Who are All the Ninjas in Mortal Kombat?
The Mortal Kombat series is renowned for its over-the-top violence, gruesome fatalities, and charismatic characters. One of the most iconic and elusive groups in the franchise is the team of ninjas, known as the Outer World Ninja Clan or Lin Kuei Clan. These skilled warriors have been a vital part of the Mortal Kombat saga since the beginning, and their motivations and loyalties have been shrouded in mystery.
The Original Trilogy (Mortal Kombat I-III)
The first batch of ninjas introduced in the original Mortal Kombat trilogy includes:
- Sub-Zero (Bi-Han, Freezing Fury): A ice-based warrior from the Lin Kuei Clan, known for his cryogenic abilities and iconic stage fatality.
- Scorpion (Hanzo Hasashi, Spear of the Warring Clans): A wandering ninja seeking revenge for his death, armed with a powerful spear.
- Raiden (Thunder God): A god of the Sky Domain and protector of Earthrealm, donning a blue ninja suit to fight alongside the heroes.
Sequel and Spin-Offs
As the series progressed, new characters with ninja backgrounds were introduced:
- Smoking (Kata Tunga, Smoke from the Shadows): A member of the Lin Kuei, once a pupil of Sub-Zero.
- Sektor (Shadow of the Dark Emperor): A technological ninja, former member of the Lin Kuei, with a penchant for destroying entire realms.
- Kashin Kora (Phantom Warrior): A mysterious, agile ninja from the realm of Netherealm, with the power of teleportation.
The Armageddon and Deception Eras
During the Armageddon (Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Deception) and Deception (Mortal Kombat: Armageddon) sub-series, more ninjas emerged:
- Kai (Storm Shadow): A young, gifted ninja, successor to the Lin Kuei’s leadership and protege of Sub-Zero.
- Kuai Liang (Second Sub-Zero, Ice Revenant): The younger brother of Bi-Han, who took the name Sub-Zero after his brother’s sacrifice.
- Jax (Pain Masters, Jax Lao, Bo Rai Cho Student): A cyborg ninja who fought against the forces of Onaga and became a student of Grandmaster Bo Rai Cho.
Modern Era (Mortal Kombat (2011), MKX, MK11)
With the reboot and subsequent sequels, new characters with ninja abilities emerged:
- Takeda: A bloodline descendant of Smoke, who inherited his mentor’s combat skills and knowledge.
- Kun Lao: A former Outworld assassin, who defected to Earthrealm and became an ally of Liu Kang.
- Bo’ Rai Cho: A Grandmaster ninja, instructor of Jax, Stryker, and other champions, and founder of the White Lotus Society.
Table: Chronological List of Ninjas in Mortal Kombat
| Characters | Era |
|---|---|
| Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) | Classic |
| Scorpion | Classic |
| Raiden | Classic |
| Smoking | Sequal |
| Sektor | Sequel |
| Kashin Kora | Sequal |
| Kai | Armageddon |
| Kuai Liang (Second Sub-Zero) | Deception |
| Jax | Deception |
| Takeda | Modern (2011) |
| Kun Lao | Modern (2011) |
| Bo Rai Cho | Modern (2011) |
FAQs
Q: Which ninja clan is the most important in Mortal Kombat?
- A: The Lin Kuei Clan is the most prominent and crucial ninja clan in the Mortal Kombat series.
Q: Who is the greatest ninja in Mortal Kombat?
- A: Raiden, the Thunder God, is often considered the most powerful and greatest ninja in Mortal Kombat history.
Q: What is the reason behind the ninja’s involvement in the Mortal Kombat tournament?
- A: Initially, the ninjas participate to eliminate Earthrealm’s champions to prevent interference with their own world’s plans. Later, they act as a secret society, vying for control and power.
Q: Which Mortal Kombat games feature ninjas as protagonists?
- A: None of the Mortal Kombat games have an entire storyline focused on ninjas, but ninjas have contributed significantly to the overall narrative. Scorpion‘s character arc is one example.
Q: Are ninjas related to other factions in Mortal Kombat?
- A: Ninjas are closely tied to the Sorcerer Liu Kang, the Bo Rai Cho’s White Lotus Society, and the Lin Kuei Clan, which has connections with Outworld and other realms.
Q: Can you play as ninja characters in the Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe game?
- A: No, the Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (2008) game does not include ninja characters.
Q: Are ninja characters still part of Mortal Kombat’s roster?
- A: Yes, ninjas, such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden, continue to be part of the Mortal Kombat roster, appearing in recent games like MK11 and Mortal Kombat 2020.
Conclusion:
The Mortal Kombat ninjas, or Outer World Ninja Clan, have played a vital role in the franchise’s development, often serving as intriguing characters, secret agents, or double agents. Throughout the series, their connections to other factions and realms have raised questions about their true intentions, motivating players to learn more about their worlds and motivations. As the Mortal Kombat saga continues, the ninjas remain a fascinating aspect of this iconic franchise.