Perceiving a lack of loyalty in his adopted daughter, Kitana, Shao Kahn ordered Shang Tsung to create a replacement, a daughter worthy of succeeding his rule. Shang Tsung fulfilled Shao Kahn's order by fusing Tarkatan DNA with genetic material stolen from Kitana to create a cloned hybrid: Mileena. Mileena is the best of both: bloodthirsty and vicious as a Tarkatan but possessing the Martial artistry and expertise of an Edenian. When Shao Kahn was killed by Raiden, Mileena took over as the ruler of Outworld. But when she refused to align Outworld with Earthrealm against Netherrealm attack, she was deposed. She now leads a rebellion against the usurper Kotal Kahn's regime.
Overcome with exertion, Mileena collapsed and felt her soul gliding through the ether.
She awoke in an incubation chamber.
Nearby were countless others--each containing an exact copy of her.
Mileena found she could read each being's mind, and they hers.
They quickly realized the benefit of so many fierce warriors sharing one mind.
As they plotted revenge on their enemies, the architect of the Mileena's awakening laughed quietly.
Mileena is always a lot of fun to create. She has a dynamic personality, a unique world view, and usually sinister goals. For this game, we knew we needed to depict her rise and fall from power, along with her as the leader of a rebellion against Kotal Kahn.
Her regal appearance required rethinking the characters approach to those around her, and how she would choose to appear. Our thought here was that she would still attempt to mimic her 'sister' Kitana, while showing her more menacing characteristics. We ended up combining elements from her Mortal Kombat Deception outfit with a more ninja-inspired appearance.
For her Rebellion leader appearance, we wanted something less imperial looking, something rough and combat ready.