I think he seems like he's got some potential. I really like the look he's got. The flags aren't a problem, I'm not sure if you've noticed or not, but it seems as if his alternate attire does not have the flags, or it could be vice versca. From what I've seen of his fighting, he seems he'd be interesting to play as.

He seems pretty cool and looks like he could be pretty cool. He has potential, but then so do all the new characters. I await his story to find out more about him.

I think his lavapopup move looks awesome what was his weapon again? I saw him with that lance thing but then I saw Sindel with it so I don't know anymore.. but still, great potential..

I think Hotaru is awesome. Definately one of the best new characters so far. His lava burst move kicks ass, and he has one of the most unique looks ever. Hotaru may very well become one of my MK favourites.

I still hate those flags

I love the flags. I think Hotaru kicks ass and looks awesome. I think his Fatality, while normal, is still a pretty damn cool Fatality. I can't wait to see his other one. I am also waiting to find out his story.

I think Hotaru is a very unique character. The flags that Hotaru has on his back adds originality to him. If the wear and tear feature is included in this game, I could imagine Hotaru's flags to break as he endures a beating.

I remember when I played Deadly Alliance, Hotaru was supposed to be evil, I think he was fighting on Shang Tsung's side in exchange for for a group of the Dragon King's soldiers. Hotaru seems to look like a god of some sort. I thought Hotaru was Raiden at first when I saw the screen shot of of the character select menu.

im gonna have to say all the new character look and seem awesome.. i haven't said that since mk2, but looks can be deceiving...(mkda)

Well Hotaru's my favorite new character but only because I'm not too psyched about the others. His lava pop-up projectile is nothing new (recall Shang Tsung's upward fireballs from MK3) but should still be useful and I haven't seen his grasshopper kick. But those are only two special moves out of what should be five or six, so I reserve judgement.

In terms of fatalities, Hotaru's body slam is cool, but better suited to a Hsu Hao/Jax type character. I hope he runs someone through with his naginata and hoists them in the air . And his hara-kiri is gruesomely simple.

Where the hell did you guys find a video of Hotaru, I want to see! Someone link me. He looks to be my favorite new character of MK:D. I need to see how he plays!

I realy liked him, and his fatality.

I'm really lokoing forward to playing as him, Infact I will probably play as hm first, he looks really cool and his special moves look like they can easily make a large combo.

Rating out of 10 for me at this moment would be 9.

i'm not to fond of the flags but i can get used to them. i like his lava blast but his grasshopper kick is just a remake of the bicylce kick. i think it sux that he only has 2 moves, if they dont give him more for the game, it might ruin him like mavado in mk5! i remember it being confirmed that everyone will have 5 or 6 special moves.. so i guess they aren't finished with him.

p.s. did anyone play the new game samuri warriors yet? they have a general in the game named "hotaru" and he has flags just like our hotaru.

Hotaru can be described in a few words that come to mind.......1) awesome, 2) kickass, 3) serious ass kicker!! LOL Hotaru's off the hook!

I'm hoping one of his fatalities involves him killing the severely some how and then sticking his flag in them, like he's left his mark, like the first men on the moon. heh