Reptile's Stunning Backstory Revelation in Mortal Kombat 1 Shocks Fans!

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 introduces a new timeline and fresh origins for beloved characters, including Reptile, who has a long history of redesigns.

Reptile, a member of the Saurian race, possesses extraordinary skills in shapeshifting and camouflage. However, due to his unique capacity to transform into a human, he has been banished from his own Saurian society in the revised timeline.

The mere existence of the Saurians indicates a significant alteration in their origins, hinting at a divergent history compared to previous renditions. Their presence may greatly influence the newly established timeline of Mortal Kombat 1.

Mortal Kombat 1 is coming later this month, and Ed Boon, the creator, and NetherRealm Studios, the developer, have been introducing fans to its new timeline throughout the summer. They have revealed the origins of popular characters like Raiden, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Shao Kahn in various stages of the Summer Game Fest 2023 and the recent Gamescom Conference. One of the most notable character transformations is that of Reptile, who has undergone many redesigns in the Mortal Kombat series. With his unique Saurian abilities, Reptile stands out from other fighters by being able to take on various forms. Although Reptile's core skills remain the same in Mortal Kombat 1, his backstory and role in the Mortal Kombat universe have undergone significant changes.

Mortal Kombat 1 takes place after the events of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, following the creation of a new timeline by Fire God Liu Kang. In this universe, peace and prosperity seem to prevail, as many of the fierce adversaries of the series coexist harmoniously. However, everything crumbles when Shang Tsung, and possibly an even more formidable villain, disrupt the lives of the timeline's inhabitants, ultimately leading to the Mortal Kombat Tournament. The rebooted timeline of Mortal Kombat 1 provides both long-time fans with fresh content and new fans with a perfect starting point, introducing new gameplay mechanics like the Kameo system that promise to bring in a new era for the franchise.

Mortal Kombat's Reptile is No Stranger to Reboots

Syzoth, also known as Reptile, belongs to the Saurian race. These humanoid reptiles possess the extraordinary ability to transform into human beings and blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Reptile made his first appearance in the original Mortal Kombat as a hidden boss. Initially portrayed in human form, subsequent installments of the game showcased his true reptilian nature and his connection to the Saurian race. Out of all the Saurians, there are only two survivors in the Mortal Kombat franchise: Syzoth and Khameleon. While Khameleon retains a consistent appearance throughout the series, Reptile's character constantly evolves due to his shape-shifting talents.

The Saurian race originally called Earthrealm their home. However, during a conflict between Shinnok and Raiden, a catastrophic event known as the K-T event occurred, marking the end of the Cretaceous Period. This event resulted in the extinction of numerous dinosaur and reptile species. To ensure their survival, the Saurians fled to a different realm known as Zaterra and began rebuilding their civilization. Unfortunately, their sanctuary did not last long as Shao Kahn, an oppressive conqueror, invaded and took over Zaterra. Consequently, Syzoth and Khameleon were left as the sole survivors of their kind. While Syzoth eventually aligned himself with Shao Kahn, Khameleon managed to escape and vowed to seek revenge for her devastated Saurian people.

Mortal Kombat 1 Delivers a Major Change to Reptile's Backstory

In Mortal Kombat 1, the character Reptile takes on a unique role compared to previous versions. Unlike before, it is revealed that the Saurian race is still alive and thriving. Instead of being the sole survivor, Syzoth has been banished from Saurian society due to his ability to transform into a human. This suggests that the Saurians still inhabit Zaterra, since Shao Kahn's violent history has been erased from the timeline. Reptile in Mortal Kombat 1 also possesses the ability to fully transform into a human, eliminating the need for a mask. In the game's trailer, Reptile is recruited by Fire God Liu Kang to help defend Earthrealm from a new threat.

The inclusion of Syzoth in Mortal Kombat 1 implies a different interpretation of the Saurians, indicating changes to their survival and origins. Without the conflict between the God Raiden and Shinnok, there would be no reason for the Saurians to flee Earthrealm. If they arrived at Zaterra through another means, they would have likely ruled it unchallenged for many years, possibly leading to a highly advanced civilization by the time Mortal Kombat 1 takes place. It is unclear whether Syzoth was exiled to Earthrealm or if there is an open means of traveling between the Realms. In any case, the Saurians may have a significant role in the rebooted timeline of Mortal Kombat 1, with their existence and potential motives becoming important factors in the broader Mortal Kombat universe going forward.

Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S