NetherRealm Studios has recently released more content to the already robust Mortal Kombat. Among the slew of content are klassic kostumes whereby many characters don outfits reminiscent of the early days of the series. This time it is the shadowy wraith Noob Saibot and Lin Kuei ninja Smoke who received retro treatment.



What is especially interesting is that NetherRealm Studios, never foregoing a chance to mess with the heads of their loyal fans, have included two notable Easter Eggs. The premise is a simple one: Draw devoted fans back to memories of 2004's Mortal Kombat: Deception in which, in an early demonstration of the now staple tag team mechanic, Noob Saibot and Smoke fought as a team. Although the duo lacked a weapon (a staple among the rest of the cast), upon switching stances the characters themselves would swap between each other. This tag dynamic, proving popular enough among fans, eventually brought us to 2011's Mortal Kombat featuring a robust tag team option.

As a throwback, not only do Noob and Smoke team up to display their retro duds in the reveal trailer, upon selecting Retro Noob another change occurs. Normally while performing Noob's X-Ray attack, a shadowy doppelganger holds Noob's victim prone while Noob himself deals devastating damage. However, upon selecting Retro Noob, it is none other than Retro Smoke who holds Noob's victim during his X-Ray attack. All other shadow attacks are of Noob's standard shadow duplicate, albeit in retro garb.

This would not be the first time NetherRealm Studios appealed to fans' nostalgia. The recently released DLC characters Skarlet and Kenshi likewise have a storied history in Mortal Kombat lore.