With NetherRealm’sMortal Kombat 1already set to shake up the timeline of the long-running fighting franchise when it releases on September 19, the latest character to receive a reboot is the shadowy Lin Kuei assassin, Smoke. News of the grey-clad assassin’s inclusion was revealed during NetherRealm’s recent Kombat Kast livestream, which featured a trailer showcasingsix newMortal Kombat 1charactersjoining the lineup ahead of the game’s release later this year.
Debuting as a hidden character in 1993’sMortal Kombat II, Smoke has appeared in numerous forms throughout his 30 years with the fighting franchise. Alternately showing up as either a human or a murderous cyborg depending on the game, one constant through Smoke’s many appearances is his association with the Lin Kuei clan. With series stalwartsScorpion and Sub-Zero now brothersin both arms and blood inMortal Kombat 1’s rebooted timeline, how these two Lin Kuei killers interact with their fellow clan member throughout the game could make for some dramatic moments.
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As pointed out by ComicBook.com, the official description for Smoke on theMortal Kombat 1website reveals some drastic changes to the character’s backstory in the new timeline. Rather than being a cybernetic assassin like Cyrax and Sektor, as he has appeared in many previous games, Smoke is now an orphan who was raised alongside Sub-Zero and Scorpion following the accidental murder of his family by the Lin Kuei. Given the fact that his family was killed at the hands of the Lin Kuei clan, there is already speculation that Smoke could become one ofMortal Kombat 1’s villains.
While it’s still unclear exactly what role Smoke will play inMortal Kombat 1, even from his brief appearance in the latest trailer it is clear that tension exists between the silver-haired assassin and his adopted brothers. The character’s official bio provides further evidence of these possible tensions, stating that since Smoke “lacked his brothers’ innate supernatural abilities, he set out to master practical magic.” This pursuit of power, and jealousy of the powers possessed by his brothers, could potentially send Smoke down a dark path. While Smoke appears eager to help in the defense of Earthrealm, it’s possible his quest to master magic could leave him susceptible to being turned against those he’d sworn to defend.
Players will have to wait until September 19 to see what NetherRealm has in store for Smoke but, for now, they can catch the stealthy assassin in action in the game’s latest trailer. Those wanting to experience the story with fresh eyes may want to limit their time online ahead of the game’s fall release, though, asMortal Kombat 1spoilersmay already be out in the wild.
Mortal Kombat 1launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X.
