Mortal Kombat 11 receives an update that adds new Brutalities to the game, with a finisher that resembles a move used in Mortal Kombat 4.
The Ultimate version of Mortal Kombat 11 has just arrived, but NetherRealm Studios has already provided an update that adds more new content. Among the contents of the latest Mortal Kombat 11 update are a number of new Brutalities, one of which stars Shao Kahn and is apparently drawn directly from Mortal Kombat 4.
While most gamers are trying to master the brutalities of new additions like Mileena, some have been exploring additional finishers for characters that have been in the game since launch. Outworld’s emperor Shao Kahn is one of the characters that will see an addition through the game’s latest patch, and the special move is a reference to an old-school doom.
While not as flashy or intricate as recent game deaths, the move should provide some nostalgia for fans of old Mortal Kombat games. The move sees brutal warrior Shao Kahn force his foot through the stomach of an opposing fighter, essentially impaling him on his leg. While reusing an old doom would be cool enough on its own, this Mortal Kombat 4 homage has some added layers. This is mainly due to the original user of the movement: Reiko.
Many Mortal Kombat players may not remember General Reiko from Outworld, as the character has not been playable since Mortal Kombat: Annihilation. Best known for his ending controversy in Mortal Kombat 4, Reiko died in a Mortal Kombat X prelude comic. He’s only referenced through pre-fight dialogue in Mortal Kombat 11, it’s likely a while before to see the character again.
Although a Reiko return isn’t as in demand as a playable return for Reptile, the use of his MK4 Fatality is a fun nod from NetherRealm regarding the controversy over Reiko’s identity. In the Mortal Kombat 4 ending of the character, specifically on home consoles, he is seen moving through a portal to place the iconic Shao Kahn mask on his face. This led to years of theorizing about Reiko as Shao Kahn or his successor, who was eventually brought down by Ed Boon and other NetherRealm developers.
Shao Kahn and Reiko’s nod to debate is something few fully modern fans are likely to grasp, but those who do will likely be delighted with the addition. With other Brutalities added to Mortal Kombat 11 as well, players should have fun pointing out more connections to older characters and games from the iconic fighting franchise.
Mortal Kombat 11 is out now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
