Introduction
The Mortal Kombat franchise, a name synonymous with brutal combat, intricate lore, and a roster of iconic fighters, has consistently pushed boundaries since its inception. From the ninja specter Scorpion and the thunder god Raiden to the vengeful Kitana and the monstrous Baraka, the series has cultivated a diverse and memorable cast. However, amidst the ninjas, sorcerers, and otherworldly beings, one unexpected figure stands out: an alien combatant. The inclusion of such a character raised eyebrows and sparked excitement among fans, prompting the question: Which Mortal Kombat game dared to introduce a creature from beyond the stars?
This article will delve into the specific Mortal Kombat installment that embraced extraterrestrial aggression and explore the presence of the Xenomorph. We’ll examine its integration into the Mortal Kombat universe, its unique fighting style, and the reasons behind this surprising yet ultimately successful collaboration. Prepare to delve into the depths of Outworld and beyond, as we uncover the Mortal Kombat game that features a truly alien presence.
The Mortal Kombat Game with an Alien
The game that boldly ventured into the realm of interspecies combat, introducing a terrifying alien into the Mortal Kombat arena, is none other than Mortal Kombat X. Released in 2015 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, Mortal Kombat X continued the franchise’s trend of pushing the boundaries of gore and graphic violence while also refining its gameplay mechanics and expanding its roster with both new and returning characters. While the core roster boasted familiar faces and intriguing newcomers, it was the addition of downloadable content (DLC) that truly shook things up, bringing a variety of guest characters into the fold, including the nightmarish Xenomorph.
The Alien Character: Xenomorph
The alien combatant in question is the infamous Xenomorph, a creature of pure, unadulterated terror hailing from the iconic Alien film franchise. Known for its sleek, biomechanical body, razor-sharp claws, acidic blood, and nightmarish inner jaws, the Xenomorph has haunted the dreams of moviegoers for decades. Its inclusion in Mortal Kombat X was a bold move, blending the established Mortal Kombat universe with a science fiction horror icon. The Xenomorph was offered as a DLC character as part of Kombat Pack 2, allowing players to purchase and download it.
The Xenomorph, in its Mortal Kombat form, retains all of its signature features. Its elongated skull, dripping with viscous fluid, is instantly recognizable. Its powerful tail, tipped with a deadly barb, serves as both a weapon and a means of locomotion. Its razor-sharp claws tear through flesh with ease, and its acidic blood poses a constant threat to opponents. The design is faithful to the original creature, translated seamlessly into the Mortal Kombat art style. The inclusion of the Xenomorph further emphasizes the franchise’s commitment to exploring the darker and more grotesque aspects of combat.
Xenomorph’s Gameplay in Mortal Kombat X
The Xenomorph’s fighting style in Mortal Kombat X is as brutal and unrelenting as one might expect. It’s a relentless predator, utilizing its speed, agility, and ferocity to overwhelm opponents. The Xenomorph is primarily a close-range fighter, excelling at pressuring opponents with a flurry of claws, tail whips, and vicious bites. Its moveset is designed to be both visually terrifying and strategically effective, reflecting the creature’s predatory nature.
Among its arsenal of special moves, the Xenomorph boasts the “Tail Flip,” a quick and damaging tail strike that can launch opponents into the air, and the “Xeno Strike,” a devastating claw attack that can inflict significant damage. It can also utilize its acidic blood, spitting it at opponents to create a temporary hazard on the battlefield. A key ability that is unique is the ability to summon a facehugger to attack the enemy. The facehugger wraps around their head and hinders their movements while doing slight damage.
Naturally, the Xenomorph also possesses a collection of gruesome fatalities and brutalities, showcasing the creature’s capacity for extreme violence. These finishing moves are as disturbing as they are satisfying, playing on the Xenomorph’s iconic attacks and predatory instincts. From chestbursters to face-hugging, the Xenomorph fatalities truly embody the spirit of the Alien franchise within the Mortal Kombat universe.
Xenomorph Variations
The Xenomorph in Mortal Kombat X features three distinct variations, each offering a different approach to gameplay. These variations, while still very familiar to the base Alien, provide some gameplay variety.
Acidic Variation
This variation focuses on utilizing the Xenomorph’s acidic blood, allowing it to create damaging pools on the ground and enhance its attacks with corrosive properties. This variation is all about controlling space and punishing opponents who get too close.
Tarkatan Variation
This variation is a unique combination of Alien and Mortal Kombat lore. Xenomorph dons the arm blades similar to Baraka from Mortal Kombat and grants the Xenomorph the ability to perform those Tarkatan like attacks.
Ravenous Variation
This variation enhances the Xenomorph’s speed and agility, making it an even more relentless and aggressive predator. It emphasizes rushdown tactics and close-quarters combat.
Why Xenomorph Fits in Mortal Kombat
The inclusion of the Xenomorph in Mortal Kombat X might seem like an odd choice at first glance, but upon closer examination, it’s a surprisingly fitting addition. The Mortal Kombat franchise has always embraced the grotesque and the over-the-top, and the Xenomorph is a perfect embodiment of these qualities. The creature’s inherently violent nature, its terrifying appearance, and its gruesome attacks align perfectly with the themes and aesthetics of Mortal Kombat.
Furthermore, the inclusion of guest characters has become a staple of modern fighting games, adding an element of novelty and excitement for fans. Mortal Kombat has a successful history of incorporating characters from other universes, and the Xenomorph is simply another example of this trend. It’s a way to appeal to a broader audience, bringing in fans of the Alien franchise while also providing existing Mortal Kombat players with a fresh and unique combatant to master. The appeal of seeing iconic characters from different universes clash in a brutal fighting game is undeniable. Mortal Kombat understands this appeal and has consistently delivered on it.
Other Notable Guest Characters in Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat’s penchant for inviting guests to its deadly tournament is no secret. The franchise has consistently welcomed characters from various horror, action, and science fiction properties, adding a layer of surprise and fan service to each installment. These guest appearances often generate considerable buzz and contribute to the game’s overall appeal.
Examples of notable guest characters include the Predator, another iconic hunter from the film of the same name, known for its advanced weaponry and stealth tactics. Jason Voorhees, the relentless slasher from the Friday the 13th franchise, brings his signature machete and unstoppable aggression to the arena. Leatherface, the chainsaw-wielding maniac from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, adds a layer of pure, unhinged brutality. Robocop, the cybernetic law enforcer, brings his advanced weaponry and unwavering sense of justice. Terminator, the unrelenting cyborg assassin, showcases its devastating power and technological prowess. Even characters like Kratos, the Spartan warrior from the God of War franchise, have made appearances in Mortal Kombat, proving that no universe is off-limits.
The success of these guest characters is evident in their continued popularity and the constant demand for more. They bring a unique flavor to the Mortal Kombat experience, injecting new gameplay styles, storylines, and visual elements. These characters expand the potential audience, enticing fans of different franchises to experience the brutal world of Mortal Kombat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mortal Kombat X is the Mortal Kombat game that features the Xenomorph, a terrifying creature from the Alien franchise. This inclusion was a bold and ultimately successful move, blending the established Mortal Kombat universe with a science fiction horror icon. The Xenomorph’s brutal fighting style, gruesome fatalities, and distinctive variations make it a unique and memorable addition to the Mortal Kombat roster. It’s a testament to the franchise’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries, bringing together diverse characters from different universes in a spectacle of violence and mayhem.
The appeal of guest characters in fighting games like Mortal Kombat is undeniable. It’s a way to create exciting matchups, explore new gameplay possibilities, and appeal to a wider audience. As the Mortal Kombat franchise continues to evolve, one can only imagine what other surprising and unexpected guest characters might join the fight in the future. The Xenomorph’s inclusion serves as a reminder that anything is possible in the world of Mortal Kombat, and the prospect of future crossovers keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new installment. The combination of established Mortal Kombat characters alongside these guest stars ensures a constantly evolving and thrilling experience for players, solidifying the franchise’s place as a leader in the fighting game genre. The Xenomorph and other guest characters demonstrate Mortal Kombat’s willingness to embrace new ideas and deliver unforgettable moments of carnage.
