Getting our hooks into Mortal Kombat 1’s Takeda at EVO 2024

Getting our hooks into Mortal Kombat 1's Takeda at EVO 2024

As a long-time Mortal Kombat fan, I couldn’t contain my excitement when I heard that Takeda was making his return to the game as the latest DLC character for Mortal Kombat 1. Having grown up playing the earlier games in the series, I have fond memories of the Shirai Ryu clan member and his signature moves.


At EVO 2024, Shacknews got a chance to test out Mortal Kombat 1’s latest downloadable character, which is close to being the last one for this season. This character is none other than Takeda, a fan-favorite who has reemerged in Fire God Liu Kang’s revamped timeline. However, unlike his earlier version, Takeda has undergone significant transformations. Not only has he taken a new direction, but he also comes with novel gameplay mechanics that add an exciting twist to the game.

In the revised Mortal Kombat 1 timeline, Takeda’s past has undergone significant alterations. Yet, there is one constant element – he remains a part of the Shirai Ryu clan and a student of Scorpion, despite the fact that the Scorpions from Mortal Kombat X and the original Mortal Kombat are distinct individuals. Consequently, Takeda’s weaponry resembles that of the Shirai Ryu leader. Characterized by his agility, Takeda utilizes his whips to propel both himself and adversaries around the battlefield.

Getting our hooks into Mortal Kombat 1's Takeda at EVO 2024

As a gamer, I’d describe it like this: When using Takeda’s Double Spear move, I’m not the one getting pulled in by the spear, it’s the other fighter who gets reeled in towards me. It feels like an inverted version of Scorpion’s traditional spear attack. The enhanced version of this move is a game-changer for me since it adds more damage and finishes with a launcher, giving my opponent some airtime. Plus, the spear can be used mid-air as a punish for missed projectiles, making it a versatile tool in my arsenal. For those who’ve enhanced the mid-air spear, they can pull their opponents into the sky, opening up opportunities for some sick aerial combos.

With Takeda, achieving victory lies in utilizing his agility. His Swift Stride ability enables him to cover ground rapidly. When executing an attack, players have the option to finish it by holding up or down. The direction held determines the outcome – a bouncing finish or a canceled attack that tricks the opponent. Additionally, there exists an Enhanced variant of this technique, which equips Takeda with extra armor and grants him another means for punishing opponents after they have used projectiles.

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Takeda possesses various aerial maneuvers to surprise his opponents. One such move is the Nimbus Technique, enabling Takeda to grasp the ceiling and propel himself forward. This move traverses a vast distance and can lead into diverse combo sequences. Additionally, Takeda may interrupt this technique with another assault, such as his Whip Arts, which can hit up to three times, including an enhanced version on the third strike that sends adversaries flying.

The last thing to discuss is Ferra, who’s a bit of an unusual Kameo fighter. Ferra will climb onto the player’s back, similar to what she used to do with Torr back in Mortal Kombat X. This can take a few precious seconds, leaving players vulnerable, so it’s best to keep this in mind. Ferra can attack in different ways depending on the attack button pressed. One button uses Ferra for a wider-ranged uppercut, a second one slams the opponent on the ground and bounces them for the start of a combo, and a third tosses Ferra towards the other side of the stage, turning her into an anti-air projectile. All of these moves are pretty slow, so be wary when using Ferra. Despite her tiny frame, she doesn’t work very quickly.

Takeda will conclude Mortal Kombat 1’s initial lineup of post-launch content, but the DLC wagon keeps rolling. NetherRealm is set to unveil strategies for Year 2 at this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego. The grand unveiling will take place during a panel on Friday, July 26. Stay tuned to Shacknews for all the latest and biggest updates.

As a longtime fan of Mortal Kombat, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the new PlayStation 5 version. So when I had the opportunity to attend EVO 2024 and participate in a private session with an early build of the game, I jumped at the chance. The excitement was palpable as we gathered around to witness this next evolution of our beloved fighting franchise.

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2024-07-23 18:27