Template:Mortal Kombat character Scorpion is a character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game series.
About Scorpion
Scorpion is an undead, hell-spawned ninja spectre who walks the grounds of the Mortal Kombat world to seek revenge against those responsible for the death of his clan and family. Despite the fact that he has, in the past, joined the forces of evil (only if they promise to provide him the means of being alive on Earth, or to take revenge), he is not inherently evil. He has been known to assist the game's heroes, but his alignment could change at any given moment, depending on what he is offered in return.
Many fans consider Scorpion to be an anti-hero, pointing out that many of his endings have always shown him doing something that benefits the heroes. In addition to that, his characteristics, persona and his general point of being dependent only on himself have all contributed to his popularity. Scorpion has always been a loner by nature, and has a deadly combination of unwavering tenacity and ferocity, in addition to his deadly martial arts background.
Scorpion was manipulated by Quan Chi, who promised him life and used the ninja spectre to defeat his nemesis, Sub-Zero (the younger). However, he has a sense of honor and appreciates the value of human life. Because of his undead status, Scorpion is practically impossible to permanently defeat.
Scorpion is easily recognized by his yellow and black clad ninja uniform. Unmasked, his head is a (sometimes flaming) skull (which has contributed to his signature fatality, Toasty!).
Storyline
"Scorpion" was the code name of one of the Shirai Ryu's finest - a ninja assassin. It is known that his father, a former member of the Shirai Ryu forbide his son from joining the Shirai Ryu, because he did not want his son to live his life as an assassin. But He joined in spite of his father's wishes in order to provide his family with a comfortable life. During the events of Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero, He was hired by Quan Chi to find a map hidden in the Himalayas. However, Quan Chi had also requested for the services of Sub-Zero, who belonged to the rival Lin Kuei clan. The theory of hiring two ninja was simple - in case one of them failed, the other would succeed and Quan Chi would be closer to unlocking unknown and ultimate power.
Interestingly enough, both Scorpion and Sub-Zero succeeded in getting to their destination, but the two met each other reaching for the same map they were sent out to acquire. Because the Shirai Ryu and the Lin Kuei are natural and fierce enemies, Sub-Zero and Scorpion fought, with Sub-Zero gaining the upper advantage. As Scorpion lay on the ground, defeated, he begged and pleaded with Sub-Zero to spare his life, but Sub-Zero decapitated him and left his body where it fell. He would fall into the pits of the Netherealm itself, where it was believed either Quan Chi or Shinnok turned him into a ninja spectre. Quan Chi then told him that the Lin Kuei had massacred his entire clan and family. Fueled by an undying rage and thirst for retribution, vowed to not only murder Sub-Zero himself, but also the entire Lin Kuei Clan.
Scorpion would not meet Sub-Zero again until a brief encounter in the Netherealm, where Sub-Zero had been sent by Raiden to regain the amulet from Shinnok and Quan Chi. The two fought, but Sub-Zero defeated Scorpion again and escaped from the undead assassin's wrath. Sub-Zero was later invited to participate in Shang Tsung's tournament of Mortal Kombat - unknown to the Lin Kuei warrior, Scorpion had been invited as well, and the two met on Shang Tsung's boat, at which point Scorpion grabbed Sub-Zero by the throat and said "You killed me in cold blood exactly two years ago, to this day, but my demons have allowed me to avenge my death. I could kill you at this moment, but I am not a murderer. We will meet at the tournament, and then, Lin Kuei, you will pay with your life."
While Scorpion and Sub-Zero did not meet at the tournament itself, they did meet in the aftermath of Mortal Kombat. With Goro's defeat at the hands of Liu Kang, Shang Tsung became furious. He challenged Liu Kang himself. Raiden led Scorpion and Sub-Zero to battle Shang Tsung's army, and once they were defeated, Scorpion and Sub-Zero turned on each other. Though Sub-Zero was a difficult opponent, Scorpion eventually won the battle and slew his long-time nemesis. With his mission accomplished, Scorpion turned to ash.
A year later, Scorpion learned of Sub-Zero's plans to compete in the second tournament. Enraged at the idea that his murderer had "survived" and his vengeance was incomplete, Scorpion followed Sub-Zero into the realm of Outworld, where Shao Kahn hosted the second tournament. It is unknown whether or not Sub-Zero and Scorpion met, but Scorpion was a witness to one of Sub-Zero's battles, in which he saw Sub-Zero sparing the life of an opponent. Scorpion did not understand why the Lin Kuei warrior had grown so merciful. He later on came to the realization that this Sub-Zero was the younger brother of his murderer, who was sent to complete his brother's failed mission. Scorpion then vowed not to harm this new Sub-Zero. No longer bearing a grudge against this Sub-Zero, Scorpion was summoned back to the damnation the Netherealm.
When Shao Kahn invaded Earthrealm and unsuccessfully tried to conquer the Netherealm as well, Scorpion was inadvertently set free, and began walking the grounds of Earth once more. He pledged allegiance to no one, taking neither friends nor enemies. Shao Khan, however, recognized Scorpion's superior warrior skills, and enlisted the ninja in his forces under the promise of being granted life, for as long as the Outworld portal was open, Scorpion could not be pulled back into the Netherealm. Scorpion's allegiance with Shao Khan quickly dissolved when he discovered that Sub-Zero (whom he had vowed not to harm) was one of Earth's warriors whom Shao Khan wanted to kill. He turned on Shao Khan, and sided with the Earthrealm warriors in their final showdown with the evil emperor. With Shao Khan and his minions defeated, Earth reverted back to normal, causing Scorpion to return to hell, only to one day rise up once more.
During the events of Mortal Kombat Gold, Scorpion was deceived by Quan Chi into believing that the younger Sub-Zero was involved with the murders of his family and clan, and also offered him life in exchange for the spectre's assistance in the war with the Elder Gods, which Scorpion eagerly accepted. Scorpion eventually caught up with Sub-Zero, and the two began their final battle; after a long, epic battle, Scorpion emerged the victor. As Scorpion stood triumphantly over Sub-Zero, the defeated warrior proclaiming innocence, Quan Chi appeared and revealed that he had arranged for the killing of the Shirai Ryu and Scorpion's family. Before Scorpion could speak, Quan Chi attempted to send him back to the Netherealm. Scorpion grabbed Quan Chi before the sorceror could complete his spell, sending them both into the dreaded realm.
During the years that Quan Chi spent in the Netherealm, he would be chased, brutalized, and tortured by Scorpion. Quan Chi had little chance of escape, as his powers were weakened while he was in the Netherealm, and Scorpion's power and strength conversely increased (note: Quan Chi, as Shinnok's second-in-command, had previously resided in the Netherealm. However, this was explained as a new region of the Netherealm where sorcerors retain their power). Quan Chi eventually struck a deal with the Oni Drahmin and Moloch, who fought off Scorpion for him. When Quan Chi escaped the Netherealm through a portal, Scorpion followed him, but the volatile portal did not send him to the same place. He continued to hound Quan Chi in a game of cat-and-mouse until he found himself ambushed by Drahmin and Moloch, who had also escaped the Netherealm. They threw him into the soulnado, believing that it would kill the ninja spectre once and for all (as recounted in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance).
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Scorpion, however, managed to escape into the Void before the purity of the soulnado tore him apart. While in the Void, he met the Elder Gods, in whom he had never believed, and forever became changed from what he saw. He also witnessed Raiden's sacrifice and Onaga's dominance beginning to unfold. The Elder Gods were aware of his presence and enhanced his mortal and supernatural abilities, making him the Champion of the Elder Gods. The Elder Gods gave him a new mission, to seek and destroy Onaga before he unmade the realms. For the first time in his life, Scorpion descended from the heavens and back into Outworld, where his mission began. And this time, the realms' survival may depend on his success.
Possible future
Whether Scorpion or anyone else destroyed Onaga remains to be seen, as both the ninja spectre and Onaga are slated to appear in the upcoming Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.
Memorable moves
- Bloody Harpoon – Sending out a rope with a tipped Harpoon at the end it impales itself in its victims allowing Scorpion to pull them closer to him for a free hit, as well as causing a small bit of damage. Often following are the words, "GET OVER HERE!" or "COME HERE!". (MK, MKII, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MK Gold, MKDA, MKD, MK:SM)
- Back Teleport Punch – Vanishing behind his opponent he connects with a punch to the face. (MK, MKII, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MK Gold)
- Aerial Back Teleport Punch - Scorpion could perform his move in the air too. (MKII, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MK Gold)
- Front Teleport Punch – Scorpion would leap forward punching his opponent in the face. (MKT)
- Aeiral Front Teleport Punch – Scorpion could also perform this move in the air. (MKT)
- Scissors Kick Trip – Scorpion would trip his opponent over with sort of a trip kick takedown to the opponent. (MKII)
- Air Throw – Scorpion could throw his opponent's while in the air. (MKII, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MK Gold)
- Fire Spew – Removing his mask revealing his true self, he would spit fire on his opponent. (MK4, MK Gold)
- Hellfire – Scorpion would summon the fires of Hell to burn his opponent. (MKDA, MKD)
- Teleport Kick – Similar to his Teleport Punch only Scorpion disappears into a ball of fire and hits his opponent with a kick instead of a punch. (MKD)
- Flash Fire Kick – Scorpion performs a back flip kick followed by a trail of fire. (MKDA, MKD)
- Winged Harpoon – Scorpion uses his Roped Spear to fling it all around the arena. (MK:SM)
Fatalities
- Toasty! – Scorpion's signature fatality, Scorpion takes off his mask, revealing a skull face, and breathes fire at his opponent, burning them alive(Usually resulting in Dan Forden squealing "Toasty!!!" In MK4 Dan Forden will say "Toasty! 3D!" owing to it being transferred to a new graphic dimension) (MK1, MK2, UMK3, MKT, MK4, MKG, MK:SM).
- Scorpion slice – Using his spear, Scorpion slits his opponent's throat, and then slices them in half at the waist (MK2, MK:SM).
- Hellraiser – Scorpion summons multiple clones of himself that charge his opponent; the screen blackens and only the sounds of beating and screams are heard. (UMK3, MKT)
- Hand from Hell – Scorpion raises a hand from hell and the hand grabs the opponent, thus burning them to death (MKT).
- The Scorpion – Fittingly, Scorpion transforms into a giant scorpion, grabs his opponent by the ankles with his pincers, and uses his stinger to rip their upper half off (MK4, MK Gold).
- Spear Yank – Scorpion throws his spear into his opponent's head and pulls their head off. (MK:DA)
- Spine Rip – In a manner similar to Sub-Zero's fatality, Scorpion grabs his enemy at the neck, and rips their head and spinal cord from their body (MK:D).
- Arm and a leg – Scorpion throws his spear into his opponent's arm and rips it off, and does the same to their opposite leg. While the victim hops on one leg helpless, Scorpion slowly approaches, snaps their neck, and lets out a victory cry. (MK:D)
Other finishers
- Scorpion Doll – Scorpion flourishes a "Scorpion doll." (MKII)
- Jack-In-The-Box – Scorpion cranks a jack-in-the-box until a huge skull appears and frightens the opponent away. (UMK3, MKT)
- Penguin – Scorpion turns into a penguin and lays an egg under the opponent that explodes and blows them to pieces. (UMK3, MKT)
- Neck snap (Hara-Kiri) – Scorpion gets down on his knees and breaks his neck (MK:D)
Television and movie appearances
Scorpion appears briefly in the first Mortal Kombat movie as one of Shang Tsung's guardians, who dies in a match against Johnny Cage. His signature spear move was changed to a living snake-like entity that shot from his hand and could fly to a limited extent. Ed Boon provided the voice.
He also appears briefly in Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (played by J. J. Perry), during which he defeats Sub-Zero and kidnaps Kitana.
Scorpion also appeared in the second episode of Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm, titled Sting of the Scorpion, in which he fought and defeated Sub-Zero.
He also appeared in several episodes of Mortal Kombat: Conquest. In the first story arc, he briefly possessed Takeda (unknown if related to the founder of the Shirai Ryu) before being sent back to Hell. He also appears in a later arc in which he rebuilds the Shirai Ryu and is involved in a feud with Sub-Zero, before the intervention of Kung Lao et al. forces a draw between them.
Trivia
- Originally, Scorpion's storyline had him becoming the protector of the younger Sub-Zero to atone for murdering his older brother. This was later retconned out of the storyline by stating that Scorpion had hunted Sub-Zero for years and only vowed "not to harm him." This has caused controversy among the fanbase as many fans feel that this retcon takes away much depth from Scorpion's story and character.
- In various interviews, Ed Boon has openly admitted that his favorite character has always been Scorpion.
- Scorpion has only killed one other character during his life as a vengeful spectre (Sub-Zero the elder, who later returned as Noob Saibot). However, when Sub-Zero was murdered, there was no immediate direct quote or statement, nor was there any strong evidence to prove that Scorpion had in fact done it (what was offered at the time was that somebody murdered Sub-Zero, and Scorpion was the most likely candidate for his death). The release of the official Mortal Kombat II comic book and Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks revealed that Scorpion had in fact killed Sub-Zero, ending any rumors and debates.
- One of the most famous and easily recognized special move in Mortal Kombat is Scorpion's famous Spear move, in which he throws a spearhead attached to a rope at his opponent, pulling his opponent towards him while screaming either "Get Over Here!" or "Come Here!", which leaves the opponent open to attack. The spear itself is actually a Kunai attached to a rope, despite the various modifications the spear has received during its history, which include a spiked ball attached to a chain (and then later a rope), a serpent and a two headed serpent (in which appeared in the Mortal Kombat movies). His line could also be described as a Tetsu-Gen, a ninja weapon that is a thin steel cable or wire, which could also feature a kunai at the end of the line, or possibly a Rope Dart. Also there has been a few variants of his weapon in other forms of media. In the film, he used a living animal (probably a snake). In the Blood and Thunder comics, he had a ball and chain. And in Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm, he used gold chains.
- Scorpion's "Get Over Here!" and "Come Here!" spear taunts, in all of the Mortal Kombat games and movies, were voiced by Ed Boon himself. Unfortunately, when the earlier titles were ported from the arcade to the home consoles, only one of these two taunts were featured in the games due to memory constraints.
- Sega-produced video game magazines frequently labeled Scorpion's spear as the "Van Dam Spear." The reason for this was unknown, and this denomination was not used by any other gaming publications.
- Scorpion's yellow costume is said to have mocked not only Sub-Zero, but also the Lin Kuei, as Takeda (who was a member of the Lin Kuei) developed Ninjitsu, which he considered a superior fighting style to what the Lin Kuei had. He quickly left the Lin Kuei and formed the Shirai Ryu clan, the Lin Kuei's main enemies. Originally it was said that Scorpion exclusively had been given the yellow costume in hell to mock Sub-Zero and the Lin Kuei, but this appears to have retconned, as he was wearing it in Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero before he died.
- Dan Forden (who creates the sounds and music for Midway's games, especially in the Mortal Kombat series) is the man responsible for the "Toasty" callings-in relation to Scorpion. This originated in Mortal Kombat II, in which a special input allowed Scorpion's flame skull fatality to be performed anywhere, the message "Toasty!" would then be shown. In Scorpion's flame skull fatality in Mortal Kombat 4, Dan Forden screams out "Toasty! 3D!!" in reference to Scorpion's fatality being incorporated in full 3D. These are often misinterpreted due to the high pitch and sing-songy inflection, but is fairly clear if known beforehand. Another Dan Forden calling featured in the game that is a clear reference to Scorpion is "Crispy" in which is said when a player performs the stage fatality in the Scorpion's Lair stage in UMK3.
- In Mortal Kombat 4 and Mortal Kombat Gold, his signature fatality was also used as a special move during battle, simply called Flame Breath. However, in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, Scorpion has no such move or fatality. His flaming skull remains as an alternate costume (though the fire is only an effect, irrelevant to gameplay). In Mortal Kombat: Deception he does not appear maskless at any time.
- His strength and powers increase while he is in hell.
- A possible tribute to The Terminator is seen during Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, when Scorpion is defeated by Liu Kang. As he's dragged into the lava by the bloody skeletons of the damned, he holds out his right hand to give the camera a thumbs up as he's finally pulled under in a scene near-identical to the scene of the Terminator's destruction via a pool of molten steel in Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
- Scorpion has a cameo in Season 2 opener of the Comedy Central show Drawn Together as one of the new potential housemates the other characters consider. He grabs Xandir with his spear, saying "Get over here!" then performs a head-rip Fatality on him, later exclaiming "Oy vey" when Xandir resurrects and demonstrates his reach-around special move.
- In Krypt UI of Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, the player can buy a video, "Cooking With Scorpion." This shows the dead ninja spectre chopping various meats, and decorating a cake. This was originally a promotional video for Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3.
- Scorpion's appearance has changed greatly over time. In the original Mortal Kombat, he had a normal looking face. In Mortal Kombat 2, 4, Deadly Alliance, Deception, and Shaolin Monks he had his trademark glowing white eyes. In UMK3, he had empty skull sockets for eyes.
- Scorpion is depicted in Jeff Rovin's non-canon Mortal Kombat novel (published in 1995 to coincide with the release of the movie) as being the combination of sorts of a father and a son, contrary to his non-canon origins as "Hanzo Hasashi". The father, named Yong Park, was disemboweled by Sub-Zero before his family. A demigod allowed Yong the opportunity to seek revenge, and Yong's spirit was permitted to merge with his son Tsui Park's body, in order to seek revenge under the form of Scorpion.
- Scorpion appears as a boss battle in Shaolin Monks, however while the boss battle is acclaimed gameplaywise as being one of the best in the game, storywise, many fans have criticized Scorpion trying to kill Liu Kang and Kung Lao, calling it out-of-character and making it look like Scorpion has an evil alignment, when Scorpion is meant to be a neutral character throughout the Mortal Kombat timeline.
- In Mortal Kombat 4 and Mortal Kombat Gold, a bizarre glitch is encountered when performing Scorpion's Toasty fatality (and in Gold, Sektor's Flamethrower fatality) with the opponent and the camera near the wall. Once alight, the opponent will straighten up and flail about as usual, but their limbs will move about at odd angles, as if the opponent themselves were a broken marionette, collapsing at the end into a twisted, mangled mass.
- Scorpion also appears in another Midway game; he appears as a secret character in Psi-Ops: The Mindgate Conspiracy .
- In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, Scorpion also appears as Inferno Scorpion. In this mode, he is similar in appearance to himself in UMK3 and his alternate costume in Deadly Alliance. He becomes Inferno Scorpion after being thrown into the lava by the player and he also appears in this form in a level in Survival Mode. Inferno Scorpion is more powerful. His attacks are faster and do more damage.