I actually adore Reiko in mk1. Lot of ppl really seem to love him. Shao being adoptive father of war orphan and grooming him to further delve into war and following his father devotly into war was actually pretty fun.
@@CynicalWarlockthat’s where I think they dropped the ball, granted he’s supposed to lose because of story progress but it definitely could’ve been handled better. Here’s just one example I’m ashamed to admit I’ve spent too much time thinking out, Reiko shows up but doesn’t say anything and stares down at his opponents. Johnny makes a snarky comment only for Reiko to throw a single shuriken and catch it before lands. The fight begins and all of Raiden’s simple hand to hand attacks misses, forcing him to use the medallion and his new lightning powers to even out his odds. It’s a mouthful but as much as I like him and main Reiko, the mysterious ninja debut from MK 4 was the best approach next to the cancelled MK X comic series.
@@CynicalWarlock He definitely should've told Sindel, but with all things considered, knowing that Earthrealm has literal gods, I wouldn't be surprised if Reiko was the only one who realized the powers came from an amulet instead of something like MKX!Cage's green energy whackjobbery.
It honestly sucks liking side characters in fighting games cause the developers make them really cool, but never seem like they want to utilize them properly. Now I’m mad you told me about that earthrealm Reiko idea cause that’s way cooler than the actual game.
Imagine Earthrealm barreling down Outworld's gates, Reiko's subordinates asking him what to do, and him finally breaking down into tears and goin "I dunno, I dunnooo!!"
@@chefvideogame Was gonna say, he ends up striking a deal with Earthrealm, who install him as a malleable figurehead, to keep Outworld from causing trouble.
He was the only character who didn't improve at all through the 2016, 18 and 2019 scripts. He was hulk with a hammer,NO! At least hulk looks fucking dope and has the flare and screams out words not groan like someone who is shitting out his guts. I am one of the few who appreciate that movie but not that Reiko.
I always thought it would be cool if Reiko was just Shao after he lost in mk3. The Elder Gods striped Shao Kahn of his powers and left him for dead on the Outworld streets. Shao no longer has his great strength and powers so he assumes the identity of "Reiko" and is forced to fight as a ninja. With Quan Chi's and Shinnok's invasion, Reiko comes up with a plan to confront and kill Shinnok and once he is able to do that, he reassumes the throne through his classic mk4 ending. (or Liu Kang can kill Shinnok and Reiko can sneak behind to steal Shinnok's power and have his mk4 ending)
I agree but I’d like to add that I always liked the idea of Shao Kahn being the guardian lower god of Outworld, similar to Raiden with Earthrealm and that Reiko is his “Dark Raiden” moment where he resurrects through another body. But maybe it works differently than Raiden’s because of Shao Kahn’s familiarity with soul magic or illusions. Reiko could have been planned all along as a backup of a backup of a backup plan.
yeah, he was formally apart of the brotherhood of shadow while working for Shinnok before being hired by Shao Kahn making Reiko and Saibot clanmates which is why they share moves
@@CynicalWarlock I was just wondering today why does Reiko even exist as a playable character but no complaints as I like it when devs try to give spotlight to an obscure character or concept but I was also wondering about Kabal that how can Kabal use his speed abilities in mk 11 (not talking about the revenent version) as he didn't get burned then how can he obtain speed powers( it had to do atleast something with him obtaining outworld magic) as many others from earth realm regularly visit outworld but they don't randomly get super powers , basically I want you to explain him as well (only if you want to make a video on him also) 😜😜
@@MischievousLoki1111 My answer is as obvious as it probably is disappointing: in my headcanon, he just uses Air, instead of Outworld magic. NRS can't be asked to keep things consistent for 2 games, so I just use my power system to explain it, instead of something something magic. I'll definitely do a video on Kabal, at some point.
Apparently Reiko will survive his taming of Onaga according to some leaks and game files, odd. Who knows what we will see with him. Would be funny if we see him turn into the heir of Outworld.
Gets beat by farm boy but can tame one of the strongest lore beings? Granted Liu Kang nerfed Omaha to hell in this new time line, there's still a reason he's chained up (probably because he's feral in this this time line) but strong enough that shao wants him. Maybe the reiko ending where he "sacrifices" himself is a red herring and he really accomplishes that.
About the whole "Reiko and Shao are one person" thing: being honest here, i'm not that old of a fan to personally witness the conspiracy surrounding Reiko's ending (sadly), but i had pretty much the same idea when i saw the clip. "Pretty much", i say, because i thought that it would've been actually pretty interesting if Reiko was the young Shao Kahn, before he gained his title. For example, Reiko could've been one of the generals of Onaga who specialized in commanding assassins specifically (hence his shurikens, face paint and a somewhat similar attire to that of an assassin) ("why would Onaga need assassins?" who would go on stealth missions and eliminate possible competitors?). Since (if i remember correctly) Shao himself was Onaga's right hand in the original timeline, it wouldn't mess up the backstory, only adding the fact that Reiko completely got rid of the old persona and let the Outworld see him with a bigger facade. Such storyline could've also spiced up MK11, since that game bases itself around "past vs present" and we could've seen Reiko appear as a seemingly new face, only to later encounter the one he becomes. But oh well, we got what we got. I still kind of like this bastard, probably because he preaches gladiator vibes.
Oh man, that could've been a cool twist, if they prepared it, beforehand. Have Reiko play a proeminent role in the games leading up to MK11, then reveal young Shao to actually just be Reiko, which leads to similar implications and revelations as in the video; recontextualizing certain events.
One think I really liked about mk4 was it was focused on the next generation of factions. Jerrik was the new face of the Black Dragons, Kai for the White Lotus, and Fujin for the Elder Gods. We even got an in-depth look at how Outworld works with Reiko as a general and Tanya as an "ambassador" but just spied on foes. Not everyone in Kahn's government would be devoted to winning MK tournaments.
Yeah, apparently Tobias was steering things towards the new generation shtick that MKX eventually did. And you can kinda see the beginnings of that in MK4.
Reiko is my favorite character and they dropped the ball with him in the movie and the game I wish they showed his smart and strategic as a general, they could have did some much more with him.
TBH all of these ideas can still be doable. Shao picking up an orphan of War, training him to be his perfect proxy and taking control of him whenever the moment requires it through some imbedded psychic magic, its kind of a cop out but it also makes Shao more cunning.
Reiko being some random earthrealm dude that got lost in outworld and rose through the ranks to keep himself alive is unironically a more interesting backstory than what NRS gave us LOOOL
For me, the most intriguing part of Reiko's story is that he wasn't even Shao Kahn's general originally. In MK4 he was Shinnok's general, a member of Brotherhood of Shadow who commanded Shinnok's forces back during his first war on Elder Gods. But in Armageddon, he works for Shao Kahn, he has an unspecified grudge against Quan Chi and before the fight, he tries to recruit Taven, commending his skills. I get that this isn't much, but I feel like it was still better than what we have now. He had to at least weigh his interests against Shao Kahn's orders. And it gave me questions to ruminate on. Like what is his beef with Quan Chi? Is it because Reiko is loyal to Shao Kahn, whom Quan Chi conspired with Shang Tsung to kill? Is it because Reiko is loyal to Shinnok, whom Quan Chi betrayed with the whole fake amulet swap? Is it an older grudge from their time in Brotherhood of Shadow? All of the above? After Armageddon, there is no trace of Reiko's connection with Shinnok, as far as I remember. Just Shao Kahn's lackey. Well, MKX comics at least had him striving for more, to be a blood god, as misguided as that was. But M1K... just nothing. My only hope is that Onaga retains his original timeline counterpart's ability to revive people, does so to Reiko (either to have a spy, or genuinely impressed with his dedication) and that sparks something in Reiko, like conflicting loyalties or something. Make him at least two-note, please.
I might touch on his extended history in another video. Good recounting of events, though, and everything there is to work with. Based on his ties to Quan, Shinnok, Shao, the Brotherhood of Shadow, making loyalty a major theme for Reiko makes sense. Either he struggles with it or he's assaulted with demands for fealty from all sides.
@@CynicalWarlock You know, your description of Reiko as "Noob Saibot whose paint job wore off" is actually apt here, because he also has this weird position of working for multiple sides, at least until he struck out on his own in Deception. Only Noob's allegiances are clearer. In MKT (according to his ending) he was ordered to join Shao Kahn and wait for an opportune moment. His Deception bio: "Under Shao Kahn's rule, I hunted enemies of his throne. As a member of the Brotherhood of the Shadow, I did Quan Chi's bidding. All the while serving Shinnok, Lord of the Netherrealm, as well. Now all my masters are gone; I am at long last free to pursue my own destiny." And then there is Mileena, who is in a somewhat similar position of being scared into Shinnok's service after she was killed in MK2 and before being brought back to life by Shao Kahn. Shao's court had a surprising amount of Shinnok's agents.
Allow me to show you the equation for Reiko's elemental power, which is Visage (Inner force-based energy). Soul÷4×2=Chi Chi×2+Shadow+Air×2+Force×4=Visage.
I love these snarky comments you come out with…getting more acid younger as you go 1. Kung Lao could have won that Tournament 2. Nicaraguan needed a voice actress 3. Scorpion he could exist
Ive always thought Reiko was a stand in for Shao Kahn after he was defeated and severely weakened after MK3. And in Deadly Alliance Shang and Quan killed him in the intro thinking it was the emperor. Thats why Shao came back in Deception.
Good video, although I wish you had mentioned Reiko from Armageddon and the one from the comic. Armageddon was the game that really characterized him, and made me like him even though his gameplay was really bad. I personally like Reiko being his own character, at least in the beginning. This is how I would write him: Reiko serves Shao as Outworld's general. Although he has a calm and calculating attitude, he is not afraid to show his strength on the battlefield. He plans all attacks on the various Realms, as seen in Armageddon, he plans them on a chessboard. I see him as a soldier with honor and intelligence who likes to fight, who is very violent against his enemies, and although he looks loyal to Shao, he always had the ambition to take the throne of Outworld. Also that he likes to collect helmets of warriors he kills on the battlefields, Shao Kahn's being the one missing in his collection. When Shao dies (or is presumed dead) and Mileena takes the throne (as seen in Armageddon and MKX), Reiko manipulates her as he did in the comic, planning to kill her to take the throne. At one point he manages to successfully betray Mileena and takes the throne for himself, until out of nowhere, Shao Kahn appears again, allied with Goro and Shang Tsung, attacking the fortress that in times past belonged to him, but now Reiko controls. Shao reaches Reiko without difficulty, and Reiko swears allegiance to him, assuring him that he was simply controlling everything while he was gone, preventing anyone from usurping Outworld from his clutches. Shao decides to believe him and Reiko becomes his general again, although this time, he notices quite a bit of distrust and tension between him and Shao. In the battle of Armageddon, Shao dies at the hands of Onaga. Reiko thinks he will be able to take control of Outworld once again, until Kano (who also became an Outworld general in the original timeline) asks him to follow him into a dark room. He complies and follows Kano, the two having met before as they were both Outworld generals. Kano betrays Reiko and performs a ritual with him that revives Shao in Reiko's body, as Onaga once did with Reptile. From there Shao uses Reiko's body, perhaps faking his real identity, as he now possesses a body considerably weaker than his original body. And from there I'm out of ideas. Good video, hope to see more.
Was initially supposed to be a longer video, but my time was limited, this week. Good arc for Reiko, overall. Bonus points for including the Reiko-Shao connection too.
@@CynicalWarlock No problem, don't stress out, it's your channel after all. I guess I also forgot to mention his association with the Brotherhood of Shadows, which explains his powers and the paint on his face, since Sareena has them too. It's funny that in his time in the Brotherhood, he developed an apparent hatred for Quan Chi, as in Armageddon he tells Taven that he wants to kill him too, and he doesn't even get mad at being defeated by Taven, but the opposite, as his defeat will mean Quan Chi's death, lol.
Purely for MK12, i would have liked to see Reiko and General Shao have more of a dad & son vibe. To see Shao brutally train his adopted son and watch his pride swell as reiko excels at all the routines. Proving to shao that his own upbringing was the way to go. Giving more of a reason to dissent from the crown as he sees them soft for befriending earthrealm. I would also love to see reiko's perspective. Seeing his father who he loves so much be shot doen by the crown for every good idea that General Shao has. Watching the both of them plot from the shadows and gain more and more supporters from within the military using Shao's reputation and Reiko being living proof of his ideology working in real time. I can also see this playing into the Assassin aspect of Reiko a lot. Trained by his father to be the hardened Rambo military assassin his father requires of him. Taking out key targets or maybe Reiko even strikes out on his own to preemptively taking out anyone he heard who would oppose his General's rule.
I believe this is the way to keep the original story of a military becoming disillusioned by the peace brought on by Earthrealm and the Outworld Crown. And to add more context for how they act, feel, makes them more of actual characters than just "Racist because I got my ass beat" Make them the ultimate embodiment of "Hard times make hard men. Hard men make good times." A toxic and masculine view of how to run the realms. Taking thru the right of might and watching Shao slip back into his old timeline tyrant habits once again.
I can see that. And it produced some good ideas. I especially like implementing the hard times->strong men->good times->weak men cycle. MK12 basically gave us the cliff notes of the summary of the throwaway cutting room floor version of this idea.
Honestly Reiko being “Title” could been freaking awesome idea. Would’ve add intrigue to character. Because when ever new game gets released everyone would wonder. Who is Reiko this time?
I obviously don't have the context for this character being misused but your suggestions for him sound really great. Though I do wonder if a smaller roster would prevent characters like him from being misused and under-represented.
@@CynicalWarlock I have like 30 minutes to still edit. So properly on Monday. But I just don't know how to do thumbnails. My idea was to commission someone but I can't find anyone to do it.
@@Knight1029 You can change thumbnails after posting, so no biggie. "Keep it simple" is the best advice. Bold, easy-to-read text, not more than 2-3 main things the viewer has to focus on, no dark murky colors, and A-B it with other thumbnails on TH-cam, to see if it stands out. Oh, and don't write the same thing in the thumbnail as you do in the title; redundant.
@@CynicalWarlock I can get that. The thumbnail I want is basically this, on the left is Bioware game and the right is Larian. So, it looks like a versus kind of thing. On the top right and left will be Shepard and the Dark Urge. The middle left and right will be Morrigan and Shadowheart. The bottom left and right will be Coryphaeus and the main villian of BG3. I think it sounds like a good thumbnail that tells the viewer what is gonna happen in the video while looking fairly simple. Issue is that only works with an artists or a person with good photoshop skills. I am neither of them. My working thumbnail is just the cover art of BG3 and DAO facing each other with text saying, "What's the difference?" That's fine but it sucks I can't really do that.
Sheeva should absolutely have an only fans account 💪 with content about just being able to do tasks that require 4 hands! Nothing sexual just you know, building an Ikea drawer or speed meal prepping 😂😂😂😂😂
While it may have been cool for Reiko to have been Shao's alter ego, I'm personally fine with him just being the Kahn's number one fanboy. Definitely a lot of Wasted Plotential for a character like that. But I think it may have made even more sense for him to be Shang Tsung. Think about it. He's one of the main names that pop up when you ask "who covets the throne of Outworld the most? I would find it the secretly Shao thing more compelling if it slipped more in his fighting style, and if he didn't move like a ninja on crack. That's just not Shap imho, but I like the concept you brought up about him overcompensating through paranoia lol. The guy's also a hundred centuries old or some shit. Maybe he used to fight differently before he became an overpowered, cocky soul-guzzling titan. If true, I would wonder what could urge him to go back to his roots like that... could be an awesome story tbh.
The Shang idea isn't bad, although it would be difficult for the man to consistently be in so many places at the same place, for so long. It also gives even more screen time to Shang than he already has.
@@CynicalWarlock Ya know what, it could also be interesting if Reiko was the spawn of Shao Kahn, destined to succeed/overthrow him. Or so he thinks. Maybe it's a secret to be revealed, or Shao knows and has kontingencies, the paranoid mf he is. Even if he's not his kid, bro definitely wants Shao to be his daddy. 💀
@@robertminnie782 That works well with the "beautiful child" thing". I also like the idea of Shao himself wanting and arranging for this successor, but also being a control freak about it. #shaosecretlyhascancer and doesn't tell anyone.
Reiko is a chad also he is literally run them hands the character. Legitimately want him to be the next Shao Kahn in the next MK game like the old school Shao Kahn as a normal ass dude just make him Reiko give us the old shoulder barge and make him have some real character that would sell.
Was initially thinking of Blood, mostly because of the red effect. Like he's using Blood magic to enhance his attacks, or something. Either explanation works. Also a yes to making Shao just human, or human-looking, again. The dragon designs have gotten out of hand.
@@CynicalWarlock exactly like it's cool ish I personally think MK11 Shao wasn't bad but his head and face should've stayed ruggedly handsome like his OG actor was but hey Reiko is handsome loves Shao like a father and something we don't know in MK1 is what Shao's family name is because by the way they speak of his family Shao is his given name.not his family name perhaps Reiko if he is Shao's bastard takes up the family name and it could be Kahn
I like the idea that Reiko should have been some kind of Shao Kahn clone, Shao Kahn in the original timeline was a very powerful sorcerer and is said that he was the one who taught Shang Tsung sorcery, he was also very smart and distrustful, so I think that he could've created Reiko as a plan B, like how he is defeated in MK3, killed by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi while he was recovering in MK deadly alliance and then he came back in MK armageddon saying that he faked his death. I think it would been amazing if Shao used Reiko as a vessel, since his body was created using Shao's body as base, so while Reiko would have been his own character for a while, he still is Shao
Definitely a more elegant way to explain his return after MK3 or Deadly Alliance. Also gives the "beautiful child" thing a sinister twist, which fits a narcissist like Shao, who can only fathom fostering himself as a successor.
You know what would be funny, to me at least? If Reiko somehow ends up becoming the Noob Saibot of the new timeline, as a reference to his origins in MK4. Anyway, good stuff! Big fan of the MK magic system idea and the ideas that I've seen from you.
That *would* be funny. Also would mean Bi-Han can stay human and interact with Noob. Also, thanks; it's quite interesting to still be remembered for a particular TH-cam video, months after posting it - that's like years, in TH-cam time.
@@CynicalWarlock Indeed! And yeah, I think I get where you're coming from. But to be fair, it's the reason I, and I'm sure many others, began watching you in the first place. Not to mention that a lot of your other videos make use of it, so it's bound to draw attention.
Honestly Reiko is still used much better than in MK4, where he was just a random jobber. Also the whole thing with him imitating Shao Kahn's moves was weird af and I'm glad NRS changed it.
Originally, he was just a member of the Brotherhood of Shadows, and Quan's servant. Then he was revealed to be Bi-Han. It's the other way around: Havik and Reiko were both supposed to be Noob, initially, before they splintered off into their own characters. Reiko is just a last-minute skin they put together, from Noob's original MK4 model, and Havik was supposed to be an alternate skin for Noob, in MK: Deception, but they liked the way it looked so much, that they decided to just make an original character out of it. Noob Saibot has a penchant for spawning new characters.
What I don't like and somewhat like about him conceptually: NRS gave him a Japanese girl's name (and Kira the Black Dragon henchwoman a Japanese boy's name), and coupled with his utter devotion to General Shao not Kahn means he's never gonna beat the submissive and breedable allegations. But still, I find that his saving grace is how loyal he is. Usually MK baddies get to where they are or want to be by betraying their superior, but in the rare instance that they have the virtue of being genuinely loyal to them, that gives them a bit of depth; even evil has standards. This is all just potential for a future Reikocentric story arc, of course, because right now he's the Designated Jobber. Imagine if despite getting his ass kicked he still succeeds in locking down Onaga and although he has that power to make Outworld, including the General himself, kneel before him, he isn't tempted by it for one second, to the shock of the likes of Shang, Quan, etc.
Yeah, Reiko is basically Lawful Evil - evil with a code. And you can play around with that sense of honor in a lotta ways - it can either reward him, or bite him in the butt, Ned Stark-style, cause he's surrounded by psychopaths. Also, is it me or did you change your user name, mr. Lowborn?
Bruh his MK1 gameplay is so cool. He's a romanticized take on modern MMA. Also he's a grappler with one of the best projectiles in the game, how is that boring?
man you gotta teach me how to keep up the narrator voice, that is the sole reason I don't do any type of voiceover, anyways always love your takes on mk lore
The idea of 2 Reikos is actually pretty good. You can have the real Reiko who is loyal to shao Kahn and is an adopted son of his who is also trained similarly to Kitana, explaining his moveset in mk4, while also having shao Kahn, either through his own magic or some sort of shape shifting artifact become Reiko whenever needed and they take turns in order to weed out betrayal within outworld or for other purposes such as diversion.
As far as his character goes they should’ve taken some more inspiration from comics to help with reiko development. don’t mind his gladiator style just wish he had his spin kick back.
I used to love Reiko’s mk4 ending back in the day. I remember the fandom going crazy thinking that Reiko was actually Shao Kahn (or at least that he “became” Shao somehow). Reiko also has a pretty interesting story in the mk10 comics, too bad they did not adapt that to the game besides a few mentions to the “Reiko accords”
Dunno why "the Reiko accords" always sounded dumb to me. Maybe it's because you usually name a treaty after the place where it was established, or the thing or figure who signed or facilitated them, instead of after the guy who wasn't in accord with your accords. Or maybe it's because the guy after whom they're named isn't in the game.
Thank you. Shame they didn't even make him a Kahn's doppelganger in Deadly Alliance when the sorceress possibly "killed" him.... that's a better idea than "I like wearing Kahn's helmet" guy 🤦♂️ As 4thsnake said: Reiko is a punk-b***h now. Another misused character, in my opinion, is Cyber Sub-zero. I know a lot of people hated that twist in MK9, but I loved it. At least, it was explained in the story (by saving Smoke, Raiden unintentionally doomed Kuai Liang to that fate). I believe, way back during MK3 days, when people asked the devs why cyber Smoke's color is purple instead of gray, they said it's because that armor was meant for Kuai Liang. So when MK9 revealed Cyber Sub-zero, his colors didn't change because it was his armor. Sounds ridiculous, I know, but it is true 😅. I would like to see how you would improve this character.
The reason why I, personally, am not convinced by the MK9 Cyber-Sub twist is because it doesn't really change anything. One Lin Kuei stays human and the other does not. And neither version accomplishes anything. In the original timeline, Cyber-Smoke gets stuck in story-writing limbo, while Cyber-Sub gets killed by Sindel, same as everyone else.
@@CynicalWarlock I have a theory as to why Reiko is the way he is in MK12. During MKX days, there was one fanboy who threatened one developer on Twitter, saying something like: "If you don't put Reiko in, I'm gonna rape your wife and daughter." NRS usually don't give a crap about these threats, but that guy went too far to the point where he started to stalk the guy's family and figured their whereabouts. NRS even had to accidentally lie by saying Reiko is coming to KP2 so that the family would be left alone. After that, I believe NRS somewhere announced that because of this attitude, Reiko will never appear in MK games. Ever. So when he finally showed up in MK12, part of me expected him to be a stupid jobber with none of his moves returning. I'm fine with that cause that's Noob stuff. They may also have drawn some bits from 2021 movie.
I always thought he was more of a stealthy assassin/infiltrator than a frontline soldier. His more mundane look compared to the others in Shao Khan's Inner Circle just drives that point home. Spymaster would be a good position for him. And Shao Khan being his own spymaster in the form of Reiko would make sense, seeing how he wouldn't trust anybody with that sorta stuff.
Awesome character dissections! Loved MK4 Reiko and MKX comic smh so much wasted potential. Would love to see a Johnny Cage shadow power analysis especially MKX Stunt double variation
@@CynicalWarlock I actually just seen that video after my comments. Found you today awesome channel and comedy. A deep dive would be sick but keep up the great work you know MK like a fan should
I actually had a similar idea back around the time of MKX. Have Reiko take a potion to roid himself out, and take on the mantle of Shao Kahn. I imagined the classic skull mask with his black facepaint, and the Armageddon body, just huge. That way during MKX, Mileena could say she was restoring the true ruler to the Outworld throne, plus her and Reiko already have a relationship in the comics. It'd be a good way to let people play as Shao Kahn without, for the millionth time, reviving the big bad.
Reiko tryin best to keep Shao Kahn's flame alive. And you only find out like 3 games later that it's just Reiko - Shao really has been dead for some time.
I like to think that Reiko is more of title name ! Remember the 2021 movie where Reiko was on steroids?!Well that was a Reiko and was replaced by a new Reiko,one who is familiar to the videogames.
I have an idea building off yours. Reiko was Shao Kahn older Brother who is less powerful but smarter and wiser most of the time. At some point Shao Kahn took the soul of his brother which let's him use his skills and looks, no one else knows this and Shao Kahn does what you said. But after something in the plot (Like the end of this timeline's MK2 or MK3.) Reiko is freed from Shao Kahn and works to get back Outworld's throne, fighting the other trying for that as well. If Reiko was the one who wins "Taking Shao Kahn's armor on top of his somewhat.) He rules very well with a strong sense of meritocracy and personal freedom for all under him, while still being a very powerful ruler who takes very little no sense from others. However although he doesn't want to take over other worlds he wants to open up many portals so that all the worlds can freely travel, believing this is the way things should be so that people may do what they want. A mix of meritocracy and survival of the fittest. This doesn't risk the One Being coming back but does risk the order of each world.
My favorite take on Reiko, personality-wise at least, is the one in Armaggedon, with his calm and collected demeanor. Ideally I would have him be the only truly loyal general under Shao Khan, but also his spymaster, so the ninja elements don't feel as tacked on. He'd believe himself Shao's true heir, which would have him fight with Mileena for the position once the emperor inevitably died. Could even incorporate the the "war orphan" concept from M1K as his origin story. I do also like the "disguise", "clone" and "reincarnation" concepts, but that's mostly because they could better explain the many deaths and returns of Shao Khan throughout the Midway era.
Reiko is the character for the real fighters, because her movements are the basis for any style with a reputation of effectiveness. He reminds me a bit of Ken Masters and other "Shotokan" type characters, who not use projectiles or exotic movements as much.
I like Reiko, though I hoped for a lot more with his return after so long. I actually mained him for awhile early on, but moved on to more interesting characters. I definitely liked the earlier incarnation; more stoic and mysterious, ties to the Brotherhood of Shadow etc... , not to mention the pseudo-ninja design being my favorite look. Just a much darker, enigmatic presence rather than the meathead we got now lol. Also, funny you mentioned Shadow & Air for his elemental classification, as it donned on me that both technically form Blood (Shadow = Water + Earth, combined with his "Air" abilities), which coincidently is his damage type in M1K, along with being a prominent aspect of his character in the MKX comic series. Accidental brilliance?
I'm basically the Zack Galifianakis math meme, right now. Maybe I should've continued that "accidental brilliance" series. But yeah, finally, someone gets me - old Reiko had a lot of mystery to him and avenues to potentially explore, while new Reiko is angsty soldier guy.
I felt like new Reiko had so much potential. Especially after seeing his surprisingly brutal fatalities but his game play and personality doesn't match up to those so he feels really weird and tame compared to what I think he should be
Well, funny video(although i never laughed). The Shao turns into reiko scene would look real good. Just imagining it is something or the Shao's son route would also work, to have him as his only male child(even if adoptive). But maybe the problem in the first place is trying to connect reiko to shao Khan, maybe just make him his own character. Also nice thing about the mobility moves, seeing as both kitana and mileena possess swift mobile moves compared to Shao khan who trained them. Would make him something more than your average wrestler on steroids(with a hammer, don't forget that) who just does wrestler moves and doesn't fight like a trained martial artist but this could also create a parallel between him and the more martial arty lui kang. Well, good video.
I always thought of reiko as mortal kombats starscream. That being shao khans right hand man who is terrified of shao khan. while also constantly trying to usurp the thrown, but is not nearly strong or smart enough to do so.
That's definitely a good take in the character. Kind of the opposite of the M1K loyalist version. Only thing about it is there are plenty of other contenders for such a character, like Shang Tsung. Turning Reiko into the same thing would be a tad redundant.
even though reiko is a jobber in MK1 I do like the idea of him being a shao kahn/shinnok loyalist when most minions in the series like Shang Tsung or Quan Chi plot to overthrow said characters, and I remember tobais had big plans for reiko as the next big villain before he left.
It's interesting how similar concepts seem to almost travel and spread across people's minds. I have, for quite some time, been thinking about my own version of the Mortal Kombat narrative, and in that version I also had Reiko being both Shao Kahn and a Flesh Pits golem, but with a different twist. Imagine this: during the events of MK1-3, Reiko is always seen at the Shao Kahn's side as his most trustworthy if always silent general. Then, Shao Kahn is killed during the final battle for Earthrealm… And then Shinnok starts his invasion of Edenia and Heavens and Reiko, now uncharacteristically outspoken, suddenly pledges his loyalty to Shinnok and works with him. And then, after some time, during the battle of Armageddon, the truth is revealed: Reiko was a back-up body created for Shao Kahn, because a real emperor has plans for everything - including his own death. He kills Blaze, takes his power and is restored to the MK3-level of power.
Pretty solid way to make the events in the games as air-tight as possible, with proper reveals, instead of just handwaving everything, on a whim. Good job. And yeah, I honestly think we just discover things, rather than create them, so it, then, makes sense that we stumble onto similar fanfics and explanations for things.
@@CynicalWarlock yeah, that was the main reason behind my re-drafting of the MK story: to create a proper narrative with a clear and logical (or, as logical as possible) sequence of events and proper controlling idea. Of course, I don’t have enough time and good enough command of English to do a proper fanfic but it exists in my head and for now, it’s good enough 😂
@@CynicalWarlock thank you for the kind words, but I guess it’s the sense of perfectionism. It’s one thing to write a comment and another thing to write proper prose in your secondary language. 😁
@@serhibei Right you are, and there's something to be said about that. In my experience, though, perfectionism lowkey kills people. Not done->not perfect->don't release->never release->waste years doing nothing->wasted life, which is functionally no different than not having lived, thus being dead. Bit of unprompted philosophy there, but just a thought.
Reiko is actually my main, and it’s a shame they’re squandering his character so badly. His backstory is great, and he could have a great father/son relationship to explore with Shao.
@@CynicalWarlock I HATE NRS character assassination of Shao Kahn. The4thSnake really goes in depth on this subject. Midway era Shao Kahn was far better.
Reiko, the misused... back in mk4 I really did think he was shao khan resurrected and gained back his control for outworld. But low and behold, it never went anywhere, worse off he was just a extra villain for Armageddon. In the first reset he became a blood god in mkx comics to only then become weird science puddy for havik to claim shinnoks amulet... now as shaos adopted war driven son, he finally gets some attention but gets the jobber treatment... to now be onagas tamer? < sighs > yeah as much fun as he was, in my thoughts he needs a better upbringing.
Reiko is that fancy jacket that you can't decide if you should wear or not, then spend the whole evening carrying it around with you but not wearing it, cause it was too much.
@@CynicalWarlock 🤣 discount shao khan, you really have a good way with words, I have a character for a short animated series that I'm working that could certainly use your wordings🤣
@@basixs88 Thanks. I find that, more often than not. inspiration comes after theft. I stole many jokes from other content creators before a sort of style of my own started to emerge. So if you're writing a witty character, don't be afraid to steal and adapt jokes, at first. Eventually, the character's true nature will reveal itself.
@@CynicalWarlock mmmm didn't really think about it, I know he has a charging move were he ehh spawns I guess and blue holographic shao kahn helmet and thats about it, I always thought he was more similar to noob with the same teleport and shuriken throwing, only having that flip kick really being his own move but regardless I didn't mind I always liked shao kahn too OG shao kahn not the neutered NRS version
Honestly, how about combining the Shao Khan-Reiko and the Reiko being Shao's son together. My idea is have Reiko be a constructed child made by Shang with the DNA of Shao and Sindel. (Like how Mileena was a clone of Kitana and Tarkatan DNA) Despite kinda getting an heir (kinda) Shao doesn't really know how to show care for his son, so he does what evil men in power usually do to show they care, he gives him the rank of general and makes sure others know he defers to Reiko as the best of his generals. Reiko lives with that as best as any dude in his place he can, he trains with his half-sisters (who do or don't know of his conception) defends his emperor and follows his commands and rules. Only for it to be revealed when the plot thickens, that Shao is able to somehow possess Reiko's body to see from his eyes and hear from his ears. Basically using Reiko as a spy without his knowledge, eventually to the point he can even possess his body and fight using it. Maybe his storyline continues with him realizing how he was created, and trying to block Shao out of his mind.
@@akirachaossuta Ooh, that's actually pretty good. I love the plot twist - it drives home Shao's psychopathy and his cunning better than anything else could and gives Reiko some agency, some inner conflict, and some nuance.
REIKO. Race: Half Edenian, half Outworlder Family: Sindel (twin-sister), Father Minko (Outworlder, Sailor, Deceased), Mother Salia (Edenian, Deceased) Groups/factions/Allies: Brotherhood of Shadow (with Sindel, Quan Chi, Drahmin, Nitara, D'Vorah, Havik, Daegon, Sektor, Frost, Chrome, Noob, Sareena, Moloch, Rain, Tanya, Kano, Mavado, Tremor, Kobra, Kira, Kabal, Skarlet, Ferra & Darrius) & Outworld army (With Shao Kahn , Sindel, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Tanya, Rain, Ermac, Kintaro, Kollector, Motaro, Baraka & Chameleon) BIggest Enemy: Kotal & Goro Special Powers: - Energy Absorption, absorbs the energy/elemental powers used at him, also absorbs the energy used in NON cutting impacts, but sharp objects still pierce his flesh. Then he can use the stored energy to: Become more powerful in strength, shoot energy beams back from his hands or eyes, when he has energy stored in his body he gains stamina and speed (not Kabal speed of course, but becoming as fast as a cheetah) - Strategic mind, Reiko is very intelligent and can think up very complex battle strategies, he helped Shao and outworld conquer Edenia and won many other wars. While twins, and Sindel having the greater role as Queen of Outworld next to Shao, Reiko is the brain behind their coupe. (as they want to overthrow Shao and become the rulers of Outworld themselves) Weapons: Throwing Stars, Razor Knuckle-Gloves, War Spear Story Arc: Reiko and Sindel were born into a poor family, with an Edenian Mother and Outworld Father of no importance, when their parents got killed when they were still teenagers Reiko and Sindel worked together and with Reiko's great intelligence, and Sindels charms they ranked up in the world, eventually killing Sapphira (queen of Edenia) and making it appear an accident and Sindel raising to the occasion to become the new wife of Jerrod and stepmother of Kitana. They also had a hand in the defeat of Edenia by Outworld during their tournament by backstabbing Jerrod, Argus and Delia. (With the help of Daegon, Rain and Tanya's illusion powers) Shao took Sindel as his wife (well Sindel wanted it this time, to betray Shao later on), and Reiko became the most important general in Outworlds armies, behind the scenes Sindel and Reiko joined the Brotherhood of Shadow, collected by Quan Chi, this brotherhood wants to ressurect the Dragon King Onaga. During the meetings of the Brotherhood of Shadows, Havik and Reiko have some mysterious alliance going on, that even Sindel isn't a part of.
I think both Chameleons are the most misused MK characters. Honestly, Reiko could’ve been the next Khan throughout the 3D era. Like imagine if he was able to become a more twisted & insane villain then Shao Khan, but gets dethrowned by Onaga, Goro, and the Deadly Alliance.
Random ,being my nature, If you put out a book I'll read it, the glimpse of your mind from these vids makes me wonder how it would read...Chaotic perhaps
I like a lot his combos style in mk armageddon. Both teleports in mk4 seems unpredictible and make other fighters stiff In mk1 is a barbarian that he only use brutal force, kind of dumb to show some punches and kick in front of raiden 😂
I do like that in m1k he was taken in by Shao Kahn but i wish he became his own character rather than a Shao simp. (Though given the context, it does make sense) My issue is that he has no motivations of his own. What if by working for Shao Kahn he would learn the secrets of those who made him a orphan. Shao Kahn raised him and told Reiko that under him, he will get his vengeance and a comfortable life. I also would like for Shao to grow a soft spot for Reiko and emphasize that as a kid, he used everything he had to survive like how Shao did when he was a sick little boy but his father 0pushed him to become as strong as her could be.
I'd like to see him be a double of Shao Kahn like Padme and Queen Amadalia. That would've made more sense for Shao Kahn's death in MKDA, but Reiko was alive and well in MKA. Maybe they used a Meat construct to pose as Reiko posing as Shao Kahn and Shao Kahn's double was Reiko, but NOT Reiko, which explains why he was alive to fight Taven in MKA. Meat is a double of a double. Make sense yet?🤔
Perfect sense! Was just thinking of Meat. Would be an elegant way to integrate that thing into the story. So then you have Reiko, Meat posing as Reiko, Chameleon or some sorcerer posing as Reiko, Shao Khan being Reiko - suddenly, everyone wants to be Reiko. I love this kind of confusing clusterfuck of a fiasco.
@@CynicalWarlock Yup. And it makes his MK4 ending ACTUALLY make sense now. Also I had MK4 for the N64, so the Shao Kahn thing was cut out and I just saw him walk through a portal and the credits roll. Only years later would I see the PS and MK Gold version of his ending that... things became even MORE confusing and stupid. I think our ideas help clarify things though. Maybe 4th Snake should have a look.😉👍
So this NEW Reiko you are proposing works really well and he could keep the Noob inspired teleport because what if Reiko is a Brotherhood of Shadow member? Former really? Remember he fought in the war between Shinnok and Lucifer and seemingly resurfaced during MK 4 and than went on to serve Shao Kahn. What if Reiko was a double agent? He worked for the Brotherhood, but betrayed them to pledge alligence to Shao Kahn. He'd have a background in dabbling with shadow magic because he would've been under Quan Chi at one point and Quan Chi created Noob. Perhaps Reiko betrayed the Brotherhood to serve Shao Kahn or was a double agent and Quan Chi in response created Noob? This would connect Noob and Reiko together and explain Noob is the perfected version of what Quan Chi intended to do with Reiko until his betrayal. Maybe Quan Chi brought him back through sorcery to serve him and Shinnok and Reiko betrayed him by pledging alligence instead of getting Intel on or killing Shao Kahn. So he knows shadow magic because of Quan Chi, but isn't as experienced as Bi-han. So in essence Reiko is actually Noob, but a flawed copy and serves Shao Kahn so that's why he has the abilities of both. Now Chameleon was good to use as it gives him something to do, but I would personally choose Meat. So what if Meat was constructed in the Flesh Pits for Shang Tsung to use to help Shao Kahn and fool his enemies? Also that shows signs of Shang Tsung betraying Quan Chi. But what if Meat posed as the Reiko you talked about and Shao Kahn was actually the REAL Reiko like you said? So just swap out Chameleon for Meat and play out the story the same way you said. Oh and different topic everything Reptile currently is in MK 1 should be Chameleon. Maybe Reptile in this time-line turned out to be how the ORIGINAL Chameleon turned out. Anyway at least we get old and new Reptile together and it makes sense. Although Ashrah is the stand in for Khameleon. She'd what Khameleon COULD have been or IS in another time-line. In THIS time-line Ashrah replaced her current roll because she became a do nothing soldier in Tanya's Umgadi army or whatever. Khameleon should be Ashrah. I liked how Ashrah is STILL fueding with Nitara though, so that's cool I guess. But yeah great video and I'm on board with your story, but make Chameleon Meat and it works.
I *swear* I was thinking of Meat. It's a natural way to tie that 'character' into the story naturally and give it something to do. Good writer instincts. The Ashrah romance in M1K seems out of left field, for me. It should've been Khameleon, as you noted. Made especially frustrating since Khameleon is actually in the game, but is just a kameo. Good idea to use Reiko's extended history with the Brotherhood of Shadow to inform his moves list.
@@CynicalWarlock Thanks man. Chameleon was a good choice though. I just felt in terms of lore and story Meat had more potential. Also I thought Meat could have just been Shang Tsung in the last timeline/timelines? Idk it's confusing.🤷♂️ Anyway in Shang Tsung's bio; one of ONLY 12 we got, it stated that Shang Tsung died in MKD during the blast, but Shao Kahn and Goro murder a bunch of people and warriors so Shang could absorb them and revitalize. Shang, at first, when returning to the land of the living looked like Meat until he absorbed enough souls to manifest into his human form again. Also in MK Shaolin Monks you have to fight Bloody Skeltons in the Wastelands and I believe the Dead Pool. I assumed Meat was one of those abominations created from the flesh Pits. In MKA it states Meat can be anyone hence he is no one a being created from Shang Tsung's Flesh Pits with no purpose or reason for being. Either way he could be used in the matter I described and I'd LIKE for Khameleon to become playable by giving her an Invasions story line. Perhaps she can be in Tanya's Season and the player is rewarded with unlocking her as a playable character afterwards or you can by her as DLC. If not have her as a Kameo in Tanya's story and save her for MK 2(or whatever the hell theyre calling this game's sequel🙄)where they can feature her as an Umgadi guard and give her something to do. Perhaps her and Tanya framed Li Mei so Khameleon could take her place instead. Maybe Tanya envied Li Mei's status with the Royal family and wanted to eliminate her to impress her lesbian lover Mileena and potential future Mother-in-law Queen Sindel. There you go. EVERYONE gets better character development and Tanya is a more nuanced complex and well-developed character and not just down graded as "I'm a lesbian so I check boxes and don't have to do anything MORE for the story." Also, I know beauty is subjective, but why is Tanya no longer attractive? And I mean this because I saw the model her look was based off of and she was an attractive woman. NRS took her model and thought, "whom. How do we make her unappealing as a character? We already made her 1 note and boring, so let's make her...um...less...desirable on top of that. I mean I get why, but it's kinda a shame. She used to be a sultry seductress. I mean she's with Mileena now; who isn't going to win any beauty pagents any time soon, so I guess that's ok, but Tanya; especially in MK4 was hot, but not slutty. Over the years they've worked really hard on making her unappealing, but also ruining her character. Where's the beautiful woman who seduced Lui Kang and trapped him in a cave, stole the Kamidogu from Onaga, created an army of Dragons and became a Dragon Waverynn, and kidnapped Sindel and guarded her until she was defeated by Shujinko? Oh and Jade threw Tarkatan scent all over her so she'd be ripped apart by Baraka and his race, so I kinda find it a bit ironic that Tanya would choose Mileena in this time-line to have a lesbian relationship with. Also where is Jade? I want to see Tanya and Jade fued again.
@@Nick-up5wv Your Tanya rant might as well have been extracted from my own brain. Nothing to add, really. Thank the gods for the modders, who worked miracles with her character model. Tanya and Jade rivalry is written in the stars. Jade is Kitana's bff, Tanya is her backstabbing betrayer. They are natural enemies. None of this umgadi m'bele mufasa crap.
@@CynicalWarlock 🤣 I agree. Tanya should be Mileena's Jade. Way I see it ORIGINALLY Jade was Kitana's bodyguard, mentor, and overall best friend. She was MORE of a sister to Kitana than Mileena. When Mileena was created she was only made to ultimately replace Kitana, but ultimately learned over time to love her. She never received that sisterly love that Kitana had with Jade and so she grew up with no one. Meanwhile Tanya, being an opportunist used Mileena's loneliness to get in good with her and the Royal family or Shao Kahn, whatever. I haven't decided on time-line. Anyway her father was a famous ambassador and had his own Royal Family that paid tribute to King Jarod and Queen Sindel, so that's how she allowed Quan Chi to sneak into Edenia in MK 4. Anyway point being she worked really hard to earn her status within the Royal Family and got close to Mileena. Over time things changed and while she fulfilled the roll to Mileena that Jade did for Kitana Tanya developed ACTUAL feelings and became infatuated with her. Though she's close to Mileena Mileena still wants a close bond with her sister;something Jade hinders her from. I believe Tanya, actually wanting to see Mileena happy, intends to get rid if Jade, so that Mileena and Kitana will have the sister relationship Mileena has always desired and Tanya could replace Jade's roll. She could than mentor and protect BOTH sisters gaining MORE power in the process and having two "twin" assassins do her bidding at all times. As Umgadi she can protect the Kingdom. As a Royal Advisor to BOTH "twins" Tanya can RULE over the Kingdom and possibly work with Rain to take over ALL of Edenia. I think we can combine Tanya's manipulative old nature and fuse it with the lesbian "Umgadi" nature to write a deeply complex and dynamic character. One who is kinda a foil for Jade. Basically an evil Jade who fights for the Kingdom and DOES love it, but wants POWER as the only way to successfully protect it. Anyway Jade and her would have an epic rivalry because they both share the same goal to protect the kingdom, but Tanya has more of an evil choice. Not evil, per say, but definitely more SELFISHLY motivated.
@@Nick-up5wv Had to grab a beverage before perusing through your pitch. I mean.. once again, little to add. Looks like you've given this a lot of thought. This all has the air of a political drama, and I'm all here for it. Yeah, Jade wants to serve Edenia by protecting the royal family and keeping things the way they are, while Tanya wants to change things, through subterfuge, is necessary. It's a great contrast. Might adapt at least part of this into an Edenian video. You know, other than the one I already made. There's something engrossing about Edenia and its characters.
I actually adore Reiko in mk1. Lot of ppl really seem to love him. Shao being adoptive father of war orphan and grooming him to further delve into war and following his father devotly into war was actually pretty fun.
And then he loses to a peasant boy.
@@CynicalWarlockthat’s where I think they dropped the ball, granted he’s supposed to lose because of story progress but it definitely could’ve been handled better. Here’s just one example I’m ashamed to admit I’ve spent too much time thinking out, Reiko shows up but doesn’t say anything and stares down at his opponents. Johnny makes a snarky comment only for Reiko to throw a single shuriken and catch it before lands. The fight begins and all of Raiden’s simple hand to hand attacks misses, forcing him to use the medallion and his new lightning powers to even out his odds. It’s a mouthful but as much as I like him and main Reiko, the mysterious ninja debut from MK 4 was the best approach next to the cancelled MK X comic series.
@@CynicalWarlockHe actually wasn’t ready for Raiden to have thunder powers
@@mythic7321 Which, in a way, makes Liu Kang a cheater.
@@CynicalWarlock He definitely should've told Sindel, but with all things considered, knowing that Earthrealm has literal gods, I wouldn't be surprised if Reiko was the only one who realized the powers came from an amulet instead of something like MKX!Cage's green energy whackjobbery.
It honestly sucks liking side characters in fighting games cause the developers make them really cool, but never seem like they want to utilize them properly. Now I’m mad you told me about that earthrealm Reiko idea cause that’s way cooler than the actual game.
Imagine Earthrealm barreling down Outworld's gates, Reiko's subordinates asking him what to do, and him finally breaking down into tears and goin "I dunno, I dunnooo!!"
@@CynicalWarlock He’d also probably have this awkward relationship with Johnny where he knows Reiko’s secret, but Johnny respects him as an actor.
@@chefvideogame Was gonna say, he ends up striking a deal with Earthrealm, who install him as a malleable figurehead, to keep Outworld from causing trouble.
Remember the horrendous MK 2021 "Reiko"
Aihhhh, the PAIN
AAAAAAUUUUGH
He’s definitely a cool lieutenant type character with potential to be a main villain imo
AAii, mommy!!
He was the only character who didn't improve at all through the 2016, 18 and 2019 scripts. He was hulk with a hammer,NO! At least hulk looks fucking dope and has the flare and screams out words not groan like someone who is shitting out his guts. I am one of the few who appreciate that movie but not that Reiko.
"depression but green" lmao
Best definition of Reptile.
Little Shao Khan Junior, you gonna cry? 😢
You're trash, Rei.
I always thought it would be cool if Reiko was just Shao after he lost in mk3. The Elder Gods striped Shao Kahn of his powers and left him for dead on the Outworld streets. Shao no longer has his great strength and powers so he assumes the identity of "Reiko" and is forced to fight as a ninja. With Quan Chi's and Shinnok's invasion, Reiko comes up with a plan to confront and kill Shinnok and once he is able to do that, he reassumes the throne through his classic mk4 ending. (or Liu Kang can kill Shinnok and Reiko can sneak behind to steal Shinnok's power and have his mk4 ending)
I agree but I’d like to add that I always liked the idea of Shao Kahn being the guardian lower god of Outworld, similar to Raiden with Earthrealm and that Reiko is his “Dark Raiden” moment where he resurrects through another body. But maybe it works differently than Raiden’s because of Shao Kahn’s familiarity with soul magic or illusions. Reiko could have been planned all along as a backup of a backup of a backup plan.
Actually, that was sort of the original idea behind Reiko.
Originally, Reiko was meant to be Shao Kahn's reincarnation.
So many good ideas in this thread.
@@CynicalWarlock You could probably make a video going through fan ideas from all of your mk character videos' comments
Splendid idea
I'm surprised you didn't mention his ties to Shinnok, I find that as a very interesting part of him which I wished was expended on.
yeah, he was formally apart of the brotherhood of shadow while working for Shinnok before being hired by Shao Kahn making Reiko and Saibot clanmates which is why they share moves
Was gonna make the video longer and more elaborate, initially, but ran out of time.
@@tonyinfinite5174Reiko was actually supposed to be Noob, in MK4. They share the same model, that's why they share moves too.
@@CynicalWarlock I was just wondering today why does Reiko even exist as a playable character but no complaints as I like it when devs try to give spotlight to an obscure character or concept but I was also wondering about Kabal that how can Kabal use his speed abilities in mk 11 (not talking about the revenent version) as he didn't get burned then how can he obtain speed powers( it had to do atleast something with him obtaining outworld magic) as many others from earth realm regularly visit outworld but they don't randomly get super powers , basically I want you to explain him as well (only if you want to make a video on him also) 😜😜
@@MischievousLoki1111 My answer is as obvious as it probably is disappointing: in my headcanon, he just uses Air, instead of Outworld magic. NRS can't be asked to keep things consistent for 2 games, so I just use my power system to explain it, instead of something something magic.
I'll definitely do a video on Kabal, at some point.
Apparently Reiko will survive his taming of Onaga according to some leaks and game files, odd. Who knows what we will see with him. Would be funny if we see him turn into the heir of Outworld.
NRS is notorious for backpedaling on ideas that are set up
@@thesilentsociety3252 yea true, all that build up in mkx to in the end reboot the franchise again after 3 games
@@thesilentsociety3252 This.
Gets beat by farm boy but can tame one of the strongest lore beings? Granted Liu Kang nerfed Omaha to hell in this new time line, there's still a reason he's chained up (probably because he's feral in this this time line) but strong enough that shao wants him.
Maybe the reiko ending where he "sacrifices" himself is a red herring and he really accomplishes that.
I support that idea...
“Depression but green”
Correct.
Honest character descriptions.
I know some people have already said this, but NRS should definitely hire you to write for their games.
You can say it more, I don't mind.
You and the 4th snake =perfection@@CynicalWarlock
I am 100% here for your MK fanon. The way you present it is just perfect for my "dig into the story, draw your own conclusions" approach.
That's what makes for an enduring narrative.
About the whole "Reiko and Shao are one person" thing: being honest here, i'm not that old of a fan to personally witness the conspiracy surrounding Reiko's ending (sadly), but i had pretty much the same idea when i saw the clip. "Pretty much", i say, because i thought that it would've been actually pretty interesting if Reiko was the young Shao Kahn, before he gained his title.
For example, Reiko could've been one of the generals of Onaga who specialized in commanding assassins specifically (hence his shurikens, face paint and a somewhat similar attire to that of an assassin) ("why would Onaga need assassins?" who would go on stealth missions and eliminate possible competitors?). Since (if i remember correctly) Shao himself was Onaga's right hand in the original timeline, it wouldn't mess up the backstory, only adding the fact that Reiko completely got rid of the old persona and let the Outworld see him with a bigger facade. Such storyline could've also spiced up MK11, since that game bases itself around "past vs present" and we could've seen Reiko appear as a seemingly new face, only to later encounter the one he becomes.
But oh well, we got what we got. I still kind of like this bastard, probably because he preaches gladiator vibes.
Oh man, that could've been a cool twist, if they prepared it, beforehand. Have Reiko play a proeminent role in the games leading up to MK11, then reveal young Shao to actually just be Reiko, which leads to similar implications and revelations as in the video; recontextualizing certain events.
👏👏👏. It would have amazing.
One think I really liked about mk4 was it was focused on the next generation of factions. Jerrik was the new face of the Black Dragons, Kai for the White Lotus, and Fujin for the Elder Gods. We even got an in-depth look at how Outworld works with Reiko as a general and Tanya as an "ambassador" but just spied on foes. Not everyone in Kahn's government would be devoted to winning MK tournaments.
Yeah, apparently Tobias was steering things towards the new generation shtick that MKX eventually did. And you can kinda see the beginnings of that in MK4.
Reiko is my favorite character and they dropped the ball with him in the movie and the game I wish they showed his smart and strategic as a general, they could have did some much more with him.
Movie 'Reiko' traumatized me.
TBH all of these ideas can still be doable. Shao picking up an orphan of War, training him to be his perfect proxy and taking control of him whenever the moment requires it through some imbedded psychic magic, its kind of a cop out but it also makes Shao more cunning.
Sounds pretty good to me, if you develop it properly.
Reiko being some random earthrealm dude that got lost in outworld and rose through the ranks to keep himself alive is unironically a more interesting backstory than what NRS gave us LOOOL
Had a feeling people would like that one.
For me, the most intriguing part of Reiko's story is that he wasn't even Shao Kahn's general originally. In MK4 he was Shinnok's general, a member of Brotherhood of Shadow who commanded Shinnok's forces back during his first war on Elder Gods. But in Armageddon, he works for Shao Kahn, he has an unspecified grudge against Quan Chi and before the fight, he tries to recruit Taven, commending his skills. I get that this isn't much, but I feel like it was still better than what we have now. He had to at least weigh his interests against Shao Kahn's orders. And it gave me questions to ruminate on. Like what is his beef with Quan Chi? Is it because Reiko is loyal to Shao Kahn, whom Quan Chi conspired with Shang Tsung to kill? Is it because Reiko is loyal to Shinnok, whom Quan Chi betrayed with the whole fake amulet swap? Is it an older grudge from their time in Brotherhood of Shadow? All of the above?
After Armageddon, there is no trace of Reiko's connection with Shinnok, as far as I remember. Just Shao Kahn's lackey. Well, MKX comics at least had him striving for more, to be a blood god, as misguided as that was. But M1K... just nothing. My only hope is that Onaga retains his original timeline counterpart's ability to revive people, does so to Reiko (either to have a spy, or genuinely impressed with his dedication) and that sparks something in Reiko, like conflicting loyalties or something. Make him at least two-note, please.
I might touch on his extended history in another video. Good recounting of events, though, and everything there is to work with. Based on his ties to Quan, Shinnok, Shao, the Brotherhood of Shadow, making loyalty a major theme for Reiko makes sense. Either he struggles with it or he's assaulted with demands for fealty from all sides.
@@CynicalWarlock You know, your description of Reiko as "Noob Saibot whose paint job wore off" is actually apt here, because he also has this weird position of working for multiple sides, at least until he struck out on his own in Deception. Only Noob's allegiances are clearer. In MKT (according to his ending) he was ordered to join Shao Kahn and wait for an opportune moment. His Deception bio: "Under Shao Kahn's rule, I hunted enemies of his throne. As a member of the Brotherhood of the Shadow, I did Quan Chi's bidding. All the while serving Shinnok, Lord of the Netherrealm, as well. Now all my masters are gone; I am at long last free to pursue my own destiny."
And then there is Mileena, who is in a somewhat similar position of being scared into Shinnok's service after she was killed in MK2 and before being brought back to life by Shao Kahn. Shao's court had a surprising amount of Shinnok's agents.
@@ssj5gogeta1310 And this all highlights the rich potential for Game of Thrones-style backstabbing and political maneuvering that Mortal Kombat has.
Allow me to show you the equation for Reiko's elemental power, which is Visage (Inner force-based energy).
Soul÷4×2=Chi
Chi×2+Shadow+Air×2+Force×4=Visage.
It's not 'Visage', it's 'Visaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaage'.
@@CynicalWarlock Right, Visaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaage.
@CynicalWarlock Also, did you understand the equation? We're having a test of element-making next week. So, I suggest you study hard.
@@vincerizzo1401 Shit, I am definitely not stoned enough for that.
@@CynicalWarlock No stoning. Just plain old studying.
I love these snarky comments you come out with…getting more acid younger as you go
1. Kung Lao could have won that Tournament
2. Nicaraguan needed a voice actress
3. Scorpion he could exist
Acid is my strong suit.
Ive always thought Reiko was a stand in for Shao Kahn after he was defeated and severely weakened after MK3. And in Deadly Alliance Shang and Quan killed him in the intro thinking it was the emperor. Thats why Shao came back in Deception.
Wow, that's actually a good way to make sense if Deadly Alliance/Deception.
Good video, although I wish you had mentioned Reiko from Armageddon and the one from the comic. Armageddon was the game that really characterized him, and made me like him even though his gameplay was really bad.
I personally like Reiko being his own character, at least in the beginning. This is how I would write him:
Reiko serves Shao as Outworld's general. Although he has a calm and calculating attitude, he is not afraid to show his strength on the battlefield. He plans all attacks on the various Realms, as seen in Armageddon, he plans them on a chessboard. I see him as a soldier with honor and intelligence who likes to fight, who is very violent against his enemies, and although he looks loyal to Shao, he always had the ambition to take the throne of Outworld. Also that he likes to collect helmets of warriors he kills on the battlefields, Shao Kahn's being the one missing in his collection.
When Shao dies (or is presumed dead) and Mileena takes the throne (as seen in Armageddon and MKX), Reiko manipulates her as he did in the comic, planning to kill her to take the throne. At one point he manages to successfully betray Mileena and takes the throne for himself, until out of nowhere, Shao Kahn appears again, allied with Goro and Shang Tsung, attacking the fortress that in times past belonged to him, but now Reiko controls.
Shao reaches Reiko without difficulty, and Reiko swears allegiance to him, assuring him that he was simply controlling everything while he was gone, preventing anyone from usurping Outworld from his clutches. Shao decides to believe him and Reiko becomes his general again, although this time, he notices quite a bit of distrust and tension between him and Shao.
In the battle of Armageddon, Shao dies at the hands of Onaga. Reiko thinks he will be able to take control of Outworld once again, until Kano (who also became an Outworld general in the original timeline) asks him to follow him into a dark room. He complies and follows Kano, the two having met before as they were both Outworld generals.
Kano betrays Reiko and performs a ritual with him that revives Shao in Reiko's body, as Onaga once did with Reptile.
From there Shao uses Reiko's body, perhaps faking his real identity, as he now possesses a body considerably weaker than his original body. And from there I'm out of ideas. Good video, hope to see more.
Was initially supposed to be a longer video, but my time was limited, this week.
Good arc for Reiko, overall. Bonus points for including the Reiko-Shao connection too.
@@CynicalWarlock No problem, don't stress out, it's your channel after all.
I guess I also forgot to mention his association with the Brotherhood of Shadows, which explains his powers and the paint on his face, since Sareena has them too. It's funny that in his time in the Brotherhood, he developed an apparent hatred for Quan Chi, as in Armageddon he tells Taven that he wants to kill him too, and he doesn't even get mad at being defeated by Taven, but the opposite, as his defeat will mean Quan Chi's death, lol.
So many great ideas out there
Outworld is not ready for Earth's engagement of war. Why? Nukes.
Earthrealm wins. Nuclearity.
Oh my god 🤢. Now I can't stop thinking about Devora's trap being sticky and gooye 😭😭😭😭
What? 💀
@@Kami.Asura000mission failed successfully I guess???
And plentiful.
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
Kotal would know.
Really like how reiko plays in mk1 just hate how many highs u can duck and almost no strings
That's the standard Mortal Kombat experience, nowadays. Too many highs, encouraging too many pokes.
@@CynicalWarlock fr
They rly should just hire you already
And ruin all this sexual tension??
Purely for MK12, i would have liked to see Reiko and General Shao have more of a dad & son vibe. To see Shao brutally train his adopted son and watch his pride swell as reiko excels at all the routines. Proving to shao that his own upbringing was the way to go. Giving more of a reason to dissent from the crown as he sees them soft for befriending earthrealm.
I would also love to see reiko's perspective. Seeing his father who he loves so much be shot doen by the crown for every good idea that General Shao has. Watching the both of them plot from the shadows and gain more and more supporters from within the military using Shao's reputation and Reiko being living proof of his ideology working in real time.
I can also see this playing into the Assassin aspect of Reiko a lot. Trained by his father to be the hardened Rambo military assassin his father requires of him. Taking out key targets or maybe Reiko even strikes out on his own to preemptively taking out anyone he heard who would oppose his General's rule.
I believe this is the way to keep the original story of a military becoming disillusioned by the peace brought on by Earthrealm and the Outworld Crown. And to add more context for how they act, feel, makes them more of actual characters than just "Racist because I got my ass beat"
Make them the ultimate embodiment of "Hard times make hard men. Hard men make good times." A toxic and masculine view of how to run the realms. Taking thru the right of might and watching Shao slip back into his old timeline tyrant habits once again.
Idk what's different but you cooked with this video and it got my brain thinking.
I can see that. And it produced some good ideas. I especially like implementing the hard times->strong men->good times->weak men cycle.
MK12 basically gave us the cliff notes of the summary of the throwaway cutting room floor version of this idea.
Definitely Sheeva. We need that only fans
Honestly Reiko being “Title” could been freaking awesome idea. Would’ve add intrigue to character. Because when ever new game gets released everyone would wonder. Who is Reiko this time?
Maybe, if you attach a lot of things to that title. Power, status, ability to change things etc.
'Reiko' the right hand man of the 'khan' , okay , although I never liked Khan as a title, it makes sense.
I obviously don't have the context for this character being misused but your suggestions for him sound really great.
Though I do wonder if a smaller roster would prevent characters like him from being misused and under-represented.
Probably would.
Game design differences between Bioware and Larian video when?
@@CynicalWarlock I have like 30 minutes to still edit. So properly on Monday. But I just don't know how to do thumbnails. My idea was to commission someone but I can't find anyone to do it.
@@Knight1029 You can change thumbnails after posting, so no biggie. "Keep it simple" is the best advice. Bold, easy-to-read text, not more than 2-3 main things the viewer has to focus on, no dark murky colors, and A-B it with other thumbnails on TH-cam, to see if it stands out.
Oh, and don't write the same thing in the thumbnail as you do in the title; redundant.
@@CynicalWarlock I can get that. The thumbnail I want is basically this, on the left is Bioware game and the right is Larian. So, it looks like a versus kind of thing. On the top right and left will be Shepard and the Dark Urge. The middle left and right will be Morrigan and Shadowheart. The bottom left and right will be Coryphaeus and the main villian of BG3. I think it sounds like a good thumbnail that tells the viewer what is gonna happen in the video while looking fairly simple. Issue is that only works with an artists or a person with good photoshop skills. I am neither of them. My working thumbnail is just the cover art of BG3 and DAO facing each other with text saying, "What's the difference?" That's fine but it sucks I can't really do that.
@@Knight1029 Sounds clear enough. You can try messing around in Canva; supposed to be easy to use.
Man I just found your channel and omg i love your videos, something completely different than most MK video's
Hey thanks. TH-cam recently started actually recommending them a bit, so I'll definitely keep em coming.
Sheeva should absolutely have an only fans account 💪 with content about just being able to do tasks that require 4 hands! Nothing sexual just you know, building an Ikea drawer or speed meal prepping 😂😂😂😂😂
That’s just a youtube channel with a patreon
Can tie em all together. World's fastest secretary, strongest bodybuilder, best furnisher - all of which are perfect adult film intros.
While it may have been cool for Reiko to have been Shao's alter ego, I'm personally fine with him just being the Kahn's number one fanboy. Definitely a lot of Wasted Plotential for a character like that.
But I think it may have made even more sense for him to be Shang Tsung. Think about it. He's one of the main names that pop up when you ask "who covets the throne of Outworld the most?
I would find it the secretly Shao thing more compelling if it slipped more in his fighting style, and if he didn't move like a ninja on crack. That's just not Shap imho, but I like the concept you brought up about him overcompensating through paranoia lol. The guy's also a hundred centuries old or some shit. Maybe he used to fight differently before he became an overpowered, cocky soul-guzzling titan. If true, I would wonder what could urge him to go back to his roots like that... could be an awesome story tbh.
Also it would explain why guy likes to recruit Ninjas. He knows their best.
The Shang idea isn't bad, although it would be difficult for the man to consistently be in so many places at the same place, for so long. It also gives even more screen time to Shang than he already has.
@@CynicalWarlock Ya know what, it could also be interesting if Reiko was the spawn of Shao Kahn, destined to succeed/overthrow him. Or so he thinks. Maybe it's a secret to be revealed, or Shao knows and has kontingencies, the paranoid mf he is.
Even if he's not his kid, bro definitely wants Shao to be his daddy. 💀
@@robertminnie782 That works well with the "beautiful child" thing". I also like the idea of Shao himself wanting and arranging for this successor, but also being a control freak about it.
#shaosecretlyhascancer and doesn't tell anyone.
Why are most MK stories so bad when you have this many, highly entertaining fan made ideas 😔
Either too much or not enough cocaine.
A question that can be atributed towards so many current fictional stories.
My Glorious king Cynical Warlock Uploaded
Behold, my faithful subjects:
I made a thing.
Reiko is a chad also he is literally run them hands the character.
Legitimately want him to be the next Shao Kahn in the next MK game like the old school Shao Kahn as a normal ass dude just make him Reiko give us the old shoulder barge and make him have some real character that would sell.
Was initially thinking of Blood, mostly because of the red effect. Like he's using Blood magic to enhance his attacks, or something. Either explanation works.
Also a yes to making Shao just human, or human-looking, again. The dragon designs have gotten out of hand.
@@CynicalWarlock exactly like it's cool ish I personally think MK11 Shao wasn't bad but his head and face should've stayed ruggedly handsome like his OG actor was but hey Reiko is handsome loves Shao like a father and something we don't know in MK1 is what Shao's family name is because by the way they speak of his family Shao is his given name.not his family name perhaps Reiko if he is Shao's bastard takes up the family name and it could be Kahn
@@garretwoeller7669 That's a cool take, although 'Kahn' is just a title, inspired by Genghis Khan.
@@CynicalWarlock I know but just saying man if Outworld has an Emperor/King but not a Kahn in the new timeline could go that way easily.
@@garretwoeller7669 It's kinda like the "Robin" easteregg, at the end of The Dark Knight Rises.
FINALLY REIKO GETS SOME RESPECT IM GLAD THEY BROUGHT HIM AND TREMOR BACK
Tremor's just a kameo, though.
@@CynicalWarlock Idc Tremor was my main in MKX
@@DanielQualls-7777 Had a feeling.
36seconds in...I'm holding my ribs laughing. Love the content & your humor like always🤘
Glad to hear it. Thanks for the feedback. Helps a lot.
I like the idea that Reiko should have been some kind of Shao Kahn clone, Shao Kahn in the original timeline was a very powerful sorcerer and is said that he was the one who taught Shang Tsung sorcery, he was also very smart and distrustful, so I think that he could've created Reiko as a plan B, like how he is defeated in MK3, killed by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi while he was recovering in MK deadly alliance and then he came back in MK armageddon saying that he faked his death. I think it would been amazing if Shao used Reiko as a vessel, since his body was created using Shao's body as base, so while Reiko would have been his own character for a while, he still is Shao
No, just no.
Definitely a more elegant way to explain his return after MK3 or Deadly Alliance. Also gives the "beautiful child" thing a sinister twist, which fits a narcissist like Shao, who can only fathom fostering himself as a successor.
You know what would be funny, to me at least? If Reiko somehow ends up becoming the Noob Saibot of the new timeline, as a reference to his origins in MK4.
Anyway, good stuff! Big fan of the MK magic system idea and the ideas that I've seen from you.
That *would* be funny. Also would mean Bi-Han can stay human and interact with Noob.
Also, thanks; it's quite interesting to still be remembered for a particular TH-cam video, months after posting it - that's like years, in TH-cam time.
@@CynicalWarlock Indeed! And yeah, I think I get where you're coming from. But to be fair, it's the reason I, and I'm sure many others, began watching you in the first place. Not to mention that a lot of your other videos make use of it, so it's bound to draw attention.
@@Krakenburgvortex79 Yep, that was the plan; if I hadn't built anything off of that video, channel would've spiked right back down.
Honestly Reiko is still used much better than in MK4, where he was just a random jobber. Also the whole thing with him imitating Shao Kahn's moves was weird af and I'm glad NRS changed it.
Isn't he a random jobber in MK1(2) as well?
Agree with the last part - Reiko shouldn't be discount Shao.
Wait, who was Noob Saibot originally going to be before he became an undead Bi-Han? Havik? Reiko? Who?
Originally, he was just a member of the Brotherhood of Shadows, and Quan's servant. Then he was revealed to be Bi-Han.
It's the other way around: Havik and Reiko were both supposed to be Noob, initially, before they splintered off into their own characters. Reiko is just a last-minute skin they put together, from Noob's original MK4 model, and Havik was supposed to be an alternate skin for Noob, in MK: Deception, but they liked the way it looked so much, that they decided to just make an original character out of it.
Noob Saibot has a penchant for spawning new characters.
What I don't like and somewhat like about him conceptually: NRS gave him a Japanese girl's name (and Kira the Black Dragon henchwoman a Japanese boy's name), and coupled with his utter devotion to General Shao not Kahn means he's never gonna beat the submissive and breedable allegations. But still, I find that his saving grace is how loyal he is. Usually MK baddies get to where they are or want to be by betraying their superior, but in the rare instance that they have the virtue of being genuinely loyal to them, that gives them a bit of depth; even evil has standards. This is all just potential for a future Reikocentric story arc, of course, because right now he's the Designated Jobber. Imagine if despite getting his ass kicked he still succeeds in locking down Onaga and although he has that power to make Outworld, including the General himself, kneel before him, he isn't tempted by it for one second, to the shock of the likes of Shang, Quan, etc.
Reiko actually did tame Onaga.
Yeah, Reiko is basically Lawful Evil - evil with a code. And you can play around with that sense of honor in a lotta ways - it can either reward him, or bite him in the butt, Ned Stark-style, cause he's surrounded by psychopaths.
Also, is it me or did you change your user name, mr. Lowborn?
@@CynicalWarlock
Yep, I am what I'm meant to be, now.
@@LOWBORN-the-LOATHSOME Sounds like there's a story there.
Bruh his MK1 gameplay is so cool. He's a romanticized take on modern MMA. Also he's a grappler with one of the best projectiles in the game, how is that boring?
In the context of fire ninjas and lightning gods, "MMA" fighter" is boring to me.
@@CynicalWarlock Johnny Cages gameplay is just karate
@@HumBug_05 Force balls, Shadow kicks, nut punches, swag.
@@CynicalWarlock I was talking about MK1, but I also wouldn't personally call green ball any more interesting than volley of ninja stars
@@HumBug_05 Fair enough.
man you gotta teach me how to keep up the narrator voice, that is the sole reason I don't do any type of voiceover, anyways always love your takes on mk lore
Morning voice.
Never got Reiko tbh but I have a curiosity:
Did you lick that sticky trap before or after D'vorah face planted in it?
Befooooooooooore.
I.. think..
I love how the last idea is just making Reiko the Ciaphas Cain of the MK universe.
That throwaway final idea is the one everyone gravitated towards.
Meat, the meat bender
🥵👌🏻
One of many Meat jokes I wrote down.
That comment was hotter than a Kobra's venom. Guess who I'm referencing by the comment alone.
@@CynicalWarlock the worst part is I was serious, meat is actually a meat bender in Armageddon
The idea of 2 Reikos is actually pretty good. You can have the real Reiko who is loyal to shao Kahn and is an adopted son of his who is also trained similarly to Kitana, explaining his moveset in mk4, while also having shao Kahn, either through his own magic or some sort of shape shifting artifact become Reiko whenever needed and they take turns in order to weed out betrayal within outworld or for other purposes such as diversion.
Hell yeah, that would work super-well, especially if you keep it a secret from the audience too, and have it be a big reveal, at some point.
Knowing that NRS is giving new moves to characters, give us the teleport air grab, swaggy-as-fuck sidestep, and the impossible flip kick.
Yus!
As far as his character goes they should’ve taken some more inspiration from comics to help with reiko development.
don’t mind his gladiator style just wish he had his spin kick back.
I used to love Reiko’s mk4 ending back in the day. I remember the fandom going crazy thinking that Reiko was actually Shao Kahn (or at least that he “became” Shao somehow). Reiko also has a pretty interesting story in the mk10 comics, too bad they did not adapt that to the game besides a few mentions to the “Reiko accords”
Dunno why "the Reiko accords" always sounded dumb to me. Maybe it's because you usually name a treaty after the place where it was established, or the thing or figure who signed or facilitated them, instead of after the guy who wasn't in accord with your accords. Or maybe it's because the guy after whom they're named isn't in the game.
@@CynicalWarlock the name is kind of dumb, but the story behind it is interesting
Thank you. Shame they didn't even make him a Kahn's doppelganger in Deadly Alliance when the sorceress possibly "killed" him.... that's a better idea than "I like wearing Kahn's helmet" guy 🤦♂️
As 4thsnake said: Reiko is a punk-b***h now.
Another misused character, in my opinion, is Cyber Sub-zero. I know a lot of people hated that twist in MK9, but I loved it. At least, it was explained in the story (by saving Smoke, Raiden unintentionally doomed Kuai Liang to that fate). I believe, way back during MK3 days, when people asked the devs why cyber Smoke's color is purple instead of gray, they said it's because that armor was meant for Kuai Liang. So when MK9 revealed Cyber Sub-zero, his colors didn't change because it was his armor. Sounds ridiculous, I know, but it is true 😅. I would like to see how you would improve this character.
The reason why I, personally, am not convinced by the MK9 Cyber-Sub twist is because it doesn't really change anything. One Lin Kuei stays human and the other does not. And neither version accomplishes anything. In the original timeline, Cyber-Smoke gets stuck in story-writing limbo, while Cyber-Sub gets killed by Sindel, same as everyone else.
@CynicalWarlock True, though I have to say, the scene with Noob at the graveyard was amazing
@@БакдаулетСайдилла Yeah, at least there was that brief exchange. Pity it didn't go anywhere.
@@CynicalWarlock I have a theory as to why Reiko is the way he is in MK12. During MKX days, there was one fanboy who threatened one developer on Twitter, saying something like: "If you don't put Reiko in, I'm gonna rape your wife and daughter." NRS usually don't give a crap about these threats, but that guy went too far to the point where he started to stalk the guy's family and figured their whereabouts. NRS even had to accidentally lie by saying Reiko is coming to KP2 so that the family would be left alone. After that, I believe NRS somewhere announced that because of this attitude, Reiko will never appear in MK games. Ever.
So when he finally showed up in MK12, part of me expected him to be a stupid jobber with none of his moves returning. I'm fine with that cause that's Noob stuff. They may also have drawn some bits from 2021 movie.
@@БакдаулетСайдилла That sounds almost too outlandish to be true.
Also, it's weird to punish a fictional character because of some stalker.
Oh, a Ranton fan. Nice
Ranton is love. Ranton is life.
I always thought he was more of a stealthy assassin/infiltrator than a frontline soldier.
His more mundane look compared to the others in Shao Khan's Inner Circle just drives that point home.
Spymaster would be a good position for him.
And Shao Khan being his own spymaster in the form of Reiko would make sense, seeing how he wouldn't trust anybody with that sorta stuff.
Exactly! This one gets it. The main challenge with Reiko is to not make him boring or redundant, which all games after MK4 did.
Made a Tier List 2 Years ago about what Mortal Kombat characters I wanted to come back. I put Reiko and Mavado under the name "My little emo bois"
Accurate.
Awesome character dissections! Loved MK4 Reiko and MKX comic smh so much wasted potential. Would love to see a Johnny Cage shadow power analysis especially MKX Stunt double variation
Yeah, covered that a little bit in the power system video, but might do a deep dive.
@@CynicalWarlock I actually just seen that video after my comments. Found you today awesome channel and comedy. A deep dive would be sick but keep up the great work you know MK like a fan should
@@MegaAmir46 Thanks. Usually people find me through that power system video, so it's nice to see other ones bringing like-minded folks in.
I actually had a similar idea back around the time of MKX. Have Reiko take a potion to roid himself out, and take on the mantle of Shao Kahn. I imagined the classic skull mask with his black facepaint, and the Armageddon body, just huge. That way during MKX, Mileena could say she was restoring the true ruler to the Outworld throne, plus her and Reiko already have a relationship in the comics. It'd be a good way to let people play as Shao Kahn without, for the millionth time, reviving the big bad.
Reiko tryin best to keep Shao Kahn's flame alive.
And you only find out like 3 games later that it's just Reiko - Shao really has been dead for some time.
Honestly I feel as though if Reiko was Shaos adopted or biological son in Mk9 I would want to see his and Millenia and Kitana relationship dynamic
That's a pretty good idea, actually.
I like to think that Reiko is more of title name ! Remember the 2021 movie where Reiko was on steroids?!Well that was a Reiko and was replaced by a new Reiko,one who is familiar to the videogames.
We do not speak of the 2021 atrocity.
I have an idea building off yours. Reiko was Shao Kahn older Brother who is less powerful but smarter and wiser most of the time. At some point Shao Kahn took the soul of his brother which let's him use his skills and looks, no one else knows this and Shao Kahn does what you said. But after something in the plot (Like the end of this timeline's MK2 or MK3.) Reiko is freed from Shao Kahn and works to get back Outworld's throne, fighting the other trying for that as well. If Reiko was the one who wins "Taking Shao Kahn's armor on top of his somewhat.) He rules very well with a strong sense of meritocracy and personal freedom for all under him, while still being a very powerful ruler who takes very little no sense from others. However although he doesn't want to take over other worlds he wants to open up many portals so that all the worlds can freely travel, believing this is the way things should be so that people may do what they want. A mix of meritocracy and survival of the fittest. This doesn't risk the One Being coming back but does risk the order of each world.
So Reiko is the Iroh to Shao's Ozai. I like it.
I'm taking notes.
Nice video
Thanks.
My favorite take on Reiko, personality-wise at least, is the one in Armaggedon, with his calm and collected demeanor. Ideally I would have him be the only truly loyal general under Shao Khan, but also his spymaster, so the ninja elements don't feel as tacked on. He'd believe himself Shao's true heir, which would have him fight with Mileena for the position once the emperor inevitably died. Could even incorporate the the "war orphan" concept from M1K as his origin story.
I do also like the "disguise", "clone" and "reincarnation" concepts, but that's mostly because they could better explain the many deaths and returns of Shao Khan throughout the Midway era.
Didn't have time to touch on the Armageddon version, but that's a decent incarnation, if a bit Shao Kahn lite ish.
Reiko is the character for the real fighters, because her movements are the basis for any style with a reputation of effectiveness. He reminds me a bit of Ken Masters and other "Shotokan" type characters, who not use projectiles or exotic movements as much.
Yeah, they based M1K Reiko a little more on real-world martial arts, which is sweet.
Still kinda boring to my eyes, but that's totally subjective.
Can you do a video on a poison element for characters like Bo Rai Cho Reptile and D’Vorah
I'll definitely be doing videos on those characters, but there is no poison element.
Me with shujinko parrying and now command grabbing into full combos lmao
Yes keeping playing reiko
Pretty broken, yeah.
I like Reiko, though I hoped for a lot more with his return after so long. I actually mained him for awhile early on, but moved on to more interesting characters. I definitely liked the earlier incarnation; more stoic and mysterious, ties to the Brotherhood of Shadow etc... , not to mention the pseudo-ninja design being my favorite look. Just a much darker, enigmatic presence rather than the meathead we got now lol.
Also, funny you mentioned Shadow & Air for his elemental classification, as it donned on me that both technically form Blood (Shadow = Water + Earth, combined with his "Air" abilities), which coincidently is his damage type in M1K, along with being a prominent aspect of his character in the MKX comic series. Accidental brilliance?
I'm basically the Zack Galifianakis math meme, right now. Maybe I should've continued that "accidental brilliance" series.
But yeah, finally, someone gets me - old Reiko had a lot of mystery to him and avenues to potentially explore, while new Reiko is angsty soldier guy.
Reiko is boring and rather simple sure.
But at least he wasn’t forced to jobber as hard as Kotal.
He isn't boring, I don't know what are you talking about.
None can compete with the jobber power of KK in a wheelchair.
I felt like new Reiko had so much potential. Especially after seeing his surprisingly brutal fatalities but his game play and personality doesn't match up to those so he feels really weird and tame compared to what I think he should be
They thought it would be cool to include him, but didn't really know what to do with him, I feel.
Well, funny video(although i never laughed).
The Shao turns into reiko scene would look real good. Just imagining it is something or the Shao's son route would also work, to have him as his only male child(even if adoptive). But maybe the problem in the first place is trying to connect reiko to shao Khan, maybe just make him his own character.
Also nice thing about the mobility moves, seeing as both kitana and mileena possess swift mobile moves compared to Shao khan who trained them. Would make him something more than your average wrestler on steroids(with a hammer, don't forget that) who just does wrestler moves and doesn't fight like a trained martial artist but this could also create a parallel between him and the more martial arty lui kang.
Well, good video.
Also mysterious character isn't code for a nothing character.
Yeah, I'm pondering that myself. Wouldn't want Reiko to feel hollow, so maybe him being multiple characters is the most interesting version.
I always thought of reiko as mortal kombats starscream.
That being shao khans right hand man who is terrified of shao khan. while also constantly trying to usurp the thrown, but is not nearly strong or smart enough to do so.
That's definitely a good take in the character. Kind of the opposite of the M1K loyalist version. Only thing about it is there are plenty of other contenders for such a character, like Shang Tsung. Turning Reiko into the same thing would be a tad redundant.
MKX Blood God Reiko had so much potential
Alas, untapped potential becomes wasted plotential.
Reiko is sick in the mkx comics
He dies.
even though reiko is a jobber in MK1 I do like the idea of him being a shao kahn/shinnok loyalist when most minions in the series like Shang Tsung or Quan Chi plot to overthrow said characters, and I remember tobais had big plans for reiko as the next big villain before he left.
That would've been interesting to see.
It's interesting how similar concepts seem to almost travel and spread across people's minds. I have, for quite some time, been thinking about my own version of the Mortal Kombat narrative, and in that version I also had Reiko being both Shao Kahn and a Flesh Pits golem, but with a different twist. Imagine this: during the events of MK1-3, Reiko is always seen at the Shao Kahn's side as his most trustworthy if always silent general. Then, Shao Kahn is killed during the final battle for Earthrealm… And then Shinnok starts his invasion of Edenia and Heavens and Reiko, now uncharacteristically outspoken, suddenly pledges his loyalty to Shinnok and works with him. And then, after some time, during the battle of Armageddon, the truth is revealed: Reiko was a back-up body created for Shao Kahn, because a real emperor has plans for everything - including his own death. He kills Blaze, takes his power and is restored to the MK3-level of power.
Pretty solid way to make the events in the games as air-tight as possible, with proper reveals, instead of just handwaving everything, on a whim. Good job.
And yeah, I honestly think we just discover things, rather than create them, so it, then, makes sense that we stumble onto similar fanfics and explanations for things.
@@CynicalWarlock yeah, that was the main reason behind my re-drafting of the MK story: to create a proper narrative with a clear and logical (or, as logical as possible) sequence of events and proper controlling idea. Of course, I don’t have enough time and good enough command of English to do a proper fanfic but it exists in my head and for now, it’s good enough 😂
@@serhibei Your English looks fine to me.
@@CynicalWarlock thank you for the kind words, but I guess it’s the sense of perfectionism. It’s one thing to write a comment and another thing to write proper prose in your secondary language. 😁
@@serhibei Right you are, and there's something to be said about that.
In my experience, though, perfectionism lowkey kills people.
Not done->not perfect->don't release->never release->waste years doing nothing->wasted life, which is functionally no different than not having lived, thus being dead.
Bit of unprompted philosophy there, but just a thought.
Rei k.o.
Raymond & co.
Agh, sorry dude im 23 hours late to watch the video, guess I gotta like comment and subscribe now.
Duh. Good thing you didn't pass the 24-hour mark. You'd have had to share the video too.
And do an ice bucket challenge.
Reiko is actually my main, and it’s a shame they’re squandering his character so badly. His backstory is great, and he could have a great father/son relationship to explore with Shao.
Yep, going with him in literally any direction - father-son, possession, Shao-in-disguise etc. - would've been better than standstill.
Cynical Warlock. Concrete for breakfast, LOL.
Aka grandma's cookies.
@@CynicalWarlock I HATE NRS character assassination of Shao Kahn. The4thSnake really goes in depth on this subject. Midway era Shao Kahn was far better.
I feel like the only positive thing about Reiko to me is that he's attractive
like they cooked with the face model
Yeah, he was always a handsome devil. Looks like the Nightwing of MK.
Reiko, the misused... back in mk4 I really did think he was shao khan resurrected and gained back his control for outworld. But low and behold, it never went anywhere, worse off he was just a extra villain for Armageddon. In the first reset he became a blood god in mkx comics to only then become weird science puddy for havik to claim shinnoks amulet... now as shaos adopted war driven son, he finally gets some attention but gets the jobber treatment... to now be onagas tamer? < sighs > yeah as much fun as he was, in my thoughts he needs a better upbringing.
Reiko is that fancy jacket that you can't decide if you should wear or not, then spend the whole evening carrying it around with you but not wearing it, cause it was too much.
@@CynicalWarlock yeah, I can see it now… fancy then but chick repellent the next day
Opinions on the Invasions elemental typing? Tanya being energy and all earth-based fighters being physical, tf?
Haven't touched Invasions, so I'm not in the know. I have heard that they made their own little classification, though.
NetherRealm needs to hire you
Too expensive.
Imagine o.ding in a world where death is sudo canon
Pseudo-canon? Yeah, the Devil would greet you and go "you're not supposed to be here, you idiot".
Best one yet
Thanks.
I actually love Reiko, the 3d games in PS2 had some sick moves and story, but as usual NRS killed it
There was some stuff to work with, in the 3D era, but I don't like that he became discount Shao Kahn.
@@CynicalWarlock 🤣 discount shao khan, you really have a good way with words, I have a character for a short animated series that I'm working that could certainly use your wordings🤣
@@basixs88 Thanks. I find that, more often than not. inspiration comes after theft. I stole many jokes from other content creators before a sort of style of my own started to emerge. So if you're writing a witty character, don't be afraid to steal and adapt jokes, at first. Eventually, the character's true nature will reveal itself.
I really liked his Armageddon design
@@Ricki_47 Looks really cool.
His gameplay is too much of a Shao Kahn clone, though.
@@CynicalWarlock mmmm didn't really think about it, I know he has a charging move were he ehh spawns I guess and blue holographic shao kahn helmet and thats about it, I always thought he was more similar to noob with the same teleport and shuriken throwing, only having that flip kick really being his own move but regardless I didn't mind I always liked shao kahn too OG shao kahn not the neutered NRS version
Honestly, how about combining the Shao Khan-Reiko and the Reiko being Shao's son together. My idea is have Reiko be a constructed child made by Shang with the DNA of Shao and Sindel. (Like how Mileena was a clone of Kitana and Tarkatan DNA) Despite kinda getting an heir (kinda) Shao doesn't really know how to show care for his son, so he does what evil men in power usually do to show they care, he gives him the rank of general and makes sure others know he defers to Reiko as the best of his generals. Reiko lives with that as best as any dude in his place he can, he trains with his half-sisters (who do or don't know of his conception) defends his emperor and follows his commands and rules. Only for it to be revealed when the plot thickens, that Shao is able to somehow possess Reiko's body to see from his eyes and hear from his ears. Basically using Reiko as a spy without his knowledge, eventually to the point he can even possess his body and fight using it. Maybe his storyline continues with him realizing how he was created, and trying to block Shao out of his mind.
@@akirachaossuta Ooh, that's actually pretty good. I love the plot twist - it drives home Shao's psychopathy and his cunning better than anything else could and gives Reiko some agency, some inner conflict, and some nuance.
REIKO.
Race: Half Edenian, half Outworlder
Family: Sindel (twin-sister), Father Minko (Outworlder, Sailor, Deceased), Mother Salia (Edenian, Deceased)
Groups/factions/Allies: Brotherhood of Shadow (with Sindel, Quan Chi, Drahmin, Nitara, D'Vorah, Havik, Daegon, Sektor, Frost, Chrome, Noob, Sareena, Moloch, Rain, Tanya, Kano, Mavado, Tremor, Kobra, Kira, Kabal, Skarlet, Ferra & Darrius) & Outworld army (With Shao Kahn , Sindel, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Tanya, Rain, Ermac, Kintaro, Kollector, Motaro, Baraka & Chameleon)
BIggest Enemy: Kotal & Goro
Special Powers:
- Energy Absorption, absorbs the energy/elemental powers used at him, also absorbs the energy used in NON cutting impacts, but sharp objects still pierce his flesh. Then he can use the stored energy to: Become more powerful in strength, shoot energy beams back from his hands or eyes, when he has energy stored in his body he gains stamina and speed (not Kabal speed of course, but becoming as fast as a cheetah)
- Strategic mind, Reiko is very intelligent and can think up very complex battle strategies, he helped Shao and outworld conquer Edenia and won many other wars. While twins, and Sindel having the greater role as Queen of Outworld next to Shao, Reiko is the brain behind their coupe. (as they want to overthrow Shao and become the rulers of Outworld themselves)
Weapons: Throwing Stars, Razor Knuckle-Gloves, War Spear
Story Arc: Reiko and Sindel were born into a poor family, with an Edenian Mother and Outworld Father of no importance, when their parents got killed when they were still teenagers Reiko and Sindel worked together and with Reiko's great intelligence, and Sindels charms they ranked up in the world, eventually killing Sapphira (queen of Edenia) and making it appear an accident and Sindel raising to the occasion to become the new wife of Jerrod and stepmother of Kitana. They also had a hand in the defeat of Edenia by Outworld during their tournament by backstabbing Jerrod, Argus and Delia. (With the help of Daegon, Rain and Tanya's illusion powers)
Shao took Sindel as his wife (well Sindel wanted it this time, to betray Shao later on), and Reiko became the most important general in Outworlds armies, behind the scenes Sindel and Reiko joined the Brotherhood of Shadow, collected by Quan Chi, this brotherhood wants to ressurect the Dragon King Onaga. During the meetings of the Brotherhood of Shadows, Havik and Reiko have some mysterious alliance going on, that even Sindel isn't a part of.
I think both Chameleons are the most misused MK characters.
Honestly, Reiko could’ve been the next Khan throughout the 3D era. Like imagine if he was able to become a more twisted & insane villain then Shao Khan, but gets dethrowned by Onaga, Goro, and the Deadly Alliance.
Both Chameleons are the most underused MK characters.
Random ,being my nature, If you put out a book I'll read it, the glimpse of your mind from these vids makes me wonder how it would read...Chaotic perhaps
Lots of sex scenes.
I like a lot his combos style in mk armageddon. Both teleports in mk4 seems unpredictible and make other fighters stiff
In mk1 is a barbarian that he only use brutal force, kind of dumb to show some punches and kick in front of raiden 😂
Kinda, yeah.
I do like that in m1k he was taken in by Shao Kahn but i wish he became his own character rather than a Shao simp. (Though given the context, it does make sense)
My issue is that he has no motivations of his own. What if by working for Shao Kahn he would learn the secrets of those who made him a orphan.
Shao Kahn raised him and told Reiko that under him, he will get his vengeance and a comfortable life. I also would like for Shao to grow a soft spot for Reiko and emphasize that as a kid, he used everything he had to survive like how Shao did when he was a sick little boy but his father 0pushed him to become as strong as her could be.
"When you don't have your own story, you become part of someone else's"
@@CynicalWarlockespecially in the hands of Netherrealm writing
Dude who gets this invested in a fighting game character and why the fuck does he smell the dirt every time in the intro?
He's sifting for cocaine.
I miss those Mk4 endings
There were some good ideas in them..
..and some reaally cheesy, badly acted ones.
And then there's Reptile getting his head blown off, in his own ending.
I'd like to see him be a double of Shao Kahn like Padme and Queen Amadalia. That would've made more sense for Shao Kahn's death in MKDA, but Reiko was alive and well in MKA. Maybe they used a Meat construct to pose as Reiko posing as Shao Kahn and Shao Kahn's double was Reiko, but NOT Reiko, which explains why he was alive to fight Taven in MKA. Meat is a double of a double. Make sense yet?🤔
Perfect sense! Was just thinking of Meat. Would be an elegant way to integrate that thing into the story.
So then you have Reiko, Meat posing as Reiko, Chameleon or some sorcerer posing as Reiko, Shao Khan being Reiko - suddenly, everyone wants to be Reiko. I love this kind of confusing clusterfuck of a fiasco.
@@CynicalWarlock Yup. And it makes his MK4 ending ACTUALLY make sense now. Also I had MK4 for the N64, so the Shao Kahn thing was cut out and I just saw him walk through a portal and the credits roll. Only years later would I see the PS and MK Gold version of his ending that... things became even MORE confusing and stupid. I think our ideas help clarify things though. Maybe 4th Snake should have a look.😉👍
Poor nitara
She deserved better..
Holy shit, I was actually excited for Reiko when they announced him, but like you said. He’s boring. 🛌 💤 nah that circle Tele is slick as hell tho
Right? I mean it was slow and punishable on reaction, but by the gods, it's cool.
Let's be real, every second MK character is the most misused character in the entire franchise.
Truth.
Sheeva needs her teets back
4 of em, this time.
So this NEW Reiko you are proposing works really well and he could keep the Noob inspired teleport because what if Reiko is a Brotherhood of Shadow member? Former really? Remember he fought in the war between Shinnok and Lucifer and seemingly resurfaced during MK 4 and than went on to serve Shao Kahn. What if Reiko was a double agent? He worked for the Brotherhood, but betrayed them to pledge alligence to Shao Kahn. He'd have a background in dabbling with shadow magic because he would've been under Quan Chi at one point and Quan Chi created Noob. Perhaps Reiko betrayed the Brotherhood to serve Shao Kahn or was a double agent and Quan Chi in response created Noob? This would connect Noob and Reiko together and explain Noob is the perfected version of what Quan Chi intended to do with Reiko until his betrayal. Maybe Quan Chi brought him back through sorcery to serve him and Shinnok and Reiko betrayed him by pledging alligence instead of getting Intel on or killing Shao Kahn. So he knows shadow magic because of Quan Chi, but isn't as experienced as Bi-han. So in essence Reiko is actually Noob, but a flawed copy and serves Shao Kahn so that's why he has the abilities of both. Now Chameleon was good to use as it gives him something to do, but I would personally choose Meat. So what if Meat was constructed in the Flesh Pits for Shang Tsung to use to help Shao Kahn and fool his enemies? Also that shows signs of Shang Tsung betraying Quan Chi. But what if Meat posed as the Reiko you talked about and Shao Kahn was actually the REAL Reiko like you said? So just swap out Chameleon for Meat and play out the story the same way you said. Oh and different topic everything Reptile currently is in MK 1 should be Chameleon. Maybe Reptile in this time-line turned out to be how the ORIGINAL Chameleon turned out. Anyway at least we get old and new Reptile together and it makes sense. Although Ashrah is the stand in for Khameleon. She'd what Khameleon COULD have been or IS in another time-line. In THIS time-line Ashrah replaced her current roll because she became a do nothing soldier in Tanya's Umgadi army or whatever. Khameleon should be Ashrah. I liked how Ashrah is STILL fueding with Nitara though, so that's cool I guess. But yeah great video and I'm on board with your story, but make Chameleon Meat and it works.
I *swear* I was thinking of Meat. It's a natural way to tie that 'character' into the story naturally and give it something to do. Good writer instincts.
The Ashrah romance in M1K seems out of left field, for me. It should've been Khameleon, as you noted. Made especially frustrating since Khameleon is actually in the game, but is just a kameo.
Good idea to use Reiko's extended history with the Brotherhood of Shadow to inform his moves list.
@@CynicalWarlock Thanks man. Chameleon was a good choice though. I just felt in terms of lore and story Meat had more potential. Also I thought Meat could have just been Shang Tsung in the last timeline/timelines? Idk it's confusing.🤷♂️ Anyway in Shang Tsung's bio; one of ONLY 12 we got, it stated that Shang Tsung died in MKD during the blast, but Shao Kahn and Goro murder a bunch of people and warriors so Shang could absorb them and revitalize. Shang, at first, when returning to the land of the living looked like Meat until he absorbed enough souls to manifest into his human form again. Also in MK Shaolin Monks you have to fight Bloody Skeltons in the Wastelands and I believe the Dead Pool. I assumed Meat was one of those abominations created from the flesh Pits. In MKA it states Meat can be anyone hence he is no one a being created from Shang Tsung's Flesh Pits with no purpose or reason for being. Either way he could be used in the matter I described and I'd LIKE for Khameleon to become playable by giving her an Invasions story line. Perhaps she can be in Tanya's Season and the player is rewarded with unlocking her as a playable character afterwards or you can by her as DLC. If not have her as a Kameo in Tanya's story and save her for MK 2(or whatever the hell theyre calling this game's sequel🙄)where they can feature her as an Umgadi guard and give her something to do. Perhaps her and Tanya framed Li Mei so Khameleon could take her place instead. Maybe Tanya envied Li Mei's status with the Royal family and wanted to eliminate her to impress her lesbian lover Mileena and potential future Mother-in-law Queen Sindel. There you go. EVERYONE gets better character development and Tanya is a more nuanced complex and well-developed character and not just down graded as "I'm a lesbian so I check boxes and don't have to do anything MORE for the story." Also, I know beauty is subjective, but why is Tanya no longer attractive? And I mean this because I saw the model her look was based off of and she was an attractive woman. NRS took her model and thought, "whom. How do we make her unappealing as a character? We already made her 1 note and boring, so let's make her...um...less...desirable on top of that. I mean I get why, but it's kinda a shame. She used to be a sultry seductress. I mean she's with Mileena now; who isn't going to win any beauty pagents any time soon, so I guess that's ok, but Tanya; especially in MK4 was hot, but not slutty. Over the years they've worked really hard on making her unappealing, but also ruining her character. Where's the beautiful woman who seduced Lui Kang and trapped him in a cave, stole the Kamidogu from Onaga, created an army of Dragons and became a Dragon Waverynn, and kidnapped Sindel and guarded her until she was defeated by Shujinko? Oh and Jade threw Tarkatan scent all over her so she'd be ripped apart by Baraka and his race, so I kinda find it a bit ironic that Tanya would choose Mileena in this time-line to have a lesbian relationship with. Also where is Jade? I want to see Tanya and Jade fued again.
@@Nick-up5wv Your Tanya rant might as well have been extracted from my own brain. Nothing to add, really. Thank the gods for the modders, who worked miracles with her character model.
Tanya and Jade rivalry is written in the stars. Jade is Kitana's bff, Tanya is her backstabbing betrayer. They are natural enemies. None of this umgadi m'bele mufasa crap.
@@CynicalWarlock 🤣 I agree. Tanya should be Mileena's Jade. Way I see it ORIGINALLY Jade was Kitana's bodyguard, mentor, and overall best friend. She was MORE of a sister to Kitana than Mileena. When Mileena was created she was only made to ultimately replace Kitana, but ultimately learned over time to love her. She never received that sisterly love that Kitana had with Jade and so she grew up with no one. Meanwhile Tanya, being an opportunist used Mileena's loneliness to get in good with her and the Royal family or Shao Kahn, whatever. I haven't decided on time-line. Anyway her father was a famous ambassador and had his own Royal Family that paid tribute to King Jarod and Queen Sindel, so that's how she allowed Quan Chi to sneak into Edenia in MK 4. Anyway point being she worked really hard to earn her status within the Royal Family and got close to Mileena. Over time things changed and while she fulfilled the roll to Mileena that Jade did for Kitana Tanya developed ACTUAL feelings and became infatuated with her. Though she's close to Mileena Mileena still wants a close bond with her sister;something Jade hinders her from. I believe Tanya, actually wanting to see Mileena happy, intends to get rid if Jade, so that Mileena and Kitana will have the sister relationship Mileena has always desired and Tanya could replace Jade's roll. She could than mentor and protect BOTH sisters gaining MORE power in the process and having two "twin" assassins do her bidding at all times. As Umgadi she can protect the Kingdom. As a Royal Advisor to BOTH "twins" Tanya can RULE over the Kingdom and possibly work with Rain to take over ALL of Edenia. I think we can combine Tanya's manipulative old nature and fuse it with the lesbian "Umgadi" nature to write a deeply complex and dynamic character. One who is kinda a foil for Jade. Basically an evil Jade who fights for the Kingdom and DOES love it, but wants POWER as the only way to successfully protect it. Anyway Jade and her would have an epic rivalry because they both share the same goal to protect the kingdom, but Tanya has more of an evil choice. Not evil, per say, but definitely more SELFISHLY motivated.
@@Nick-up5wv Had to grab a beverage before perusing through your pitch. I mean.. once again, little to add. Looks like you've given this a lot of thought. This all has the air of a political drama, and I'm all here for it. Yeah, Jade wants to serve Edenia by protecting the royal family and keeping things the way they are, while Tanya wants to change things, through subterfuge, is necessary. It's a great contrast.
Might adapt at least part of this into an Edenian video. You know, other than the one I already made.
There's something engrossing about Edenia and its characters.