Developer Neatherrealm had a surprise for fighting game fans during the Injustice: Gods Among Us grandfinals at the Evo 2014 tournament over the weekend -- the Thunder God himself, Raiden.
Raiden has been a mainstay of Mortal Kombat since its creation, so it's no surprise to see him returning for the franchise's next-generation gaming debut. This isn't your daddy's Raiden, however.
Like all the characters in Mortal Kombat X, Raiden will have three different fighting variations: Displacer, Storm Lord and the tentatively titled Thunder God variation. According to an article over at GameSpot.com, each gives Raiden new abilities and multiple fighting styles to choose from. Classic Raiden moves such as the flying tackle will be featured across all variations.
Displacer style is all about using Raiden's signature teleportation abilities. He can instantly appear on either side of his opponent, allowing him to confuse his opponent, get out of dangerous situations and close distances.
Thunder God Raiden is all about power. Exchanging utility and movement for bigger damage and deadlier combos, this fighting style uses in your face electric abilities to punish opponents and dish out the pain.
Last but not least is Storm Lord Raiden, which, according to Mortal Kombat creator Ed Boon, is the most unique version of Raiden. With this variation Raiden can plant two orbs of electricity around him, with electricity arcing between them to form a deadly barrier. This allows Raiden to block off and control large areas of the space at any given time, perfect for playing keep away with his opponent.
You can watch all the various fighting styles in action in the video below, featuring plenty of electric shocks along side Raiden's powerful X-Ray attack. In true Mortal Kombat fashion, you can also watch Raiden's electric and eye-popping fatality against his opponent, newcomer Kotal Khan, for a small taste of the kind of carnage that awaits players in the full game.
Mortal Kombat X is the sequel to 2011's Mortal Kombat, also known as Mortal Kombat 9. Raiden was an essential part of that game, and while Boon says Raiden won't be quite as important to the story of X, he will still be a key figure. Mortal Kombat X will pick up five years after the events of 9 as the heroes of Earthrealm rebuild their shattered world, with the game going through several time periods until the game is taking place 25 years later.
Mortal Kombat X is coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC sometime in 2015.
