The 1980s marked a vibrant era in culture, with entertainment and cinema leaving a lasting impact. One film that made a considerable splash back in 1982 was Conan the Barbarian. Its blend of narrative, character, and pitch-perfect actor choice cemented its status as a timeless classic.
The roots of Conan’s tale stretch back decades before it graced the silver screen, shaping the fantasy genre and inspiring a multitude of sword and sorcery heroines we know today. The story unfolds in a rough and brutal age, with Conan’s village wiped out by a tyrannical cult leader and his band of raiders. This tragedy sets Conan on a path of becoming a mighty warrior and a formidable barbarian focused on adventure and vengeance.
Bringing esteemed guest fighters into Mortal Kombat 1 is a thrilling venture, especially when diving into a character’s backstory to integrate their iconic moments into gameplay. So, it’s no wonder that Conan’s combat style is intimately tied to his swordsmanship and his more unruly barbaric antics.
For instance, we created a distinctive move rooted in a memorable moment from Conan the Destroyer (1984). There’s this amusing encounter where a tipsy Conan throws a punch at a camel for no reason. Later, that very camel remembers and retaliates by spitting on him when he reappears. The camel gets knocked on the head for a second time, and this quirky sequence now adds a humorous layer to Conan’s arsenal in Mortal Kombat 1.
Film references played a central role throughout the design process. We meticulously examined standout scenes, looking for ways to meaningfully incorporate them. Certain visuals stick with us, often making their way into gameplay. One such memorable scene is of a gigantic cauldron teeming with boiling body parts, a gruesome inspiration for one of Conan’s Fatalities.
In Mortal Kombat 1, Conan’s design emphasizes powerful sword strikes and his commanding physique. It’s crucial to visually capture his strength and power, setting him apart from the rest. This means accounting for his large stature and ensuring his movements exude the force you’d expect from such a character.
True to his barbarian roots, Conan thrives in a rushdown playstyle, leaving little room for his foes to maneuver. While he lacks a standard projectile move, Conan compensates with his flair—throwing his Kameo teammate across the screen as a projectile, possibly disrupting enemy projectiles. Another attention-grabbing special move from his repertoire is his ability to resurrect after defeat, a nod to the film, allowing him to spring back to life in the final round for a last shot at victory.
Fans of Conan and Mortal Kombat alike should find ample delight with his inclusion in the game’s roster. The chance to channel the essence of "crushing your enemies" is here, and we couldn’t be prouder. Conan the Barbarian is available during the early access phase for Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Expansion players on Xbox Series X|S, with broader access starting January 28.
If you’re new to Mortal Kombat 1, the Khaos Reigns Kollection is a great way to step into the action with the base game and exciting extras like the Kombat Pack and Dragon Krystals. Plus, look forward to future expansions and a lineup of captivating fighters, including iconic characters from various franchises, each bringing something unique to the battlefield.
