Wikipedia

Draft:Takeda Takahashi

Takeda
Mortal Kombat character
First appearanceMortal Kombat X Issue #1 - Blood Ties, Chapter One: Prelude
Created byShawn Kittelsen[1]
Portrayed byBooboo Stewart (Mortal Kombat X: Generations)[2]
Voiced byParry Shen (2015-present)[a]
In-universe information
WeaponBladed whips
OriginEarthrealm

Takeda Takahashi is a character from NetherRealm Studios's Mortal Kombat media franchise. He made his playable debut in Mortal Kombat X (2015) as one of the four Kombat Kids, along with Cassie Cage, Jacqueline Briggs, and Kung Jin.[5] In Mortal Kombat X (2015), he was presented as the son of fellow Mortal Kombat character Kenshi Takahashi.[6]

Characteristics

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Takeda introduction in Mortal Kombat X (2015).

In Mortal Kombat X (2015), Takeda is Kenshi Takahashi's son and is a member of a clan named "Shirai Ryu". Takeda was originally going to be named "Spider", and his weapons were blades/swords as opposed to whips.[6][7] Jacqui Briggs is his love interest.[6] Takeda is also a member of the Special Forces and works with them to protect the world.[8][9] On the basis of his biographical information in Mortal Kombat X (2015), Suchin, a Thai-American woman, serves as his mother.[10] In Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), Takeda's relationships with other characters have undergone significant modifications, as indicated by widespread leaks. Among the individuals in question are Kenshi, who was his father in the prior timeline, now being his cousin,[11][12] and Jacqui Briggs, who initially was his love interest. Under the present circumstances, Takeda is no longer passionate about Jacqui Briggs. Nor does Takeda remain an individual of the Shirai Ryu clan either.[13][14]

Backstory

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In Mortal Kombat X Comics, Takeda is portrayed as a child who resides in Thailand with his mother, Suchin. Kenshi is seen carrying Takeda on his back at the start of the comics. Eventually, a Red Dragon gang shows up and launches an attack on the Kenshi household. Scorpion managed to save Takeda and Kenshi, but sadly, Takeda's mother perished. Kenshi asks Scorpion to take over his son Takeda's parental duties. Takeda was later trained by Scorpion to join the Shirai Ryu.[15]

Appearances

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Takeda debuted in the first issue of Mortal Kombat X Comics series entitled Mortal Kombat X Vol. 1: Blood Ties, in which he is depicted as a kid who is untrained and harmless. The beginning of the comic shows Takeda on the back of Kenshi, who is trying to escape from the force of enemies led by Hsu Hao. Suddenly, an arrow penetrates through Kenshi's leg bone, resulting in his injury. As Hsu Hao was ready to assassinate Kenshi, Scorpion interrupted and killed Hsu Hao instead. Takeda is observed being trained by Scorpion later in the comics.[16] Takeda made a reappearance in Mortal Kombat X (2015), where he initially appeared as one of the members of Johnny Cage's Special Forces unit and had a significant role in the game's story mode.[8][17]

Takeda was noticeably absent from Mortal Kombat 11 (2019), although a match introduction dialogue between Scorpion and Jacqui Briggs indicates that Takeda and Jacqui have been engaged since the events of Mortal Kombat X (2015).[18] Takeda made a brief cameo appearance in the cutscene of the final story mode chapter of Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), along with other Kombat Kids; regardless of the condition, he was assassinated by the Titan Kitana.[19] He later returned to the game as a DLC character, being released in Summer 2024.[20][21]

Reception

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In 2015, Vince Ingenito, an author from IGN, shared his thoughts on Mortal Kombat X (2015) in a detailed review that highlighted the character Takeda. Ingenito praised Takeda's personality, describing him as a "confident martial arts swagger" that captivated his attention. He went on to emphasize that Takeda's design was the most striking among the new characters introduced in Mortal Kombat X (2015), showcasing the game's success in creating unique and compelling fighters. Takeda's fighting style was portrayed as a futuristic take on a ninja, blending traditional weaponry with cutting-edge technology. Ingenito marveled at Takeda's arsenal, which included remote-controlled laser swords, explosive kunai throwing knives, and arm-mounted retractable grappling hooks that transformed into lethal blade-covered whips. Takeda's seamless mastery of these weapons, combined with his confident demeanor, added a layer of realism and credibility to his character.[22][23]: 1:05–1:24  Takeda seems to share similarities with Soulcalibur's Ivy Valentine, as pointed out by Ars Technica's Sam Machkovech. Machkovech mentioned that Takeda's design seems to be inspired by Ivy Valentine, especially his whip-sword hybrid weapon. Additionally, Machkovech highlighted Takeda's moveset, noting how Mortal Kombat X's interpretation of Takeda is more impressive when his weapon transforms into a Scorpion-style "get over here" grabber.[24]

Brendan Hesse of GameSpot had strong feelings about Takeda's "Whip it Good" fatality from Mortal Kombat X (2015), going so far as to label it as one of the "Grossest And Most Gruesome Mortal Kombat Fatalities". In his analysis, he characterized it as a "literal gut-wrenching fatality", emphasizing the visceral nature of the move. Hesse vividly described the sequence of events in the fatality, starting with Takeda swiftly cutting off the enemy's arms with his bladed whip before thrusting it into their throat with the blades retracted. The tension builds as the blades extend and pierce the opponent's innards, culminating in Takeda forcefully pulling back the whip and exposing their insides. Despite the graphic nature of the fatality, Hesse pointed out that it serves as an effective tutorial on gutting a fish.[25] Imran Khan of Paste also expressed his thoughts on Takeda's fatality in Mortal Kombat X. He highlighted the graphic nature of the finishing move, where Takeda brutally slices off his opponent's arms before proceeding to gruesomely pull out their intestines through their mouth. Khan emphasized the visceral and unsettling imagery of the scene, noting how it left him feeling his stomach turned. The detailed description of the fatality, complete with fizzing animations and the sight of the opponent gurgling blood as they twitch on the ground.[26] As reported by Justin Reeve of TheGamer, Takeda has been a fan-favorite character in the Mortal Kombat series, known for his unique fighting style and intriguing backstory. His absence in Mortal Kombat 11 (2019) left many fans feeling that something was missing, leading to widespread excitement at the possibility of his return in the next installment. With his devoted supporters eager to see him back in action, as one fan put it: "As a matter of fact, he has the best backstory out of any of the Kombat Kids".[27] Cameron Lucas, a writer for Game Rant, shared his opinion on Takeda's presence in Mortal Kombat 1 (2023), stating that it is now "more interesting than ever". He then dwells on the character's legacy, explaining how Takeda has changed over the years.[28]

In a PDF paper titled "Agency in and Around Videogames", presented in October 2020 by media lecturer Bettina Bódi of Leeds Beckett University in the United Kingdom, Takeda was implemented as an example of an avatar that remains trapped in a restricted area. This concept sheds light on the notion of agency within video games, specifically focusing on how players interact with their environment and the limitations placed on their characters. Takeda's confinement in a restricted area mirrors the mechanics commonly found in 2D fighting games, where players are confined to a specific space or arena to engage in combat and progress through the game. By using Takeda as a case study, Bódi highlights the significance of understanding the constraints placed on players and how these limitations can influence gameplay and player agency.[29] In 2023, a digital sports media organization, EssentiallySports' Diptarko Paul, reported about a person dressed as Mortal Kombat 1 (2023) iteration of Takeda on X platform. The person also grabbed the attention of Ed Boon, the creator of the Mortal Kombat series. Boon posted about it on X as a way to tease the enthusiasts of Takeda, and to build up the hype for his arrival in the game. Later on, EssentiallySports highlighted Takeda's significance in Mortal Kombat X (2015) and his fighting skills, noting, "As a member of the Kombat Kids, Takeda was one of the main protagonists in MKX. Takeda’s Fist Flurry and Spear Ryu were only a few in his arsenal, and his skills got him a lot of fans".[30]

References

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  1. ^ Gavin Jasper (April 14, 2015). Mike Cecchini (ed.). "Shawn Kittelsen Interview: Mortal Kombat X, WWE Immortals, & DC Comics - The writer behind DC Comics' Mortal Kombat X comic series speaks with us about the series' lore, the new characters, and Sheamus". Den of Geek. DoG Tech LLC. Archived from the original on December 5, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  2. ^ "Mortal Kombat X: Generations". The A.V. Club. Paste Magazine. Archived from the original on April 21, 2024. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  3. ^ "Takeda Voice Mortal Kombat X (Video Game) - Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors (BTVA). Inyxception Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  4. ^ "Takeda Voice - Mortal Kombat 1 (Video Game) - Behind The Voice Actors". Behind The Voice Actors (BTVA). Inyxception Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  5. ^ Mike Futter (February 27, 2015). "Mortal Kombat X - Meet The Mortal Kombat X Kids In First Story Trailer". Game Informer (GI). GameSpot. Archived from the original on February 28, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Seth Rector (June 23, 2020). "Mortal Kombat: 10 Things You Need To Know About Takeda". Screen Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on July 17, 2020. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  7. ^ Douglas Vieira (August 15, 2023). "Takeda Takahashi: 7 curiosidades sobre o personagem de Mortal Kombat" [Takeda Takahashi: 7 interesting facts about the Mortal Kombat character]. TecMundo (in Portuguese). No Zebra Networks S.A. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Wesley Yin-Poole (April 14, 2015). Tom Phillips (ed.). "Mortal Kombat X's dumbly enjoyable story puts other fighting games to shame - Next-gen Brat Pack". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  9. ^ Gavin Jasper (September 13, 2023). Mike Cecchini (ed.). "Mortal Kombat Timeline: The Complete Story Explained". Den of Geek. DoG Tech LLC. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  10. ^ NetherRealm Studios (2015). Mortal Kombat X. Warner Bros. Games. Level/area: Takeda biography.
  11. ^ James Throughton (October 23, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Leaks Reveal Takeda Is Kenshi's Cousin, Not Son - Takeda isn't Kenshi's son in Fire God Liu Kang's new timeline". TheGamer. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  12. ^ Brianna Reeves (October 24, 2023). Tom East (ed.). "Mortal Kombat 1 leak reveals new origin for Kombat Pack character Takeda". Dexerto. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  13. ^ George Foster (September 23, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Is Making Some Big Changes To Takeda Takahashi - This isn't the Takeda you knew". TheGamer. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on April 18, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  14. ^ J Brodey Shirey (October 24, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Leak Potentially Reveals New Origin For Kombat Pack Fighter". Game Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  15. ^ Zuri Anderson (September 21, 2019). "10 Things That You Didn't Know Happened In Mortal Kombat X Comics". TheGamer. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on September 22, 2019. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  16. ^ Shawn Kittelsen (2015). Mortal Kombat X Vol. 1: Blood Ties - Volume 1. DC Comics. ISBN 9781401257088. Retrieved April 20, 2024 – via Internet Archive.
  17. ^ NetherRealm Studios (2015). Mortal Kombat X. Warner Bros. Games. Level/area: Chapter 7: Takeda Takahashi.
  18. ^ Dalton Cooper (May 3, 2019). "Mortal Kombat 11: Where is Takeda?". Game Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on September 4, 2022. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  19. ^ Joseph Andress (September 28, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Pokes Fun at One Divisive Part of Recent Entries". Game Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on February 9, 2024. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  20. ^ Tessandra Zoe Smith (November 30, 2023). "What to Expect From Mortal Kombat 1 DLC Character Takeda". Game Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on December 8, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  21. ^ Dillon Sibilla (November 9, 2023). "Why Mortal Kombat 1 DLC Character Takeda Could Set the Stage for its First Story DLC". Game Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  22. ^ Vince Ingenito (April 13, 2015). "Mortal Kombat X Review - New blood by the gallon". IGN. Ziff Davis. Archived from the original on April 14, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  23. ^ "Mortal Kombat X Review". YouTube. IGN. April 16, 2015. Archived from the original on April 20, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  24. ^ Sam Machkovech (April 19, 2015). "Mortal Kombat X review: Fatality attraction - Speed and character diversity make up for some of the dumbest Kombat we've ever seen". Ars Technica. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on April 21, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  25. ^ Brendan Hesse (May 19, 2023). "Grossest And Most Gruesome Mortal Kombat Fatalities". GameSpot. Fandom, Inc. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  26. ^ Imran Khan (June 29, 2015). "How Mortal Kombat X Made Me Realize I Was Wrong". Paste. Paste Media Group. Archived from the original on May 11, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  27. ^ Justin Reeve (March 25, 2023). "Mortal Kombat Fans Want To See Takeda Return For MK12 - Long live the Kombat Kids". TheGamer. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on March 26, 2023. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  28. ^ Cameron Lucas (July 25, 2023). "Other Kombat Kids Mortal Kombat 1 Should Have in Future DLC". Game Rant. Valnet Inc. Archived from the original on July 25, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  29. ^ Bettina Bodi (October 2020). Agency in and Around Videogames (PDF). University of Nottingham. p. 56. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 27, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
  30. ^ Diptarko Paul (November 13, 2023). "Mortal Kombat 1 Creator Teases Future DLC to Unleash Return of a Popular Character". EssentiallySports. Full Spectrum Services LLP. Archived from the original on April 20, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.

Notes

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  1. ^ Mortal Kombat X (2015)[3] and Mortal Kombat 1 (2023)[4]
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