Where is Goro? Unraveling the Mystery of His Absence in Mortal Kombat 11
Goro, the towering, four-armed Shokan prince, is a character synonymous with the Mortal Kombat franchise. His imposing presence and brutal fighting style have made him a fan favorite since his debut in the original game. However, veteran players noted the notable absence of this character in Mortal Kombat 11.
The primary reason Goro is not a playable character in Mortal Kombat 11 is because he is dead within the game’s canonical storyline. Goro met his demise in Mortal Kombat 9 (the 2011 reboot), where he was fatally wounded by Noob Saibot. While he was available as a pre-order bonus in Mortal Kombat X, his death in the preceding game made his inclusion in MK11, story-wise, problematic. NetherRealm Studios, while appreciating fan affection for the character, chose to respect the established narrative. Furthermore, the development team perhaps saw the opportunity to focus on other characters and their respective storylines. This is a fairly common practice in fighting games with large rosters like Mortal Kombat.
Why the Disappointment? Goro’s Lasting Appeal
Goro’s absence, while understandable from a narrative standpoint, left many fans disappointed. He isn’t just another character; he represents a significant part of Mortal Kombat’s history and identity. His unique four-armed fighting style offers gameplay opportunities not found in any other character. His imposing stature and royal lineage add a layer of depth and intrigue. Also, the fact that he was available in the previous release increased the sense of omission for many fans.
Goro’s popularity continues in other sectors of gaming and culture, showcasing the relevance of games outside the sphere of gameplay alone. Research from groups like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org has even looked into how character archetypes and narratives impact player engagement and educational outcomes within gaming environments.
A Corpse, Not a Character: Goro’s MK11 Cameo
While Goro isn’t playable in Mortal Kombat 11, he is present in the game. However, it isn’t the triumphant return that players might have hoped for. Instead, Goro’s deceased body appears as a stage element in the “Goro’s Lair” stage. This stage, a callback to classic MK arenas, features Goro’s corpse seated on his throne, a somber reminder of his fate. His death is thus more of a background detail than a prominent storyline.
The Allure of DLC and Guest Characters
The decision to exclude Goro as a playable character also highlights the strategic use of DLC (Downloadable Content) in modern fighting games. NetherRealm has consistently released new characters as DLC, both original creations and guest characters from other franchises. Focusing on these new additions allows them to generate additional revenue while keeping the game fresh and exciting. This often involves prioritizing new characters and those who can bring in a larger audience.
FAQs: Your Burning Goro Questions Answered
Here are some common questions surrounding Goro’s absence and related details about the Mortal Kombat universe:
1. How did Goro die in the Mortal Kombat timeline?
Goro was killed by Noob Saibot in Mortal Kombat 9. He was struck from behind, succumbing to his wounds.
2. Why was Goro a pre-order bonus in Mortal Kombat X?
Goro was included as a pre-order bonus in Mortal Kombat X to incentivize early purchases and reward loyal fans. It was a way to bring back a popular character even if his presence was non-canonical, and was likely a successful move that resulted in further income for NetherRealm Studios.
3. Will Goro ever be playable in a future Mortal Kombat game?
It’s possible. The Mortal Kombat timeline has been rebooted and altered multiple times. Future games could rewrite history and bring Goro back to life. Alternatively, a variation of Goro, such as a zombie or a resurrected version, could be introduced. His appearance as a Kameo Character in Mortal Kombat 1 may point to a stronger re-appearance in the future.
4. What is a Kameo Character in Mortal Kombat 1?
Kameo Characters are assist characters in Mortal Kombat 1, who help the main playable characters during a fight. They can perform special moves, combos, and Fatal Blows, adding a layer of strategic depth to the battles. This is how Goro was included in MK1.
5. Why is Reptile missing from Mortal Kombat 11?
Reptile, like Goro, wasn’t included in Mortal Kombat 11 as a playable character. The development team likely chose to focus on other characters and storylines, opting to save Reptile for a future installment.
6. Who is Noob Saibot?
Noob Saibot is the resurrected form of the original Sub-Zero (Bi-Han). He was killed by Scorpion in the first Mortal Kombat and later resurrected as a wraith with shadow-based powers. His name is a combination of the last names of Mortal Kombat creators Ed Boon and John Tobias spelled backward.
7. How are Sub-Zero and Scorpion connected?
In the original timeline, Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) killed Scorpion. This fueled Scorpion’s desire for revenge, leading to a bitter rivalry. The subsequent Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang), Bi-Han’s younger brother, later becomes an ally of Scorpion in some timelines.
8. Is Scorpion dead?
Scorpion’s status varies throughout the Mortal Kombat timeline. He has died and been resurrected multiple times. The identity of Scorpion also changes throughout the series, although he is most famously Hanzo Hasashi.
9. Who killed Scorpion?
The original Sub-Zero (Bi-Han) killed Scorpion in the first Mortal Kombat, sparking Scorpion’s transformation into an undead specter driven by vengeance.
10. Is Goro playable in Mortal Kombat 9?
No, Goro is not a playable character in Mortal Kombat 9, except through glitches or certain character abilities like Shang Tsung’s Soul Steal. He appears as a sub-boss, much like in the original game.
11. What is Mortal Kombat 12?
Mortal Kombat 12, now revealed to be Mortal Kombat 1, is the next installment in the franchise. With the reboot of the timeline in Mortal Kombat 11, the new game presents an opportunity to rewrite the fates of existing characters, including Goro.
12. What is the significance of Shang Tsung’s island?
Shang Tsung’s island is a recurring location in the Mortal Kombat universe, serving as the site of the original Mortal Kombat tournament. It is a place of immense power and dark secrets. Goro’s lair being located beneath the ruins of Shang Tsung’s island further emphasizes his connection to the darker elements of the Mortal Kombat lore.
13. Why isn’t Shinnok in Mortal Kombat 11?
According to the Mortal Kombat 11 storyline, Kronika, the keeper of time, couldn’t restore Shinnok because it was beyond her power to do so. Shinnokâs existence had been erased from reality.
14. How did Kenshi go blind?
Kenshi was blinded by the souls released from an ancient sword he sought. This event left him with enhanced senses and a psychic ability that allowed him to fight.
15. Where does Goro rank in the most popular characters from Mortal Kombat?
Goro consistently ranks high among the most popular Mortal Kombat characters. His unique design, powerful presence, and role as a challenging boss contribute to his enduring appeal. He is consistently a fan favorite and a recognizable figure within the gaming community.
Conclusion: A Future for the Shokan Prince?
While Goro’s absence in Mortal Kombat 11 was noticeable, it wasn’t a final farewell. His presence, even as a corpse, acknowledged his importance to the franchise. With the ever-evolving storylines and the potential for alternate timelines, there’s always a chance that the Shokan prince will rise again in future installments. Until then, players can remember the impact of this brutal warrior and hope for his eventual return to the fighting arena.