Mortal Kombat Reborn: The Journey Begins

Overview
Mortal Kombat Reborn: The Journey Begins, part of a new series of Mortal Kombat "spin-off" titles, focuses on a new universe in the Mortal Kombat multiverse, which was spawned at the time that Raiden sent his message to his past self, but this also caused a paradox to create many new universes in the timestream. This made the guardian of Time, Chronos, worry, since he had thought it might have other unforeseen consequences, yet he chose to observe one of these new timelines, to see how it would stabilize, and to also see how events could be different than in other timelines...

Story
Mortal Kombat. A tournament that has existed for centuries as a means to help not only protect realms from unnecessary invasion, but to symbolize life, as normal men and women clash for what they believe in. However, 500 years ago, the sorcerer Shang Tsung took control of the tournament once again when he had killed his nemesis, the Great Kung Lao, who had defeated him 50 years prior. With Prince Goro of the Shokan as his main warrior, Shang secured 9 victories for his now home realm of Outworld. This next tournament would be the tenth victory Outworld would need to be able to come through the Furies and take Earthrealm for its emperor, Shao Kahn. However, Raiden, the Japanese God of Thunder, Earthrealm's designated protector, as well as the younger brother of Shao Kahn, has been choosing warriors to combat his brother's advances on Earthrealm. All he knows is that Outworld must not win the tenth tournament. They must not win... Mortal Kombat.

Gameplay Options

 * Story Mode
 * Arcade Kombat
 * Versus Kombat
 * Tag Kombat
 * Online Kombat
 * Training
 * Challenge Tower
 * Test Your Might
 * Test Your Luck
 * The Krypt
 * Hall of Time
 * Downloadable Kontent
 * Options

Gameplay
Mortal Kombat Reborn: The Journey Begins plays much like other Mortal Kombat games, with two characters battling one another, until one is defeated, before the winner can execute a Fatality or win the battle normally. Each character has a life bar as well as two additional meters; one for Aggressor Mode, similar to Instinct Mode in the XBOX One "Killer Instinct", and the other, a Super Meter, which allows you to use Enhanced versions of special attacks, Breakers, or a Super Move that does massive damage.

-CONTROLS-

Punch 1 - Square / X

Punch 2 - Triangle / Y

Kick 1 - X / A

Kick 2 - Circle / B

Block - L1 / Left Bumper

Throw - R1 / Right Bumper

Stage Interaction - L2 / Left Trigger

Aggressor Mode - R2 / Right Trigger

Super Move - L1 + R1 / Left Bumper + Right Bumper

Move - D-Pad / Analog Stick Left or Right

Jump Up - D-Pad / Analog Stick Up

Jump Forward - D-Pad / Analog Stick Up-Right

Jump Back - D-Pad / Analog Stick Up-Left

Dash - D-Pad / Analog Stick Right twice

Run - D-Pad / Analog Stick Right twice, then hold Right

Step Back - D-Pad / Analog Stick Left twice

Breaker - D-Pad / Analog Stick Right or Left + Block while blocking an attack

Kombatants
Liu Kang

Race: Human

Realm of Origin: Earthrealm

Home: People's Republic of China/United States of America (has citizenship in both countries)

Occupation: Mechanic, Shaolin Monk

Fighting Style: Jeet Kun Do, mixed with Shaolin-style Kung Fu

Family: Lee Kang (father, deceased), Lin Kang (mother, deceased), Chow Kang (brother, deceased), Xiba Kang (grandfather), Kung Lao (cousin), Wing Lao (uncle, deceased), Chan Lao (aunt, deceased), The Great Kung Lao (ancestor, deceased)

Orphaned along with his younger brother Chow, Liu grew up in the Temple of the Order of Light, learning the ways of the Shaolin under his grandfather Xiba. Liu and Chow trained diligently in their lives under the tutelage of Master Bo' Rai Cho of Outworld, who sought to protect Earthrealm from Outworld's emperor, Shao Kahn. Life remained the same, until Liu turned 18 and Chow turned 16. When he turned 18, Liu traveled from China to live in the US, taking up a role as a mechanic, growing there until times changed.

When he least expected it, Liu received a letter from his grandfather after 6 years... Chow had been killed. When he returned, he had learned it was Shang Tsung, the man who controlled the Mortal Kombat tournament that had killed Chow. Liu himself had heard the tales of how every 50 years, the tournament of Mortal Kombat was held as a means to prevent the Earth from falling to the forces of a realm called Outworld. Though Liu grew jaded of the stories, he was soon learning the truth; they were very real.

After attending Chow's funeral, Liu had asked to represent the Shaolin Temples and the Order of Light in the tournament. In order to prove his worth, Liu Kang was challenged by someone else whom wished to compete in Mortal Kombat; his cousin, Kung Lao, named after their direct ancestor. After defeating Kung Lao in battle, Liu Kang set off to Hong Kong, knowing he would have to fight for two goals; to avenge Chow's death and to prevent Outworld from claiming a 10th victory in Mortal Kombat and to claim Earthrealm for its own...

Special Attacks

High Fireball - Focusing his inner chi, Liu Kang fires a blast of fire outward.

Low Fireball - Similar to the High Fireball, but Liu Kang aims down at his opponent's legs rather than their torso.

Flying Dragon Kick - A technique passed onto Liu by Master Bo' Rai Cho, he flies forward, with his leg extended to deliver a powerful kick.

Bicycle Kick - Liu Kang takes to the air, kicking rapidly with his feet at his opponent's head.

Dragon's Tail - Flipping forward, Liu Kang delivers a fiery kick to hit the enemy with.

Parry - Focusing flame around his hands, Liu Kang blocks almost any attack, then counterattacks.

Aggressor Mode

Spirit of the Dragon - Liu Kang increases his movement and attack speeds for a short time, making his combos do more hits as well as allowing him to run and dodge more quickly.

Super Move

Dragon Inferno - Liu Kang twists around and kicks at his enemy, stunning them as he then leaps back, focusing his chi into his hands and unleashes a Fireball shaped like a massive dragon which engulfs the enemy and damages them.

Fatalities

Chin Up - Liu Kang performs a cartwheel kick and uppercut, which damages his opponent's jaw and skull and causes them to fly in the air. As they come back down he kicks them in the face, causing another damaging blow to the jaw and skull, and they land on their back, writhing in pain before passing out.

Fist of Flame - Liu Kang bows and charges his hand with fire, then punches his fist through his opponent's chest and pulls it back out, leaving his arm bloodied and the opponent with a gaping wound in their chest.

Johnny Cage

Race: Human

Realm of Origin: Earthrealm

Home: Los Angeles, California, United States (Has US citizenship)

Fighting Style: Own Style

Family: Robert Carlton (Father), Rose Carlton (Mother), Rebecca Carlton (Sister)

A famous Hollywood actor since he was 19, John Carlton, now known as Johnny Cage, has another secret; besides training under many of the world's greatest martial artists by his parents in the hopes he could curb his attitude, Johnny also has the power, like many competitors in Mortal Kombat, to channel his chi into a weapon. He is a descendant of an ancient Mediterranean cult who bred warriors for the gods -- warriors who possessed power beyond that of mortals. This legacy has made Johnny Cage a star.

His success in Hollywood has made him one of the highest grossing actors available in the United States, though of late, he's been having trouble with his critics and fans, all of them believing his skills and ability to channel his chi as mere smoke and mirrors. Even the sales of hit moves like Time Smashers, Citizen Cage, and Ninja Mime on DVD and Blu-Ray have fallen, which worries Johnny.

While filming his latest movie, "World's Most Wanted", he was surprised to see one of his old sensei, Master Boyd (really Shang Tsung in disguise after having killed the real Master Boyd and consuming his soul), had told him about Mortal Kombat, a means for him to prove his legitimacy to his fans.

Excited for being in a tournament to really show his stuff for the first time in years, Johnny canceled all his filming for "World's Most Wanted", and got a ticket to Hong Kong, unaware he has been lured to his death... but his gift and ancestry will aid him in the battle to come.

Special Attacks High Force Orb - Johnny flings his arm up, sending out a bolt of green chi at a high curved angle.

Low Force Orb - Like the High Force Orb, Johnny hurls this Force Orb at a lower angle.

Shadow Kick - Cage slides across the floor with one foot at a steady speed and connects with a kick to the torso of his opponent with the other one, leaving a trail of green shadows as he does it.

Nut Punch - One of Cage's most memorable moves where he does a split and punches the opponent in the groin.

Johnny Uppercut - Cage would leap into the air and deliver an uppercut with his elbow which launched his foe into the air, leaving a green trail.

Flip Kick - Cage does a somersault kick that launches his foe into the air, leaving a green trail.

Aggressor Mode

Caged - Cage awakens his full chi, making his dashes have a green shadow before him, allowing him to pass through his opponent, projectiles and such, while keeping in close to his opponent.

Super Move

World's Most Wanted - Cage leaps at his opponent with a Shadow Kick, stunning them as he leaps forward, hitting them with an elbow, some punches, followed up by a knee to the stomach, then his leaping up and slamming his elbow into their back, before he winds up and hits them with an uppercut to send them rolling onto their stomach.

Fatalities

Deadly Uppercut - Johnny delivers a bloody and savage uppercut that tears his opponent's head off clear from their shoulder. As their corpse remains still, Johnny looks, then tips it over with a light tap.

Torso Rip - Johnny grabs his opponent around the torso, then rips the torso clear off, finishing by throwing it to the ground.

Sonya Blade

Race: Human

Realm of Origin: Earthrealm

Home: Dallas, Texas, United States (has US citizenship)

Fighting Style: Special Forces training including Tae Kwon Do, Kenpo, and Judo

Family: Major Herman Blade (father, missing, considered deceased), Erica Blade (mother), Captain Daniel Blade (brother)

A military brat through and through, Sonya grew up amazed in her father's career in the United States Marines, while her older brother Daniel took the course to be a part of the Army. When her father disappeared, Sonya was driven to join the US Army Special Forces. While in the forces, Sonya proved herself to be a good soldier, even if she was quite reckless, but she would quickly rise to the rank of Lieutenant.

Impulsive in nature, Sonya does all she can to honor the memory of her father, while serving with her C.O., Major Jackson "Jax" Briggs, in tracking down the infamous Black Dragon, led by a deadly mercenary named Kano. But for Sonya, it is personal since Kano killed her previous partner, Adam Wexler, spurring her to personally hunt Kano down.

In Hong Kong, Sonya got a tip that Kano was boarding an old barge of some kind. With the call for a speeder, she and her team went after Kano, only to be ambushed on Shang Tsung's island. Now, Sonya has been forcibly entered into Mortal Kombat. She must win, or her squadmates will perish.

Special Attacks

Energy Ring Blast - Clanging her wrists together, she sends out ring-like projectiles that would hit the opponent.

Leg Grab - Sonya does a handstand and grabs her opponent with her feet, then slams them to the ground.

Face Planter - Sonya takes off into the air and flies across the screen with a punch to anyone who is in the air.

Rising Bicycle Kick - Sonya rises into the air with a series of kicks to the opponent.

Cartwheel Kick - Sonya performs a cartwheel at her opponent, kicking them on impact.

Arc Kick- Sonya performs a kick that arcs through the air, enabling her to hit the opponent in the air or on the ground.

Deadly Kiss - Sonya blows a kiss that stuns the opponent by irritating their eyes.

Air Leg Throw - Using her legs, Sonya tosses the opponent to the ground from the air.

Fatalities

Fire Kiss - Sonya blows a flaming kiss in the direction of her opponent, burning him/her alive.

Neck Breaker - Sonya grabs the opponent by the neck, stands upside-down while doing so and snaps their neck

Raiden

Race: God

Realm of Origin: The Heavens

Home: Non-applicable

Family: Shao Kahn (brother, estranged)

One of the many deities of various cultures that is in Earthrealm, Raiden is the Japanese God of Thunder, and has been assigned by the Elder Gods themselves to be the protector of Earthrealm. He takes this duty well, having guided many warriors in the defense of Earthrealm throughout Mortal Kombat. Even if he is unable to participate directly unless he takes a mortal form, Raiden still does what he can to guide the warriors he chooses.

Recently, Raiden has grown concerned about Shang Tsung procuring 9 victories for Outworld thanks to Prince Goro of the Shokan. He has sought to find many warriors in the hopes that he can stem the tide of destruction left behind. He himself has gotten so desperate he has taken mortal form in the hopes he can prevent Shang Tsung from his tenth victory.

Though few deities know this knowledge, Raiden is the brother of Outworld's current Emperor, Shao Kahn, once a god who protected Outworld like Raiden does with Earthrealm, but he took it further. It is why Raiden is so adamant to prevent Outworld's dominance of Earth; because if he were to allow the darkness his brother has to consume Earth, it would mean much devastation...

Special Attacks

Teleport - At will, Raiden vanishes and reappears behind his opponent.

Lightning - Raiden sends a bolt of lightning flying at his opponent.

Electric Fly - Raiden flies at his opponent and pushes them against the wall.

Shocker - Raiden grabs his opponent and electrocutes them.

Vicinity Blast - Raiden performs a closer range version of his lightning, but with more knockback and a wind effect to it, which can be charged up.

Reverse Lightning - Raiden sends a bolt of lightning in the other direction hitting an opponent from behind.

Electric Slide - Raiden slides across the floor and hits his opponent with his shoulder, electrocuting them in the process.

Fatalities

Electrocution - Raiden charges electricity into his hand and grabs his opponent, sending it through their body. The electric shock burns off all the opponent's flesh, leaving behind their burning skeleton.

Explosive Uppercut - Raiden crouches down and sends a vicious electrically-charged uppercut to his opponent blowing them into pieces.

Kano

Race: Human

Realm of Origin: Earthrealm

Home: N/A (has been denied citizenship to over 30 countries due to his criminal activities)

Fighting Style: Street Fighting, knife skills

Family: Unknown (was said to be born to a Japanese woman and an Australian man)

The leader of the Black Dragon syndicate, Kano is on the top of Interpol and the FBI's Most Wanted lists for his acts of anarchy, death, and terrorism. He makes his business out of the chaos he causes, and he loves every minute of it. It has gotten so bad that the US Army Special Forces have been brought in several times to take him down.

In an operation in Cambodia, Kano ended up in battle with Major Jackson "Jax" Briggs, who knocked back a grenade Kano threw at him, causing Kano to take shrapnel in to part of his face. After this, he had some help from friends in the Cyber Initiative the Black Dragon had been working on to replace his damaged eye with a special cybernetic, with extensive surgery being done to his brain to link his brain and new eye to one another as well as providing it a powerful source of energy...

Now, Kano has been hired by Shang Tsung, the Mortal Kombat tournament master, to help Outworld win the tournament, with his being promised not only lots of wealth but his "birthplace" of Australia as well. It's not just that reason Kano has sided with Outworld; he has been hunted down by Sonya Blade of the Special Forces, and she is here in the tournament... so he can kill two birds with one stone.

Special Attacks

Kano Ball - Kano curls into a ball and flies at his opponent.

Knife Throw - Kano throws a pair of knives at his opponent.

Knife Swipe - Kano slashes his opponents with his knife in an upward swing.

Choke - Kano would grab his opponent and lift them in the air by the throat and proceed to stab them in the chest.

Knife Spin - Kano spins both of his knives around his body, knocking the opponent up into the air if it connects.

Eye Laser - Kano shoots a laser from his eye at the opponent.

Up Kano Ball - Kano aims his Kano Ball upwards to an aerial opponent

Kano Pinball - After rolling into a ball, Kano flying all over the screen in random directions.

Down Kano Ball - Kano performs his Kano Ball from the air to the ground, hitting the opponent if on his way.

Air Throw - While in the air, Kano uses his legs to push the opponent to the ground.

Fatalities

Heart Rip - Kano's signature fatality has him ripping the heart out of his opponent's chest, then hoisting the still beating organ in the air in triumph.

Knife Toss - Before executing this fatality, he slowly walks away from his opponent, as if he were giving up, then he throws both Butterfly Knives into the opponent abruptly, the first one going through the chest, the second one piercing through their head.

Scorpion

Race: Spectre (once human)

Realm of Origin: Earthrealm (Netherrealm as a spectre)

Home: Japan (as a human), Netherrealm (as a spectre)

Fighting Style: Shirai-Ryu Ninjutsu

Family: Hana Hazashi (wife, deceased), Jubei Hazashi (son, deceased), Shirai-Ryu clan (deceased)

Once Hanzo Hasashi, one of the deadliest assassins in the Japanese ninja clan, the Shirai-Ryu, Scorpion was sent on an assignment to a Shaolin temple in China, where he faced his arch-rival, Bi-Han, the Lin Kuei assassin known as Sub-Zero. Both had been sent there to steal the Map of Elements, and only one of them would get it. In the end, Sub-Zero defeated Scorpion and killed him, casting his soul into the Netherrealm, otherwise known as Hell in many cultures. Even as a man of honor, Scorpion lived a life of sin as part of the Shirai-Ryu, and thus his soul was cast down.

Time felt endless in the Netherrealm, but eventually, Hanzo Hasashi grew weak and tired of being a Togabito, an Offender, and sought to redeem his demise at the hands of Sub-Zero. So he had trained himself, learning new power he never knew he had, such as to teleport, to control hellfire itself, and his famed kunai and chain were now an extension of himself.

Soon, he escaped the Prison of Souls, the place where many souls that fall into the Netherrealm are first cast, driven by one goal; revenge. He would return to life, but Hanzo Hasashi was now truly dead. All that remained was a spectre, driven by a single minded goal to avenge his death and regain his honor. All that remained... was Scorpion.

Special Attacks

Spear - Sending out a rope with a tipped Kunai at the end, it impales itself into the victim's chest, allowing Scorpion to pull him or her through the air towards him for a free hit, as well as cause a small bit of damage. This move often follows the words, "GET OVER HERE!" or "COME HERE!"

Hellfire Punch - Teleporting behind his opponent, he connects with a punch, then uppercuts his opponent.

Leg Takedown - Scorpion trips his opponent with a leg scissor takedown.

Air Throw - Scorpion throws his opponent to the ground while in the air.

Hellfire Backflip Kick - Scorpion performs a backflip kick followed by a trail of fire.

Hellfire - Scorpion raises his hands up and causes hellfire to burn under his opponent's feet.

Inner Flames - Scorpion creates flames of hellfire all around his body that damages anyone who comes into direct contact with him, even during a special move.

Fatalities

Toasty! - Scorpion takes off his mask, revealing a skull face, and breathes fire at his opponent, burning them alive.

Nether Gate - Scorpion takes out his spear and stabs his opponent in the chest, then wraps it around the opponent's neck. He then opens up a portal leading to the Netherrealm behind them. He kicks them in it. Afterwards, a portal opens up above him. His opponent falls out of it, their skin melted off and suspended in midair by Scorpion's spear in a position reminiscent to a hanging.