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Xenopedia






The Tarkatan Xenomorph, known as the Alien in-game, was a Xenomorph Drone born from the body of the Tarkatan warrior Baraka.

It, alongside the Predator, features as a downloadable guest character in the 2015 video game Mortal Kombat X. The Alien is available as part of the game's Alien DLC.

Characteristics and Traits[]

T1rsz 1alien mkx render

Though the Tarkatan Xenomorph shares several traits in common with other Xenomorphs, its DNA reflex reveals several noticeable differences in appearance when compared to more common variations.

Overall, the creature is bulkier and more muscular in appearance than typical human-spawned Xenomorphs. The typically elongated cylindrical skull is now far shorter, appearing more spherical in shape. The creature's dorsal spines are also shorter and it now possesses larger, more jagged and vicious-looking teeth within its lipless mouth as well as small spikes located around the Alien's face. These are a few of the more obvious traits inherited from its host.

Perhaps the most notable trait of inheritance however are a set of extendable blades contained in sheathe-like appendages located along the Xenomorph's forearms, derived from the the sword-like arm blades of the Tarkatan species. The Xenomorph's, however, are segmented instead of smooth.

The creature notably features digitigrade legs, unlike the plantigrade legs commonly associated with other Xenos.

Variations[]

In MKX, the Tarkatan Xenomorph has three different variations that alter the character's moveset and playstyle, as with all other characters in the game.

Tarkatan[]

The Tarkatan variation focuses on the creature's arm blades and is the most aggressive variation of the three. Instead of its claws, it uses arm-blades that have longer range. It also gains Baraka's iconic 'Chop-Chop' move, in which the Xeno will violently flail its bladed arms vertically, slashing at the opponent. This variation bears a ridged cranium.

Acidic[]

The Acidic variation, as its name suggests, prioritizes on the Xenomorph's highly corrosive acid blood. The acid blood seeping from its tail can be propelled at the opponent, causing damage over time. It can also be used for long-ranged combat.

Additionally, the Xenomorph gains a self-harm ability in which it will begin ripping and clawing at its own skin, causing large amounts of blood to gush out onto the floor. If the opponent steps on it, they will take damage.

Oddly, the opponent will not take damage to the acid blood that comes out of the Xeno when being attacked (most likely to balance out the character). This variation bears a smooth cranium.

Konjurer[]

This variation changes the Tarkatan Xenomorph the most in terms of appearance; it now gains a small head crest, resembling that of a Praetorian or Queen.

This variation focuses on the Xeno using its brethren to assist it in battle; the Xeno can not only now call upon other Xenos to attack the player, (they fall from the screen and attack the opponent before crawling off) but also cause Ovomorphs to sprout from the ground. When the opponent is within range, the egg releases a Facehugger that attaches itself to their face, stunning them for a few seconds and leaving them vulnerable to other attacks.

Story[]

In the distant past of Outworld, a group of Xenomorphs somehow found their way into the foreign realm and began to establish a colony. The invaders were beaten back and seemingly exterminated by Outworld's forces, but a small clutch of eggs remained hidden deep underground.

When the nest was found by a scouting party of Tarkatans, a Facehugger emerged from one of the eggs and impregnated the leader of the group. Soon afterwards, the Tarkatan Xenomorph burst from its host's chest, quickly growing to maturity and subduing/killing the rest of the party. It then set out to rebuild its Hive by harvesting the natives and killing anyone who resisted. It ended up walking right into the trans-realm war to stop/hasten the return of Shinnok, clashing with warriors from Outworld, Earthrealm, and the Netherrealm alike.

Ending[]

After defeating Shinnok in the Jinsei Chamber of Earthrealm, the Tarkatan Xenomorph took many inhabitants of Outworld to the Outworld Hive for harvesting. Its formidable strength was soon bolstered by a new generation of Xenomorph drones; by the time a new Queen was spawned, the hive had enough strength to overrun the entire realm.

Realizing the threat the Xenomorphs posed, Emperor Kotal Kahn attempted to end the infestation with an all-out assault on the hive. However, he and his army were eventually overpowered by the Xenomorph onslaught, with the Tarkatan Xenomorph personally dealing with the Emperor of Outworld.

Trivia[]

  • Beyond the playable character itself, many other references to the movie Alien as well as Aliens are added to the game by the Alien DLC:
    • The Alien's moveset includes multiple references to the films, with many of its kombo moves being named after dialogue or plot points from the first movie, including "Here Kitty, Kitty" (Brett), "Lucky Star" (Ripley), "Kane's Son" (Ash), "Zeta II", "Warning Beacon" and many more.
    • The Alien's victory animation after a match involves it taking its opponent to a Hive and impregnating them with a Facehugger. A Chestburster later rips out of them.
    • The Alien fatality "Killer Queen" has the Alien summon a Queen that proceeds to impale the Alien's opponent with her tail before ripping them in half a direct homage to the scene in Aliens in which the First Acheron Queen dispatches Bishop in just such a manner.
    • Selecting the Alien character and playing against Johnny Cage will cause the latter to shout, "It's game over, man!" during intro sequence, referencing Hudson's iconic line from Aliens.
  • Winning against certain opponents can give rise to unique Chestburster variations, such as a Predalien if the opponent is the Predator, or a Chestburster with rock-like skin if the opponent is Tremor. As an additional humorous Easter Egg, the 'Alien baby' brutality can also give rise to Chestbursters wearing comical accessories, such as the hats of Erron Black, Raiden and Kung Lao, the sunglasses of Johnny and Cassie Cage, the mask of Jason Voorhees, or the faceplate of Kano.
  • If the player is fighting the Predator, the Alien will give off a thermal signal during the introductory sequence from the Predator's POV. This is inaccurate, as Xenomorphs do not give off heat signatures.
  • It is possible that the scene in the 2018 film Ready Player One in which the character Goro has his chest busted by a Chestbuster, could be a reference to this character.

Appearances[]

Gallery[]

Unique Chestbursters[]

Video[]

See Also[]

  1. Ridley Scott, Laurence F. Knapp, Andrea F. Kulas. Ridley Scott: Interviews, p. 47 (2005), University Press of Mississippi.
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