Summary
Scorpion is one of the most iconic characters in all gaming history, let alone just fighting game history. From being the reincarnated spirit of vengeance to being the grandmaster of the Shirai Ryu clan to being a Lin Kuei champion, Scorpion has gone through a variety of roles.
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With such a storied past and variety of appearances over the years, Scorpion, the flag bearer of theMortal Kombatuniverse, has had a huge amount of differing looks and outfits. To see the character’s progression and his wardrobe changes, here are all of Scorpion’s default designs, ranked.
14Mortal Kombat
The original, first ever Mortal Kombat makes its appearance low on the list. Simply put, the design for Scorpion started it all here, introducing thepop culture iconsthat are color palette switching ninjas. Yet looking back all these years later, the design is far too plain and simplistic, just a combination of black and yellow clothing.
It doesn’t really seem fair to judge the designs for the original Mortal Kombat. The design is basic but acts as a functional one, fitting the ninja and his mysterious, secretive aura. Despite the simplicity, this attire started it all for Scorpion, and has got to be given the credit it deserves.
13Mortal Kombat 4
Mortal Kombat 4 decided to take some liberties in terms of stylistic choices, now that the MK was entering the sphere of 3D fighting games. The resulting visuals were…a mixed bag, to say the least. Scorpion’s suit is essentially the same as his UMK3 design, now with a warmer yellow hue and a skull shaped mask.
Perhaps the oddest part of this Scorpion design is the addition of the little pointed cat ears. Without them, the design feels far too similar to the previous game’s iteration. On the other hand, Scorpion having his little sharp ears just looks weird. Definitely not one of his best designs.
12Mortal Kombat 2
Filled with slight improvements, Mortal Kombat 2’s default design for Scorpion, and the designs in general, are a bit more detailed and layered than the first game. Enter the ‘quilt ninja’ era, where every ninja seemed to have a uniquely colored quilt on top of their all black ninja garbs. Scorpion is no different, no clad in a puffy yellow cover.
Now with cold, lifeless eyes, Scorpion’s equipped with a less baggy hood and mask. New, detailed kneepads rest above his now detailed kick pads. His belt visually seems to be tied together, his gauntlets are thinner and shinier. It’s a much better look than his original design, but still shows the need for further uniqueness and improvement.
11Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
Stunningly, bafflingly, perhaps even stupidly, Scorpion was not in the Mortal Kombat 3 roster, much to the confusion and anger of fans. He did however, appear in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. Scorpion returned to much fanfare, and followed the designs of his fellow color pallette changed ninjas within the game.
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Perhaps one of his most iconic forms, Scorpion gained his padded vest with the pointed shoulders and sleek texture. The mask is smooth and round edged, the hood is tight and glossy, and his eyes are dark and shadowy. Scorpion looks like one of the most intense and frightening characters in the entire roster, making one wonder why he didn’t show up in the first place.
10Deadly Alliance
Deadly Alliance introduced the theme of creating more armored and metallic designs for Scorpion. As such, Deadly Alliance’s design has a good amount of golden armor, within the vest, thigh armor and boots. The mask feels almost like a metal plate that’s been latched onto Scorpion’s face.
An odd detail to the attire is the amount of metal square shapes that are all over his suit. Had these shapes had a more complete pattern, and the gold color been a bit more saturated and warm, the design would have appeared higher on this list. Overall, it doesn’t detract too much from a very nice suit.
9Shaolin Monks
Shaolin Monks showcased the creation of a suit that combined elements of the classic Scorpion designs as well as the Deadly Alliance design. A return to traditional black and yellow garbs was marked with the rise of silver, metal accents. The spiked shapes from Deadly Alliance return, with a better pattern.
The gauntlets are spiked yet rounded, the mask is gray and ornate, and skulls appear as a motif on multiple parts of the body armor. It’s a blend of simplicity and softness with hard edges and violent imagery, creating a fascinating design for the iconic character.
8Mortal Kombat 9
Ah, the time when Scorpion decided to literally take all of his design cues from literal scorpions. From the scaly textures to the scorpion tails appearing on his shoulders and arms, to the bug like design on his mask, Scorpion was a pointy, crispy, undead monster withinNeatherrealm’s Mortal Kombat 9.
While the design has indeed become iconic now, it feels like a bit too much to look at. It’s a busy look, one filled with a variety of textures and endless line work. The attire is functional and formidable, but it’s also almost overelaborate. Its appearance in Mortal Kombat 11 might be the best one, as the skin has a beautiful use of textures and colors.
7Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe
While MK vs DCU isn’t one of the better Mortal Kombat games, some of the designs were not bad at all. Meanwhile, Scorpion’s design actually excels, combining classic tropes and design choices with new additions and textures. The prototype for the MK9 design, this suit introduces a ghastly, bony mask alongside pointed shoulders and a padded vest.
The textures showcased alongside the warm yellow hues blend matte leather with a padded smoothness. The gauntlets are sharp and jagged, the eyes are white and frightening, and a silver skull rests on his belt. It’s a haunting and impactful look that perfectly represents Scorpion at his most vengeful and enraged.
6Mortal Kombat X
Slowly accepting the role of Grandmaster Hanzo Hasashi over Scorpion, the MKX design showcases a Scorpion that is a bit more gritty and tactical. Now with a larger leather hood and intricate metallic mask, Scorpion’s armour is far more worn out and stripped down than his previous MK9 iteration.
Perhaps the biggest addition to this attire is the amount of belt straps Scorpion now has. From the shoulder pads to the gauntlets to the boots, Scorpion is strapped up on every part of his body. Somehow, it works, and it creates a design that is unique and rugged.
5Deception
Deception decided to create a sort of armored, almost samurai take on Scorpion. This armored ninja variation is predominantly black and gold instead of black and yellow, with silver accents. It’s bulkier and more tactical, with blades on his back, armored shoulder pads, and a heavier, larger cloth hood.
Deception’s Scorpion is Scorpion at his most baggy and armored, yet despite that description, the design actually works. Scorpion looks ready for war, at his most armed and dangerous. It makes sense as well, as the variety of fighting styles and weaponsin Deception’s storyand gameplay connect with this design’s armory.
