Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, released in 2006 for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Wii, is widely known as the most ambitious installment in the Mortal Kombat franchise. What set this title apart was its enormous playable character roster every fighter from previous Mortal Kombat games returned, and new faces were introduced as well. With over 60 fighters available, it stood out not just for its brutal combat, but also for giving fans the chance to play as virtually any character they had ever encountered in the Mortal Kombat universe. This diverse range of characters added an incredible amount of depth and replay value to the game, making it a standout among fighting games of its era.
The Largest Mortal Kombat Roster
All Characters Return
One of the key selling points of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon was its inclusion of every character that had appeared in a Mortal Kombat title up to that point. This massive selection included classic fighters, lesser-known characters, and even boss-tier enemies who were previously unplayable in earlier games. The game served as a sort of culmination or final chapter in the timeline before the series was rebooted.
New Additions to the Roster
In addition to returning characters, Armageddon introduced a few new fighters. The most notable among them is Taven, the protagonist of the game’s Konquest mode, and his brother Daegon, who plays the role of the antagonist. These two characters are central to the story of Armageddon and play a vital role in the narrative of the end-times battle between good and evil.
Notable Returning Fighters
Classic Characters
Longtime Mortal Kombat fans were thrilled to see the return of some of the franchise’s most iconic characters:
- Scorpion– The undead ninja specter remains a fan favorite, known for his hellfire attacks and signature Get over here! spear move.
- Sub-Zero– The icy Lin Kuei warrior offers freezing combos and long-range attacks that make him deadly in both casual and competitive matches.
- Raiden– The thunder god makes another appearance, wielding his powerful electric-based attacks and teleportation abilities.
- Liu Kang– Reappearing in his undead form, Liu Kang continues to fight for Earthrealm even after death.
- Kitana– The Edenian princess returns with her graceful but lethal fan-based combat style.
Villains and Antiheroes
- Shao Kahn– The mighty emperor of Outworld is playable in Armageddon, delivering heavy-hitting strikes and intimidation.
- Shang Tsung– This soul-stealing sorcerer can still morph into other characters and use their abilities.
- Quan Chi– Known for his necromantic powers and manipulative mind, Quan Chi remains a central antagonist.
- Reptile– The reptilian fighter combines speed, acid-based attacks, and stealthy tactics.
Unique Character Customization
Kreate-A-Fighter Mode
For the first time in the franchise, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon introduced a feature called Kreate-A-Fighter. This mode allowed players to build their own fighter from scratch. Players could select gender, clothing, fighting style, weapons, voice, and even create a unique fatality. This customization added tremendous replay value and gave fans creative control over the characters they brought into battle.
Kustom Fighting Styles
Unlike previous Mortal Kombat games that assigned specific martial arts or weapon styles to each character, Armageddon simplified things slightly but still allowed for variability. Each fighter had one hand-to-hand style and one weapon style, giving players a more streamlined yet strategic approach to fights.
Boss Characters and Unlockables
Previously Unplayable Bosses
Characters who had only served as bosses or NPCs in previous games were now fully playable:
- Onaga– The Dragon King, known for his massive size and resilience, can finally be controlled by players.
- Motaro– The centaur warrior made a rare appearance, although his design was altered due to technical constraints.
- Kintaro– Often overshadowed by Goro, Kintaro is another Shokan warrior returning for more punishment.
- Moloch– The ogre-like beast who had previously served Quan Chi is now a selectable character.
Unlockable Fighters
Some characters in Armageddon were locked at the beginning and had to be unlocked through gameplay progression, coins, or special in-game challenges. This made exploring the game’s Konquest mode and other features worthwhile for completionists.
Konquest Mode and Character Integration
The Story of Taven
The main storyline of Armageddon is told through Konquest mode, in which players take on the role of Taven. This story-driven mode plays like an action-adventure game and gives players context about the gathering of all fighters for the ultimate showdown. Taven’s journey across realms introduces players to many of the characters on the roster, setting the stage for the final conflict.
Daegon as a Rival
Daegon, Taven’s corrupted brother, serves as a key antagonist and a new addition to the character lineup. His motivations and betrayal tie directly into the prophecy that surrounds the coming of Armageddon, adding depth to the game’s lore.
The Legacy of Mortal Kombat Armageddon’s Roster
The End of an Era
With such a massive character list, Mortal Kombat: Armageddon marked the end of an era for the franchise. The sheer volume of playable fighters was both a celebration of the series and a challenge to balance. While later games opted for smaller, more curated rosters, Armageddon remains the definitive collection for die-hard Mortal Kombat fans.
Fan Appreciation
Fans often cite Armageddon’s character roster as one of its strongest features. Even if not every fighter was perfectly balanced, the opportunity to play as nearly anyone from the franchise’s history was a dream come true. It’s one of the reasons the game maintains a loyal fanbase even years after release.
Influence on Future Titles
Although Mortal Kombat 9 and subsequent titles rebooted the franchise with tighter narratives and updated mechanics, the influence of Armageddon’s everything included approach can still be felt. The concept of big crossover-style rosters continues to appeal to fighting game audiences, and many fans still wish for a modern title with Armageddon’s scale.
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon’s character roster stands as one of the most impressive feats in fighting game history. By including every fighter from previous games and adding new ones like Taven and Daegon, the game gave players unprecedented control and variety. Whether you were a fan of the original arcade trilogy or newer 3D-era entries, Armageddon made sure your favorite fighter was part of the chaos. For fans of the franchise, this game wasn’t just another entry it was a tribute to everything that had come before and a fitting end to the original Mortal Kombat saga.