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{{Short description|Mortal Kombat character}}
{{Infobox character
| name = Scorpion
| image = MK1ScorpionRender.png
| caption = Scorpion in ''[[Mortal Kombat 1]]'' (2023)
| series = [[Mortal Kombat]]
| creator = [[Ed Boon]]<br/>[[John Tobias]]
| first = ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1992)
| last = ''[[Mortal Kombat 1]]'' (2023)
| designer = {{Collapsible list |title={{nobold|Various}} |{{idp|
* John Tobias (early games)
* Luis Mangubat (''{{abbr|MK:DA|Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance}}'', ''{{abbr|MK:D|Mortal Kombat: Deception}}''{{--)}}
* Mark Lappin (''{{abbr|MK:SM|Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks}}''{{--)}}
* Cy Mandua (''{{abbr|MK9|Mortal Kombat (2011)}}''{{--)}}
}}}}
| lbl1 = Voiced by
| data1 = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|Various}}|Ed Boon (1992–present, "GET OVER HERE!" voice)|'''Hanzo Hasashi:'''|{{idp|
* Simeon Norfleet (''{{abbr|MK:A|Mortal Kombat: Armageddon}}''{{--)}}
* [[Patrick Seitz]] (2008–2022)
* [[Ron Yuan]] (''{{abbr|MK11|Mortal Kombat 11}}'', ''{{abbr|MKO|Mortal Kombat: Onslaught}}''{{--)}}}}
|'''Kuai Liang:'''|[[Daisuke Tsuji]] (''{{abbr|MK1|Mortal Kombat 1}}''{{--)}}
}}
| lbl2 = Portrayed by
| data2 = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|Various}}|{{idp|
* Chris Casamassa (1995 film)
* [[J. J. Perry]] (''Annihilation'')
* [[Ian Anthony Dale]] (short film, web series)
* [[Hiroyuki Sanada]] (2021 film)}}}}
| lbl3 = Motion capture
| data3 = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|Various}}|{{idp|
* [[Daniel Pesina]] (''{{abbr|MK|Mortal Kombat (1992)}}'', ''{{abbr|MKII|Mortal Kombat II}}''{{--)}}<ref name=psu/>
* John Turk (''{{abbr|UMK3|Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3}}''{{--)}}<ref name=psu/>
* Sal Divita (''{{abbr|MKM:SZ|Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero}}''{{--)}}
* Nico Millado (''{{abbr|MK11|Mortal Kombat 11}}''{{--)}}
* Noah Fleder (''{{abbr|MK1|Mortal Kombat 1}}''{{--)}}
* Carlos Pesina (''{{abbr|MK1|Mortal Kombat 1}}''{{--)}}
}}}}
| nationality = [[Japanese people|Japanese]] (''{{abbr|MK|Mortal Kombat (1992)}}''–''{{abbr|MK11|Mortal Kombat 11}}''{{--)}}<br/>[[Chinese people|Chinese]] (''{{abbr|MK1|Mortal Kombat 1}}''{{--)}}
| full_name = {{idp|
* Hanzo Hasashi (''{{abbr|MK|Mortal Kombat (1992)}}''–''{{abbr|MK11|Mortal Kombat 11}}''{{--)}}
* [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Kuai Liang]] (''{{abbr|MK1|Mortal Kombat 1}}''{{--)}}
}}
| family = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|Hanzo Hasashi}}|{{idp|
* Harumi Hasashi (wife, deceased)
* Satoshi Hasashi (son, deceased)}}}}{{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|Kuai Liang}}|{{idp|
* Bi-Han (brother)
* Tomas Vrbada (adoptive brother)
* Harumi Shirai (wife)
}}}}
| weapon = [[Rope dart]]
}}
'''Scorpion'''<!-- No "real" character names here as it is in-universe. --> is a <!--Do not add "fictional," as it is tautological; video game characters are by definition implied to be fictionalized to some extent. --> character in the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' [[fighting game]] franchise by [[Midway Games]] and [[NetherRealm Studios]]. A [[ninja]] dressed in yellow, his primary weapon is a ''[[rope dart]]'', which he uses to harpoon opponents. Since his debut in the [[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|original 1992 game]], Scorpion has appeared as a playable character in every main installment except ''[[Mortal Kombat 3]]'' (1995).
The series' original Scorpion is '''Hanzo Hasashi''' ({{langx|ja|波佐志 半蔵}}), an undead Japanese warrior principally defined by his quest to avenge the deaths of himself, his family, and his clan. After the death of [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Bi-Han / Sub-Zero]], Hasashi develops a feud with who he believed to be the killer, Bi-Han's younger brother and second Sub-Zero, Kuai Liang, that spans most of the franchise before discovering the sorcerer Quan Chi is the real murderer. While Hasashi has been depicted as a neutral figure focused primarily on seeking revenge, he will side with those who can help him achieve his goals. Following two reboots, '''Kuai Liang''' ({{lang-zh|c=奎凉|p=Kúi Liáng}}) becomes the new Scorpion in ''[[Mortal Kombat 1]]'' (2023), while alternate timeline variants of Hasashi make minor appearances. Scorpion has received critical acclaim since his debut and frequently appears in media outside of the games.
== Character creation ==
{{cleanup rewrite|date=February 2024}}
[[File:Ed Boon by Gage Skidmore.jpg|left|thumb|''Mortal Kombat'' co-creator Ed Boon has voiced Scorpion in several games and media appearances.]]
Scorpion appeared in the first ''Mortal Kombat'' as one of three palette-swapped ninja characters, along with [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Sub-Zero]] and [[Reptile (Mortal Kombat)|Reptile]]. His early origins were revealed by the series' original chief character designer, [[John Tobias]], in September 2011, when he posted several pages of old pre-production character sketches and notes on Twitter. Scorpion and Sub-Zero were simply described as "[a] palette swap for 2 ninjas—a hunter and the hunted," while Tobias also considered the concepts of either one of them fleeing their clan or a "revenge story" involving the then-unnamed characters being part of rival clans.<ref name="therealsaibot">{{Cite web |url=http://i52.tinypic.com/2air6s1.jpg |title=John Tobias (@therealsaibot) on Twitter, September 2011 |access-date=2014-08-26 |archive-date=2016-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108222348/http://i52.tinypic.com/2air6s1.jpg |url-status=dead }}</ref> In regards to the game's strict memory limitations, co-creator and programmer [[Ed Boon]] recalled: "A lot of attention went into the economics of it, and so we knew that if we could take a character and change their color and use basically the same memory to create two characters, we'd save a lot of money and we'd have two characters."
Scorpion yells one of two [[taunt]]s — "Get over here!" and "Come here!" — at his opponents when he hits them with his spear. They were voiced by Boon in the games and both feature films, but only one of them ("Come here!") was included in the home ports of ''MK'' and ''MKII'' due to memory constraints. According to Boon, the second of the character's phrases originated because he thought "it would be funny to have him yell out 'Get over here!' when he [threw the spear]," and he was thus encouraged to get behind the studio microphone and record the taunts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/interview-ed-boon-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-the-mortal-kombat-franchise/?biz=1&page=2|title=Interview: Ed Boon on the Ups and Downs of the Mortal Kombat Franchise|last=Walk|first=Gary|date=2008-11-17|publisher=[[GameDaily]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230115847/http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/features/interview-ed-boon-on-the-ups-and-downs-of-the-mortal-kombat-franchise/?biz=1&page=2|archive-date=December 30, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=2009-09-20}}</ref> Twenty years after the first ''MK'' game's release, Boon included creating the spear move as well as the character itself among his personal high points of the franchise's history, adding: "I remember people sitting in my office all day just doing this uppercut [on a speared enemy] again and again, like 'Oh my God, that feels so good.' It just became the cornerstone of [the game]."<ref name="memo">Reyan Ali, [http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/ed-boons-12-best-mortal-kombat-memories/#gallery Ed Boon's 12 Biggest Mortal Kombat Memories] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119051028/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/09/ed-boons-12-best-mortal-kombat-memories/#gallery |date=2012-11-19 }}, Complex.com, September 12, 2012.</ref> ''MKII'' saw the debut of the phrase "Toasty!", which was voiced by series sound designer Dan Forden during a variation of Scorpion's "Flaming Skull" Fatality or at random when any of the game's characters landed an uppercut. According to Tobias, it first originated as "You're Toast!", which was a taunt bandied among the designers during game-testing sessions.<ref name="toasty">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpJU4dd0Zmw ''Making of Mortal Kombat 3: Into the Outworld''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305101352/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpJU4dd0Zmw |date=2016-03-05 }} - Midway Games/Williams Entertainment, 1995.</ref>
===Design===
Scorpion was given a yellow palette because the developers decided it symbolized fire in contrast to Sub-Zero's ice blue. Their similar appearance but opposite nature "prompted the story behind them being these opposing ninja-clan-type characters."<ref name="booncomplex3">[http://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/09/ed-boons-12-best-mortal-kombat-memories/creating-scorpion-and-sub-zero Creating Scorpion and Sub-Zero - Ed Boon's 12 Best Mortal Kombat Memories] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725203815/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/09/ed-boons-12-best-mortal-kombat-memories/creating-scorpion-and-sub-zero |date=2022-07-25 }} - ''Complex,'' September 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2014.</ref> A third ninja swap, [[Reptile (Mortal Kombat)|Reptile]], was added in the third revision as a hidden non-playable character who was outfitted in green and used Scorpion's spear (along with Sub-Zero's freeze) as part of his offensive arsenal; he was devised by Boon as "a cooler version of Scorpion."<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt2bdW5vagY TMK E308 - MK vs DCU - Ed Boon interview Part 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708151618/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bt2bdW5vagY |date=2022-07-08 }}, (YouTube, [http://www.totalmortalkombat.com/mkvsdcu/e32008/edboon08transcript.txt interview transcript] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081117191440/http://www.totalmortalkombat.com/mkvsdcu/e32008/edboon08transcript.txt |date=2008-11-17 }}). Total Mortal Kombat. Retrieved on 2008-12-26</ref> The original costume was created from a modified ninja-like outfit bought at a Chicago costume shop<ref name="booncomplex3" /> and was red for filming in the first game, but a different yellow one with a quilted vest and knee-high [[shin guards]] was utilized for ''Mortal Kombat II''.<ref>''Video Games'' magazine, March 1994.</ref> This in turn made the other male ninja characters therein—Sub-Zero, Reptile, and hidden characters [[Smoke (Mortal Kombat)|Smoke]] and [[Noob Saibot]]—palette swaps of Scorpion, with the latter two also using Scorpion's spear when players fought them separately in secret battles. Scorpion and the ninja characters were first played by [[Daniel Pesina]], who was replaced by John Turk for ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3'' and the 1996 compilation ''Mortal Kombat Trilogy'', while Sal Divita played the character in ''MK: Mythologies''.
While his ninja-outfit template from the first generation of games has remained relatively unchanged over time, the improved graphics of the post-''Mortal Kombat 4'' three-dimensional releases have allowed more details to better differentiate the male ninja characters, and Scorpion's costumes were duly enhanced with objects such as two [[katana]] swords strapped to his back and his spear attached to a rope tied to his belt in ''Deadly Alliance,'' and a set of ornate shoulder [[epaulet]]s in ''Deception,'' in which his alternate costume was a throwback to the two-dimensional ''MK'' titles. Scorpion's ''MK2011'' costume was inspired by [[Scorpion|his namesake]], such as the character's abdomen-shaped shoulder pads, the two stinger-handled swords crisscrossed on his back, and the [[exoskeleton|exoskeletal]] pattern on his hard-shell face mask. Scorpion was included with Sub-Zero, Reptile, and [[Ermac]] in a bundle of classic costumes from the first ''Mortal Kombat'' that was released as [[downloadable content]] for the 2011 reboot.<ref name="joystickdivision">{{cite web|url=http://www.joystickdivision.com/2011/05/mortal_kombat_klassic_kostumes.php|title=Mortal Kombat Klassic Kostumes Koming as DLC (with official trailer)|last=Winslett|first=Ryan|date=May 31, 2011|publisher=Joystick Division|access-date=December 19, 2013|archive-date=February 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222164920/http://www.joystickdivision.com/2011/05/mortal_kombat_klassic_kostumes.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> For ''Injustice: Gods Among Us'', he received a new costume designed by comic artist [[Jim Lee]].<ref name="eurogamer1">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-03-mortal-kombats-scorpion-is-the-next-dlc-character-in-injustice-gods-among-us|title=Mortal Kombat's Scorpion is the next DLC character in Injustice: Gods Among Us • News •|last=Yin|first=Wesley|date=2013-06-03|publisher=Eurogamer.net|access-date=2013-07-20|archive-date=2013-06-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607163321/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-06-03-mortal-kombats-scorpion-is-the-next-dlc-character-in-injustice-gods-among-us|url-status=live}}</ref> In the original ''Mortal Kombat''{{'}}s fighter-selection screen, Scorpion had regular human eyes, as his identity as a resurrected specter was meant to be a mystery, but he was given solid yellow or white eyes for every release thereafter starting with ''MKII'',<ref name="eurogamer1" /> while actors portraying Scorpion in live-action media such as the feature films and the ''[[Mortal Kombat: Legacy]]'' web series were outfitted with opaque contact lenses in order to achieve this effect.
===Gameplay===
Scorpion's signature special move throughout the series has him hurling a harpoon-like spear attached to a length of rope at his opponents. The spear impales his opponents through the chest before Scorpion pulls them in to close range for a free hit. His other incumbent special move throughout the series, save for ''Deadly Alliance,'' has been his Teleport Punch, where he flies offscreen during battle and then reappears to strike his opponent from behind. Scorpion additionally gained a new leg-takedown maneuver in ''MKII'' that was not well-received (''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' called it a "ridiculous" move that "no one ever used").<ref name="SSG496">Lomas, Ed. ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3'' strategy guide. ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' (April 1996), p. 48</ref> He was considered a lower-tier character by ''[[GamePro]]'' in their 1993 ''MKII'' character rankings, rating him eighth out of the game's twelve playables and describing both him and Sub-Zero as "formerly a top-tier character [who] doesn't have much of a chance in ''MKII'' since all of the male ninjas have some poor matchups," with Scorpion faring the worst against Jax and Mileena.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaminginsurrection.com/gpchartanalysis.html|title=''GamePro'' Rankings Analysis|date=2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222235602/http://www.gaminginsurrection.com/gpchartanalysis.html|archive-date=February 22, 2014|access-date=December 24, 2013}}</ref>
Ed Lomas of ''Sega Saturn Magazine'' described the character as having "simple yet effective" special moves in ''UMK3'' that "make him good for beginners, [which] doesn't stop him from being a useful character," while his "trusty" spear was "perfect for setting up combos."<ref name="SSG496" /> [[GameSpy]], in their ''Deception'' walkthrough, described the character as "a well-rounded character that has strengths in combos as well as in special and normal moves."<ref name="gamespy">{{cite web|url=http://uk.xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/mortal-kombat-deception/guide/page_17.html|title=''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' Walkthrough and Strategy Guide (p. 17)|last=Sallee|first=Mark Ryan|date=January 8, 2004|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=December 11, 2013|archive-date=August 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803091220/http://uk.xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/mortal-kombat-deception/guide/page_17.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They additionally described the spear as "useful as ever" in ''Armageddon'', adding, "Between [that and his] other special moves ... Scorpion pretty much has everything covered."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/mortal-kombat-armageddon-tba/guide/page_9.html#scor|title=Mortal Kombat: Armageddon Walkthrough & Strategy Guide|last=Vo|first=Alex|date=January 7, 2006|publisher=GameSpy|access-date=June 25, 2014|archive-date=March 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309232305/http://uk.xbox.gamespy.com/xbox/mortal-kombat-armageddon-tba/guide/page_9.html#scor|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Prima Games]]' ''MK2011'' strategy guide considered Scorpion to be well-balanced with no distinct weaknesses or advantages, while winning more than half of his fights against the game's other characters.<ref>Jason Wilson, Adam Hernandez, ''Mortal Kombat: Prima Official Game Guide'', Prima Games 2011 (p. 208).</ref> He is also a playable character for both the versus and story modes in ''Shaolin Monks'', where his move sets in this game are largely identical to Liu Kang's with some original techniques.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xbox/mortal-kombat-sh|title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks Review|author=Dodson, Joe|date=2009-05-22|publisher=[[GameRevolution]]|access-date=2009-12-13|archive-date=2012-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927042220/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/xbox/mortal-kombat-sh|url-status=live}}</ref>
Scorpion's signature finishing move from the original game up until ''Mortal Kombat 4'' was his "Fire Breath" Fatality, in which he removed his ninja hood and face like a mask to reveal a skull right before immolating his opponent. A variation of this finisher was included in ''MKII'': entering a different button/joystick combination added the spoken "Toasty!" phrase that simultaneously appeared on the screen. While the "Fire Breath" was brought back for ''Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe'' in 2008, his spear has otherwise served as his primary tool in his fatalities in the three-dimensional games, from impaling his opponents through the head and then decapitating them in ''Deadly Alliance'', using it to yank off their limbs in ''Deception'', and plunging it into their chest before kicking them through a portal that left nothing but a skinned corpse hanging from the spear's chain in ''MK2011'' ("Nether Gate"). His second Fatality in the reboot, "Split Decision", had Scorpion using one of his back-mounted swords to hack his opponent to pieces.{{fact|date=February 2025}}
Scorpion would indirectly play a role in the fabrication of the then-nonexistent character Ermac when ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' published a doctored screenshot of Scorpion from the original game in 1993.<ref name="EGMermac1">{{cite web|url=http://tabmok99.mortalkombatonline.com/ermac_letter_1.jpg|title=''Tricks of the Trade'' letter and photograph|date=October 1993|publisher=Electronic Gaming Monthly #51, reposted at The Kombat Pavilion|access-date=November 22, 2013|archive-date=January 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140126055450/http://tabmok99.mortalkombatonline.com/ermac_letter_1.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref> This subsequently spawned false player rumors of a [[glitch]] that would turn Scorpion's [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] red, with the name "Error Macro" appearing in the energy bar.<ref name="popfiction">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/xwhtg7/pop-fiction-episode-26--i-am-ermac/|title=PopFiction Episode 26: I AM ERMAC|date=September 1, 2012|publisher=GameTrailers|access-date=November 22, 2013|archive-date=November 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110011024/http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/xwhtg7/pop-fiction-episode-26--i-am-ermac|url-status=live}}</ref> Ermac became playable in ''UMK3,'' in which he was a red palette swap of Scorpion who shared his Teleport Punch.
==Appearances==
=== Midway games ===
First appearing in ''[[Mortal Kombat (1992 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1992), Scorpion is a warrior with a wife and child who was killed by the ninja Sub-Zero and becomes an undead specter to seek revenge by killing him in turn. In ''[[Mortal Kombat II]]'' (1993), Scorpion believes Sub-Zero is alive until he realizes it is his younger brother, Kuai Liang, causing him to seek redemption. In ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]]'', Emperor [[Shao Kahn]] enlists Scorpion's aid, but the latter eventually defects to Earthrealm's defenders due to his work pitting him against Kuai Liang.<ref name="psu">Mike Harradence, [http://www.psu.com/a011423/In-the-Spotlight--Scorpion In the Spotlight: Scorpion] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130802061215/http://www.psu.com/a011423/In-the-Spotlight--Scorpion |date=2013-08-02 }}, PlayStation Universe, April 23rd, 2011.</ref>
Appearing as a boss in the prequel ''[[Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero]]'' (1997),<ref name="MKMscorpion">{{cite web|title=Scorpion and the Ninja|url=http://mythologies.dragondata.com/MKM.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19981201035009/http://mythologies.dragondata.com/SCORP01.html|archive-date=1998-12-01|access-date=2009-11-24}}</ref> Scorpion's history is expanded on. Years prior, Hanzo Hasashi was a Shirai Ryu clan ninja who was enlisted by the sorcerer [[Quan Chi]] to find a map hidden in a Shaolin temple, unaware that the sorcerer also tasked Bi-Han of the rival Lin Kuei clan with the same task. During their subsequent fight, Bi-Han kills Hasashi, allowing Quan Chi to slaughter the Shirai Ryu and Hasashi's wife Harumi and son Satoshi. Following this, Quan Chi resurrects Hasashi as Scorpion. Additionally, Scorpion appears as a boss in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks]]'' (2005), which serves as an alternate take on ''Mortal Kombat II'' and sees him attempting to kill [[Liu Kang]] and [[Kung Lao]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks |title-link=Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks |developer=Midway Games |publisher= Midway|date=2005 |level=}}</ref>
In ''[[Mortal Kombat 4]]'' (1997), Quan Chi sends Scorpion to kill Kuai Liang, only for Scorpion to learn the truth behind his clan and family's deaths and drag Quan Chi to the Netherrealm.<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat 4]]'' |developer=Midway Games |publisher= Midway|date=1997 |level=Scorpion ending}}</ref> In ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance]]'' (2002) and ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' (2004), Scorpion loses Quan Chi, but escapes the Netherrealm, becomes a servant to the Elder Gods, and joins Earthrealm's defenders in fighting the dragon king [[Onaga (Mortal Kombat)|Onaga]]. In ''[[Mortal Kombat: Armageddon]]'' (2006), Scorpion serves the Elder Gods in exchange for them resurrecting the Shirai Ryu and his family,<ref name=psu/> only for the Elder Gods to turn them into undead beings. Enraged by this, Scorpion seeks the elemental [[List of Mortal Kombat characters#Blaze|Blaze]]'s power to destroy them, but is defeated by the protagonist [[Taven]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=Mortal Kombat: Armageddon |title-link=Mortal Kombat: Armageddon |developer=Midway Games |publisher= Midway|date=2006 |level=Opening sequence}}</ref>
=== Netherrealm Studios games ===
[[File:Scorpion MK11.png|alt=Scorpion, as he appears in Mortal Kombat 11.|thumb|Scorpion, as he appears in ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]''.]]
In ''[[Mortal Kombat (2011 video game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (2011), Earthrealm defender [[Raiden (Mortal Kombat)|Raiden]] tries to convince Scorpion to spare Bi-Han in exchange for the Elder Gods resurrecting the Shirai Ryu and his family, but Quan Chi provokes Scorpion into killing Bi-Han.<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat (2011 game)|Mortal Kombat]]'' |developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2011 |level=Chapter 4: Scorpion}}</ref> This leads to Scorpion becoming a recurring enemy to the protagonists.<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat (2011 game)|Mortal Kombat]]''|developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]]|publisher=[[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2011|level=Chapter 11: Kung Lao}}</ref> In ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]'' (2015), Scorpion continues to serve Quan Chi until Raiden and his allies restore his human form and free him from the necromancer's control. Over the course of the following two decades, Scorpions reforms the Shirai Ryu and forms several alliances until he can kill Quan Chi and enact his true revenge.<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat X]]'' |developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2015 |level=Story mode}}</ref> As of ''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' (2019), [[Kronika (Mortal Kombat)|Kronika]] brings a past version of Scorpion to the present and recruits him, promising to resurrect his clan and family.<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' |developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2019 |level=Chapter 3: Shaolin Monks (Liu Kang & Kung Lao)}}</ref> Upon learning of this, Scorpion joins forces to oppose Kronika's soldier.<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' |developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2019 |level=Chapter 4: Fire & Ice (Sub-Zero & Scorpion)}}</ref> Hasashi convinces his younger self to defect to Earthrealm's side but is killed by Kronika's agent, [[D'Vorah]]. The past Scorpion agrees to help Earthrealm's defenders stop Kronika in his stead.<ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' |developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2019 |level=Chapter 10: To Hell and Back (Scorpion)}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' |developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2019 |level=Chapter 11: Cutting the Strings (Raiden)}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=''[[Mortal Kombat 11]]'' |developer=[[NetherRealm Studios]] |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2019 |level=Chapter 12: End of an Era (Fire God Liu Kang)}}</ref>
Four incarnations of Scorpion appear in ''[[Mortal Kombat 1]]'', with "Kuai Liang" appearing as a playable character and via the story mode; Hasashi as an assist character, or "Kameo Fighter", and an alternate timeline variant via the "Invasions" mode; and a variant of '''Harumi''', also via the "Invasions" mode. In the aforementioned story mode, Fire God Liu Kang creates a third new timeline, where Kuai Liang became Scorpion. After Bi-Han betrays them to join forces with [[Shang Tsung]] and learns Bi-Han allowed their father to die, Kuai Liang and [[Smoke (Mortal Kombat Character)|Smoke]] leave the Lin Kuei and escape to Japan.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 1]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2023 |level=Chapter 8: Band of Brothers (Sub-Zero)}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 1]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2023 |level=Chapter 9: Civil War (Scorpion)}}</ref> There, they gain Harumi's help in founding the Shirai Ryu clan and becoming Earthrealm's new guardians. Additionally, Hasashi appears in Smoke's ending, in which he is a young thief who the latter recruits into the Shirai Ryu. In the "Khaos Reigns" DLC, Bi-Han leads an ambush on the Shirai Ryu during Kuai Liang's marriage to Harumi, but they are able to fend them off after Scorpion reveals Bi-Han's deception to [[Cyrax]].<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 1]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2023 |level=Chapter 16: Moment of Truth (Cyrax)}}</ref> He later works with Cyrax and Sektor to rescue [[Geras (Mortal Kombat)|Geras]] and Bi-Han from Titan [[Havik]], discovering the latter had been transformed into [[Noob Saibot]] in the process.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 1]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2023 |level=Chapter 19: Narrow Margin (Empress Tanya)}}</ref> After Titan Havik's defeat, Kuai Liang forgives Cyrax for her role in the wedding ambush and allows her to join the Shirai Ryu.<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat 1]] |developer=NetherRealm Studios |publisher= Warner Bros.|date=2023 |level=Chapter 20: Shadow Play (Noob Saibot)}}</ref> In the first season of the "Invasions" mode, a variant of Hasashi / Scorpion travels across multiple timelines to find a living version of Harumi before Liu Kang sends him to one where he died and Harumi became Scorpion.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJw-s6vqGTc|title=<nowiki>Mortal Kombat 1 Devs Break Down Li Mei & DLC Characters Reveal | Comic Con 2023</nowiki>|publisher=IGN Youtube Account|date=July 23, 2023|access-date=July 24, 2023|archive-date=July 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724053509/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJw-s6vqGTc|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Other games===
Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion appears as a playable character in ''[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]]'' (2008);<ref>{{cite video game|title=[[Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe]] |developer=Midway Games |publisher= [[Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]]|date=2008 |level=}}</ref> a guest character in ''[[NBA Jam Tournament Edition]]'' (1995),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/nba-jam-tournament-edition-1993/cheats/|title=NBA Jam Tournament Edition Cheats|publisher=GameSpot.com|access-date=2013-07-20|archive-date=2014-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329055121/http://www.gamespot.com/nba-jam-tournament-edition-1993/cheats/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Grid (video game)|The Grid]]'' (2000),<ref>Chris Antista, [http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-most-absurd-mortal-kombat-offshoots/ The Top 7… Most absurd Mortal Kombat offshoots] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224121218/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-most-absurd-mortal-kombat-offshoots/ |date=2014-02-24 }}, ''GamesRadar'', April 12, 2011.</ref> ''MLB Slugfest: Loaded'' (2004),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/cheats/games/mlb-slugfest-20-04-xbox-498067|title=MLB SlugFest 2004 Cheats, Codes, Unlockables - Xbox - IGN|date=2003-03-17|publisher=Uk.ign.com|access-date=2013-07-20}}</ref> and ''[[Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy]]'' (2004);<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/cheats/games/psi-ops-the-mindgate-conspiracy-ps2-545782|title=Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy Cheats, Codes, Unlockables - IGN|publisher=Uk.ign.com|access-date=2013-07-20}}</ref> and a downloadable playable character in ''[[Injustice: Gods Among Us]]''. He was added to Fortnite Battle Royale on March 29, 2025 as a purchasable skin alongside two fellow fighters Kitana and Raiden, with Sub-Zero already existing as part of the then current season's Battle Pass.
==Other media==
===Literature===
Scorpion appears in [[Malibu Comics]]' ''Mortal Kombat'' miniseries "Blood and Thunder" (1994) and ''Battlewave'' (1995). This version is a regular specter who wields a [[Morning star (weapon)|morning star]]. In the former, he seeks to solve all the riddles inside Shang Tsung's mystical tome, the ''Tao Te Zhan'', in order to gain absolute power. In the latter, Shao Kahn uses a mystical gem called the Deathstone to restore Scorpion's human form and place him in charge of an undead army.<ref name="MKTE#2">{{cite comic|writer=Charles Marshall|penciller=Patrick Rolo|inker=Abraham Madison, Richard Emond|story=Tournament Edition II|title=Mortal Kombat|issue=|date=August 1995|publisher=Malibu Comics}}</ref> Additionally, Scorpion appears in [[DC Comics]]' ''[[Mortal Kombat X]]: Blood Ties'' (2015).<ref>{{cite comic|title=Mortal Kombat X: Blood Ties |writer=Shawn Kittelsen |volume=1 |issue=1 |date=April 14, 2015 |publisher=[[DC Comics]] |id={{ISBN|1401257089}}}}</ref>
Scorpion appears in the non-canon prequel novel ''Mortal Kombat'' (1995), written by [[Jeff Rovin]] and set before the events of the first game. This version is a young man who acquires his powers after the soul of his deceased father merges with his body in the hopes of using it as a vessel to seek revenge against Sub-Zero for his murder.<ref>{{cite book|title = Mortal Kombat|first=Jeff |last=Rovin|authorlink=Jeff Rovin|date=1995|publisher=Berkley Publishing|asin= B019NE0KG2}}</ref>
===Film and television===
[[File:Hiroyuki Sanada 2013 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|[[Hiroyuki Sanada]] portrays Scorpion in ''Mortal Kombat'' (2021).]]
Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion makes minor appearances in ''[[Mortal Kombat (1995 film)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (1995) and ''[[Mortal Kombat Annihilation]]'' (1997), portrayed by Chris Casamassa in the former and [[J. J. Perry]] in the latter. This version works for Shang Tsung. Additionally, Scorpion makes a non-speaking appearance in the prequel, ''[[Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins]]''. In the 1995 film, Shang tsung implies that both he and Sub-Zero are under his control, and not fighting of their own free will. Scorpion is defeated by Johnny Cage in the film, though his status as an undead revenant leaves his ultimate fate ambiguous.
Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion appears in the ''[[Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm]]'' episode "Sting of the Scorpion".<!--There is NO SOURCE confirming his DotR voice actor.--> This version is an independent entity who wields a length of chain tipped with a snake-like head.
An original, unidentified incarnation of Scorpion appears in the ''[[Mortal Kombat: Conquest]]'' episode "The Serpent and the Ice", portrayed again by Chris Casamassa. This version comes from the [[Great Kung Lao]]'s time period and was in a relationship with a woman named Peron. Additionally, he displays a rivalry with his time's Sub-Zero, which stems from Peron killing the latter's sister, leading to Sub-Zero killing Peron in turn.
Hanzo Hasashi appears in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Rebirth]]'', portrayed by [[Ian Anthony Dale]]. This version is a voluntary prisoner of the Deacon City Police Department.
Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion appears in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Legacy]]'', portrayed again by Ian Anthony Dale. In flashbacks, he was a family man who served as the Shirai Ryu's leader and worked to train his son, Jubei. Additionally, he was a childhood friend of Bi-Han / Sub-Zero of the Lin Kuei clan before their mutual hatred towards each other's clans drove them apart. Two decades later, their clans have formed a truce. Though Hasashi killed Bi-Han's younger brother Kuai Liang off-screen, they attempted to maintain their truce until Quan Chi assumed Bi-Han's form and killed Hasashi's clan and family before killing Hasashi himself so the necromancer could resurrect him as his undead servant.<ref name="iadale"/> Dale, who has a background in [[Chinese martial arts|kung fu]], said that after rehearsals, his "arms and shoulders felt like they had daggers in them", while the contacts he wore were "cumbersome".<ref name="iadale">{{cite web|url=http://nerdreactor.com/2013/09/23/interview-mortal-kombat-legacy-iis-ian-anthony-dale/|title=Interview with ''Mortal Kombat: Legacy II's'' Ian Anthony Dale|publisher=Nerd Reactor|first=Laura|last=Sirikul|date=September 23, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2013|archive-date=August 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822093354/http://nerdreactor.com/2013/09/23/interview-mortal-kombat-legacy-iis-ian-anthony-dale/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion appears in ''[[Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge]]'' and ''[[Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms]]'', voiced by [[Patrick Seitz]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Couch|first=Aaron|date=2021-06-16|title=Animated 'Mortal Kombat Legends' Sequel Arriving This Summer (Exclusive)|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mortal-kombat-legends-battle-of-the-realms-cast-1234968317/|access-date=2021-06-16|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006180936/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mortal-kombat-legends-battle-of-the-realms-cast-1234968317/|url-status=live}}</ref> After succeeding in killing Quan Chi and avenging his family in the former film, Scorpion chooses to die on Shang Tsung's island. In the latter film, however, Scorpion finds himself in the Netherrealm, where fallen Elder God [[Shinnok]] confronts him for killing Quan Chi and tells him his soul contains the key to freeing Shinnok. Scorpion consults Raiden, who informs him of a powerful magical artifact called the Kamidogu. While looking for it, Scorpion forms an uneasy alliance with Kuai Liang / Sub-Zero before joining Earthrealm's warriors in killing Shinnok.
Hanzo Hasashi / Scorpion appears in ''[[Mortal Kombat (2021 film)|Mortal Kombat]]'' (2021), portrayed by [[Hiroyuki Sanada]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Justin|last=Kroll|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mortal-kombat-reboot-shang-tsung-scorpion-chin-han-hiroyuki-sanada-1203315673/|title='Mortal Kombat' Reboot Find Their Shang Tsu and Scorpion (EXCLUSIVE)|date=August 27, 2019|magazine=Variety|access-date=August 27, 2019|archive-date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827195347/https://variety.com/2019/film/news/mortal-kombat-reboot-shang-tsung-scorpion-chin-han-hiroyuki-sanada-1203315673/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following his clan and most of his family's deaths at Bi-Han's hands, Hasashi tries to avenge them, but is killed as well. Nonetheless, Raiden rescues Hasashi's daughter. Banished to the Netherrealm as a vengeful specter, Hasashi eventually returns in the present to aid his descendant Cole Young in defeating and killing Bi-Han. While he was initially unfamiliar with the ''Mortal Kombat'' franchise, while conducting research on Scorpion, Sanada refers to him as "a very tasty role for an actor: family man changed to fighting machine."<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Romano|first=Nick|date=February 18, 2021|title='The birth of Scorpion': Mortal Kombat star goes behind iconic character's vengeful origins|url=https://ew.com/movies/mortal-kombat-scorpion-hiroyuki-sanada-interview/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=April 25, 2021|archive-date=April 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425054701/https://ew.com/movies/mortal-kombat-scorpion-hiroyuki-sanada-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sanada returns to the role in the 2025 sequel, ''[[Mortal Kombat II (film)|Mortal Kombat II]]''.
===Merchandise and promotion===
Along with the original series characters, Scorpion was highlighted on an individual track from [[The Immortals (band)|The Immortals]]' album ''[[Mortal Kombat: The Album]]'' (1994), titled "Lost Soul Bent on Revenge".
Scorpion has appeared in various types of merchandise during his tenure in the ''MK'' series, mostly action figures and sculptures. [[Hasbro]] released the first Scorpion figures in 1994: a 3.75" version in which his mask was blue and he was packaged with a plastic scorpion accessory, then a twelve-inch figure whose design and packaged weaponry were more in line with the games. Toy Island distributed a Scorpion figure in 1996 as part of their ''MK Trilogy'' collection, which included a pair of [[Hook sword|hookswords]], and Infinite Concepts put out a Scorpion figure in 1999. Jazwares released a 6" ''Deception'' figure in 2005, and a 2006 ''Shaolin Monks'' figure that was also included as part of a [[Hot Topic]]-exclusive two-pack with Sub-Zero,<ref>[http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=11587&figure=scorpion Scorpion ''Deception'' figure] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826161029/http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=11587&figure=scorpion |date=2014-08-26 }} - FigureRealm.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=11594&figure=subzeroscorpionhottopic Scorpion/Sub-Zero ''Shaolin Monks'' two-pack] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120306/http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=11594&figure=subzeroscorpionhottopic |date=2014-08-26 }} - FigureRealm.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref> in addition to a collection of figures in 2011: a 4" figure from their ''MK2011'' line,<ref>[http://www.comiccollectorlive.com/LiveData/Issue.aspx?id=f58d1b9e-18e6-41da-9a30-470bc50be4c5 Mortal Kombat Scorpion, Jan. 2011] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114930/http://www.comiccollectorlive.com/LiveData/Issue.aspx?id=f58d1b9e-18e6-41da-9a30-470bc50be4c5 |date=2014-08-26 }} - Comic Collector Live. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref> a "Klassic" four-incher,<ref>[http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=34923&figure=scorpion Scorpion - Mortal Kombat Klassic] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826120401/http://www.figurerealm.com/actionfigure.php?FID=34923&figure=scorpion |date=2014-08-26 }} - FigureRealm.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref> and a "Retro" figure that featured an interchangeable skull head and was packaged with Sub-Zero, Reptile, and Smoke in a box set.<ref>[http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=JZ13260#desc Mortal Kombat Classic 6-Inch Retro Ninja 4-Pack Figures] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115403/http://www.entertainmentearth.com/prodinfo.asp?number=JZ13260#desc |date=2014-08-26 }} - Entertainment Earth. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref> Syco Collectibles released a host of Scorpion merchandise in 2011-2012: 10" (with glow-in-the-dark eyes) and 18" [[polystone]] statues,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-polystone-statue-0 |title=Scorpion Polystone Statue |publisher=Syco Collectibles |access-date=2013-07-20 |archive-date=2013-02-03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203083325/http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-polystone-statue-0 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-premium-format-statue |title=Scorpion Premium Format Statue |publisher=Syco Collectibles |access-date=2013-07-20 |archive-date=2013-02-03 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203165826/http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-premium-format-statue |url-status=dead }}</ref> along with two [[Bust (sculpture)|bust]]s—a 1:2 scale with a 15" base and light-up eyes; and a smaller bust with an 11" base that featured a detachable head.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-mini-bust |title=Scorpion Mini Bust |publisher=Syco Collectibles |access-date=2014-07-24 |archive-date=2014-07-26 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140726221722/http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-mini-bust |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-12-scale-bust-excl |title=Scorpion 1:2 Scale Bust Excl |publisher=Syco Collectibles |access-date=2014-07-24 |archive-date=2014-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009092953/http://www.sycocollectibles.com/content/scorpion-12-scale-bust-excl |url-status=dead }}</ref> Pop Culture Shock distributed a life-sized bust in 2011 that featured removable shoulder pads and light-up eyes,<ref>[http://www.popcultureshocktoys.com/products/mortal-kombat-scorpion-life-size-bust-pcs-exclusive/ Mortal Kombat Scorpion Life-Size Bust] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517125653/http://www.popcultureshocktoys.com/products/mortal-kombat-scorpion-life-size-bust-pcs-exclusive/ |date=2013-05-17 }} - Pop Culture Shock, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref> as well as a 19" statuette based on his ''UMK3'' design, as part of their "Mortal Kombat Klassics" collection.<ref>[http://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/mortal-kombat-scorpion-pop-culture-shock-9019081/ Scorpion Quarter Scale Statue by Pop Culture Shock] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826113816/http://www.sideshowtoy.com/collectibles/mortal-kombat-scorpion-pop-culture-shock-9019081/ |date=2014-08-26 }} - Sideshow Collectibles. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref> A 16.5" mixed-media statue was released by the company in 2012, in which Scorpion was sculpted in a spear-throwing pose and was outfitted in all black.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/forum/showmessage.cds?id=145379|title=Kontest: Win a Signed Pop Culture Shock Scorpion Statue!|publisher=Mortal Kombat Online|date=April 20, 2012|access-date=August 23, 2014|archive-date=August 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115404/http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/forum/showmessage.cds?id=145379|url-status=live}}</ref>
Scorpion was one of thirteen ''MK2011'' characters depicted on life-sized standing cardboard cutouts from Advanced Graphics.<ref name="advancedgraphics">{{cite web|url=http://advancedgraphics.com/product/scorpion/|title=Scorpion 70" cardboard cutout|publisher=AdvancedGraphics.com|year=2011|access-date=August 22, 2014|archive-date=August 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115501/http://advancedgraphics.com/product/scorpion/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Funko]] released a Scorpion [[bobblehead]] in 2011,<ref>[https://www.estarland.com/product38028.html Mortal Kombat Scorpion Bobblehead] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826114514/https://www.estarland.com/product38028.html |date=2014-08-26 }} - eStarland.com. Retrieved August 23, 2014.</ref> and he was one of twenty characters featured on 2.5" x 3.5" collectible magnets by Ata-Boy Wholesale that year.<ref>[http://ataboy.cameoez.com/images/import/29995MK.jpg Scorpion 2.5" x 3.5" magnet] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108222348/http://ataboy.cameoez.com/images/import/29995MK.jpg |date=2016-01-08 }} - Ata-Boy Wholesale, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2014.</ref> He appeared along with other Mortal Kombat series villains, [[Kabal (Mortal Kombat)|Kabal]], Quan Chi, and Shao Kahn, in a collection of 2.5" [[super-deformed]] figures released by [[Jazwares]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/forum/showmessage.cds?id=146389|title=Exclusive First-Look: Jazwares Super Deformed Preview - Kabal!|publisher=Mortal Kombat Online|date=August 1, 2012|access-date=February 25, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006122157/http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/forum/showmessage.cds?id=146389|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Reception and legacy==
===Cultural impact===
Scorpion has made several cameo appearances in television programs, such as ''[[Drawn Together]]'', ''[[Robot Chicken]]'', and ''[[The Cleveland Show]]''. The character was featured along with Raiden, Ermac, Jax, and Shang Tsung in a 2014 animated short film produced by [[Comedy Central]] that parodied the ''Mortal Kombat'' games.<ref name="cc">{{cite web|url=http://www.dsogaming.com/videotrailer-news/mortal-kombat-gets-an-amazing-animated-short-film-parody/|title=Mortal Kombat Gets An Amazing Animated Short Film Parody|first=John|last=Papadopoulos|publisher=Dark Side of Gaming|date=April 2, 2014|access-date=April 16, 2014|archive-date=February 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221231917/http://theredherb.com/post/62532084499|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Critical reception and popularity===
Scorpion, along with Sub-Zero, is often regarded as one of the most popular and iconic characters in the ''Mortal Kombat'' franchise, and in the fighting-game genre in general. ''[[Game Informer]]'' rated Scorpion the third-best fighting game character in 2009,<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Top Ten Best Fighting Game Characters| magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop Corporation| date=August 2009|issn=1067-6392}}</ref> while [[UGO Networks]] ranked Scorpion second only to the series' main protagonist, Liu Kang, in their 2012 list of the top characters in the franchise.<ref>{{cite web |author=UGO Team |url=http://www.ugo.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters?page=5 |title=Top 50 Mortal Kombat Characters - Mortal Kombat |publisher=UGO.com |date=2012-02-28 |access-date=2012-03-15 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424064952/http://www.ugo.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters?page=5 |archive-date=2014-04-24 }}</ref> ''[[Play (UK magazine)|PLAY]]'' magazine ranked him fourth on their list of top ninja characters in 2013.<ref>''PLAY'' 232, page 34.</ref> Lucas Sullivan of ''[[GamesRadar]]'' ranked him as the seventh best fighting game character in the genre's history due to the "coolness of his 'undead antagonist' factor. Despite the fact that he started out as a mere palette swap, Scorpion's appeal made him a frontrunner in every major ''MK'' game to date."<ref>Lucas Sullivan, [http://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-best-fighting-game-characters/ The Top 7… Best fighting game characters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130303174525/http://www.gamesradar.com/top-7-best-fighting-game-characters/ |date=2013-03-03 }}, ''GamesRadar'', September 10, 2012</ref> in addition to ''[[Complex (magazine)|Complex]]'' naming him the fourth-"most dominant" fighting game character.<ref>Elton Jones, [http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/05/the-50-most-dominant-fighting-characters-in-video-games/scorpion The 50 Most Dominant Fighting Game Characters] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120520222157/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2012/05/the-50-most-dominant-fighting-characters-in-video-games/scorpion |date=2012-05-20 }}, Complex.com, May 17, 2012.</ref>
As Scorpion is regularly intertwined with Sub-Zero throughout the series, they have often been paired together in regards to the critical reception being praised by ''[[PC World (retailer)|PC World]]'',<ref>[http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/321647/top_ten_video_game_ninjas/?pp=7 Top Ten video game ninjas] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015060430/http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/321647/top_ten_video_game_ninjas/?pp=7 |date=2013-10-15 }}, PC World Australia, 6 August 2010.</ref> ''[[GameRevolution]]'',<ref>{{cite web|date=2011-02-03|title=Top 10 Old School Mortal Kombat Characters|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/top-10-old-school-mortal-kombat-characters/2|author=Severino, Anthony|publisher=GameRevolution|access-date=2011-05-23|archive-date=2016-01-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107222434/http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/top-10-old-school-mortal-kombat-characters/2|url-status=live}}</ref> and a ''GamesRadar'' article discussed their evolution across the ''Mortal Kombat'' series, citing them as its two most popular characters.<ref>{{cite web|title=The evolution of Scorpion and Sub-Zero|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-evolution-of-scorpion-and-sub-zero/a-2011041214633658093|author=Reparaz, Mikel|date=13 April 2011|publisher=GamesRadar|access-date=2011-05-22|archive-date=2012-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012223126/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/the-evolution-of-scorpion-and-sub-zero/a-2011041214633658093|url-status=live}}</ref> Together, Scorpion and Sub-Zero were voted the fifth most iconic characters in the two-decade history of the [[PlayStation]] by readers of ''[[PlayStation Official Magazine – UK]]'' in 2015.<ref>{{Cite journal|date=February 2015|title=The 20 greatest PlayStation icons of all time|journal=PlayStation Official Magazine UK|volume=106}}</ref> ''[[GamePro]]'' ranked ninjas from the series third best palette-swapped video game characters, adding that [[Midway Games]] "has turned the art of making new characters from other, different-colored characters into a science."<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208571/17-best-palette-swapped-characters/ |title=Palette Swapping: 17 Games that Did it Right |magazine=[[GamePro]]|access-date=March 25, 2010|date=January 13, 2009|author=Koehn, Aaron|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113011224/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208571/17-best-palette-swapped-characters/|archive-date=2010-01-13}}</ref> Scorpion's catchphrase, "Get over here!" was listed in ''PLAY''{{'}}s joke list of ten best chat-up lines.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.play-mag.co.uk/features/ten-of-the-best-chat-up-lines/|title=Ten of the best chat-up lines|author=Mackenzie, Gavin|work=[[Play (UK magazine)|Play]]|access-date=September 11, 2010|archive-date=July 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719072022/http://www.play-mag.co.uk/features/ten-of-the-best-chat-up-lines/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to ''PlayStation Universe'' in 2011, Scorpion "has spawned one of the most iconic catchphrases in gaming history" and "remains a firm fan favorite nineteen years since his debut."<ref name="psu" />
Special moves and fatalities have been mostly well received. ''[[IGN]]'' regarded Scorpion's "Flaming Skull" as the second-best ''MK'' Fatality without specifying any particular title in the series, due to how the player's perception of the character changes when he removes his mask.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/113/1137436p1.html|title=IGN's Unofficial Top 10 List of the Best Mortal Kombat Fatalities|website=IGN|date=November 30, 2010|access-date=September 7, 2011|archive-date=April 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401210218/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/113/1137436p1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> They called it an "enduring classic", noting that the finisher was notably unchanged in future games as a result of its connection with the character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/115/1159114p1.html|title=The Evolution of Mortal Kombat Fatalities|website=IGN|date=April 7, 2011|access-date=September 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120327034223/http://uk.xbox360.ign.com/articles/115/1159114p1.html|archive-date=March 27, 2012}}</ref> His spear attack was ranked ninth in was called single most powerful yet balanced attack in the original game, as well as for its initial shock value, furthermore deeming it "the definitive ''Mortal Kombat'' move."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gamespotting/030802/p1_01.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021003213556/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/gamespotting/030802/p1_01.html |archive-date=2002-10-03 |title=GameSpot Presents: GameSpotting |date=2002-10-03 |access-date=2013-07-20}}</ref> The "Nether Gate" from ''MK2011'' was included by ''[[FHM]]'' on their list of the game's nine most brutal Fatalities.<ref>{{cite web |author=FHM Philippines |url=http://www.fhm.com.ph/entertainment/games/9-most-brutal-fatalities-in-mortal-kombat-9/page/1 |title=9 Most Brutal Fatalities in Mortal Kombat 9 |publisher=Fhm.com.ph |date=2011-04-28 |access-date=2013-07-20 |archive-date=2013-10-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203915/http://www.fhm.com.ph/entertainment/games/9-most-brutal-fatalities-in-mortal-kombat-9/page/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> His ''MKII'' Friendship, shared with Sub-Zero and Reptile, placed in [[Prima Games]]' list of the series' top 50 fatalities, in addition to the "Nether Gate", his [[stage fatality]] from ''MK2011'', and the "Flaming Skull" from the original ''MK''.<ref name="primagames1">{{cite web|url=http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-50-41|title=The Top 50 Mortal Kombat Fatalities of All Time: 50-41|first=Robert|last=Workman|publisher=Prima Games|date=April 2014|access-date=May 30, 2014|archive-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105547/http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-50-41|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="primagames2">{{cite web|url=http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-40-31|title=The Top 50 Mortal Kombat Fatalities of All Time: 40-31|first=Robert|last=Workman|publisher=Prima Games|date=April 2014|access-date=May 30, 2014|archive-date=May 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529190715/http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-40-31|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="primagames4">{{cite web|url=http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-20-11|title=The Top 50 Mortal Kombat Fatalities of All Time: 20-11|first=Robert|last=Workman|publisher=Prima Games|date=April 2014|access-date=May 30, 2014|archive-date=May 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515065227/http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-20-11|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]'' rated it the fourth-best Fatality from ''MK2011,'' in addition to rating the "Flaming Skull" as the third-best finisher from the first game.<ref name="pastemag">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/04/best-fatalities-from-mortal-kombat-1-and-9.html?p=2|title=The 17 Best Fatalities from ''Mortal Kombat'' 1 & 9|magazine=Paste Magazine|first=Nathan|last=Spicer|date=April 23, 2011|access-date=December 19, 2013|archive-date=December 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220102358/http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/04/best-fatalities-from-mortal-kombat-1-and-9.html?p=2|url-status=live}}</ref> However, his Animality from ''UMK3/Trilogy'' (a [[penguin]] that lays an exploding egg) tied with that of [[Rain (Mortal Kombat)|Rain]] as the eighth worst finisher in the series according to ''[[GamePro]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|title=The 12 LAMEST Fatalities|magazine=GamePro|author1=Rudden, Dave |author2=Shaw, Patrick |date=November 25, 2008|page=1|access-date=February 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100531010838/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208023/the-12-lamest-fatalities/|archive-date=2010-05-31}}</ref>
''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' called the Scorpion and Sub-Zero-themed episode 7 "one of the best episodes" in the series, lending an emotional weight to the most famous tale in the franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/110320-Mortal-Kombat-Legacy-Finally-Breaks-Out-the-Ninjas|title=Mortal Kombat: Legacy Finally Breaks Out the Ninjas|date=24 May 2011|access-date=31 May 2011|publisher=The Escapist|archive-date=27 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110527102058/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/110320-Mortal-Kombat-Legacy-Finally-Breaks-Out-the-Ninjas|url-status=dead}}</ref> On the other hand, [[Film School Rejects]] bemoaned the series' expectation that its viewers be knowledgeable about the franchise's history, explaining that without previous knowledge of the games, the viewer is left with too many questions that may never be answered.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/review-mortal-kombat-legacy-episode-8-scorpion-sub-zero.php |title=Review: 'Mortal Kombat: Legacy' Episode 8 |publisher=Film School Rejects |date=2011-05-31 |access-date=2011-07-08 |archive-date=2011-06-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609035331/http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/features/review-mortal-kombat-legacy-episode-8-scorpion-sub-zero.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> Critical reception of Scorpion's role in his spin-off was the subject of mixed commentary, as Alessandro Fillari of ''[[GameSpot]]'' as it excelled when it focused on Scorpion, but felt the character-heavy storyline "makes for an overstuffed plot".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review-get/1900-6417450/|title=Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge Review - GET OVER HERE!|first=Alessandro|last=Fillari|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Fandom, Inc.]]|date=April 15, 2020|accessdate=December 8, 2022|archive-date=August 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820021930/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review-get/1900-6417450/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sam Stone of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' praised its development of the protagonist's backstory,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review/|title=REVIEW: Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge|first=Sam|last=Stone|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]|publisher=Valnet, Inc.|date=April 14, 2020|accessdate=December 8, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209002948/https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Bob Chipman of ''[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]'' opined that Scorpion's was the film's only grace, as he overshadows the rest of the cast of the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review-escape-to-the-movies/|title=Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge Review – Escape to the Movies|first=Bob|last=Chipman|work=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|publisher=[[Gamurs]]|date=April 17, 2020|accessdate=December 8, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209002950/https://www.escapistmagazine.com/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review-escape-to-the-movies/|url-status=live}}</ref> Joshua Yehl of ''[[IGN]]'' commented, "The movie’s biggest problem is that it tries to do the epic Mortal Kombat tournament arc on top of a more personal Scorpion story and ends up doing justice to neither."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review|title=Mortal Kombat Legends: Scorpion's Revenge Review|first=Joshua|last=Yehl|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=May 21, 2020|accessdate=December 8, 2022|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209002947/https://www.ign.com/articles/mortal-kombat-legends-scorpions-revenge-review|url-status=live}}</ref> Meanwhile, Scorpion's backstory from the 2021 live-action film was praised how violent it was without ruining the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/mortal-kombat-review-redefines-90s-game/|website=Den of Geek|title=Mortal Kombat review: Redefines 90s game|date=22 April 2021|accessdate=June 27, 2023|archive-date=27 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627184857/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/mortal-kombat-review-redefines-90s-game/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''IGN'' in particular liked the handling of Scorpion and Sub-Zero's rivalry across the movie's fight scenes,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sea.ign.com/review/171216/mortal-kombat-review|website=IGN|title=Mortal Kombat Review|date=22 April 2021|accessdate=June 27, 2023|archive-date=27 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627185439/https://sea.ign.com/review/171216/mortal-kombat-review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Grim Dark Magazine'' agreed while also liking how the film properly cast Sanada and his rival for the roles, making them faithful to the original material.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.grimdarkmagazine.com/movie-review-mortal-kombat-2021/|website=Grim Dark Magazine|title=MOVIE REVIEW: MORTAL KOMBAT (2021)|date=10 May 2021|accessdate=June 27, 2023|archive-date=27 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627185940/https://www.grimdarkmagazine.com/movie-review-mortal-kombat-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==See also==
{{Portal|1990s}}
*[[Ninja in popular culture]]
==Further reading==
* {{cite magazine|author=Maria Fernanda Stinghen Gottardi|url=https://www.yokogaomag.com/editorial/scorpion-hanzo-hasashi-psychology|title=The Philosophy Behind Scorpion From Mortal Kombat - A Path Of Fire|magazine=Yokogao Magazine|date=October 26, 2024|access-date=October 28, 2024}}
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons category-inline|Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)|Scorpion}}
{{Mortal Kombat|state=expanded}}
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