1. Mileena
When I was tooling around an MK site for the first time in months, I saw a poll that read "which returning Deception character are you most excited about?" I didn't know any characters had been announced for MK:D, so I read on. On the list were Baraka, Kenshi, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Mileena. When I read about Mileena, I practically had a seizure. Plus, her's was the first render the released, and she had the best new look. Mileena and I have been rollin' together since MK2, and since I never played Gold, MK: Trilogy is my last Mileena experience.

2. Tanya
Now, since the MK team was stupid enough to remove Kitana and Mileena from MK4, and like I say, I never played Gold, someone had to fill the spot, if only temporarily. Tanya was the obvious choice. Imagine my surprise when she happened to kick ass. And what an ending- a femme fatale indeed. Unfortunately, coming out of MK4, she seemed to have died or been incarcerated. But now she's back, and looks better than ever. And I happen to like the bangs.

3. Ashrah
Possibly the most unique new female character MK has seen since Sindel. Modestly, almost angelically clothed. Spiritual. Pure. The last person you'd be expecting to, say, rip someone's leg off and beat them to death with it. But so are the ways of Kombat. I can't wait to see the demon huntress' fatalities. They should be very interesting to say the least.

4. Sindel
When MK3 first came out, I fell in love with Sindel. She was so cool. Come on. She whipped her hair at you, screamed you to death, floated around hurling fireballs down at you. Sindel was a freaking rock star. She is still one of the most unique and original character designs in MK. Well, she's back, and this time, she's wearing so much less. Sindel is the kind of character who has no reason not to return, and you know they were just itching to put her into a game.

5. Kenshi
The best new character of MK:DA, hands down. With a built in connection to a klassic kharacter (Ermac), a great set of moves, and a unique backstory, Kenshi had it all. Who'd expect the blind guy to be the breakout star of the game? However, it doesn't look like the MK team has made any major changes to Kenshi's look. Hopefully, they don't allow a great character premise to go stale, or make him play too closely like Ermac.

6. Hotaru
I have a bit of a soft spot for Hotaru, mainly because of my fear that he's going to end up as the next Hsu Hao and I don't want that to happen because he has limitless potential. He's a samurai who shoots lava at people, for crying out loud! I like his look, and I like how different he is from any existing MK character.

7. Li Mei
I have to say, it took a lot of guts to not only make the much hated Li Mei return, but to make her return in the same game as Mileena. Still, it looks like the MK team has taken the position of "righting the wrongs and not letting hated characters stay hated". L.M. has a new look, a new weapon, and a new storyline. All three look very promising. Good luck winning over the fans, Li Mei.

8. Baraka
I do declare, Baraka is back! I used to be afraid of Baraka back in the days of MK2. I once had a nightmare where he dropped a chandelier on me (new idea for a death trap?). Anyways, Baraka is a classic character, lotta fans, debuted in a MK2, last appeared in MKG which I didn't play... basically, see my blurb on Mileena for more details. I never was a big fan of Baraka, and I'm still not, but I have to say this was long overdue.

9. Sub-Zero
The MK team has definitely put a bold new spin on Sub-Zero. From his Shredder look, to his bald except a ponytail look, they are definitely attempting to redefine the character. However, aging at the rate he is, I predict that MK: Deception will be the younger Sub-Zero's final game. I appreciate the creativity the MK team has put into this character over the years, and this game is no exception.

10. Kobra
As it stands, we know very little about Kobra, except that he's apparently the male eye candy of the game. Still, I'm excited about this new character. He seems like he could have a lot of potential to be one of the "good" characters defending earthrealm, and with Sonya, Jax, Johnny Cage, Cyrax and Kung Lao all M.I.A., we need all the help we can get.

11. Kira
Another interesting new character, though I have to wonder how many members of the Black Dragon we are going to encounter that all serve the same purpose. Kira is a fitting addition to the MK roster, and one who I'm sure will pick up many of the residual Kano fans when we're told of his fate after Deadly Alliance. Bonus points for the cool Torso Rip fatality.

12. Raiden
Finally, after lo these many years, Raiden is given a different look. Shocker, isn't it? (Rimshot!) It wouldn't be an MK game without Raiden there in some measure or another, as patrons of MK3 found out quickly. Could the black aura around him signify his switching alliances? Or did he finally short circuit? His bio is vague, and continues to leave us wondering.

13. Ermac
Ermac is brought back into action, likely because of his ties to Kenshi. However, with the two of them in the same game, one has to wonder if they'll share the same moves. Hopefully a trap the MK team can avoid. I do like E's new look, and hopefully he can foster a storyline beyond "that Scorpion glitch from MK1".

14. Jade
Not unlike Ermac, Jade was only ever given a real story in UMK3/MKT. Before that, she was merely a pallet swap of Kitana. Now, thankfully, she's given a chance to become something different, with different moves, and easily the coolest fatality in MK:D we've seen yet. I literally gasped at the goriness when I saw it. Neato.

15. Darrius
An interesting character with an interesting bio. Darrius is another new fighter, and definitely a mysterious one at this point. The only footage of him has been him booting Kira off a ledge to her death. He's at fifteen on this list until we find out a bit more about him, but it's nice to have a black character who isn't Jax.

16. Dairou
I can tell right now that everyone is going to misspell this guy's name, so be warned. Anyways, Dairou was somewhat expected from the little piece of info on him in the Krypt, but he's just very... boring. Not the kind of person who jumps off the screen and says "play as me!" He might end up being this game's Hsu Hao, unless he has awesome gameplay advantages.

17. Bo' Rai Cho
Filling the "Miyagi-san" roll of the game, it's Bo' Rai Cho. But, sadly, we already have a mentor in Raiden, and this one doesn't throw up all over the battle stage. Hopefully, the farts and vomit are gone this time around, and he's willing to take his role in the game a bit more seriously, because there's a lot of people who don't want him here.

18. Kabal
Come on, man. Mavado killed you. Your look hasn't changed at all. There's really no reason for you to be here. Go crawl back into your hole.

19. Nightwolf
I was never crazy about him, and he was always shoehorned into the story. He really has no connection with anyone else in the game, and no reason to be around.

20. Noob Saibot
I can understand his presence based on his MK:TE appearance, I guess, but if that's the case, where's Sektor and Sareena? Noob is a boring character who never really had any semblance of a storyline. He's only back to make his fans happy, and because he's yet to make an appearance as a non-hidden character.

21. Smoke
I never got the love for Smoke. He never had any moves of his own- he was always basically a cut rate Scorpion. It's gonna take some time for me to warm up to him.

22. Scorpion
Oh, you're still here?


I didn't include the Dragon King because he's presumably not playable, Shujinko because his character depends on your own individual choices, or Skab, because we're still not entirely sure on who/what he is.

noob saibot was a non-hidden charecter in trilogy

I'm sorry for bumping this thread, would've responded it to it earlier today when it was on the first page, but work was super hectic today and I wanted to read through everyone's posts before I relplied to Kody and Humulis.

First off, I just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions, I really enjoyed seeing what my fellow MK fans liked about the cast of characters thus far!

Humulis: At first, when I read your response to my list, I was kinda pissed. But then I look back at what I actually wrote, and you're absolutely right, I was way too harsh. I'm REALLY looking forward to MK:D, and I'm looking forward to playing as every character in the game. I guess I just subscribe to the belief that there's always room for improvement. For example, I like Ashrah's outfit, but I think that it can be better, maybe add some color to it, instead of making it all white so it doesn't look so much like MK1 Rayden. I said the word "boring" alot, and I shouldn't have used that word. That was a mistake on my part. I should've just said that they didn't get me as excited as some of the other characters. I was a bit too aggressive in my opinions, and looking back, my words don't really reflect my enthusiasm for MK:D. I can't wait for this game, and I can't wait to play as all of these characters. Thank you for catching my language on that post though, I did sound a bit unenthused.

Kody: Whoa man, I'm sorry but you even said that Darrius and Jax look a lot alike. You agreed with me in your first paragraph and then you turn around and say what you said in the second paragraph? Ouch. Honestly man, I'm not a racist. I didn't think that Kai and Jax looked anything alike at all, but I see a big dude with big muscles and sunglasses and I just developed a theory, that's all. I'm really sorry if you were offended by anything that I said. If anything, my theory also came from the fact that Jax was confirmed at E3, and we havn't heard anything about him since, but a new guy named Darrius, who I still think looks like Jax with a small waist turns up. That's all man, no harm intended.

PS: Again, I'm sorry for bumping this thread, I know people really hate that, but I just wanted to respond to Kody and I didn't get the chance to earlier. Besides, I'd still love to hear what other people think of the cast so far.

Quack: I dunno man, calling someone "the next Hsu Hao" is condemning them as one of the crappiest characters in MK history. You've at least gotta give Hotaru and Dairou props for not looking like a cross between Zangief from SF and the cop from the village people. Right?? Out of the whole cast, I really can't see anyone that has the potential to suck yet. Some are more interesting than others so far, true, but as this thread indicates, there is a WIDE variety of opinions on that. Honestly, look at how divided people are on Smoke for example. Either way, I think that this is the best cast assembled so far for any MK game, with a ton of new characters and the cream of the classic character crop (sorry about the alliteration) combining (doh!) to make what I hope will be a great experience. Let's hope for the best!

Quack-Wabbit Wrote: 21. Smoke I never got the love for Smoke. He never had any moves of his own- he was always basically a cut rate Scorpion.

Reptile is just a Sub-Scorp fusion, but he get's off with a clean slate for some reason. Smoke has a better story than both Scorp and Reptile, IMO.

24) Bo Rai Cho - Still Fat. Still Drunk. Nothing he can really do. He pretty much just sits around throwing up and farting. Oh yeah, did I mention his fatality in MK:DA was doin a bellyflop onto the opponent.

23) Skab - To me, All looks, no fight.

22) Kenshi - Only room for one telekinetic fighter. That person is Ermac.

21) Ashrah - I'm not really a big fan of new females in MK. She looks cool and she could be a great addition but for now shes at the bottom of my list

20) Hotaru - Should be fun to play as but other than that, I dont know much about him.

19) Shujinko - OK, Mortal Kombat was in need of another old guy with Martial Arts moves. But I dont think he looks the greatest. To me he shows a little resemblance of Fujin. Just put Fujin in there! Also the name could use a little work. But his name is fun to say!

18) Tanya - At first glance I thought she was Sindel, A bad Sign. Also whats with the white eyes? I never used her in MK4 because, well I just didnt like her at all.

17) Darrius - A Jax look-a-like. I was a big fan of Jax when I bought UMK3 (Which is the one I bought after MK1) I was unstoppable with him. But I dont know about this guy. I have mixed feelings about him.

16) Dairou - Nice Costume, Nice Sword, But I cant determine anything til I know who he is and how he fights.

15) Kira - Once again I'm not a huge fan of MK introducing new females into the game. If she impresses me, she might move up a couple spots

14) Raiden - The creators totally went in the opposite direction I was thinking that Raiden would've gone.

13) Sindel - Her other attire needs alot of work. Its looks exactly out of MK3.

12) Scorpion - I love the Spear, Get over here never gets old, but if his face looks normal how can taking his mask off take his skin with it and all of a sudden turn into a fire breathing skull. An act thats getting old.

11) Ben Kobra - Could be a great replacement for Johnny Cage, could be a disater. Tahts why hes right in the middle.

10) Li Mei - Barely makes the top ten because shes fun to play as and fun to beat the crap out of. Hopefully she'll have a better Finisher than the Crush Kick.

9) Kabal - Glad he's back, I love his Hookswords, but if he has that screaming fatality from Ultimate MK3, I might have second thoughts.

8) Nightwolf - Yes I think the Lightning Tomahawk rules. But he is in need of a major update. Hopefully, they will make him better then I think he's gonna be. Other then the Tomahawk, I really can't think of why I would play as him. Unless they come up with an awesome moveset. I have high expectations for Nightwolf.

7)Jade- Her fatality Rules and so does her Costume definitley gonna play as her!

6) Sub Zero - In my eyes, deserves to be in the top 10, which he is. Another thats act is getting old. Time for him to die in Deception. But the creators seem to love the ninjas. So it seems he'll be sticking around for awhile.

5) Smoke - The costume needs a little work, but other than that I'm a big fan of the Robots and have great expectations for his Fatality

4) Mileena - They made her look real cool. I hope that they can match with her moves.

3) Noob Saibot - OK, the all black attire is getting a bit old. But still, Noob is one of my favorite characters. I loved the black attire in UMK3. I almost always play as him.

2) Baraka - Still lovin those blades on the arms. Also diggin the teeth still. Too bad he'll probably never be a "Main" character

1) Ermac - His telekinetic powers rule, not to mention they're a heck of a lot better than Kenshi's. Also comes back with a sweet new costume.

24-Bo' Rai Cho: I see him as a great teacher, and his jojutsu is powerful, but I never play as him. He's just a good opponent.

23-Kobra: Although Mortal Kombat needed a boxer, he's not the kind of character that excites me.

22-Kenshi: He has a great story, and good weapon style, but .... I don't know.... he's too ordinary.

21-Li Mei: I played as her only because of her sais, now I have no reason to play as her anymore. I'm happy with what they made to her.

20-Ashrah: She seems cool, and I like the fact that she's a demon huntress.

19-Nightwolf: The indian got back and has cool special moves, his tomahawk throw fatality is just brutal !!!

18-Dairou: I love his looks and weapon.

17-Sub Zero: A classic character, Mortal Kombat wouldn't be the same without him. I'd like to see his every special moves return.

16-Scorpion: Another classic ! Gotta love him !

15-Hotaru: I love his looks and weapon even more than Dairou. New style to Mortal Kombat, but... his special moves are not that unique.

14-Shujinko: Love the old guy, I hope I could give him the fighting styles I want !

13-Raiden: Another classic. I always loved Raiden, and his specials are awesome. I hope he'll have his teleport and torpedo tackle again!

12-Darrius: Way better than Jax by the looks... and he seems cool.

11-Baraka: I hope he'll also have all his specials. He's cool.

10-Smoke: Love his specials, although his smoke-made looks just isn't as good as his ninja looks.

9-Kira: Hot chicks, she will be cool, I'm pretty sure about this.

8-Kabal: Unique look and cool specials.... eager to see if he'll have his ground saw again !

7-Noob Saibot: Always liked him. He must have his block ball !

6-Havik: He's the new character that looks the better. I'm excites to see what are his specials.

5-Ermac: A personal favorite. He looks better tha ever.

4-Sindel: She flies, she screams, she spits blue fire... what do you want more !?

3-Tanya: I hope she still has her boomerang. She is the manipulative and conniving biatch Mortal Kombat Deception needed !

2-Jade: Always my second favorite since MK2! She even looks hotter (*pigtails*) and I can't wait to play as her...

1-Mileena: She is my best and favourite character since I'm a MK fan, seeing her return is too much. I hope they gave her cool sai techniques. I could say more, but I think anyone knows how I feel about Mileena !!!

24) Bo' Rai Cho- Meh. I don't hate him, but I'm not thrilled he's back. I suppose someone better could have been put instead.

23) Li Mei has her work cut out for her. I thought she was garbage on every front in DA and there are plently of other characters who I would have rather seen than her. Unless she's gone a MASSIVE overhaul I've no use for Li Mei.

22) Ben Kobra- From what I've seen, I'm not impressed. Another Joe Schmo from the looks of it and I rarely like these types of characters.

21) Nightwolf- Huzzah he's back and I couldn't care less. If he plays good, great; if not then he can go back to his hole for all I care.

20) Darrius- Seems to have an intriguing story, beyond that I know very little, so I don't care all that much.

19) Dairou- I've only seen one pic of him. He sounds cool though.

18) Hotaru- Pretty much the same deal as Dairou and Darrius. I don't know enough to make me care.

17) Shujinko- Apparently my created character. Not what I was expecting. Well, at least I know I should like playing as him.

16) Kenshi- Thought Kenshi was pretty cool in DA. Hoping they play up the SWORDSMEN element of his character and he won't be Ermac-lite though. Also hoping he's dropped out of the Special Forces.

15) Sub-Zero- Sub-Zero's like a rock. Pretty solid and reliable when it comes to story and playablity. But it's hard to get too excited about rocks.

14) Ashrah- Thus far she sounds intriguing and already is one of the more orignal looking females. Since she's a Demon Huntress, I'm hoping her presence means Sareena's around.

13) Kira- Everybody loves a red head. Looks cool and sounds interesting. Just hoping the "girl Kano" label isn't literal and she doens't turn out to be another Jarek.
(suppose if nothing else at least she's hotter than Kano and Jarek)

12) Raiden- Raiden looks bad ass now. Rumors that he's evil or just nuts now, which I like. I liked Raiden best in MK1 and 2 when he wasn't the protector of Earth and he was just a crazy pissed off mystical guy who shot lightning bolts at people.

11) Skab- Looks and sounds interesting. Mainly just curious what his deal is.

10) Ermac- I honestly was never into Ermac. He sounded cool but I just never got into playing as him. Hopefully he'll be bad ass in Deception and I'll use him a lot. If not, oh well

9) Baraka- Same deal with Ermac.

8) Smoke- Good to see Smoke back in action. Looking forward to seeing what he's doing and what his moves are.

7) Tanya- One of the last characters I expected to see return, but I think she looks great and I'm looking forward to her storyline.

6) Scorpion- Scorpion's always been my favorite and go-to guy. I personally like that he looks pretty much the same, because his story says he was changed by his encounter with the Elder Gods. It means that even though his story is going in a new direction, he's still the same pissed off loner Scorpion that his fans know and love.

5) Jade- IMO, long overdue for a return and highly anticipated. Lookin' good and if she plays as good as her fatality looks, she'll be a favorite.

4) Kabal- Finally making his grand return. Kabal was my go-to guy in the Scorpionless MK3 and I glad he's finally returned.

3) Sindel- Another happy return. I'm liking that she's a good guy, but looks like an evil witch. I got a sof spot for the goth chicks.

2) Mileena- Bar none, the deepest character in MK and I'm really looking forward to where her character goes.

1) Noob Saibot- Yeah I like Noob, sue me. I think he looks bad ass and I'm looking forward to what role he's going to play.

i cannot choose an order so i will just list the fighters that have my eye and those who do not;

jade, kabal, mileena, sindel all look great.

ben/kobra, li mei, darrius, and bo rai cho i could do without.

it seems bo rai cho is on most people's list as one the least desired fighters. you would think boon would have known this. i think ]ombat is about the only bo rai fan in here. he is too clumsy and sluggish to be any fun.