Why do MK11 characters look like zombies?

Why Do MK11 Characters Look Like Zombies?

The Mortal Kombat series has been a staple of fighting games for decades, and the latest installment, Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11), has been no exception. One of the most striking features of the game is the revamped character designs, which have left fans scratching their heads. Gone are the classic, somewhat realistic depictions of iconic characters like Liu Kang and Kitana. Instead, they now appear as some sort of hybrid between their former selves and, well, zombies. But why?

All Characters are by Default their Present Selves on Character Select

So, what’s behind this eerie new look for the Mortal Kombat characters? According to MK11’s creative director, Ed Boon, "All characters are by default their present selves on character select." In other words, the developers wanted to create a consistent visual design for each character, based on their current state at the time of the game’s storyline. This has led to the creation of "revenants" – undead versions of certain characters, which we’ll explore in more detail below.

Revenants: A New Interpretation of the Mortal Kombat Universe

A revenant, in general, is an undead version of a living being. In the context of Mortal Kombat, characters like Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Kitana have been reborn as revenants due to their ties to the Netherrealm and other supernatural forces. This decision was made to create a sense of continuity and depth in the game’s storytelling, as well as to explore the theme of character resurrection.

Liu Kang: A Revenant of Unfinished Business

One of the most striking examples of the revenant design is Liu Kang, who was previously a Shaolin monk. In MK11, Liu Kang has become a fierce and brutal fighter, fueled by his anger and vengeance. This is due in part to the influence of the Netherrealm’s dark magic, which has corrupted his spirit and left him with an insatiable thirst for battle.

Kung Lao: The First Casualty of Raiden’s Wrath

Kung Lao, the Hat Tossing Wrist-Out warrior, is another example of the revenant design. He was killed in the game’s storyline due to Raiden’s powers, which ultimately led to his resurrection as a revenant. In this state, Kung Lao is driven by a thirst for revenge against Raiden, who he sees as responsible for his death.

Kitana: From Princess to Assassin

Kitana, the iconic princess of Edenia, has undergone a significant change in her character design as well. Now, she appears as a deadly and ruthless assassin, driven by her desire for revenge against Shao Kahn. Her revenant state has removed her traditional femininity, replacing it with a hardened, malevolent persona.

Design Choices Behind the Revenant Look

So, why did the developers choose to go in this direction with the characters’ designs? According to Ed Boon, "We wanted to create a consistent visual design for each character, based on their current state at the time of the game’s storyline." In other words, the goal was to create a visually cohesive game world, where each character’s design reflected their individual story and journey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Mortal Kombat 11 characters’ revamped designs are not just for show – they are a deliberate choice, driven by the game’s storyline and themes. The revenant design has given the developers a chance to explore new facets of the characters’ personalities, while also deepening the game’s narrative. Fans of the series will find that this new look not only adds a layer of complexity to the characters, but also raises questions about the nature of mortality, identity, and the Afterlife.