, Cassie. Later, she joins Raiden and Johnny in a critical mission against the Netherrealm. Unfortunately, she sacrifices herself to thwart Liu Kang’s interference at Shinnok’s Bone Temple, detonating explosives to destroy it. Kronika’s intervention then brings younger versions of Sonya, Johnny, and Jax Briggs into the current timeline.

While Sonya enjoys widespread popularity, some critics argue that her character can sometimes feel one-dimensional. Nonetheless, in a 2016 survey by GameSpot, Sonya was voted the eighth most popular character. She received 14% of the votes. Players appreciate that she breaks stereotypes and serves as an inspiration.

Mortal Kombat has given us such a diverse lineup of characters. Each one has their own special charm. People might have different favourites, but there’s no denying the lasting impact these characters have had on gaming.