The Curious Case of the Missing Scorpion: Which Mortal Kombat Game Was He Absent From?
The fiery specter, the hell-spawned ninja, the bane of Sub-Zero’s existence… Scorpion is arguably the face of the Mortal Kombat franchise. His spear, his signature “Get over here!”, and his skeletal visage are instantly recognizable to gamers worldwide. So, imagine the shock and disbelief when players fired up Mortal Kombat 3 in 1995 and found him conspicuously absent. Yes, you read that right:
Mortal Kombat 3 is the only mainline Mortal Kombat game where the iconic ninja Scorpion doesn’t make an appearance as a playable character.
This absence wasn’t due to a glitch, a storyline twist gone awry, or a simple oversight. There was a conscious decision to exclude him, a decision that continues to baffle and intrigue fans to this day. Let’s delve deeper into the reasons behind this controversial omission and explore the wider context of Scorpion’s history in the Mortal Kombat universe.
Why Was Scorpion Excluded From Mortal Kombat 3?
The official reason, as stated by those involved in the game’s development, centers around a desire to move away from the reliance on ninja characters. Midway, the development studio behind Mortal Kombat, reportedly wanted to introduce a fresh roster of fighters and felt that the overabundance of ninjas was becoming stale.
However, this explanation often raises more questions than answers. Why, for example, was Sub-Zero allowed to remain in the game? The answer lies in the fact that the Sub-Zero in MK3 was unmasked, presented as a renegade, and effectively distanced from his ninja identity. This “exemption” highlights the somewhat arbitrary nature of the “no ninjas” rule and fuels speculation about other potential factors at play.
Perhaps the developers wanted to challenge players by removing a fan-favorite character. Maybe they felt that other characters deserved a chance to shine. Regardless of the true motivation, the absence of Scorpion in MK3 remains a significant and widely debated topic in Mortal Kombat lore.
The Aftermath and Scorpion’s Triumphant Return
The outcry from fans was immediate and vociferous. The lack of Scorpion was a major point of criticism for Mortal Kombat 3, and it became clear that his absence was a mistake. Midway quickly rectified this in subsequent updates and revisions of the game.
In Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, released shortly after the initial MK3, Scorpion made his triumphant return. He was back, bolder and more badass than ever, ready to dish out his signature spear attacks and bone-chilling fatalities. His inclusion in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 not only appeased fans but also solidified his status as an indispensable part of the franchise.
Since then, Scorpion has been a mainstay in every mainline Mortal Kombat game. His popularity endures, and his presence remains a defining element of the series. The MK3 incident serves as a reminder of the power of fan feedback and the enduring appeal of this iconic character. The relationship between game design and player response is explored in academia as well as in the industry itself. Researchers at the Games Learning Society have explored the dynamics and relationship between game design and player response extensively. Consider looking at the various resources at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Scorpion and Mortal Kombat
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Scorpion’s absence in MK3, as well as other relevant information about the character and the Mortal Kombat universe.
1. What Mortal Kombat game was Scorpion not in?
Scorpion was not a playable character in the initial release of Mortal Kombat 3 (1995). He was later added in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
2. Why was Scorpion not included in Mortal Kombat 3?
The official reason given was that Midway wanted to move away from the reliance on ninja characters and introduce a fresh roster.
3. Was Sub-Zero also excluded from Mortal Kombat 3?
No, Sub-Zero was included in Mortal Kombat 3, but he was unmasked and presented as a renegade, distancing him from his ninja identity.
4. When did Scorpion return to the Mortal Kombat series?
Scorpion returned in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, an updated version of Mortal Kombat 3.
5. Who killed Scorpion in the original Mortal Kombat timeline?
Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) killed Scorpion in the original Mortal Kombat timeline.
6. Why do Scorpion and Sub-Zero hate each other?
Scorpion and Sub-Zero are members of rival ninja clans: Scorpion is from the Shirai Ryu, and Sub-Zero is from the Lin Kuei. Additionally, the original Sub-Zero killed Scorpion, fueling the rivalry.
7. Is there more than one Sub-Zero?
Yes, after the original Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) was killed, his younger brother (Kuai Liang) took up the mantle.
8. Who killed Scorpion’s family?
In some storylines, Quan Chi is responsible for the death of Scorpion’s family. He often manipulates events to pit Scorpion against Sub-Zero.
9. What is Scorpion’s real name?
Scorpion’s real name is Hanzo Hasashi.
10. Is Scorpion a ghost or a demon?
Scorpion is an undead specter, a warrior resurrected from the Netherrealm with hellish powers.
11. Was Raiden also missing from Mortal Kombat 3?
Yes, Raiden was not playable in the original version of Mortal Kombat 3.
12. Why was Johnny Cage not in Mortal Kombat 3?
According to series co-creator Ed Boon, Johnny Cage was the least selected character in Mortal Kombat II, and as such, was cut from the MK3 roster.
13. Did Sonya Blade appear in Mortal Kombat 2?
No, Sonya Blade did not appear in Mortal Kombat 2 due to memory constraints and perceived unpopularity.
14. Is Scorpion the strongest Mortal Kombat character?
While strength is subjective, Scorpion is consistently portrayed as one of the most powerful and dangerous characters in the Mortal Kombat universe.
15. Are Scorpion and Sub-Zero brothers in the new Mortal Kombat timeline?
Yes, in the new Mortal Kombat 1 storyline, Scorpion (Kuai Liang) and Sub-Zero are brothers.