Reiko

Story

Throughout the previous timelines, Reiko’s origin revolves around his military prowess as an Outworld general, leading his armies to conquest for Shao Kahn. A ruthless and commanding figure, Reiko imposed extreme violence upon his subordinates. Prior to Liu Kang’s new universe, Reiko was manipulated by Havik, who had given him access to Blood Magik.

Reiko would become enthralled by it as empowered by an old prophecy that he would one day reign Outworld. Determined to achieve what he thought was already written, he followed Havik’s plan. Reiko’s scheming would eventually lead to Kotal’s and Mileena’s civil war over the Outworld throne.

Reiko was able to gather the Kamidogu daggers, a prerequisite to the ultimate power that blood magik held, but in an expected turn of events, Havik was less than truthful with him about the nature of the power. Reiko would be defeated and revived in the flesh pits, but the hunger-powerful blood magik demanded of him made him go insane with pain, ripping himself apart.

In Liu Kang's timeline, Reiko and his family were caught up in the middle of a war when he was just a child. Having to fight to survive in that environment, and having lost his family in the process, Reiko became a brutal fighter. At first, the Outworld troops were more than ready to kill him once imprisoned. But General Shao saw something in him, a will to fight unlike no other, and decided to spare his life. Now Reiko dutifully serves under Shao, as one of his most loyal commanders.

Playstyle

A grappler with a heavy emphasis on impactful strikes who also has access to some projectiles. A departure from his prior appearances, wherein he was more of a zoning character. Even as a more grounded character, Reiko remains a serious threat at a distance, with plenty of deceptively long normals and even a parry into combo ability.

Appearance

A brawny-built fighter, dressed as a military commander of the Outworld, Reiko is an imposing figure and prides himself in his combat prowess. All throughout his arms lie various leather and metal armbands adorned with spikes, culminating in a pair of brutalist shoulder pads. By far, his most striking feature, however is his face paint, covering both of his eyes and framing his face as if that of a demon.