Well said all around. I never used to consider Stryker among my top picks, but always had a deep respect for him, and found him interesting for all the reasons you detailed, especially from 2:07 - 3:05. More than anything, I just appreciate his back-to-basics attitude and truly raw and "organic" presence among the cast (even more pronounced than Sonya, Johnny or Jax), armed with mere strategy, tactics, intellect and cunning, all brought about naturally through earthly training and brainpower; the definitive everyman. There's a respectable degree of brilliance to it that's easily discarded for the more fantastical elements and themes... understandably. Personally, I always likened him most to Han Solo, along with the others you mentioned. 5:06 - 6:18 was perfectly summarized, and my favorite part. Even being a cop, he maintains a slightly "roguish" quality; one who would scoff at honor and tradition championed by the likes of Liu Kang, Raiden, Kuai Liang etc... , unafraid to break rules or cross certain lines for the sake of survival. It ironically sort of paints him in a very "Kano-esque" light, but crafted in a positive manner, as a force for good. He's literally the epitome of "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."
Such a good analysis. Yes, he's totally more back-to-basics than Sonya, Johnny and Jax because he doesn't get bogged down by revenge, ego, or the travails of leadership, respectively, and he also lacks the 'luster' and fame of the mainstays - again, he flies under the radar and just does his job. In a brutally efficient way. And yeah, I'm starting to see the Han Solo comparison. He's not the 'scoundrel' that Han is, but he straddles that same line of devious pragmatist with a good heart, that ultimately uses his talents for good (funny how we each compared Stryker to a different Harrison Ford character). And the more I think about it, the more Han Solo quotes I can find that fit Stryker to a T: "Great kid! Don't get cocky!", "Delusions of grandeur", "Don't everybody thank me at once", "Never tell me the odds". Stryker's a combination between Han Solo and commander Cody.
@@CynicalWarlock Oh, Han Solo + Commander Cody, I didn't even think about that. Makes even more sense. Or even Captain Rex, but now I'm getting off topic lol.
Add Stryker in the next game, make him a reluctant body guard for Johnny Cage. Neither of them are happy with the deal, Stryker because he hates actors and thinks this job is beneath him, Johnny because he can take care of himself. It's almost a shame we got the bromance between Johnny and Kenshi, cause it could've worked great for Stryker too. Then again, give Johnny and Stryker a bromance, give Kenshi and Jax one too, then have an awkward moment framed like it's two exes with their new partners. Or don't, because it's a Mortal Kombat game and this is dumb, but I'm spitballing here.
"AND IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-EE-IIIIIII, WILL AAALWAAAYS LO"-etc etc. The bodyguard bit is brilliant. Should've included it in the video.
Johnny and Kenshi are bros. Johnny and Stryker are also bros. Kenshi and Jax are also bros. Johnny and Jax become mutual bros via Kenshi. Kenshi and Stryker become mutual bros via Johnny. It’d be funny if Kenshi and Stryker somehow get along like a house on fire while Johnny and Jax try to put out the fires. (Just a random thought that popped into my head).
@@bwackbeedows3629 that possible dynamic slipped my mind when thinking of the other dynamics. But Styker and Jax are bros long before meeting Johnny and Kenshi, respectively.
I love the idea of Johnny and Striker just hating each other but then becoming the best of friends. That sounds like just a wonderful idea. But I agree with your videos idea. That it's cool having these ultra powerful characters but contrasting it with normal dudes shows the oddity of the powerful characters and what the ordinary means to them and what the ordinary think of them.
Stryker was my favorite character lore-wise because I had a similar feeling when I first saw him: guy's just a regular dude who's trying to keep up with super powered beings with just his gear, skill, and thinking fast. Those types of characters always appeal to me.
About the Johnny Cage x Stryker duo, I think Oddgiant’s custom ai intros for mk1 kinda did that and it really felt like the two characters belong to each other. Only difference is that Oddgiant made them BOTH into frat boys, but it still felt like they go together
I once heard it. “The more complex a power system can get, the funnier it is when someone pulls out a gun.” That was all about Emiya Kiritsugu, from Fate series. One of fan favourite character in series. (Well based on who you ask). One of most memorable things about him. How in war of magical powers. He brings a gun. Weapon mages see beneath themselves. But Kiritsugu doesn’t care. His character is all about winning for better future. ~~Well until all his ideals crumbled because of wish granting mcguffin~~
Yeah, I've seen Fate/Zero. Kiritsugu was a very compelling character, as were most. The ending caught me a bit off-guard, but super-high-quality anime, overall. Great comparison, that's exactly what I'm going for, with Stryker - damn the rules, fight to win.
Honestly Stryker sounds cool for me as more of a Punisher like character. Guy who got fired from the force and became a vigilante who's got a big bone to pick with Kano.
I remember my dad would always pick styker and I was like why but he kept stringing combos together. Fatalities and brutalities. I was like but he just a cop really appreciate him now
Ah, Kurtis Stryker... I have fond memories of him from MK9. Always thought he was a badass diehard Gigachad super cop. He was funny, satisfying to play and had a good moveset. I enjoyed the one Special where he dive rolls, grabs you, and flings you across the arena. Also, pistols go *brrrrr.* I would have *loved* to see him return as a proper Kombatant in MK11 or 1. You're right that he's severely underutilized, as with many of MK's great koncepts. There's just a special place in my heart for this cop who chugs along, "just doing [his] job." What an absolute *legend.* 🗿👮🏼
Imagine in Liu Kangs new era, Erron Black is a sheriff and Stryker is his deputy and they help protect America from the Vaternians invasion. Liu Kang actually gave alot of the jobbers a fleshed out story in the new timeline so making Erron into an old western Sheriff would be the best way to keep his cowboy-ness without him being a bounty hunter. Also Southern Stryker would go hard imo
I can already imagine if they were paired together in the start of a match, they'd probably chat about the handguns they use (with Erron using revolvers and Stryker using autoloaders/pistols)
Tho his MK Armageddon design was eh. I did like his MK9 redesign. He should have been available in MK11 his story interactions with the cast and the dlc characters would have been dope Stryker is to MK3/MK9 What Leon S. Kennedy was in RE2 (possible more experienced law enforcement officer than Leon) A beat cop who faced overwhelming odds
I like Stryker as a goofy guy, not intentionally funny like Johnny, but tongue-in-cheek and endearingly uncool. I don't understand why the MK fandom is so allergic to joke characters, like why does everyone have to be taken seriously in this franchise? Over at SF, Dan is beloved while y'all treated Meat like crap, still salty about that. 😖 But, yeah, I agree that Stryker is underrated and doesn't deserve his reputation as the "most unpopular Klassic Trilogy character"... (Because let's be real, that would be Sheeva...)
That definitely fits with this character. I did make a couple Batman comparisons but I don't want Stryker to be cool like that. As for the joke characters, I feel that's a bit of a paradox about this community - everyone wants bigger, badder, cooler characters (or just the same characters rehashed a million times), but then giggle like maniacs when they get memes and jokes about those characters, while simultaneously getting super-serious and resentful of actual meme characters. At least that's what I've seen.
Liu Kang - a skilled and powerful shaolin monk that managed to beat every major threat from mk1-mk4 Kung Lao - another skilled and powerful monk that's the only other hero that can keep up with Liu Kang Jax - the physically strongest of earth's heroes only second to Raiden Johnny Cage - trained by multiple martial artist around the world and descended from a warrior cult (possibly from Edenia given Jade's similar powers) Sonya - The best leader figure of earth's heroes Kabal - the fastest of all of earth's heroes only second to Raiden Nightwolf - master of spiritual magic and energy attacks Sub-Zero - Cryomancer that is also a skilled ninja Stryker - Just a regular dude with regular skill and despite all that still fights alongside earth's best heroes and manages to tough it out somehow which is why we all love him
FINALY! A youtube that does mk analysis content and not Just gameplay or character story Im glad MK fandom has you now, cuz there is very few people who do this, for youtube at least You Also never miss
I think people underestimate the potential of this universe; that's partly why you only see gore, gameplay, or history of so-and-so videos. So I'm happy to fill this niche. And it's true, I never miss. That's what she said.
@@probably_amity Unfortunately true. Here are other story and lore-discussing MK youtubers I know and follow. It'sOfficial SonicHAXD Froster 23 Retrospectgreg.
I always found it ridiculous when people say…Well He’s just a (normal)cop! WTH is that supposed to mean? What about Sonya? Jax , Jonny Cage And kung-Lao? Well… respectively they’re just militaries ( a lieutenant like there are many on earth and a general) one with metal harms , a Hollywood star like Rachel zegler and the other guy is just Chinese-American practicing martial law . All of them humans so on what criteria one will just cast out Striker on the basis that He’s just a cop?????? That’s shameful
Which reveals the real reason why people single Stryker out as a normo, which is that he has no fantastical special moves. No fireballs, or flying hats, or bionic arms. He just uses existing weapons and tech, which, to me, makes him more badass, not less.
I've never been ashamed to say Im a Stryker fan, I've always liked how he's just genuinely confused at what's going around him yet he still tries to do the best he can despite knowing he's just a human
@@deprepperonipizza4269 Yeah it's kinda like the talent vs hard work thing: a talented person is expected to succeed, while an untalented normo who tries anyway and gets there through hard work is way more admirable.
3:33 "Johnny Cage is also pretty down to earth" his reputation would say otherwise! But the fandom treats him like THE main character amongst ninjas and shaolin chosen ones even without his green energy powers because he EXUDES main character energy by virtue of his personality, and Stryker doesn't have that. In-universe he's the one laughed at and underestimated by other fighters, so that's already his shtick. 5:07 Onion rings and kiss of death aside, I feel like "ruthless pragmatist who has no honor in close quarters fighting to do what they can to protect earth" should've also been the character archetype for Sonya since she has no powers in lore and out of it (no indefinable je ne sai quoi main character plot convenience). Her (and Jax's) Special Forces training and tech isn't treated as a special "power" by the plot since they're also usually written as the characters finding themselves out of their depth when it comes to facing Outworld/Netherrealm threats, hence they're at their most adequate fighting someone like Kano, who is also just a human with tech. Sonya, like Johnny, is also underestimated by both in-universe fighters and the audience but while Johnny dazzles people with his charisma, it's Sonya who attacks from behind and makes the ballsy moves and underhanded blows to get the leg up on her opponents. Contrast this to, say, Kitana or Ashrah, fighting women who don't use guns in kombat and are very honorable in their conduct. For Cassie, since she's intended to be a mix of the two above, any characterization of her needs to have a balance of these two differing personalities. As for Erron, since he got his lifespan extended by Shang and he uses completely abnormal weapons like sand grenades or Zaterran acid, he's just "powered" enough to avoid being seen as an everyman even with that good-ol'-boy accent. I suppose Kurtis usually gets shafted because if he got a bigger role, he'd take away the usual story beats from the more popular designated non-powered characters.
And Happy New Year, mate! Don't forget to perform an eldritch ritual to transition from one plane of existence to another as the year dies and gives way to the next.
@@LOWBORN-the-LOATHSOME As long as that Eldritch ritual involves drinking a Leffe. "Out of his depth" would've been way better phrasing than "down to earth"; you're right, Johnny is anything but that last one. And don't get me wrong, this role fits both Sonya and Jax, but it's not just about backstory and lore, it's about the presentation of these characters; and like it or not, onion rings and kisses of death are part of Sonya's presentation, and futuristic ballistic cyborg arms are part of Jax's, which makes Stryker higher up the normo food chain. "Johnny dazzles people with his charisma" - and Sonya dazzles with.. other assets. For real, great addendums, as usual. I'll be sure to have an Eldritch beer in your name. Happy new year, Nebulous.
Another awesome video, you should make a pitch for your own mk timeline. I would love to see what you'll add and take from the story that's already been told.
@CynicalWarlock I remember bits and pieces from Conquest, but I do remember watching it when I was younger. I don't remember much but I remember Cyrax for some reason idk why. My pitch for a mk show is an action and political drama series set far after the death of Shao Khan, with Katana holding the seat as emperor of outworld. She is assassinated by Reiko and Rain who then begin to control outworld. All of this leads to another mortal Kombat tournament. However, this time, its the kombat kids participating and some. The main character is Kai as he trys to live up to Liu Kang and protect earth. Rain is on Reiko's side because he believes that there is a way to split edenia from outworld if they have enough souls and a powerful enough sorcerer (Shang Tsung enters the chat). And Reiko is being manipulated by some 3rd party maybe a god or maybe Onaga.
@@nicholasblake6367 No, Cyrax wasn't in MK: Conquest. You should give the show another spin; it's old and cheesy, but it's got so many good ideas in it. It's my favorite piece of Mortal Kombat media. That's a solid idea for a show. I actually like the time period, and I like to brainstorm ideas for this post-Liu Kang era as well.
I love your channel. Literally every video that you have about the breakdown of mortal Kombat elements, your take on characters, your channel is amazing and it's what I've been lacking in my subscriptions which are very few and far between. I think I have probably seven subscriptions and I just added you to my 8th month because I hate filling up with my timeline nonsense. Keep going please don't ever stop you are amazing analyze things until they break. Because your way of analyzing is very akin to the way that I think and it makes me draw toward your channel
Gods damn it, man - ego boost: 400%. Not ok. For real though, thanks; glad you like the content. I also unsubscribed from most channels, partly cause I can't afford that many distractions, nowadays, but partly for their benefit, as well - don't wanna be a dead sub, fudging up the numbers.
How would you feel about the elder gods being featured in the next Mortal Kombat game as the replacement for Kameo Fighters on top of a full fledged tag system? A lot like the zords in Power Rangers battle for the grid. I would ask abt this on the eldergods video, but i figure it'd be buried by this point. I thought about it as I watched it and pondered how we could have them participate and keep them in character. Maybe leaving them as a comeback mechanic could be indicative of their habit of never interfering until the last minute. Idk. Love ur MK vids, and hope to see you make an impact on the community!
That's a pretty cool idea. And make it into a very different Mortal Kombat game, where the Elder Gods act kinda like combo breakers on steroids, and damn-near bring characters back to life. And thanks so much, glad you're enjoying the videos, n00b.
It's sad NRS refuses to reuse Stryker since him being a cop is definitely a sticking point that doesn't go over well within the modern studio. Really wish he was better in MK9 or playable in MKX. All of the super powered meta humans and demigods are cool but when a dude is packing a gun that hits as hard as any super power projectile, missile, bomb, and so on it's just funny.
@@EinSilverRose Yeah Stryker doesn't mess around. I'd lean heavily on that. It's also the fact that NRS basically branched his character off into variants like Cassie Cage and Erron Black; that's partly why you don't see him anymore, cause he'd probably be considered redundant.
Batman is on a whole other level then Struker. Also, he was fine in Mortal Kombat 2011 but now I think he done his part and that's it we don't really need him anymore.
Stryker’s whole chapter in MK9 proves that Mortal Kombat is just the physical embodiment of making all your action figures fight each other. Atleast in my book. Why do I say that? Look at what he had to put up with during his chapter and live to tell about it. A poison and acid spitting lizardman who can dodge bullets and turn invisible, a teleporting toothy ninja lady with a pair of sais and a hunger for human flesh, a 4 armed fire breathing tiger monster with the strength of atleast 100 men, and a flying telekinetic ninja mummy composed of the souls of countless warriors.
It's funny cause MK9 went out of its way to fulfill almost every character's fans the biggest most ridiculous power fantasy ever, and then liquidate the lot of them, in the most unceremonious manner possible. Break all the action figures to pieces, as it were.
Funny how Stryker was considered lame with their "Cop/soldier" character, but the Street Fighter fandom is fine with Rolento and Doctrine Dark. Kinda makes you wonder if the SF fandom is more welcoming to strange concepts for their characters.
@@lukalovric2463 I left out guile since he came before Stryker. Hell, I realized my screw up, cause Rolento is ever older then both of them, considering he came out in 1989 (Final Fight's release year)
I think it's because Street Fighter is more grounded, when it comes to its characters; at least on paper. Instead of gods, monsters and superpowered ninjas, we have MI6 agent, Special Forces operative and just.. martial artist. So a cop fits right in with that.
Stryker had to walk so Erron Black could run, and my god do I wish they'd let him run. Erron's whole backstory was so unbelievably good when he debuted, it really kills me that they haven't done more with him. There's really no future to Stryker, in my opinion. He's not exciting from a narrative perspective, but for all of the reasons you listed, I really value what the inclusion of a character like this has meant for the series and COULD CONTINUE to mean for the series. Really feel like they could use Erron to push this even farther, plus with the added benefit of him being a tool for Shang Tsung or whoever/whatever else. Mold their attitudes, add complexity to their circumstance, voila. Refreshing from all angles.
Erron will definitely get his own video; huge missed opportunity. As you wrote, lots of potential with the way they designed and envisioned him, but they then squandered all of it. He's a nothing-character, a useless bodyguard.. even his mask they just randomly do away with, in MK11, unceremoniously. Lost all of his mystique and an opportunity to play around with his identity.
My all time, go to the Character of Mortal Kombat. :Kurtis Stryker: Stryker, to me, is a beautiful reminder of my days living in NYC.. the busy life of a youth just trying to find his place in the world. Where everyone would choose the power to define themselves, I relate more to Stryker cause I pondered on the question of why. Why didn't I get powers? Why was I spared while others lost their souls. Why do my eyes look like their ready to shoot off before my guns? Once upon a time, when mk was young and controversial while being headlined on the news for its violent content, I did use Scorpion [yes, I know, shocker] When mk3 dropped, and I played it at the arcades, initially I hated Stryker. Of all the characters in the roster, why a F%#$&%# Cop in a game like this? So, while being a scorpion main spiteful shit that limited my friends, a day of perspective came in an unexpected way when Pa accused me of stealing money from him. He was at the Time NYCP at the time, and I was... a very different person back then. He took one look at the arcade and said. " You're being wasteful coming here every day.. Get your ass home for making your mother worry. " Naturally, I refused and kept playing for selfish reasons. Back then, we didn't see eye to eye. But through an expected move on his part, he shoved me to player one corner and put his own quarters in. I was perplexed because he hated games, so in my head I was in thought. "Why is he doing this outta the blue? Does he not know how good I am at this?" Initial thoughts crossings before... I got humbled in ten straight matches in a row by an underdog I took for granted. Spear move met grenade, teleports met baton toss and kept turning me into a god damn baby!!! 😠 😡 👿 I had nothing... the whys kept coming but no answers came. It wasn't until the car ride home that he answered the question for me. " Life inspires art leo.. Naturally, as a cop I would play a cop to misdirect your anger. The lack of focus was on you. " as harsh as it was.. the truth stung. Pops kicked my spoiled ass with stryker, and I kept asking the why's. It was what he said after that changed me. " Powers don't make a man... it's what a man is willing to stand for in pursuit of his truth in life. " These words and how he said it.. made me who I am now, a slow burn, but a powerful motivator from an underdog. The why's in my head didn't disappear, but now I had a means to find answers to not just me but my entire view of things. By the time we left NYC, Dad transferred to a new station in upstate while ma kept beating the education I needed to the point that I got sick of it. But... it was thanks to dad that I avoided becoming someone I didn't want to be, and getting good with stryker was the hard lesson that made Stryker phenomenal in my eyes cause he is both well grounded and a necessary anchor to the madness of it all. And yeah, when mk9 dropped, I had far more friends to enjoy it with, laughing as they couldn't believe that I used stryker to beat the shit outta mileena fans, scorpion spammers, noob saibot enthusiasts, but more importantly mended my relationship with my 👨👩👧. Now, as an Og player with a picket sign [Justice for Stryker], I know for a fact that with cynical warlock, we can work towards better mk stories with our favorite characters. Hell, I'd be honored to write stryker for cynical warlocks version in mind with this aspect cause... i lived it
*blinks in confusion, then looking at my reflection.* " Guess my punk side still shows as well my street smarts.. " *scratches my head in his reflection, an avatar in cynicals view but with a backward ball cap and rad bomber jacket.* " Thought the edenian waifu's job was to help pull that leg? " 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
Interesting yeah Stryker does bring a cool factor to the table which is the non-powered factor. Id probably have an attitude like Stryker too if I'm in a fight filled with monsters and sorcerers and stuff
@@CynicalWarlock yeah because at one point I understand where Raiden and Lui Kang are talking about when it comes to honor and stuff but at times I'm also like we need to eliminate the threat
If Stryker were to be casted in live-action MK, I think John Cena would be perfect for the role. The way he dresses and his no-nonsense attitude give off that vibe for me.
Finally hwd time to watch this after the big fixing mk characters video. And man Id love to see this striker. I could definitely see him having an amazing friendship possibly even brotherly relationship with johnny. That could actually make that mk9 deaths hurt alot more. Have interactions with everyone oh and also give stryker A REACTION TO KABALS STATE. Rlly mad that didnt happen. Then again id just love to see him in general since cant play mk 9 ;-; itd have been amazing if stryker was a dlc character instead of not sektor and cyrax imagine the hilarity of outsiders looking in seeing the mk fandom scream and yell in excitement and happiness when what seems to be a normal cop dude announced as the next dlc fighter xD.
Would've been absolutely sick to see everyone lose their minds over Stryker. People love underdogs, so it makes sense. Appreciate the binge-watching of my content, btw.
He's my favorite in Mk9 I love the baton swing I love the roll I love the fatalitys I love the fact that even when he doesn't hit a fatality he does one still by chucking a grenade onto his opponent 😂 Justice for Stryker
Back when i played MK9 for the first time i didn't know that stryker was "offical" Mortal kombat character, instead i though they added "john cena" to the game because his design looks like him.
Great analysis!👍 My late Dad used to pick him all the time and defeat me solidly.😅 I think he was best in MK9. If I had one flaw to mention; though it's more of a nitpick on my end, I don't like his MKA Primary costume. He looks like Kenshi and Johnny had a baby together and, no, that is NOT a compliment. I LOVE his secondary costume and wish it would be used more often.
I always thought that the mocap hate going back to deadly alliance is really disrespectful. It's just three reused fighting stances and blaze's special moves giving to a last minute addition, it's not like he replaced Rain or something. Also, I DO think the joke is funny.
i always thought MK3 stryker looked badass, his VS screen looked like he was a cop ready to kill you, he reminded me of like a cop version of The Punisher. I kind of want him to be a bit unhinged when it comes to fighting these otherworldly monsters.
@@TheGeckoNinja You're probably one of 3 people who like the MK3 version. I also see him as a bit unhinged; not necessarily mentally, but physically, through his fighting style, which, I think, is an appropriate reaction to alien monsters, sorceress and gods.
Not super specific the topic to your video, but what do you feel about John Cena playing the version of Stryker you describe here? When I heard you say he's no-nonsense, I think about Cena's portrayal of Peacemaker talking shit about Batman and getting frustrated with Vigilante.
I shit you not, I just mentioned this in another comment. It would be a hell of an entertaining (if a bit over the top) take, for sure. In fact, I'd like both Cena and Alan Ritchson to give the character a go. I like this idea of a gigantic burly Stryker. Would go a long way towards justifying him facing fucking Lord of the Rings characters.
Stryker is legit goat status. He’s like a cop version of the punisher in the mortal kombat world. A lot like max payne but without the dark tragedy backstory. Goddamn travesty we may never see him playable again just b/c lame Cassie & jacqui exist
I think the main reason he got removed from x and foward is ironically Special forces. They basically made a army of well army heroes who use guns bombs and nads so they basically cut him out and made Erron since selling a cowboy with pistols as a new oc is eaiser then explaining how the game went from mostly Ninjas to mostly united states army men and swat. At least he is a cameo fighter. However, now that their aint no guy with a gun or armies of them now would be a time to bring em back to the front as the gun guy. As for what I would have hi do storywise. Would keep It where he shows up around 3..But, have him be the guy to fuck up shang and lock his ass up in jail. LIke Shang was gathering souls and thought he was easy picking then this cop just starts whiping the shit out of em. Then Raiden comes to pick Shang ass up from jail and Stryker is like "Yeah, he threw fireballs at me. I live in new york that aint even the closest to the wierdiest thing I seen" So, he would join the fold and basically play a more goodguy heel role in combat..Like doink the clown..He fights so fucking out their people just get pissed. As far as what he brings to the team. It would be advince on how to do things and knowledge of new york in the battle in MK3 letting the heroes get the W via more or less having someone with a homefield knowledge.
"I live in new york that aint even the closest to the wierdiest thing I seen" - That's such a John Cena line. I totally remember seeing Cassie for the first time, in X, and thinking "that's exactly how they could've made Stryker cool, instead of making a new character from scratch". Still, I believe all 3 of these (Stryker, Cassie, and Erron) have enough ground to stand on, as their own individual characters. Stryker defeating Shang might be a bit much, but it's definitely funny. Good ideas, all-round.
@@CynicalWarlock To be fair I was thinking of a depowered Shang in the subway after a fighting Jax. Only for Stryker to jump in knowing Jax is a vet and basically tasering shang into submission. Jax basically got done beating down some of Shao's goons guarding Shang who wanted to crash the train so he could take the souls. That way It aint too far fetched nor does anyone look 100% like a jobber.
I fuckin hate how when Stryker had his coolest design (MK9), all his potential is incinerated with his demise. But that’s one of many issues with MK’s writing that we could all endlessly rant about. BTW you should do a collab with The 4th Snake.
Heh.. maybe after I gain about 50k subs. Too small-fry, for now. And I agree - one of MK's biggest difficulties (both the games and other media) is juggling their characters properly. They're way too trigger-happy when it comes to killing them off, and inevitably have to reboot the whole thing.
Why? Why is Erron Black in this? Now I'll have nightmares of losing to him again and again in MK X.... On topic, Striker kinda always disappeared in the background... didn't give him much thought, so thanks for sharing your view on him.
Strykers the peak example on why i hate the way i gravitate towards irrelevant characters because heres a bunch of really cool and interesting characters that are really important and then for some reason my favorite character is Stryker and because hes my favorite that means everytime hes gonna be an unplayable or a damn Kameo that uses his worst outfit im gonna get sad and upset because he should be used as a character like what you said in the video Hes not the only character like this just the only character I'll mention Also fun fact that isn't very fun but in the 3 games that Stryker was playable in only one was by choice MK3 he was finally added after getting cut from the first 2, Armageddon he was added because at the time everyone in the franchise was playable so he kinda had to be there, and MK9 he was playable because the game was kind of a rewrite of MK3 and he was one of the main ones in that game so again kinda had to be there. MK1 doesn't count because HES A DAMN KAMEO Just let him be playable again😭
Thing is they chose to branch him off and iterate towards characters like Cassie and Erron; that's partly why you don't see Stryker anymore. But hopefully I gave a few reasons why he might still be relevant, at least story-wise.
By the way John Cena should play Curtis striker in the next mortal Kombat movie. Me and my wife just looked at him and we both agree, he looks almost exactly like John cena, and I think John Cena would be very good in a serious role.. especially as a cop dealing with immortal ninjas and lightning gods
@@iceberg0404 Yeah, who actually clashed with and beat John Cena. Good pick. This is shaping up to be a Deception-era casting, where everyone's hyper-bulky. I love it.
Cage Stryker, the new animated movie haha. He has been given protective duty over cage because the black dragon want to kill him. Rush hour buddy cop like movie.
I think the worst part is that MKX introduced Cassie Cage into the franchise, who's basically Stryker in all but name and face and has a lot more story relevance. I can only hope that M1K will later have Kurtis Stryker as a playable character, with the DLC also having a Cassie Cage skin for the purposes of mirror matches, with Cassie having alternate intros, victory poses, and fatalities (all of which are cosmetic)
Those were literally my thoughts, when I saw Cassie for the first time. I was like "See?? You *can* make this kind of character cool! Gods damn it!". I stubbornly believe both Cassie and Stryker can coexist in this universe, although admittedly, great care must be taken to not have them be redundant to one another, both in terms of flavor and role in the story.
@@CynicalWarlock I think Cassie being a skin for Stryker or vice versa's probably the best way to go around having both characters exist. I feel like Stryker has a better chance of being the P1 costume since the non-guest DLC seems to hail from Liu Kang's timeline. Having an overlap in playstyles is inevitable to the point where I can't see Netherrealm making the effort to make Cassie and Stryker two distinct playstyles, and just have their differences be purely cosmetic.
So is Cassie Cage. Too bad they kept making new characters instead of iterating on the one they had. Also, you can have all 3 be distinct and cool enough in their own ways.
Mm never really saw Stryker as an underdog, least in my head cannon I always saw him stronger than characters like Johnny Cage since he's an actor and Stryker is a cop which would have more combat training since he's a ....cop, at least in the OG midway timeline now Johny has some magical love green power up dogshit
@@Ricki_47 Well, the magical elements were always there for Johnny, and always absent for Stryker, so that's one of the things that makes other characters *seem* more powerful than Stryker.
@@CynicalWarlock yeah and I'm probably wrong but I'll still put my money on Stryker, I just can't take Johnny as a serious fighter he always been handled like a joke and sometimes was even the bud of the joke, shit even in mk9 Stryker fought and defeated more powerful foes than Johnny
Except, Striker is none of that, because Netherrealm has incompetent writers. Even the more "developed" characters have plot holes and inconsistencies that are questionable. Netherrealm studios lack creativity, have too many potentially good characters, and have no idea what to do with them. To Netherrealm, writing an actual good story for a fighting game, is like writing a proper plot for a pørn moving. Such and such needs to happen, so that so and so can fʋck. I mean fight!
Yessss, him too. It's strange that we don't get much of anything on frickin leader of the Red Dragon, and Kano's rival. His design is pretty darn cool too.
The problem with Mavado is that he's a Matrix guy that barely has the things that makes Matrix guys cool. The only thing cool about Mavado is his grappling hooks, with spiked boots. His primary costume is trash with a long black leather coat that has a sleeve cut off for some reason, with pants that go up to his belly, I don't know what Midway was trying to do with this design but it's a mess, even as someone who likes the 90s black coat designs of Neo, Wesker, Blade, and Eric Draven. I will say that his alternate costume is pretty cool though, and works better with the Spanish knight design they where going with.
@@ThrashMetalWolf666 Yeah I don't get the sleeve thing - go sleeve or no sleeve, none of this 'I just fought a bear and it tore off my sleeve" bullshit. The upper part of the pants is supposed to be armor? I guess? But then why it stops short of his chest is beyond me; guess he wanted to show some skin. So good points, his outfit definitely needs some love, but I still like the overall direction.
Well said all around. I never used to consider Stryker among my top picks, but always had a deep respect for him, and found him interesting for all the reasons you detailed, especially from 2:07 - 3:05. More than anything, I just appreciate his back-to-basics attitude and truly raw and "organic" presence among the cast (even more pronounced than Sonya, Johnny or Jax), armed with mere strategy, tactics, intellect and cunning, all brought about naturally through earthly training and brainpower; the definitive everyman. There's a respectable degree of brilliance to it that's easily discarded for the more fantastical elements and themes... understandably.
Personally, I always likened him most to Han Solo, along with the others you mentioned. 5:06 - 6:18 was perfectly summarized, and my favorite part. Even being a cop, he maintains a slightly "roguish" quality; one who would scoff at honor and tradition championed by the likes of Liu Kang, Raiden, Kuai Liang etc... , unafraid to break rules or cross certain lines for the sake of survival. It ironically sort of paints him in a very "Kano-esque" light, but crafted in a positive manner, as a force for good. He's literally the epitome of "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid."
Such a good analysis.
Yes, he's totally more back-to-basics than Sonya, Johnny and Jax because he doesn't get bogged down by revenge, ego, or the travails of leadership, respectively, and he also lacks the 'luster' and fame of the mainstays - again, he flies under the radar and just does his job. In a brutally efficient way.
And yeah, I'm starting to see the Han Solo comparison. He's not the 'scoundrel' that Han is, but he straddles that same line of devious pragmatist with a good heart, that ultimately uses his talents for good (funny how we each compared Stryker to a different Harrison Ford character). And the more I think about it, the more Han Solo quotes I can find that fit Stryker to a T: "Great kid! Don't get cocky!", "Delusions of grandeur", "Don't everybody thank me at once", "Never tell me the odds".
Stryker's a combination between Han Solo and commander Cody.
@@CynicalWarlock Oh, Han Solo + Commander Cody, I didn't even think about that. Makes even more sense. Or even Captain Rex, but now I'm getting off topic lol.
Now I just love the idea that a shokan shows up out of nowhere to fight and Stryker just pulls an Indiana Jones and shoots the guy
Exactly! EXACtly!
@@CynicalWarlockooph then beating kintaro was a given BANG
stryker will always be on my top 5
the satisfaction of seeing a beat cop that can kick butt keeps me entertained in any game hes in
eXACtly!
Add Stryker in the next game, make him a reluctant body guard for Johnny Cage. Neither of them are happy with the deal, Stryker because he hates actors and thinks this job is beneath him, Johnny because he can take care of himself. It's almost a shame we got the bromance between Johnny and Kenshi, cause it could've worked great for Stryker too. Then again, give Johnny and Stryker a bromance, give Kenshi and Jax one too, then have an awkward moment framed like it's two exes with their new partners. Or don't, because it's a Mortal Kombat game and this is dumb, but I'm spitballing here.
"AND IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-EE-IIIIIII, WILL AAALWAAAYS LO"-etc etc.
The bodyguard bit is brilliant. Should've included it in the video.
Johnny and Kenshi are bros. Johnny and Stryker are also bros. Kenshi and Jax are also bros. Johnny and Jax become mutual bros via Kenshi. Kenshi and Stryker become mutual bros via Johnny.
It’d be funny if Kenshi and Stryker somehow get along like a house on fire while Johnny and Jax try to put out the fires. (Just a random thought that popped into my head).
@@AngelArcher17 Love it. They just shoot and slice problems away, and the other two are like "yo what the fuck?".
@@AngelArcher17 And why aren't Jax and Stryker friends, pray tell? 😅
@@bwackbeedows3629 that possible dynamic slipped my mind when thinking of the other dynamics. But Styker and Jax are bros long before meeting Johnny and Kenshi, respectively.
I want stryker to be playable again!
I love the idea of Johnny and Striker just hating each other but then becoming the best of friends. That sounds like just a wonderful idea.
But I agree with your videos idea. That it's cool having these ultra powerful characters but contrasting it with normal dudes shows the oddity of the powerful characters and what the ordinary means to them and what the ordinary think of them.
Less talent, more hard work.
That's just kenshi
@@CynicalWarlock yeah. It feels a lot more earned than way.
@@dondeka2086 I am unfamiliar with what Kenshi is.
Stryker was my favorite character lore-wise because I had a similar feeling when I first saw him: guy's just a regular dude who's trying to keep up with super powered beings with just his gear, skill, and thinking fast. Those types of characters always appeal to me.
Yup, Stryker is high on the Batman scale.
In a world of Gods, Champions, and Monsters, the only thing more badass is always just the normal guy who’s REALLY good at their job
Well said.
Written.. whatever.
W franchise W character W mindset W video W editing, deserves more views asap
W comment.
About the Johnny Cage x Stryker duo, I think Oddgiant’s custom ai intros for mk1 kinda did that and it really felt like the two characters belong to each other. Only difference is that Oddgiant made them BOTH into frat boys, but it still felt like they go together
Yeah, the Oddgiant intros are at the culmination of their arc, when they become bros.
I once heard it. “The more complex a power system can get, the funnier it is when someone pulls out a gun.”
That was all about Emiya Kiritsugu, from Fate series. One of fan favourite character in series. (Well based on who you ask).
One of most memorable things about him. How in war of magical powers. He brings a gun. Weapon mages see beneath themselves. But Kiritsugu doesn’t care. His character is all about winning for better future. ~~Well until all his ideals crumbled because of wish granting mcguffin~~
Yeah, I've seen Fate/Zero. Kiritsugu was a very compelling character, as were most. The ending caught me a bit off-guard, but super-high-quality anime, overall.
Great comparison, that's exactly what I'm going for, with Stryker - damn the rules, fight to win.
Honestly Stryker sounds cool for me as more of a Punisher like character. Guy who got fired from the force and became a vigilante who's got a big bone to pick with Kano.
Yes!
Ooh that actually sounds cool! Also perfectly fitting
I love how striker just casually socks mileena and goes
Nothing surprises a native New Yorker. Must've thought she's some crackhead working girl.
@@CynicalWarlock shi i woulda done the same if I was oblivious
I like how every video you just write better characters than the last 3 games combined.
Dude, ease off the copium, I can smell it through the screen.
I mean.. it ain't *that* hard, at this point.
Hey, MK9 is great.
Well for one MK9 is more a retelling of the first 3 games with some changes and secondly MK9 is not one of the last 3 games
@@Джекет It's a reboot, so it makes sense that it's a retelling of the first three games with a few changes, there's nothing wrong with that.
I remember my dad would always pick styker and I was like why but he kept stringing combos together. Fatalities and brutalities. I was like but he just a cop really appreciate him now
Your dad sounds like a swell man.
Ah, Kurtis Stryker... I have fond memories of him from MK9. Always thought he was a badass diehard Gigachad super cop. He was funny, satisfying to play and had a good moveset. I enjoyed the one Special where he dive rolls, grabs you, and flings you across the arena.
Also, pistols go *brrrrr.*
I would have *loved* to see him return as a proper Kombatant in MK11 or 1. You're right that he's severely underutilized, as with many of MK's great koncepts. There's just a special place in my heart for this cop who chugs along, "just doing [his] job."
What an absolute *legend.* 🗿👮🏼
I like that same move. Makes him very mobile.
my favorite part is when he says "spread em!" when it came to his blows 😂
Bro you have been COOKING and Serving 10/10 meals with these mk videos, keep up the great work man these videos are very entertaining
These vids are like crack, I want more
@@everia_games FR
@@everia_games I'm your personal drug dealer.
We only serve the best.
Imagine in Liu Kangs new era, Erron Black is a sheriff and Stryker is his deputy and they help protect America from the Vaternians invasion. Liu Kang actually gave alot of the jobbers a fleshed out story in the new timeline so making Erron into an old western Sheriff would be the best way to keep his cowboy-ness without him being a bounty hunter. Also Southern Stryker would go hard imo
Dude, an Erron and Stryker pairing would be the shit!
In a Tarantino-worthy setting, like Django.
@@CynicalWarlock yeah, shit would go hard. Especially with fighting Vampires and shit.
I can already imagine if they were paired together in the start of a match, they'd probably chat about the handguns they use (with Erron using revolvers and Stryker using autoloaders/pistols)
Tho his MK Armageddon design was eh. I did like his MK9 redesign.
He should have been available in MK11 his story interactions with the cast and the dlc characters would have been dope
Stryker is to MK3/MK9
What Leon S. Kennedy was in RE2 (possible more experienced law enforcement officer than Leon)
A beat cop who faced overwhelming odds
Seeing Stryker talk down to Cetrion would be hilariously good.
I like Stryker as a goofy guy, not intentionally funny like Johnny, but tongue-in-cheek and endearingly uncool. I don't understand why the MK fandom is so allergic to joke characters, like why does everyone have to be taken seriously in this franchise? Over at SF, Dan is beloved while y'all treated Meat like crap, still salty about that. 😖
But, yeah, I agree that Stryker is underrated and doesn't deserve his reputation as the "most unpopular Klassic Trilogy character"... (Because let's be real, that would be Sheeva...)
That definitely fits with this character. I did make a couple Batman comparisons but I don't want Stryker to be cool like that.
As for the joke characters, I feel that's a bit of a paradox about this community - everyone wants bigger, badder, cooler characters (or just the same characters rehashed a million times), but then giggle like maniacs when they get memes and jokes about those characters, while simultaneously getting super-serious and resentful of actual meme characters.
At least that's what I've seen.
@@CynicalWarlock 100%, not everyone can be Scorpion or Sub Zero and nor should they be... We need some dorks, too!
Liu Kang - a skilled and powerful shaolin monk that managed to beat every major threat from mk1-mk4
Kung Lao - another skilled and powerful monk that's the only other hero that can keep up with Liu Kang
Jax - the physically strongest of earth's heroes only second to Raiden
Johnny Cage - trained by multiple martial artist around the world and descended from a warrior cult (possibly from Edenia given Jade's similar powers)
Sonya - The best leader figure of earth's heroes
Kabal - the fastest of all of earth's heroes only second to Raiden
Nightwolf - master of spiritual magic and energy attacks
Sub-Zero - Cryomancer that is also a skilled ninja
Stryker - Just a regular dude with regular skill and despite all that still fights alongside earth's best heroes and manages to tough it out somehow which is why we all love him
Nuff said.
Excelsior!
Stryker should go through the lin kuei cyber initiative so that they can do a Robocop style thing with him.
I can see NRS actually doing that.
FINALY! A youtube that does mk analysis content and not Just gameplay or character story
Im glad MK fandom has you now, cuz there is very few people who do this, for youtube at least
You Also never miss
I think people underestimate the potential of this universe; that's partly why you only see gore, gameplay, or history of so-and-so videos. So I'm happy to fill this niche.
And it's true, I never miss.
That's what she said.
@@CynicalWarlock lmao!
And yeah, thats true. People dont realy look too deep into mk lore and characters
@@probably_amityYou'll love The4thSnake.
@@vaggos2003 yeah, i watch his videos!
Still, he's one of the few who makes stuff like this so my point sadly stands
@@probably_amity Unfortunately true.
Here are other story and lore-discussing MK youtubers I know and follow.
It'sOfficial
SonicHAXD
Froster 23
Retrospectgreg.
6:41 Amusingly enough, Stryker was portrayed in a very similar manner during the cringe fiesta of a cartoon that was "Defenders of the Realm".
Never had the 'pleasure' of watching that.
It's funny how stryker is the underdog yet he beat a shokan and most of all ermac how he beat ermac I still need answers.
He shot him.
NRS power levels logic. That's how.
Makes me so happy to see your channel growing man. It's about damn time! 🙌💯💯💯
Darth! You sexy motherfucker, how've you been?
Thanks god, finally someone explained this!
You earned my respect and subscribe, buddy
Much appreciated.
Ol' Stryker deserves more credit.
Bro, stryker is my favorite character. Love the video
Stryker fans represent!
I always found it ridiculous when people say…Well He’s just a (normal)cop! WTH is that supposed to mean? What about Sonya? Jax , Jonny Cage And kung-Lao? Well… respectively they’re just militaries ( a lieutenant like there are many on earth and a general) one with metal harms , a Hollywood star like Rachel zegler and the other guy is just Chinese-American practicing martial law . All of them humans so on what criteria one will just cast out Striker on the basis that He’s just a cop?????? That’s shameful
Which reveals the real reason why people single Stryker out as a normo, which is that he has no fantastical special moves. No fireballs, or flying hats, or bionic arms. He just uses existing weapons and tech, which, to me, makes him more badass, not less.
I found Stryker to be very very underrated…his flying kick came in handy, so many times in mk3
His flying.. police stick
Always loved Stryker. Dude with gun against the world, no better meme.
For real - if you give Stryker a meaty part to play, everyone will meme that shit.
You're so good at these!
Thank you.
I've never been ashamed to say Im a Stryker fan, I've always liked how he's just genuinely confused at what's going around him yet he still tries to do the best he can despite knowing he's just a human
@@deprepperonipizza4269 Yeah it's kinda like the talent vs hard work thing: a talented person is expected to succeed, while an untalented normo who tries anyway and gets there through hard work is way more admirable.
3:33 "Johnny Cage is also pretty down to earth" his reputation would say otherwise! But the fandom treats him like THE main character amongst ninjas and shaolin chosen ones even without his green energy powers because he EXUDES main character energy by virtue of his personality, and Stryker doesn't have that. In-universe he's the one laughed at and underestimated by other fighters, so that's already his shtick.
5:07 Onion rings and kiss of death aside, I feel like "ruthless pragmatist who has no honor in close quarters fighting to do what they can to protect earth" should've also been the character archetype for Sonya since she has no powers in lore and out of it (no indefinable je ne sai quoi main character plot convenience). Her (and Jax's) Special Forces training and tech isn't treated as a special "power" by the plot since they're also usually written as the characters finding themselves out of their depth when it comes to facing Outworld/Netherrealm threats, hence they're at their most adequate fighting someone like Kano, who is also just a human with tech. Sonya, like Johnny, is also underestimated by both in-universe fighters and the audience but while Johnny dazzles people with his charisma, it's Sonya who attacks from behind and makes the ballsy moves and underhanded blows to get the leg up on her opponents. Contrast this to, say, Kitana or Ashrah, fighting women who don't use guns in kombat and are very honorable in their conduct.
For Cassie, since she's intended to be a mix of the two above, any characterization of her needs to have a balance of these two differing personalities.
As for Erron, since he got his lifespan extended by Shang and he uses completely abnormal weapons like sand grenades or Zaterran acid, he's just "powered" enough to avoid being seen as an everyman even with that good-ol'-boy accent.
I suppose Kurtis usually gets shafted because if he got a bigger role, he'd take away the usual story beats from the more popular designated non-powered characters.
And Happy New Year, mate! Don't forget to perform an eldritch ritual to transition from one plane of existence to another as the year dies and gives way to the next.
@@LOWBORN-the-LOATHSOME As long as that Eldritch ritual involves drinking a Leffe.
"Out of his depth" would've been way better phrasing than "down to earth"; you're right, Johnny is anything but that last one.
And don't get me wrong, this role fits both Sonya and Jax, but it's not just about backstory and lore, it's about the presentation of these characters; and like it or not, onion rings and kisses of death are part of Sonya's presentation, and futuristic ballistic cyborg arms are part of Jax's, which makes Stryker higher up the normo food chain.
"Johnny dazzles people with his charisma" - and Sonya dazzles with.. other assets.
For real, great addendums, as usual. I'll be sure to have an Eldritch beer in your name.
Happy new year, Nebulous.
I have always had a soft spot for Stryker because my dad is also a cop IRL. For some reason whenever I see Stryker, he reminds me of my dad.
That's the most awesome thing I've heard today.
Another awesome video, you should make a pitch for your own mk timeline. I would love to see what you'll add and take from the story that's already been told.
I'm getting to that.
@@CynicalWarlock You know i have an few ideas for a Mk show.
@@KarisH0 Pitch em to me.
Speaking of shows, have you seen MK: Conquest?
@CynicalWarlock I remember bits and pieces from Conquest, but I do remember watching it when I was younger. I don't remember much but I remember Cyrax for some reason idk why.
My pitch for a mk show is an action and political drama series set far after the death of Shao Khan, with Katana holding the seat as emperor of outworld. She is assassinated by Reiko and Rain who then begin to control outworld. All of this leads to another mortal Kombat tournament. However, this time, its the kombat kids participating and some. The main character is Kai as he trys to live up to Liu Kang and protect earth.
Rain is on Reiko's side because he believes that there is a way to split edenia from outworld if they have enough souls and a powerful enough sorcerer (Shang Tsung enters the chat). And Reiko is being manipulated by some 3rd party maybe a god or maybe Onaga.
@@nicholasblake6367 No, Cyrax wasn't in MK: Conquest. You should give the show another spin; it's old and cheesy, but it's got so many good ideas in it. It's my favorite piece of Mortal Kombat media.
That's a solid idea for a show. I actually like the time period, and I like to brainstorm ideas for this post-Liu Kang era as well.
I love your channel. Literally every video that you have about the breakdown of mortal Kombat elements, your take on characters, your channel is amazing and it's what I've been lacking in my subscriptions which are very few and far between. I think I have probably seven subscriptions and I just added you to my 8th month because I hate filling up with my timeline nonsense. Keep going please don't ever stop you are amazing analyze things until they break. Because your way of analyzing is very akin to the way that I think and it makes me draw toward your channel
Gods damn it, man - ego boost: 400%. Not ok.
For real though, thanks; glad you like the content.
I also unsubscribed from most channels, partly cause I can't afford that many distractions, nowadays, but partly for their benefit, as well - don't wanna be a dead sub, fudging up the numbers.
How would you feel about the elder gods being featured in the next Mortal Kombat game as the replacement for Kameo Fighters on top of a full fledged tag system? A lot like the zords in Power Rangers battle for the grid. I would ask abt this on the eldergods video, but i figure it'd be buried by this point. I thought about it as I watched it and pondered how we could have them participate and keep them in character. Maybe leaving them as a comeback mechanic could be indicative of their habit of never interfering until the last minute. Idk. Love ur MK vids, and hope to see you make an impact on the community!
That's a pretty cool idea. And make it into a very different Mortal Kombat game, where the Elder Gods act kinda like combo breakers on steroids, and damn-near bring characters back to life.
And thanks so much, glad you're enjoying the videos, n00b.
It's sad NRS refuses to reuse Stryker since him being a cop is definitely a sticking point that doesn't go over well within the modern studio.
Really wish he was better in MK9 or playable in MKX. All of the super powered meta humans and demigods are cool but when a dude is packing a gun that hits as hard as any super power projectile, missile, bomb, and so on it's just funny.
@@EinSilverRose Yeah Stryker doesn't mess around. I'd lean heavily on that.
It's also the fact that NRS basically branched his character off into variants like Cassie Cage and Erron Black; that's partly why you don't see him anymore, cause he'd probably be considered redundant.
Batman is on a whole other level then Struker. Also, he was fine in Mortal Kombat 2011 but now I think he done his part and that's it we don't really need him anymore.
More of an analogy, than a comparison. Stryker is obviously not Batman, and vice versa.
Stryker’s whole chapter in MK9 proves that Mortal Kombat is just the physical embodiment of making all your action figures fight each other. Atleast in my book. Why do I say that? Look at what he had to put up with during his chapter and live to tell about it. A poison and acid spitting lizardman who can dodge bullets and turn invisible, a teleporting toothy ninja lady with a pair of sais and a hunger for human flesh, a 4 armed fire breathing tiger monster with the strength of atleast 100 men, and a flying telekinetic ninja mummy composed of the souls of countless warriors.
It's funny cause MK9 went out of its way to fulfill almost every character's fans the biggest most ridiculous power fantasy ever, and then liquidate the lot of them, in the most unceremonious manner possible.
Break all the action figures to pieces, as it were.
Funny how Stryker was considered lame with their "Cop/soldier" character, but the Street Fighter fandom is fine with Rolento and Doctrine Dark. Kinda makes you wonder if the SF fandom is more welcoming to strange concepts for their characters.
Guile and his buddy are also soliders
@@lukalovric2463 I left out guile since he came before Stryker. Hell, I realized my screw up, cause Rolento is ever older then both of them, considering he came out in 1989 (Final Fight's release year)
I think it's because Street Fighter is more grounded, when it comes to its characters; at least on paper. Instead of gods, monsters and superpowered ninjas, we have MI6 agent, Special Forces operative and just.. martial artist.
So a cop fits right in with that.
Boom! Roasted
pls get the ref
FINALLY AN ANALYSIS OF MY BOY STRYKER, It's nice seeing someone respect the boy
Stryker fans, represent!
You should talk about a Bo' rai cho next he is another underrated character
Boy would I redesign that one.
@@CynicalWarlock You can't redesign perfection
@@jonthanechols6410 Fartfection.
You said a lot of nice things about Stryker that were not displayed in the game, but he is awesome
A couple verbal flourishes can't hurt.
Stryker had to walk so Erron Black could run, and my god do I wish they'd let him run. Erron's whole backstory was so unbelievably good when he debuted, it really kills me that they haven't done more with him. There's really no future to Stryker, in my opinion. He's not exciting from a narrative perspective, but for all of the reasons you listed, I really value what the inclusion of a character like this has meant for the series and COULD CONTINUE to mean for the series. Really feel like they could use Erron to push this even farther, plus with the added benefit of him being a tool for Shang Tsung or whoever/whatever else. Mold their attitudes, add complexity to their circumstance, voila. Refreshing from all angles.
Erron will definitely get his own video; huge missed opportunity.
As you wrote, lots of potential with the way they designed and envisioned him, but they then squandered all of it. He's a nothing-character, a useless bodyguard.. even his mask they just randomly do away with, in MK11, unceremoniously. Lost all of his mystique and an opportunity to play around with his identity.
My all time, go to the Character of Mortal Kombat. :Kurtis Stryker:
Stryker, to me, is a beautiful reminder of my days living in NYC.. the busy life of a youth just trying to find his place in the world. Where everyone would choose the power to define themselves, I relate more to Stryker cause I pondered on the question of why.
Why didn't I get powers?
Why was I spared while others lost their souls.
Why do my eyes look like their ready to shoot off before my guns?
Once upon a time, when mk was young and controversial while being headlined on the news for its violent content, I did use Scorpion [yes, I know, shocker]
When mk3 dropped, and I played it at the arcades, initially I hated Stryker. Of all the characters in the roster, why a F%#$&%# Cop in a game like this? So, while being a scorpion main spiteful shit that limited my friends, a day of perspective came in an unexpected way when Pa accused me of stealing money from him. He was at the Time NYCP at the time, and I was... a very different person back then. He took one look at the arcade and said. " You're being wasteful coming here every day.. Get your ass home for making your mother worry. " Naturally, I refused and kept playing for selfish reasons. Back then, we didn't see eye to eye. But through an expected move on his part, he shoved me to player one corner and put his own quarters in. I was perplexed because he hated games, so in my head I was in thought. "Why is he doing this outta the blue? Does he not know how good I am at this?" Initial thoughts crossings before... I got humbled in ten straight matches in a row by an underdog I took for granted. Spear move met grenade, teleports met baton toss and kept turning me into a god damn baby!!! 😠 😡 👿 I had nothing... the whys kept coming but no answers came. It wasn't until the car ride home that he answered the question for me. " Life inspires art leo.. Naturally, as a cop I would play a cop to misdirect your anger. The lack of focus was on you. " as harsh as it was.. the truth stung. Pops kicked my spoiled ass with stryker, and I kept asking the why's. It was what he said after that changed me. " Powers don't make a man... it's what a man is willing to stand for in pursuit of his truth in life. " These words and how he said it.. made me who I am now, a slow burn, but a powerful motivator from an underdog. The why's in my head didn't disappear, but now I had a means to find answers to not just me but my entire view of things. By the time we left NYC, Dad transferred to a new station in upstate while ma kept beating the education I needed to the point that I got sick of it. But... it was thanks to dad that I avoided becoming someone I didn't want to be, and getting good with stryker was the hard lesson that made Stryker phenomenal in my eyes cause he is both well grounded and a necessary anchor to the madness of it all. And yeah, when mk9 dropped, I had far more friends to enjoy it with, laughing as they couldn't believe that I used stryker to beat the shit outta mileena fans, scorpion spammers, noob saibot enthusiasts, but more importantly mended my relationship with my 👨👩👧. Now, as an Og player with a picket sign [Justice for Stryker], I know for a fact that with cynical warlock, we can work towards better mk stories with our favorite characters. Hell, I'd be honored to write stryker for cynical warlocks version in mind with this aspect cause... i lived it
Didn't know you lived in New York. Must've been quite something.
Yeah... I lived the city life.. raised by a cop and all the wiser for it 😃
@@dannyleo5787 You're pulling my leg..
*blinks in confusion, then looking at my reflection.*
" Guess my punk side still shows as well my street smarts.. "
*scratches my head in his reflection, an avatar in cynicals view but with a backward ball cap and rad bomber jacket.*
" Thought the edenian waifu's job was to help pull that leg? " 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣
@@dannyleo5787 Funny. Also, I approve of the fashion choices.
I can see Stryker as the best man at Johnny Cage and Sonya’s wedding.
Roasting him with a speech.
once ive seen the potential for the stryker x johnny duo i cant unsee it
A Johnny-Stryker buddy cop film would make bank.
Stryker has always been my favorite character I still hope he makes a return.
Cool. Nice to know he's got some fans.
@@CynicalWarlock A lot more than people think. He's more popular than the mainstream gaming media thinks.
@@Seouldrift7Here's hoping he'll be in the next MK game.
@@CynicalWarlock Yes. 👍
I was just talking about how underrated this guy was the other day!
Imagine that...
Stryker: Police brutality coming up, Jacqui Briggs enters the ring…
Finally, someone with a sense of humor.
you're a great TH-camr
Aww..
Interesting yeah Stryker does bring a cool factor to the table which is the non-powered factor. Id probably have an attitude like Stryker too if I'm in a fight filled with monsters and sorcerers and stuff
Yep, just bring all the firepower and dirty tactics you can.
@@CynicalWarlock yeah because at one point I understand where Raiden and Lui Kang are talking about when it comes to honor and stuff but at times I'm also like we need to eliminate the threat
If Stryker were to be casted in live-action MK, I think John Cena would be perfect for the role. The way he dresses and his no-nonsense attitude give off that vibe for me.
Been thinkin the same thing. The big physique also helps him to look more legit, in that wacky universe.
No cap bro I like this video
Thanks.
Finally hwd time to watch this after the big fixing mk characters video. And man Id love to see this striker. I could definitely see him having an amazing friendship possibly even brotherly relationship with johnny. That could actually make that mk9 deaths hurt alot more. Have interactions with everyone oh and also give stryker A REACTION TO KABALS STATE. Rlly mad that didnt happen. Then again id just love to see him in general since cant play mk 9 ;-; itd have been amazing if stryker was a dlc character instead of not sektor and cyrax imagine the hilarity of outsiders looking in seeing the mk fandom scream and yell in excitement and happiness when what seems to be a normal cop dude announced as the next dlc fighter xD.
Would've been absolutely sick to see everyone lose their minds over Stryker. People love underdogs, so it makes sense.
Appreciate the binge-watching of my content, btw.
@@CynicalWarlock ofc! Absolutely love your content man!
He's my favorite in Mk9
I love the baton swing I love the roll
I love the fatalitys
I love the fact that even when he doesn't hit a fatality he does one still by chucking a grenade onto his opponent 😂
Justice for Stryker
Yeah, they really made him fun to play, in MK9, mostly cause of his specials.
Stryker and Kbal are my boys
That would be an interesting team-up, actually. You know, *after* Kabal's accident.
Back when i played MK9 for the first time i didn't know that stryker was "offical" Mortal kombat character, instead i though they added "john cena" to the game because his design looks like him.
Now I wanna see John Cena play this character.
Especially now, coming off of Peacemaker.
I always liked Stryker especially in MK9. I wouldn't have considered him underrated but maybe not as showcased as he should be.
He's been gaining more and more popularity, lately, it's true.
But not enough to actually have been on the games' rosters, for the past 3 titles.
Great analysis!👍 My late Dad used to pick him all the time and defeat me solidly.😅 I think he was best in MK9. If I had one flaw to mention; though it's more of a nitpick on my end, I don't like his MKA Primary costume. He looks like Kenshi and Johnny had a baby together and, no, that is NOT a compliment. I LOVE his secondary costume and wish it would be used more often.
Your dad sounds awesome.
Yeah, Armageddon Stryker looks like he's auditioning for the first X-Men movie.
I always thought that the mocap hate going back to deadly alliance is really disrespectful. It's just three reused fighting stances and blaze's special moves giving to a last minute addition, it's not like he replaced Rain or something.
Also, I DO think the joke is funny.
It is funny.
i always thought MK3 stryker looked badass, his VS screen looked like he was a cop ready to kill you, he reminded me of like a cop version of The Punisher. I kind of want him to be a bit unhinged when it comes to fighting these otherworldly monsters.
@@TheGeckoNinja You're probably one of 3 people who like the MK3 version.
I also see him as a bit unhinged; not necessarily mentally, but physically, through his fighting style, which, I think, is an appropriate reaction to alien monsters, sorceress and gods.
for some reason I had a thought if they make another live action mk film and see john cena as Stryker that would be cool
Thought of this myself. John Cena as Stryker would be absolutely hilarious.
Good transition for Cena, too, after Peacemaker.
Not super specific the topic to your video, but what do you feel about John Cena playing the version of Stryker you describe here? When I heard you say he's no-nonsense, I think about Cena's portrayal of Peacemaker talking shit about Batman and getting frustrated with Vigilante.
I shit you not, I just mentioned this in another comment. It would be a hell of an entertaining (if a bit over the top) take, for sure. In fact, I'd like both Cena and Alan Ritchson to give the character a go. I like this idea of a gigantic burly Stryker. Would go a long way towards justifying him facing fucking Lord of the Rings characters.
JUSTICE FOR STRYKER!!!!
Stryker is legit goat status. He’s like a cop version of the punisher in the mortal kombat world. A lot like max payne but without the dark tragedy backstory.
Goddamn travesty we may never see him playable again just b/c lame Cassie & jacqui exist
This.
I think the main reason he got removed from x and foward is ironically Special forces. They basically made a army of well army heroes who use guns bombs and nads so they basically cut him out and made Erron since selling a cowboy with pistols as a new oc is eaiser then explaining how the game went from mostly Ninjas to mostly united states army men and swat.
At least he is a cameo fighter. However, now that their aint no guy with a gun or armies of them now would be a time to bring em back to the front as the gun guy.
As for what I would have hi do storywise. Would keep It where he shows up around 3..But, have him be the guy to fuck up shang and lock his ass up in jail. LIke Shang was gathering souls and thought he was easy picking then this cop just starts whiping the shit out of em. Then Raiden comes to pick Shang ass up from jail and Stryker is like "Yeah, he threw fireballs at me. I live in new york that aint even the closest to the wierdiest thing I seen" So, he would join the fold and basically play a more goodguy heel role in combat..Like doink the clown..He fights so fucking out their people just get pissed. As far as what he brings to the team. It would be advince on how to do things and knowledge of new york in the battle in MK3 letting the heroes get the W via more or less having someone with a homefield knowledge.
"I live in new york that aint even the closest to the wierdiest thing I seen" - That's such a John Cena line.
I totally remember seeing Cassie for the first time, in X, and thinking "that's exactly how they could've made Stryker cool, instead of making a new character from scratch". Still, I believe all 3 of these (Stryker, Cassie, and Erron) have enough ground to stand on, as their own individual characters.
Stryker defeating Shang might be a bit much, but it's definitely funny. Good ideas, all-round.
@@CynicalWarlock To be fair I was thinking of a depowered Shang in the subway after a fighting Jax. Only for Stryker to jump in knowing Jax is a vet and basically tasering shang into submission.
Jax basically got done beating down some of Shao's goons guarding Shang who wanted to crash the train so he could take the souls.
That way It aint too far fetched nor does anyone look 100% like a jobber.
@@Carzeyday That's actually smart.
I fuckin hate how when Stryker had his coolest design (MK9), all his potential is incinerated with his demise. But that’s one of many issues with MK’s writing that we could all endlessly rant about.
BTW you should do a collab with The 4th Snake.
Heh.. maybe after I gain about 50k subs. Too small-fry, for now.
And I agree - one of MK's biggest difficulties (both the games and other media) is juggling their characters properly. They're way too trigger-happy when it comes to killing them off, and inevitably have to reboot the whole thing.
Trigger happy is an understatement
Always loved him never bought into the hate
Wise man.
Still hoping for a return of Stryker
@@Harvey_Mod You and me both.
Why? Why is Erron Black in this? Now I'll have nightmares of losing to him again and again in MK X....
On topic, Striker kinda always disappeared in the background... didn't give him much thought, so thanks for sharing your view on him.
I relate to your Erron PTSD.
Strykers the peak example on why i hate the way i gravitate towards irrelevant characters because heres a bunch of really cool and interesting characters that are really important and then for some reason my favorite character is Stryker and because hes my favorite that means everytime hes gonna be an unplayable or a damn Kameo that uses his worst outfit im gonna get sad and upset because he should be used as a character like what you said in the video
Hes not the only character like this just the only character I'll mention
Also fun fact that isn't very fun but in the 3 games that Stryker was playable in only one was by choice MK3 he was finally added after getting cut from the first 2, Armageddon he was added because at the time everyone in the franchise was playable so he kinda had to be there, and MK9 he was playable because the game was kind of a rewrite of MK3 and he was one of the main ones in that game so again kinda had to be there. MK1 doesn't count because HES A DAMN KAMEO
Just let him be playable again😭
Thing is they chose to branch him off and iterate towards characters like Cassie and Erron; that's partly why you don't see Stryker anymore. But hopefully I gave a few reasons why he might still be relevant, at least story-wise.
By the way John Cena should play Curtis striker in the next mortal Kombat movie. Me and my wife just looked at him and we both agree, he looks almost exactly like John cena, and I think John Cena would be very good in a serious role.. especially as a cop dealing with immortal ninjas and lightning gods
I don't know what's more awesome: John Cena as Stryker, or the fact that you can look at MK characters with your wife.
Stryker deserves more respect.
Yesss.
I support our brave men and women of law enforcement.
Salute!
In my ideal adaptation, John Cena would be Striker
As it turns out, that idea is quite popular, actually.
Looking at striker many times just made me realize how John Cena could be him in a mortal Kombat movie. No joke, he looks like John Cena.
Yep, Stryker on steroids, which is pretty much what John Cena is. Now all we need is a good bit of casting for Johnny Cage, and you have comedy gold.
@@CynicalWarlock Can't help but go the wrestling route again because for a while I thought The Miz would make a good Johnny Cage.
@@iceberg0404 Yeah, who actually clashed with and beat John Cena. Good pick. This is shaping up to be a Deception-era casting, where everyone's hyper-bulky. I love it.
I think Noob Saibot is personally.
By the devs, yes. He's hugely popular with the fandom, though.
I Love Stryker
Hell yeah. Serve and protect.
And murder.
Sadly we'll never see him again because obvious modern reasons 😢
"modern reasons" lawl
I'm more of an Ironman person than a Captain America person
I'll make a Sektor video, then.
I like Stryker and Sonya because of their fighting styles disappointed none of them are playable
Yeah, Sonya's got shades of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Stryker's kinda like a mixed martial arts guy.
I was hoping for John Cena to do Stryker in MK11
Was just discussing John Cena as Stryker with some peeps yesterday. That would be epic.
Cage Stryker, the new animated movie haha. He has been given protective duty over cage because the black dragon want to kill him. Rush hour buddy cop like movie.
I like that. Rush Hour meets Mortal Kombat. Would make millions.
Speaking of Jarick, how would you fix him
Delete.
@@CynicalWarlockhonestly if they needed jobbers for the black dragon in mk11 he could've served that role instead of retconning Kabal and Erron
@@zackxeno1019 For sure. Don't touch the good ones, when you have so much disposable meat to play with (double-pun intended).
Mortal in Mortal Kombat 😮
No way
Clever.
1:53 😮
Yep.
6:15 😂😂😂💯
Can you talk about the cyborgs please
I'll get to them, yes.
@@CynicalWarlock thanks
I think the worst part is that MKX introduced Cassie Cage into the franchise, who's basically Stryker in all but name and face and has a lot more story relevance.
I can only hope that M1K will later have Kurtis Stryker as a playable character, with the DLC also having a Cassie Cage skin for the purposes of mirror matches, with Cassie having alternate intros, victory poses, and fatalities (all of which are cosmetic)
Those were literally my thoughts, when I saw Cassie for the first time. I was like "See?? You *can* make this kind of character cool! Gods damn it!".
I stubbornly believe both Cassie and Stryker can coexist in this universe, although admittedly, great care must be taken to not have them be redundant to one another, both in terms of flavor and role in the story.
@@CynicalWarlock I think Cassie being a skin for Stryker or vice versa's probably the best way to go around having both characters exist. I feel like Stryker has a better chance of being the P1 costume since the non-guest DLC seems to hail from Liu Kang's timeline. Having an overlap in playstyles is inevitable to the point where I can't see Netherrealm making the effort to make Cassie and Stryker two distinct playstyles, and just have their differences be purely cosmetic.
Erron black is a replacement of Stryker
So is Cassie Cage.
Too bad they kept making new characters instead of iterating on the one they had.
Also, you can have all 3 be distinct and cool enough in their own ways.
Mm never really saw Stryker as an underdog, least in my head cannon I always saw him stronger than characters like Johnny Cage since he's an actor and Stryker is a cop which would have more combat training since he's a ....cop, at least in the OG midway timeline now Johny has some magical love green power up dogshit
@@Ricki_47 Well, the magical elements were always there for Johnny, and always absent for Stryker, so that's one of the things that makes other characters *seem* more powerful than Stryker.
@@CynicalWarlock yeah and I'm probably wrong but I'll still put my money on Stryker, I just can't take Johnny as a serious fighter he always been handled like a joke and sometimes was even the bud of the joke, shit even in mk9 Stryker fought and defeated more powerful foes than Johnny
Except, Striker is none of that, because Netherrealm has incompetent writers. Even the more "developed" characters have plot holes and inconsistencies that are questionable. Netherrealm studios lack creativity, have too many potentially good characters, and have no idea what to do with them. To Netherrealm, writing an actual good story for a fighting game, is like writing a proper plot for a pørn moving. Such and such needs to happen, so that so and so can fʋck. I mean fight!
Mortal Cumbat.
You've just given me my million dollar idea!
@@Lexx_Xander Remember me when you wax, aight?
Was this video sponsored by your local Police department?
It was sponsored by late night editing sessions and insomnia.
The character I think is underrated is Mavado
Yessss, him too. It's strange that we don't get much of anything on frickin leader of the Red Dragon, and Kano's rival.
His design is pretty darn cool too.
The problem with Mavado is that he's a Matrix guy that barely has the things that makes Matrix guys cool. The only thing cool about Mavado is his grappling hooks, with spiked boots. His primary costume is trash with a long black leather coat that has a sleeve cut off for some reason, with pants that go up to his belly, I don't know what Midway was trying to do with this design but it's a mess, even as someone who likes the 90s black
coat designs of Neo, Wesker, Blade, and Eric Draven. I will say that his alternate costume is pretty cool though, and works better with the Spanish knight design they where going with.
I Think him having business suit would might make. Him look awesome
@@ThrashMetalWolf666 Yeah I don't get the sleeve thing - go sleeve or no sleeve, none of this 'I just fought a bear and it tore off my sleeve" bullshit. The upper part of the pants is supposed to be armor? I guess? But then why it stops short of his chest is beyond me; guess he wanted to show some skin. So good points, his outfit definitely needs some love, but I still like the overall direction.
POLICE BRUTALITY!
[proceeds to fight Kai or some other black dude]
WE CALL THIS A DIFFICULTY TWEAK!
@@SatinPolar Sheeva bout to need a medic bag
Great video! Though that line about police brutality gotta go.😭 Bro really said “Police brutality comin’ up!”