Ever since Mortal Kombat hit arcades in 1992, its characters' backstories were considered as complex as the battles they fought. Noob Saibot is one of the few characters that has sparked speculation among Mortal Kombat fans. The character made it to the screen for the first time in Mortal Kombat II as an unplayable and hidden avatar. The game developers ensured Noob Saibot’s story was a secret from the beginning. The only way to face this black-garbed wraith was to win 50 consecutive matches, which made his encounter almost mythical.
After appearing as a supporting antagonist in Mortal Kombat 3, the character officially debuted in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3. He was one of the ten palette-swap ninjas with special attacks of kara jabs and mid launchers. In that game, Noob Saibot was a member of the Brothers of the Shadow and worshiped a fallen elder god. Over the years, fans have tried to piece together fragments of his complex backstory. However, one significant detail about the character is still officially hidden.
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Keeping Noob Saibot’s Name Origin a Mystery Makes Him More Intriguing
Noob Saibot's introduction in the 1993 MK2 left fans with more questions than answers. Even though the name is a reference to the Mortal Kombat franchise's creators, Ed Boon, and John Tobias, it has never been explained in the game. People know that the clever reversal of their names — Noob from Boon and Saibot from Tobias — is a fun behind-the-scenes Easter egg. But without any official announcement, the true intent behind the name remains a mystery. What the players do know is that Noob Saibot was the original Sub-Zero, also known as Bi-Han, who transformed into a dark wraith.
Another possibility is that Mortal Kombat's Noob Saibot could have a hidden meaning within the game's universe that isn't discovered yet. Fans of Noob Saibot will remember the famous shadow-based attacks that let him summon a shadow clone. In a tweet, Ed Boon mentioned that Noob is the character, while Saibot refers to his shadow clone. This statement fueled several theories about the true importance of the name. It could make Saibot a shadowy reflection of Noob or perhaps a representation of his dark past. For now, the accurate meaning behind these names is best kept vague to add to the character’s intrigue.
Johnny Cage's Noob Comment Adds to the Mystery
The developers haven't officially revealed the hidden meaning of Noob Saibot in any of the games. But there's a brief dialogue exchange that caught the attention of some of the fans. Johnny Cage in Mortal Kombat 1 calls Bi-Han a "noob”, which could be a subtle nod toward his future transformation into Noob Saibot. This could be a clue to his true nature or a fun coincidence. This ambiguity is one of the main reasons why Mortal Kombat should keep the details hidden.
Noob Saibot's Full Story Could Destroy His Dark Legacy
One thing that makes Noob Saibot such a compelling character is the scattered nature of his story. Fans know that his identity as Sub-Zero is critical to his lore. That's why many create some wild theories about his journey from Bi-Han to Noob Saibot that keeps everyone invested. Many in-game avatars already acknowledge his original identity as Bi-Han. For instance, Terminator, RoboCop, and Scorpion in Mortal Kombat refer to him as Bi-Han in pre-fight dialogues. If the creators were to fully reveal the hidden details behind the name Noob Saibot, it could overshadow the existing lore.
Another thing to remember is that the Mortal Kombat franchise thrives on its deep-rooted mysteries and unanswered questions. A perfect example is Shinnok's absence in Mortal Kombat 1. After being the central antagonist in Mortal Kombat X, his absence left fans wondering. Developers hinted about Shinnok through his amulet without revealing much and kept the fans talking. If Mortal Kombat gives away everything about Noob Saibot, it could strip away the element of surprise that keeps the fans hooked. Keeping the character layered makes the gameplay exciting, and perhaps it's best left that way.
Mortal Kombat 1
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 84 /100 Critics Rec: 87%
- Released
- September 19, 2023
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Developer(s)
- NetherRealm Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Warner Brothers Games
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you'll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you've never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
- Franchise
- Mortal Kombat
- Platform(s)
- PC, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Genre(s)
- Fighting
- How Long To Beat
- 7 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
