Infusing Conan the Barbarian’s Sword Skills into Mortal Kombat 1

The 1980s were truly a remarkable era, bursting with unforgettable entertainment, music, and especially movies that have left a lasting impact. One such iconic film of the time was “Conan the Barbarian,” which hit theaters in 1982 and quickly cemented its status as a classic. The blend of its storyline, characters, and spot-on casting made it a perfect piece of cinema history.

Conan’s origins trace back long before the movie, laying the groundwork for the fantasy genre and inspiring countless sword-wielding heroes that followed. Set in a savage era, young Conan’s village is brutally attacked by a merciless cult leader and his raiders, a tragedy that sets him on a journey filled with vengeance and adventure as he becomes a formidable warrior.

Bringing guest fighters into Mortal Kombat 1 is both an exciting and gratifying challenge. It involves diving deep into their lore to capture those defining moments and translate them into the fighting game. For Conan, it’s all about his skill with a sword, naturally, but also those raw, untamed barbaric traits that together define his unique fighting style.

A case in point: remember that quirky camel scene in Conan the Destroyer from 1984? As Conan drunkenly roams through town, he randomly punches a camel, only for that same camel to enact revenge when they cross paths again. This hilarious, if unexpected, moment has inspired a special move within Mortal Kombat 1, adding a touch of humor and nostalgia to Conan’s otherwise fierce combat abilities.

Throughout the design process, drawing from the films played a key role. We strategically pinpointed the most captivating scenes to incorporate into the game in an impactful way. For example, a memorable moment involving a cauldron of boiling body parts directly influenced the concept for one of Conan’s Fatalities, demonstrating how film elements can be seamlessly adapted for the gameplay.

In Mortal Kombat 1, Conan stands out with his fearsome sword attacks and power-packed physique. Capturing his strength and presence visually was essential, making sure his imposing muscles not only look grand but also move with a fluid complexity during battle.

In keeping with his barbarian roots, Conan’s rushdown playstyle makes him a lethal opponent, adept at cornering foes and wielding his sword in innovative ways. Deviating from the usual projectile tactics, he throws his Kameo teammate as a projectile, giving him a unique edge in combat. A cool nod to the movie is Conan’s ability to resurrect in the final round, gaining a brief health boost, allowing him a comeback chance—a literal second wind.

Fans can rest assured that Crom would be thrilled with Conan the Barbarian’s inclusion in Mortal Kombat 1’s lineup. His addition promises thrilling battles filled with the chance to “crush your enemies and see them driven before you.” Conan the Barbarian is now available through early access for owners of the Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns Expansion on Xbox Series X|S, with general availability starting January 28.

If you’re looking to jump into Mortal Kombat 1, consider the Khaos Reigns Kollection, offering a fresh era of fighting bliss. This edition includes the Base Game, Kombat Pack, and Dragon Krystals, plus extra goodies like the Story Expansion, Kombat Pack 2, and classic fighters like Ghostface, T-1000, and of course, Conan. Get your copy today and join the chaotic fray!