Get to Know the Kung Lao Characters in Mortal Kombat Across Generations!

The character Kung Lao could be said to be one of the mascots of the game Mortal Kombat (MK). Yep, as one of the protagonists introduced, all fans of this game certainly know the fighter! Let's get to know the characters further!

Also read: 7 Strongest Mortal Kombat Characters, Do You Have a Favorite?

Kung Lao Mortal Kombat Game Across Generations

Throughout the history of the modern gaming industry, this fighting game franchise is one of the most famous and long-lasting.

First released in 1992 for the arcade platform (in Indonesia it is better known as the 'ding dong' machine), MK was able to last for approximately 31 years!

Of course, as it is more than 3 decades old, there are so many variants and sequels released by Midway Games as the developer of this lineup. And in all of them, Kung Lao is always present as an integral part of this franchise.

Of all the existing MK titles, Kung Lao's trademark is the unique apparel which is also his main weapon: a 'caping' hat with a brim equipped with a sharp blade! So, here are some views of Kung Lao across generations Mortal Kombat:

Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat II (1993)

Even though Kung Lao is an "old" character, his first appearance was only in the sequel Mortal Kombat II (1993).

Meanwhile, in the first game (1992), Kung Lao's name is only mentioned in the progression of the story.

In this lineup, Kung Lao's appearance is introduced as a young man from the Asian race with an athletic body.

He wears 'Shaolin Monk' inner clothes which are dominantly blue with a black outer decorated with red Mandarin characters: which, when interpreted, means 'War'.

This suit also features boots, arm cuffs, and don't forget, his signature 'cap' hat with a knife which is the same color as the outfit above.

This depiction turned out to be so iconic and made an impression on the hearts of fans of this game, until finally Kung Lao became a "mandatory" character in various MK lineups.

Kung Lao in Mortal Kombat III (1995)

The success of the MK II series which expanded from arcade platforms to home-port systems (home consoles) helped "explode" the popularity of this character! As a result, Midway did not miss its presence in this third sequel.

However, to look fresher, Kung Lao got a slight change in appearance. The 'Mandarin Character' outer was replaced with a slightly open tank top. His stature has also been made slimmer with a physique that is not as muscular as his debut figure.

Apart from that, his inner 'Shaolin Monk' was also removed. Instead, he wears yellow trousers with a red cloth belt: identical to the clothes used by Kung Fu Warriors.

Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance (2002)

Midway continued to maintain Kung Lao's appearance in MK II in several future sequels. It was only in Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance, which was released in 2002 on the sixth generation console platform, that Kung Lao finally got a new look.

The character wears clothing with a strong 'Shanghai'-style oriental aesthetic: a long-sleeved blue top and white bottoms, tied with a red cloth belt. Don't forget some black ornaments (such as bracelets and boots) to complete this look.

However, what is unique is the presence of his 'cap' hat, which he now often takes off and hangs on his back. As a result, the warrior's long hair tied in a 'pony' ponytail looks prominent and iconic!

Mortal Kombat Shaolin Monks (2005)

You could say that the title Shaolin Monks, which was released in 2005, was the peak of the popularity of the Mortal Kombat game.

Midway's decision to change the MK genre (which is used to fighting) into a co-op adventure was very popular with game fans from various circles at that time.

This success is also inseparable from the character designs which were returned to the original version.

Kung Lao's appearance was again seen wearing a black sleeveless 'Shanghai' top with silver accents, which he combined with blue 'Shaolin' trousers with a red belt.

Several other accessories (arm cuffs, deckers, shoes, etc.) are also matched to the colors above. And of course, this time his hat was once again firmly perched on the warrior's head.

Mortal Kombat 11 (2019)

The appearance above continues to be maintained for the character, until several sequels in the future, with some additional knick-knacks just for refreshment. And only then in MK 11 (2019), the Hat Warrior has a new appearance.

This change can be seen predominantly in the top which uses a traditional tank top with a combination of red and blue 'Stripe' colors.

This looks contrasting when combined with the 'Beige' colored 3/4 trousers he is wearing.

The ornaments he wears this time still maintain the Kung Lao theme which is synonymous with knives: black and silver and supported by very good graphics, the depiction in MK 11 could be said to be very fitting!

Also read: Mortal Kombat 12 Confirmed Coming This Year

So, that was the discussion about Kung Lao's character Mortal Kombat across generations.

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