The Ultimate version ofMortal Kombat 11has just arrived, but NetherRealm Studios has already provided an update that adds more new content. Among the contents of the latest update toMortal Kombat 11are a series of new Brutalities, one of which stars Shao Kahn and is seemingly pulled directly fromMortal Kombat 4.
While most players are trying to master theBrutalities of new additions like Mileena, some have been exploring the additional finishers for characters that have been in the game since launch. Outworld Emperor Shao Kahn is one of the characters to see an addition via the game’s latest patch, and the special move is a reference to an old-school Fatality.
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While not as flashy or intricate as the fatalities of the recent games, the move should provide some nostalgia for fans of the oldMortal Kombatgames. The move seesthe brutal warrior Shao Kahnforce his foot through the stomach of an opposing fighter, essentially impaling them on his leg. While the repurposing of an old fatality would be cool enough on its own, this homage toMortal Kombat 4has a few extra layers to it. This is primarily due to the original user of the move: Reiko.
ManyMortal Kombatplayers may not rememberthe Outworld General Reiko, as the character has not been playable sinceMortal Kombat: Annihilation. Best known for the controversy from his ending inMortal Kombat 4, Reiko died in a prelude comic forMortal Kombat X. Only referenced via pre-fight dialogue inMortal Kombat 11, it will likely be awhile before the character is seen again.
Though a Reiko return is not nearly as requested asa playable return for Reptile, the use of hisMK4Fatality is a fun nod from NetherRealm regarding the controversy around Reiko’s identity. In the character’sMortal Kombat 4ending, specifically on home consoles, he is seen moving through a portal to have Shao Kahn’s iconic mask placed upon his face. This led to years of theorizing regarding Reiko being Shao Kahn or his successor, which was eventually shot down by Ed Boon and other NetherRealm developers.
The nod to the Shao Kahn and Reiko debate is something that few wholly modern fans are likely to pick up on, but the ones who do will likely be thrilled by the addition. Withother Brutalities added toMortal Kombat 11as well, players should have a blast pointing out more connections to old characters and games from the iconic fighting franchise.
Mortal Kombat 11is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
