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One of the most prolific characters in theMortal Kombatuniverse and video games as a whole, Sub-Zero, has been a staple for over thirty years. First introduced in the originalMortal Kombatin 1992, Sub-Zero quickly became a fan-favorite for his cool blue ninja appearance and his ability to freeze his opponents with a projectile ice ball. In fact, Sub-Zero’s moveset had a substantial impact on gaming history, as his fatality in the originalMortal Kombatwas one of the examples used in the hearing that led to the creation of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). After many years and many redesigns, Sub-Zero is still as influential as ever.
Sub-Zero is the only character to have been featured as a playable character inevery mainlineMortal Kombatgameto date, including almost every spin-off, except forMortal Kombat: Special Forces. However, to make up for it, he had his very own spin-off game,Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero. Focusing on just the main series games, however, Sub-Zero has grown quite a bit and seen many iterations. Players have had the opportunity to play multiple versions of the character, either Kuai Liang or his brother Bi-Han, depending on the game. At times, being a force for good and at others evil, Sub-Zero is a character with some of the most interesting iterations inMortal Kombat.
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3S-Tier
Mortal Kombat 11
There have been many incredible versions of Sub-Zero over the years, but his portrayal inMortal Kombat 11captured the most important aspects of his character all at once. His commanding presence, vocal performance by the veteran VO artist Steve Blum, and his thoughtful costume design all helped to channel the best of the Lin Kuei Grandmaster in all his glory. This Sub-Zero is the same version ofKuai Liang fromMK9andMKX,concluding his story in that trilogy’s timeline.
Mortal Kombat 1
MK1saw the return of Bi-Han as Sub-Zero, the original Lin Kuei to portray the character before his death in the originalMortal Kombat. SinceMK2, Bi-Han has been the shadow wraith Noob Saibot, and his brother Kuai Liang has been Sub-Zero.MK1’s Sub-Zerobrought back the character with fresh moves and a new simplistic design. His role in the story ofMK1is one of the most compelling due to the conflict with his brother, Scorpion. This rebooted Sub-Zero is both timeless and original.
Mortal Kombat: Deception
A stand-out design of Sub-Zero, theMortal Kombat: Deceptionversion of the character has always been a fan favorite. Reminiscent of Shredder from TMNT, this Sub-Zero is cold and fearsome with his glowing eyes and pale skin. His fighting style was also unique inDeception, with his icy Kori Blade and Shotokan martial arts.MK:DeceptionSub-Zerofit perfectly into that game’s dark atmosphere and brutal environments.
Mortal Kombat 3
Mortal Kombat 3’s Sub-Zero was at the time a radical departure from previous portrayals. Seen unmasked for the first time, this version of Kuai Liang was a hero fighting to protect Earthrealm from Shao Kahn’s invasion. Brought to life by the actor John Turk,MK3Sub-Zerofeatured a realistic fighting style capable of some brutal combo chains. All these years later,MK3Sub-Zero is still one of the coolest designs for the character.
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Mortal Kombat X
MKXhad one of the grittiest styles of anyMortal Kombatgame, and this Sub-Zero matched it. With glowing eyes and battle-ready attire, this take on Kuai Liang was built for the speed and ferocity ofMKX. The story ofMKXalso saw Sub-Zero finally make amends with Hanzo Hasashi, his longtime rival.MKX’s Sub-Zerowas an older, wiser version of the character seen inMK9and the same one that would return inMK11.
Mortal Kombat (1992)
No Sub-Zero list would be complete without mentioning the original performer of the character, Master Daniel Pesina. The original digitized actor version of Sub-Zero was Bi-Han in the lore, who later became Noob Saibot. Bi-Han was a ruthless version of the character, feeling no remorse for his years of being an assassin. Bi-Han was killed at the end ofthe originalMortal Kombattournamentby Scorpion in retaliation for the murder of his clan.
Mortal Kombat 2
After his death at the hands of Scorpion, Bi-Han returned asNoob Saibot inMortal Kombat 2. The mantle of Sub-Zero was taken up by his brother, Kuai Liang, who would continue as the character for years to come. The classic ninja design fromMK (92)was slightly updated to feature shin guards, a motocross-looking mask, and quilted pads on the gi. The overall simplistic design remained consistent, as well as his moveset.
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Mortal Kombat (2011)/ Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
MK9andMK vs DCboth feature the same design of Kuai Liang Sub-Zero. This version feels like a proper escalation of the one fromDeadly AllianceandArmageddon, but updated to match the new graphics.MK9also featured the appearance of Cyber Sub-Zero, a character that is the result of Kuai Liang entering the Lin Kuei’s Cyber Initiative. Cyber Sub-Zero featured an original design and move set complete with redone versions of his classic freeze ability and ice-focused moves.
Mortal Kombat 4
Mortal Kombat 4saw the return of a masked Sub-Zero afterMK3’s version of Kuai Liang. Maintaining a simple blue ninja design and his staple spine-rip fatality,MK4Sub-Zerois a classic reborn. This version of Sub-Zero also had an iconic ending inMK4, which saw the character make amends with Scorpion. This first-ever 3-D Sub-Zero set the stage for the redesign inDeadly Alliance.
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance/ Armageddon
Deadly Alliance’s standard Sub-Zero was once again unmasked, but this time much older looking. His secondary costume, however, was more in line with the original look of the character. This secondary costume became his primary look inArmageddon. In the lore, the Lin Kuei Grandmaster took an apprentice under his wing to be thenext generation ofMortal Kombat, Frost. His older appearance further emphasizes his experience.
