Summary
Mortal Kombat,originally devised as a Jean-Claude Van Damme fighting game, channeled the imagery and spirit of popular martial arts, action, science fiction, and horror films of the 80s and 90s. At the time, there was no greater icon in pop culture than the ninja. Everything was ninja-focused, from films, television, commercials, toys, etc. So, when developer Midway Games was unable to include Van Damme inMortal Kombat,the roster took a turn toward original characters. This led to the creation ofMortal Kombat’s two most iconic Ninja characters, Sub-Zero and Scorpion.
Representing the rivalry of fire and ice, Scorpion and Sub-Zero were a standout duo in the firstMortal Kombatgame, prompting their return in nearly every mainline game to follow. ThoughScorpion was not featured in every singleMKgame, like Sub-Zero, he was in all butMortal Kombat 3, though he returned inUltimate Mortal Kombat 3. With many iterations over the years, Scorpion has evolved with the long-running franchise to include many different versions of the character. Though his story has shifted in each era, the ninja maintains his classic yellow gi in all of his appearances.
S-Tier
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat 1offered fans a different take on the classic character. No longer the Shirai Ryu Hanzo Hasashi, Scorpion inMK1is the Lin Kuei Kuai Liang, brother to Sub-Zero a.k.a. Bi-Han.MK1is unique as it also allows the classic specter version of Scorpion to be in the game as a Kameo fighter.MK1’s Scorpionmaintains all the moves fans expect with a few added surprises. Overall, this version of Scorpion feels fresh and fun to play, especially with the return of the more traditional spear move that stuns an enemy.
Mortal Kombat 11
MK11’s Scorpion is unique to the versions in the rest of the series for the fact that players can customize their appearance and moves with many of the previous game’s outfits and abilities. Scorpion is also one of the morebeginner-friendly characters inMortal Kombat 11but is viable at all levels of play. Scorpion’s story inMK11was also one of the more compelling in the game, seeing his older self trying to talk sense to the rage-fueled younger version. Hanzo Hasashi’s portrayal inMK11definitely stands out.
Mortal Kombat (1992)
The very first time the world was introduced to Scorpion is no doubt one of the most special. With his full-screen spear move and the iconic “Get Over Here!” call out, Scorpion was one of themost beloved characters inMortal Kombat. It was in this game that his “toasty” fatality came to be as well, where Scorpion removes his face to reveal a skull, suggesting that the character was no normal human. It was details like these that would go on to help create an interest in the deeper character lore and mythology of theMortal Kombatuniverse.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
Mortal Kombat’s rebooted timeline in 2011 brought another legendary redesign for Scorpion. Maintaining the speed and versatility the character is known for, this version of Hanzo Hasashi was great for new and veteran players alike. Sporting a very real-world arachnid-inspired outfit,MK9Scorpion stood out among other characters in the roster. Those who frequentedKing of the Hill mode inMK9knew to expect to face many Scorpions before the day was over.
A-Tier
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Scorpion’s first foray into the exclusive home console market allowed players to experience a fully 3-D version of the character like never before.MK: DA’s Scorpion had the ability to perform some serious juggles with each of his styles, particularly Hapkido. The introduction of his ninja sword also allowed for interesting combos that could only be done in a 3-D fighter. Perhaps thebest thing to come out ofDeadly Allianceis the unlockable video “Cooking with Scorpion”, a look at the lighter side of this vengeance-fueled character.
Mortal Kombat: Deception
MK: Deceptionfollowed upDeadly Alliance’s Scorpion with a new design and slightly improved gameplay. He maintained most of his moves and fighting styles, though sacrificed his Pi Gua martial art for Moi Fah.Scorpion inMortal Kombat: Deceptionalso adopted Sub-Zero’s spine rip fatality, for some reason. This version of Scorpion matched the game’s dark atmosphere and brutal fighting system.
Mortal Kombat 2
Another tried and true classic and the original appearance of the motocross look for the character,Mortal Kombat 2’s Scorpion, is undoubtedly influential. This is typically the most revisited design in future games when classic skins are incorporated.MK2Scorpionmaintained the “toasty” fatality but added a new one where he uses his kunai to slice up an opponent.
Mortal Kombat X
MKX’s dark atmosphere and gritty art stylewere a perfect backdrop for this version of Scorpion.MKX’s Scorpion returned to a more simplistic design afterMK9.In this game, the Scorpion was as fast as ever. Each of the three variations had different moves, but all of them stayed true to the character.
B-Tier
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon/ Mortal Kombat 4
Mortal Kombat: Armageddonfeatured the same outfit fromMK4as Scorpion’s primary appearance. The game also featured his outfit fromDeceptionas an alternate costume. TheMK4look combines a lot of theclassic elements fromMK2andUMK3with the addition of a skull face mask. This design stands out among the rest.
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
After being left out of the standard edition ofMortal Kombat 3, Scorpion was brought back for the ultimate edition. Along with new arenas and characters, Scorpion entered the fray with his classic teleportation, spear, and hellfire moves. A welcomeaddition to theMK3roster, Scorpion was as versatile as ever. In each rendition of this famous character, he maintains his ease of use and effectiveness in battle.
