Unlockables;

*SMOKE- He was an interesting character in MKD. I liked his appearence as well, it is better than his MKA look. His moves were also cool in both MKD/A. He could build up a lot of potential if he returns, as a cyborg or human... but I would rather see him human again. We last saw him as a human in MK2, but with the moveset of Scorpion. I want to see Smoke as human, using his moves from MKA. So, sound the alarms...for the return of Human Smoke!
*NOOB- An amazing character with potential. He was great in MKD, but much more better in MKA. He has a great back-story to him, and could give us more. Personally, I don't think that the hybrid fusion with Noob and Sub should become a reality in MK8. If that happened, we would lose two great fighters. It's better having two than just one Besides that, Noob could become one of the greatest kombatants of five. Shadow your way into MK8, Noob!
*REIKO- As for him, I don't think that he is a "Shao Kahn" wannabe. They still have to expand the story between him and Kahn. For all we know, Reiko could possibly be Kahn's son. Although, I feel that Reiko should return to expand his story, I can see potential building up. I loved his specials in MKA as well as his revision. Hopefully Reiko get what he deserves, and that is returning in MK8, even tho he will be a secret character.
*HUMAN REPTILE- I totally want him back as a human ninja. He was also one of my favorite ninjas of all-time, until the MK team ruined his character. In MK4/DA, I was , about how he looked. Then in MKA, Reptile regained my likings. I hope that he returns in MK8 in his human form for his primary costume and he could have the MKSM/MKA look for his alt. Last but not least, I'd like for him to have his MK2 moveset. He then would be up to par!

Now for the unbelievable...

BO RAI CHO- Many people might not like him much, but if they look beyond him...they would see that there is much more to him than meets the eye. I am one of those who doubted him since his MKDA appearence, but then I came too realize...he was iight. Bo does have a somewhat good story to him, and it could get better. Here are some things that I would like to see change about his character. For one, they should tone down Bo's "chubbiness" a tad. Lose his Drunken fighting style and the jug. Also remove the puke puddle, because it wouldn't suit him without the drunken style. I say this because, if his ending in MKA is canon(and I hope)...he will become a "god" and protector of Outworld. I think this would be a good twist to his story. He does have potential, so bring him back! Have him as a main selectable or an unlockable.

scorpion
sub zero
fujin
raiden
quan chi

Baraka!

Well, People 7 that I want badly to return:
- Daegon
- Frost
- Havik
- Quan Chi
- Sektor
- Shang Tsung
- Shinnok

I think most of you guys are going over board on this cast of returning characters from other mk games.

They stated before that this is supposed to be a new story with new characters with a new MK tournament.So with that in mind I dont really expect but maybe 3 or 4 old faces to return.You guys are going kinda crazy though cause this isn't supposed to be a sequel to MKA its supposed to be a new story.And yea ed boon and midway have said this already.Cause even though you guys may have not like the idea of MKA its still supposed to be the last game that most of those characters directly show up in or have part in the story.And I kinda like it that way cause those story lines were getting out of hand so it is time for something new.


I have no idea who I would want back but maybe tremor could show up and have some sort of story since he was only in MKSF,that and maybe no face.

For some reason I can't decide on who I want to stay because they're just too many. But anyway, I'll start first with the characters who I think should NOT return:

REPTILE- I don't think he has a story anymore after Armageddon. It's either he has a happy ending with Kham or he dies......either way, don't think he can return.

RAIN- The only ninja I don't like. Everything about him is wrong except maybe his costume but other than that there's nothing to be really wowed about Rain.

CHAMELEON- Compared to Khameleon, he's actually a VERY VERY worthless character. I mean he's just like a mimic so he's not really that important. I don't think he has a chance of even returning.

SMOKE- All 3 cyborgs should go. They've all gotten stale in a way. Smoke just turned from good to suck. He's pretty much worthless to me now.

CYRAX- I'm not putting Sektor here because I still think he has a shot at returning. I don't think CYrax can have another story after Deadly Alliance and to make it worse, he might turn into one of those "generics" if he returns.

STRYKER- I hated him in MK3 and his return in Armageddon wasn't exactly good. His story was just too incomplete and I think it's just too late to even start developing him. He had a nice costume though.

JAREK- Hated him before, still hate him now. His story is crappy, I don't even like playing as him. Not even his new costume helped in my opinion of him. And to top it all, his bio in Armageddon is the worst(fatalities???).

DARRIUS- I don't like any of the Orderrealm characters. They're all somewhat to dull but I kinda like Hotaru a bit, Dairou is just so-so but Darrius is just to....blah. His costume makes him look like an alien which is of course, weird. Then I also don't find him very interesting gameplay wise. I definitely don't want him to return.

BO RAI CHO- Normally, I'd like characters who are the unique type but he's just bad. There's nothing really appealing about him from his costume to his story and his moves are just stupid. Hate him.

MAVADO- Technically, he wasn't supposed to be in this list but then it turned out he wasn't the leader of the Red Dragon, but Daegon, so he's now in my cut list. His hookswords are just unoriginal and his moves are not really that good especially the specials.

MOKAP- He shouldn't return because he's Mokap. That pretty much says it all.

KANO- One of the classics who should definitely retire, in his case killed, his story just kept on getting duller and duller. I'm getting sick of him. Not even his laser eyes are cool anymore. He should definitely be cut.

JAX- Something's telling me Jax is a goner. I don't know why but I just think he's not returning. So for now, he's in my cut list.

KAI- Dull. Boring. One of those "generic good whatever" people. Don't like those types of characters.

SHUJINKO- Read Bo Rai Cho. That's pretty much what I want to say about Shujinko.

HSU HAO- He is an even worse version of Mavado. The heart implant is weird, his story's too dull, and his costume looks like Frankenstein decided to become an army general. One of the stupidest characters ever made.

KOBRA- This one's the worst and I can't believe I almost thought he was cool. I think the people who made him decided to get drunk first because he's just so horrible. He looks like Ken Masters trying to be gay. And it just looks too Street Fighter for me. In other words, he sucks.

LIU KANG- Umm, the zombie thing worked for like a day then I don't like it anymore. It's time to end Liu Kang. I mean his story got duller in MK4 and it was nice that he wasn't in Deadly Alliance but then the resurrection thing was just sort of an excuse to bring him back. He should definitely just go and get killed.

SHANG TSUNG- It's also his time to go even though Midway did more justice to his story than Liu Kang. I think out of all the main baddies, only one or two(Shinnok and Evil Raiden) should return then the rest should die. Shang Tsung had a good run but he's not really someone who should return.

QUAN CHI- Yeah, pretty much the same as Shang Tsung. I think both of them shouldn't return anymore.

DAEGON- I like Taven but I don't like him. He just sucks so bad. Even though he's supposed to be one of the main "evils", he seemed to generic for me. He's just too dull.

KITANA- As much as I'd hate to say this, I think Kitana should stay out of battle.....forever. I mean she should just be retired because her story is getting a bit boring and she's not really one of those boring characters.

FROST- She's the main reason why I don't want a female version of Sub-Zero. Don't like her. PERIOD!

SINDEL- Technically, there are only two choices I can think of for Sindel. It's either she stays queen or she dies. Either way, even though I like her, she shouldn't return as playable.

TANYA- I'll keep it short. Nobody likes her. That's enough reason for me.

SHEEVA- .....................just looking at her makes me wanna laugh. She's just...weird.

BARAKA- He and Kano are probably the worst among the classics not counting the joke characters. He just got too dull and stale and I don't like the fact that he's been turned into a kiss-ass type of character.

MOTARO, MOLOCH, KINTARO, GORO- All large characters should go. I'd rather have a new one than to keep any of them.

MEAT- No comment.........

SHAO KAHN, BLAZE, ONAGA- Read sub-bosses.

I

Older Characters:
I think in the interest of streamlining the story and starting a new era, only a very small handful of old, pre-MK4 characters should be kept around.

Their iconic value should play a (small)part in deciding who those few are, in order to keep a sense of familiarity with the past. It should not be the only deciding factor though, because I don't believe characters should get special treatment merely because they're "icons." Also, who qualifies as an "icon" of Mortal Kombat is, with a very few exceptions, a very debatable subject. While some may, I do not consider guys like Liu Kang or Kano "icons" of the series. Not in the least. Also, there are some older pre-MK4 characters who may not be considered "icons" but are still worth keeping.

I would also go for characters who are "unique." Now, "unique" is a very subjective and debatable term. But when I say "unique," what I mean is characters who set Mortal Kombat apart from other games. This is similar to iconic value....and one of the reason why I don't consider someone like Liu Kang an icon of Mortal Kombat. Go for the characters who make Mortal Kombat stand out.

I would also place emphasis on their worth to the storyline....have they come along and managed to stay fresh or, at least, not quite as stale? There are some older characters who've managed to remain fresh and worth a damn and/or come a long way. Some may reason it'd be a waste to lose them after all they've gone through. But more important in the story issue: do they still have places to go and can they remain fresh and vital?

As for how many, bare minimum, I would go no further than five or six...
1 & 2) Scorpion and Sub-Zero
First I'll get these guys out of the way, since we're already pretty certain they're coming back. I have to say though, it's with some disdain I accept Scorpion's return. Sub-Zero fullfills all qualities I think older returning characters should have. He's an icon, he represents Morta Kombat well, he's one of the best developed characters whose come a long way and still has places to go. I've no qualms with Subz return. Scorpion though....he has the iconic qualities in spades, no doubt. But they've thrown his story down the shitter and turned him into a jackass. I suppose we can only hope they rectify that in the future.

As for who else I'd choose....
3) Mileena
One of the few older characters I believe should come back, no question. She qualifies as iconic and she certainly stands out. She's a well developed character and I think we still have plenty to see from her story-wise....provided they drop her feud with Kitana. That's the only reason I would NOT want Mileena back. But I think she has a good chance of moving on to new things and she can go in many directions.

4) Kitana or Jade
This is tricky. Kitana definitely qualifies in iconic quality. In terms of story development, she's more-or-less the female equivilent of Sub-Zero. And she does have places to go. At this point, there are only two reasons I can see for not bringing Kitana back: the principle of her being an older character who should retire and let someone else get the spotlight AND the possiblity they won't do anything worth-while with her. If they don't bring Kitana back, I guess Jade would be the wise choice to fill that spot...if not a brand new character altogether. Jade's pretty fresh and we know very litte about her. She has room for development. He ronly issue is being developed into an individual and not just "another Kitana."
If all they would do with Kitana is have her continue on, pretty much the way she has, I'd rather her retire. We don't need to see her as Queen or continuing to act as Edenia's heroic defender. She desperately needs something new. However, if they were to take her in a new direction...get her away from Edenia and lose the excess baggage that's started to hold her down....than I think she should come back.

5) Ermac or Noob Saibot
Here's an example of guys who may be worth keep despite not beinc considered "iconic." But then again, I wouldn't be surprised is there are some who would rationalize they are "iconic." Either way, I do think either of these guys stand out and examples of unlikely success stories. In all honesty, these two jokes should never have gotten the time of day...but they managed to become worth-while and effective characters. More important, is these guys have more to offer to the story. Even though Ermac has been around since MK3, we haven't seen that much of him....so he's pretty fresh despite being considered an older character. And Noob Saibot's story has just taken off.
Personally, I would only bring back one for MK8, and but keep the other one in the background for a future return down the line or maybe even have one of them be a hidden character in MK8.

6) Raiden
I consider Raiden the unofficial third icon of Mortal Kombat after Scorpion & Sub-Zero. He's a defining and recognizable character who has been a part of the series since the beginning. They've also given his storlyine a nice shot in the arm that's opened up new possibilites and even beyond he's a fairly flexible character. Maybe not bring him back right away as a playable character....maybe keep him hidden or save him for a game after MK8, which is why I list him sixth even though I consider him the third icon....but I do think Raiden should be kept around.


A small mention of Reptile and Kung Lao:
Reptile qualitfies as "iconic" and he's come a long way in the story. However, I'm hesitant on whether he should return. I just don't see much future for him and, IMO, the other characters I listed are more worth keeping. But, if they managed to think of something good for him and slipped him in, I wouldn't complain too much. Or maybe they should have him sit out MK8, but keep him handy for games after. I'm very on the fence regarding Reptile.
Similar feeling on Kung Lao. I think he's far more "iconic" than Liu Kang. He's also more developed and has a better story. My biggest issue with Kung Lao's potential return is he needs to move up or on. He can't be the sidekick anymore. And even then, if they made him "the hero" would he be able to remain fresh and vital? Another issue is I think MK8 should take place years after Armageddon. So unless Kung Lao somehow gains eternal youth....he's going to age. On the fence with Kung Lao as well.


Okay, that's my list of what older characters should return. I'll post my thoughts on the more recent post-MK4 characters later.

Character that I Hate to Return:

Kenshi - Just Plain STUPID!!!
Sareena - No Comment
Chameleon - Ninja Ripped Off
Sub-Zero - I'd rather Have FROST! Back
Kira - I don't want a Female Kano Period.
Ermac - Should need to Die.
Tanya - Pointless Character IMO.
Mokap - His character is extremely boring to me.
Kobra - Oh please BORING!!!

Okay, now my thoughts on...

Recent Characters:
Now for the post-MK4 characters, I think there should be more coming back than older ones...since many of them have good potential but never got a good chance to explore it. I would say maybe 10-12 at most. I don't have much of a criteria for who should be back and who shouldn't as I did with the older characters...kind of just basing it on who I think has the most/best to offer in the future.

1) Sareena
Sareena is a definite must in my book. She finally got a true appearance in Armageddon and they set her up very nicely as an interesting and conflicted character. She has a nice look and can go in many directions with different characters. She can very easily be a star. She has everything she needs....they just need to follow through. Just no ice powers. Leave that little bit of her ending non-canon, and all will be well.

2) Drahmin
An underrated character, in my opinion. Drahmin has a good backstory and I like the concept of his character. I can see him stepping up into being a major player in the Netherealm sub-plot. If nothing else, a good antagonist for someone like Sareena. He has unique look, though I'd lose his diaper and make him more like his alt. with the bandages and bits of armor.

3) Nitara
Nitara's an interesting interpretation of the Vampire and she's a cool character. I don't have that many ideas of where she can go, but I would like to see her continue on.

4) Havik
Havik is a very cool character. He has a good look and I love the concept of his character. He can very easily fit into future storylines. The only danger he faces is his trouble-making becoming reduntant, but I'm confident that sort of thing can be avoided.

5) Ashrah
I like Ashrah herself. I like her somewhat overzealous personality and she stands out appearance-wise. But I'd want her back mostly because of what she can bring to other characters like Sareena and Nitara. We've already seen a feud with Nitara start. Add Sareena to that mix and it could get even more interesting.

6) Li Mei
Li Mei was pretty weak and forgettable in her first appearance, but she improved a great deal in Deception. I think she can do well as either a hero or villain. If a hero, I can see emerging as a defender of Outworld...something that realm severely lacks. If a villain, we can see her trying to finish was Onaga started.

7) Hotaru
I've grown to appreciate Hotaru more recently. He has a nice look and his character makes him a good potential antagonist for just about any character. He acts as an interesting perspective as being a character who's seen as a "bad guy" even though he fights for peace and order.

8) Fujin
Even if Raiden returns, I think his time as Guardian of Earth is over. Ideal for Fujin to step up and show us hat he's got. I'd like to see what else can be done with his wind powers and I think they can develope him into an individual and not just "another Raiden."

9) Kenshi
I think Kenshi was one of the best executed characters introduced in the recent games. He has a nice backstory and he's pretty cool. I've no real ideas on where he can go, but I think he's a character worth keeping around. Only potential problem I can see is there being some reduntancy if Ermac also returns. Personally though, I would rather Kenshi's moves and attacks focus more on his being a master swordsman than telekinesis...but that's me. Only other issue, like Kung Lao, is aging.

10) Kira
Kira seems like a cool character. I like her personality and look. I think if they tone down her female Kano aspects and make her more original, she could do well.

11) Dairou
Dairou looked pretty cool in his MK:DA concepts, but in Deception he came across as pretty bland. I think what's wrong with him can be fixed and, as a mercenary character, he can go in a number of directions.

12) Tanya
Probably not much point in listing her, since I know the odds of her coming back are pretty much nil. But I do believe Tanya can bring good things to the story...paticularly a feud with Mileena, which I would be most interested in. They haven't done all they could with her, and I think they should. She is after all, an unlikable bitch. What's a better villain than that?


So, overall, I figure five or so old characters and about ten more recent characters. A couple special hidden unlockable characters and finally ten new characters and you got a roster of 25-30.

I think that'd do.

Ok I still have 4 more people who I think shouldn't return anymore:

KABAL- Even though he's one of those better classic characters, I'd rather keep Kira than Kabal even though many say Kira's not that good. I just think that he just fell flat in Deception and I think it just got worse in Armageddon so I'd rather not keep him anymore.

NIGHTWOLF- He's not as "generic" as Kai and Stryker are but still, I count him as one of those "generic" good guys who are there because they fight for the good. I just find those characters very dull and Nightwolf's not really an exception. Plus, I don't find the carrying on of Liu Kang's spirit very interesting.

JOHNNY CAGE- I almost forgot to put him. He's one of those characters who I think should be retired now because his story is just horrible. Then the whole revival thing is just crappy but then again, so was MK4. The Forces of Light thing was okay but the part where he receives visions was weird so Johnny CAge could be as good as dead by now.

KHAMELEON- Her story is incomplete and I think it's too late to develop her character. I think she's just a complete waste of time.

OK so that's 39 down and I have 24 characters left:

1. SUB-ZERO- I like Sub-Zero. Everything about him is great from his costume to his gameplay although his story could be considered as going too bland. Anyway, it's not like he can be killed off anyway. He's too popular.

2. SCORPION- Another definite stay but unlike Sub-Zero, I hate him. Nothing about him interests me and I think the spear move is getting a bit to overrated. His story is bland wait I mean his story is absolute crap and I don't find him interesting to play as but then again, it's not MK w/o Scorpion or Sub-Zero so there's not really another choice.

3. ERMAC- He was crap during UMK3 but I guess the MK team really worked him up. He's the most improved character and I think he's better than half the classic characters that they've been using a lot of times. His costumes nice, his story's good, and he's actually fun to play as. He's definitely one of those I'd LOVE to keep.

4. NOOB-SAIBOT- Not the best character but he's still good enough to keep. I like evrything about him except his Alt. costume. It was just absolute crap. But other than that, everything else is good.

5. DAIROU- As boring and dull as he is, Dairou's actually quite flexible. He can go many ways. I actually thought of like 10 new ideas for him. He just needs a lot of improvement. It'll be such a waste if the MK team decides to get rid of him now.

6. REIKO- Reiko, in my opinion, is the evil version of Ermac(not counting the story and moves). In MK4, he was so horrible but then like other characters whose next apperance after their first game was Armageddon, they give a new look, new costume, new moves and I think that really helped Reiko a lot. He has potential to become a really great character so I don't think he should get killed off.

7. FUJIN- He's a definite stay. First, he's a god so it'd be pretty stupid if he dies. Second, he's the protector of Earthrealm and I think he should stay as protector since Raiden's now crazy and all. Third, like Jade and Kung Lao, he's been a sidekick and I think because of that, his story always has to be about following the leader. I think his story has great potential and it'll be such a waste if the don't use that to improve him more.

wait ill just continue this later.

5 i want to return scopion subzero reptile kenshi raiden

First here's the story. It's kind of a reboot of MKII (shoot me, bitches ) but it can still take place after Armageddon if necessary. One angle is that the battle at the pyramid resulted in a massive time rift, forcibly rebooting to MKII or, that when all is said and done, the balance of power was simply reorganized in a way similar to the political landscape of MKII. Shao Khan is once again in power and leads an all out assault on Earthrealm and Edenia. Meanwhile, trouble is brewing in the Netherrealm. (Read my posts in this thread: http://www.mortalkombatonline.com/content/forum/showmessage.cds?id=110576&page;=3 The battle did have its casualties, assuming this is not a reboot or a time warp, so the fat has most definitely been trimmed from the MK roster. The following characters will be featured;



Sub Zero: as the front runner of the good guys.

Scorpion: still bent on revenge, but he's for real this time.

Noob Saibot: preparing for a coup in hell; think Che Guevara in an inky black ninja suit, or better yet, the Napoleon of Hell.

Kitana: as the new queen of Edenia.

Jade: as the leader of the Royal Edenian Guard.

Reptile: a merciless mercenary, but with a mind and purpose of his own.

Shinnok: preparing for his last stand against Noob Saibot's demon army.

Quan Chi: after losing control of the Brotherhood of Shadow to Noob, allies himself with Shinnok in a desperate attempt to stave off the encroaching rebellion.

These are the key players but of course many new characters will fill out the roster. Positions open are:

A White Lotus monk/Shaolin type character: Liu Kang, Kung Lao, or a new character would fill this spot. Personally, I would prefer Kai, a terribly underrated character.

A token Shokan: They could of course, reuse one of the existing Shokans, but I thought it would be cool to include a Shokan master, a little old guy who relies more on agility and acrobatics than brute force.

Being the MK freak that I am, there are alot of characters that I want to return so this was kinda hard, but I whittled down the number to 15 that I can justify:

01. Ermac: This guy was created by the MK fans and he represents the MK fans..
02. Fujin: He should play more of a role.
03. Havik: This crazy s.o.b. probably doesn't need a reason to be in it.
04. Khameleon: Reptile sadly might not survive so she has to ensure the survival of their species.
05. Mileena: The new Queen of Edenia.
06. Noob Saibot: If his ending comes true, he'll return as a "new" character.
07. Raiden: I think he could be the new major threat, trying to destroy the other realms through Mortal Kombat.
08. Rain: The new King of Edenia.
09. Reiko: The new Emperor of Outworld.
10. Sareena: She could return since Sub-Zero's is. I'd like to see more of her.
11. Scorpion: He doesn't need a reason, lol.
12. Sheeva: Will probably never happen, but I can be wishful, can't I?
13. Smoke: He's undeveloped potential, he may have a future since Sub-Zero's returning.
14. Sub-Zero: He's gonna be in anyway, I don't need to justify him.
15. Taven: New protector of Edenia.

I would had picked Goro or Kintaro, but I really hope there's a new playable Shokan in MK8. If not, hopefully the MK team refined the Kreate-a-Kharacter enough to let us make one... ooh! I hope they make it so we can create any past MK character in Kreate-a-Kharacter!

::NOTE:: I'm not actually saying that I want all of them in MK8 because I remember what Ed Boon said, but I at least want them to show up in MK9+.