Intro
Let’s be honest, some Mortal Kombat characters are just too good to stay side-lined. Mortal Kombat is packed with iconic characters, but not all of them get the spotlight they deserve. In this blog, we explore five Mortal Kombat characters who have the depth, fan appeal, and gameplay variety to headline their very own spin-off.
Scorpion – “Fire and Vengeance”
Scorpion is one of Mortal Kombat’s most iconic and tragic characters. This spin-off game focuses on his personal journey during the events of Mortal Kombat, covering his tragic past as Hanzo Hasashi, the fall of the Shirai Ryu, and his transformation into the vengeful wraith.
The story would span across Earthrealm and Netherrealm as Scorpion hunts down his sworn enemies, Bi-Han (the original Sub-Zero), Lin Kuei assassins, and the Netherrealm’s demonic hordes. His journey leads him to a final confrontation with Quan Chi, the mastermind behind all his suffering.
Game Idea & Genre:
A cinematic third-person action-stealth revenge game inspired by Ghost of Tsushima and God of War, featuring realm-jumping missions and hellfire-based abilities.
Gameplay Mechanics & Potential:
Fire-based combat system with chained combos, teleport strikes, and brutal finishers
Exploration across Earthrealm and Netherrealm
Progression system unlocking rage-based abilities, fire powers, and deadly chain executions
Signature moments, Fatalities in boss fights, and playable flashbacks as Hanzo Hasashi
Why it works:
He’s iconic, deadly, and tragic, the perfect solo lead. A game like this would fully unleash his rage and let players feel every burn.
Sub Zero – “Rise of the Lin Kuei”
Kuai Liang’s story is one of redemption and leadership. This spin-off focuses on Kuai Liang, the younger Sub-Zero, after the death of Bi-Han. The game follows his rise as the leader of the Lin Kuei, his rebellion against the cyber initiative, and his transformation into a warrior of honor. This game is set during and after the events of Mortal Kombat 3 and explores Kuai Liang’s fight to restore his clan’s dignity, facing enemies from both Earthrealm and the Netherrealm.
Throughout the journey, he battles the corrupted Lin Kuei faction, takes on threats like Sektor, Cyrax, and Frost, and builds alliances with Earthrealm defenders. He even clashes with Scorpion mid-game, eventually earning his respect and alliance. The final confrontation could feature a war for control of the Lin Kuei against a cybernetically enhanced Sektor — with the ultimate showdown against Noob Saibot, his elder brother turned enemy.
Game Idea & Genre:
A hybrid of stealth and martial arts combat, blending open-world exploration — similar to Assassin’s Creed and Arkham Origins.
Gameplay Mechanics & Potential:
Cryomancer Combat: Freeze attacks, ice clones, and weapon crafting
Stealth Missions: Infiltrate cyber Lin Kuei high-tech facilities
Ally System: Recruit warriors and build a new Lin Kuei legacy
Dual Boss Showdown: Sektor’s cyber army and Noob Saibot’s shadow assassins
Why it works:
Sub-Zero’s legacy, skill set, and leadership — combined with powerful ice-based combat — make him the perfect solo lead. His tale of honor, revenge, and brotherhood would shine in a focused story-driven game.
Kenshi – “The Spirit Sword”
Kenshi’s journey is the perfect blend of tragedy and mysticism. He’s one of Mortal Kombat’s most underrated yet deeply layered warriors. After being tricked and left blind by Shang Tsung, his spin-off would show his struggle surviving as a blind man in a deadly world — guided only by instinct and ancestral whispers.
This game would follow Kenshi as he learns to fight using his senses and telekinetic abilities, guided by the spirits of his ancestors. Along his journey, he battles sorcerers, Outworld monsters, and soul-eating demons. In the final confrontation, he fights Shang Tsung — the man who cursed him at the start of his journey, in a battle that’s as spiritual as it is deadly.
Game Idea & Genre:
A dark action-stealth game with mythological horror elements, spiritual abilities, and blind-sense navigation, built around heavy narrative and brutal mechanics.
Gameplay Mechanics & Potential:
Sword Combat: Precise slashes, counters, and Sento’s mythical combos
Telekinesis: Push, pull, and slam enemies using spiritual energy; telekinetic finishers with Sento
Blind Sense System: Echo-based awareness, allowing unique detection and ability usage
Spiritual Zones: Upgrade skills, speak with ancestral spirits, and unlock side quests
Final Boss Fight: Shang Tsung in a reality-shifting soul arena
Why it works:
Kenshi’s powers, story, and silent rage are tailor-made for a dark, mythic solo adventure. His story is built for a haunting and heroic experience.
Johnny Cage – “Hollywood Kombat”
Johnny Cage is often seen as the comic relief in a serious world, but he’s also a surprisingly skilled and powerful fighter. A Johnny Cage spin-off would focus on his path from arrogant actor to unexpected hero — set just before the events of the Mortal Kombat Tournament.
The story is set between his acting career and his first involvement with Earthrealm’s defenders. The game would show Johnny uncovering the truth about Outworld, getting pulled into a realm-hopping crisis, and battling Outworld bounty hunters, Black Dragon thugs, and personal rivals. The final boss is a corrupted version of himself, created by one of his haters — symbolizing his inner conflict between ego and heroism. At a key point in the story, Raiden notices Johnny’s potential and helps him defeat this twisted version of himself. In the end, Raiden offers him a place in the Mortal Kombat Tournament as Earthrealm’s newest defender.
Game Idea & Genre:
A fast-paced, cinematic beat-’em-up action-comedy game with over-the-top stunts, brutal fights, and ridiculous Hollywood chaos — similar to a Deadpool video game.
Gameplay Mechanics & Potential:
Flashy Combat: Martial arts mixed with movie-inspired special effects
Ego Meter: Perform stylish combos to hype the crowd and increase power
Stunt-Based Missions: Car chases, dash chase sequences, wire-fu combat scenes, and studio fights gone wrong
Side Quests: Help Earthrealm civilians, dodge hater-run detective missions
Final Boss: Evil Johnny — a twisted mirror match of skill and attitude
Why it works:
Stunt-based missions like car chases, wire-fu combat scenes, and studio fights gone wrong make Johnny Cage’s world fun and cinematic. A spin-off like this would show his depth, his legacy, and how he became a true defender — not just an actor.
Kitana – “Princess of Resistance”
Kitana is a born warrior and royal assassin, torn between bloodline duty and her inner truth. This spin-off explores her rebellion against Shao Kahn, her mission to reclaim Edenia, and her emotional struggle with identity — raised to be a tool of Outworld, but destined to be Edenia’s liberator.
Set between Mortal Kombat 1 to Mortal Kombat 3, the story follows Kitana as she discovers her true heritage. With the help of Earthrealm heroes like Liu Kang, Raiden, and Jade, she builds an Edenian resistance. Along the way, she faces her twisted clone Mileena, the Tarkatans, and treacherous foes like Shang Tsung and Sindel — her own mother under Shao Kahn’s control. The journey climaxes in a war for Edenia’s freedom, with Kitana leading the charge to dethrone Shao Kahn.Game Idea & Genre
Game Idea & Genre
A character-driven tactical action-adventure, with deep melee combat, strategic decision-making, and cinematic boss encounters. Think Tomb Raider meets Fire Emblem: Three Houses with Mortal Kombat intensity.
Gameplay Mechanics & Potential
Fan Blade Combat: Dual fan combos with fast aerial strikes, juggle finishers, and execution moves.
Tactical Command System: Lead Edenian troops in real-time skirmishes, issue squad orders mid-battle.
Moral Choices: Decide between peace or revenge when rebuilding Edenia — unlock multiple endings.
Territory War Mode: Liberate Outworld regions and rebuild Edenia’s legacy with ally factions.
Boss Fights: Mileena (rival clone), Baraka (Tarkatan general), Sindel (brainwashed mother), Shang Tsung (manipulator), Shao Kahn (final showdown).
Why It Works
Kitana’s arc is rich with legacy, rebellion, emotional conflict, and high-stakes combat. A solo game centered on her would not only explore untold history, but also deliver deeply satisfying gameplay, cinematic storytelling, and a powerful message of identity and freedom.
Conclusion
That’s our pick of five MK fighters who deserve their own game. Each one brings something unique. Now it’s your turn — who would you follow into battle if Mortal Kombat gave them a solo game?
Drop your spin-off pick in the comments.
You’ve seen our top 5 picks — now it’s your turn to decide.
If you could greenlight just one solo Mortal Kombat game… who would it be?
Image Disclaimer:
Images used are sourced from publicly available gameplay footage. All rights belong to their respective content creators and NetherRealm Studios / Warner Bros. Games.
