Summary
Mortal Kombat 1opened the door to a new era for the series' long-running timeline. This reset came complete with refreshed characters, stages, lore, and more. Each new version of the legacyMortal Kombatcharacters featured in the game was revamped in some way. There are many stand-out character reinventions such as an honorable Sindel, Mileena as a princess and heir to the throne, Baraka as a good-hearted merchant, and so on. Among the re-written character narratives is one that is arguably the most stark and impactful, and that is the story of Reptile.
Reptile, whose actual name is Syzoth, is a Saurian from the realm of Zaterra. This remains consistent in his original timeline backstory andthe rewritten narrative ofMortal Kombat 1. The details, however, greatly impact his role in theMortal Kombatuniverse, his style from a gameplay perspective, and the potential direction of future sequels and supplemental material. To fully understand Reptile’s reinvention inMK1, his lore in the former timeline must also be analyzed.
RELATED:Mortal Kombat 1’s Reptile is a Total Glow-Up
Reptile’s Origins In Mortal Kombat
Reptile is a character who has been redesigned and reintegrated into eachMortal Kombattitle that he has been featured in. Initially appearing as a fully human form with the ability to remove his face revealing a fully reptilian head, he gradually became more and more lizard-like. Reptile’s original design stemmed from his humble beginnings asa secret boss fight in the originalMortal Kombat. As he was a mere palette swap for Scorpion and Sub-Zero, he didn’t have much lore or interesting design elements surrounding him.
AfterMortal Kombat 2, Reptile became more of a substantial character. In the original timeline’s lore, Syzoth was one of the last surviving members of his Saurian race, the reptilian race that fled from Earthrealm at the end of the Cretaceous Period. There was a war between Shinnok and the God of Thunder, Raiden, which wiped out most dinosaur races during what would be known as the K-T Event. Reptile and the other surviving Saurians fled to the realm of Zaterra to rebuild their civilization. Eventually,Shao Kahn invaded Zaterra with his Outworld forcesand quickly conquered the realm. Most Saurians were slaughtered, and as one of the last surviving members of his race, Reptile joined Shao Kahn.
- Reptile in Mortal Kombat 1
How Reptile Swayed Mortal Kombat’s Timeline
Reptile’s story in theMortal Kombatgamesmostly consists of him serving under Shao Kahn while searching for a means to revive his species and free Zaterra from Outworld’s grasp. to survive, Syzoth remained a loyal servant to whoever was in command, whether it be Shao Kahn or Shang Tsung. Using his invisibility technique, he remained in the shadows and was never the main focus of a particular event. When Kotal Kahn took over Outworld, Reptile switched allegiances.
Reptile most substantially changed the course ofMortal Kombat’s story inDeadly Alliance.Reptile’s tower ending inMortal Kombat: Deadly Allianceconcluded with him being turned into Onaga, the Dragon King. At the time, Onaga was set up to be the fiercest foe in Mortal Kombat history, seeking to unite the realms and obtain the ultimate power of the Kamidogu. Onaga became the main antagonist ofMK: Deceptionand an enemy whose return to the franchise has been set up inMK1.
Why Mortal Kombat 1’s Reptile Is So Important
Reptile’s reinvention inMortal Kombat 1saw the character finally receive the attention he deserves. He has always been one of the most beloved characters among the fan base but rarely given much spotlight.MK1rewrites Reptile as more of a noble character, a family man who wants to protect his family. No longer a crazed coward who simply follows whoever is in command, Syzoth takes action when Liu Kang and Earthrealm’s champions offer him a chance to fight for good.
By giving Syzoth a more compelling story players are able to connect with him on another level than in the past. He is an outcast, shunned by his people for having the abnormal ability of shape-shifting. The Zaterrans he fought so hard to revive in the past are no longer extinct but tragically want nothing to do with him.Reptile is forced to work for Shang Tsungin order to protect his wife and child, but when he discovers Shang Tsung already killed them, he changes sides. These compelling events make Syzoth a character to empathize with and want to succeed.
Reptile’s ending inMortal Kombat 1concludes with him finally becoming a hero to his Zaterran people. As he becomes an emissary for the royals of Outworld, he is respected for doing what no other Saurian has. Fans of Reptile finally get to see the character united and heralded by his people and a champion ofMortal Kombat. His triumphant story paired with his familiar yet innovative gameplay makesReptile one of the best reinventions inMortal Kombat 1.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
