A Closer Look at the Iconic Mortal Kombat Reptile
Reptile, first debuting in 1992's Mortal Kombat and arguably the most iconic character of the franchise, has undergone a lot of evolution since his creation. Like a certain heroic reptilian fan favorite of later generations, Reptile has gone from relatively unknown “secret character” to one of the most recognizable faces of the series.
Reptile’s Origin Story
Originally intended to be just another villain within the series’ pantheon, Reptile was included as a hidden playable character in the original game that spawned the franchise. He could only be unlocked after completing the game ten times in a row using the same character. Once unlocked, players could play as Reptile in one-on-one fights with Scorpion or Sub-Zero.
His Original Design & Abilities
Reptile adapted a more distinct reptilian appearance for the first sequel, Mortal Kombat II. Notable features of his physical look included a yellow and purple reptilian-like body covered in stripes and spikes, with a hood covering his head. Included in Reptile’s arsenal of weapons and abilities was his reptilian tail, his incredibly fast speed, and his powerful energy blasts.
His Growth Throughout the Series
Reptile’s design has largely remained unchanged in most games ever since Mortal Kombat 2. However, more recently, his backstory has been fleshed out in Mortal Kombat X, wherein he is seen as an ancient protector of the mystical Shokan tribe. As his role within the Mortal Kombat universe has expanded, so have his abilities, with recent special moves focusing on devastating flame attacks and even the ability to turn invisible.
How Reptile Evolved in Pop Culture
Shortly after its debut, Reptile became an instant fan favorite among fans of the franchise. He appears as a playable character in several spin-off games like Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Universe, and others. His popularity has even seen him appear in other forms of media. He made a brief appearance in Mortal Kombat: Legacy, and he can be found in the form of figurines, T-shirts, and other merchandise.
Conclusion
Reptile may still be best known for his secretive arrival in Mortal Kombat. From those beginnings, he has grown into one of the most recognized characters in the entire series and beyond. With new games on the horizon, we’re sure to see even more from the now famous Reptile. There’s no telling what we’ll see, but there’s a guarantee it’ll be reptilian. What new abilities and secrets will be unveiled? Only time will tell!