Sareena's Mysterious Absence: Unveiling Her Fate in Liu Kang's New Universe!

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 is a sequel and reboot that brings back older characters, including lesser-known fighter Sareena, sparking fan speculation on her role in the new game.

Sareena, once portrayed as a minor background character, has undergone a transformation with her revamped appearance and newfound skills. This has made her a distinctive and potentially influential fighter in Mortal Kombat 1. Despite her previous support role, fans are now advocating for her inclusion as a primary combatant on the roster. However, it is still uncertain the extent of her involvement in the game.

Mortal Kombat 1 is introducing NetherRealm Studios' renowned fighting game franchise to a new generation with a fresh take on the game's story, serving as both a sequel and a reboot. While the return of familiar characters is highly anticipated, it is the inclusion of older fighters from the series' 3D generation that has garnered significant attention and discussion among fans.

The latest Mortal Kombat installment appears to rely heavily on the influence of the previous era, particularly the games that followed Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 and remained true to the original formula. This has sparked controversy among fans. NetherRealm has made it clear that they are paying tribute to the titles from the 2000s by bringing back beloved characters such as Kenshi, Havik, Frost, and even Ashrah. Recently, it was revealed that the classic but lesser-known character Sareena will also make a return, albeit as a cameo fighter. Despite her supporting role, Sareena's updated design has generated speculation among fans about her significance in the upcoming title's new world.

Sareena’s History as an Underrated Mortal Kombat Kombatant

Sareena, initially introduced as one of Quan Chi's assassins in Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, had a redemption arc and met her demise in the often-criticized spin-off game. As a demon from the NetherRealm, she made a comeback in Mortal Kombat: Tournament for Game Boy Advance and became a part of the franchise's lore through her connection with the Lin Kuei. In Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, when all fighters joined the roster, Sareena fell back under Quan Chi's control before ultimately redeeming herself once again, a defining aspect of her character.

In the series reboot Mortal Kombat 9, which followed the events of Armageddon, the roster was scaled down, leaving behind auxiliary characters like Sareena. Even in the subsequent Mortal Kombat X, she only made a brief appearance as a background character assisting the Special Forces. As a result, fans have often overlooked Sareena, placing her alongside forgotten fighters such as Kira and Kobra in the Mortal Kombat franchise. However, with the latest rebooted timeline, it appears that things have taken a turn for the better.

Sareena’s Fiery Presence in Mortal Kombat 1

Revealed alongside Reptile and Havik, Sareena is showcased as one of the game's most distinctive fighters in Kameo. With her origins rooted in the Netherrealm, she possesses the unique ability to fully transform into a demon, providing powerful assistance to the player. Sporting a new design that sets her apart from her original appearance, Sareena holds potential significance in the game's lore, potentially diverging from her redemption arc in the original timeline.

Standing out among the roster of Kameo fighters, which predominantly features nods to the franchise's history rather than canon characters, Sareena's limited role has stirred speculation among fans. Despite her cult-classic status and growing popularity, she appears to be purposely positioned as a supporting character. There is a rising demand for her inclusion as a main roster combatant in the upcoming Kombat Pack, but only time will reveal the extent of Sareena's involvement in Mortal Kombat 1.

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