Originally a Netherrealm demon, Quan Chi evolved into one of the most powerful sorcerers in the realms. He serves the High Lord Shinnok, who was imprisoned in the Netherrealm by his fellow Elder Gods. Twenty-five years ago, Quan Chi helped Shinnok escape his hellish prison. Together they waged war on an Earthrealm weakened by its conflict with Outworld. When Shinnok was defeated, Quan Chi was driven underground. He continues to manipulate events from parts unknown.
Quan Chi had long been a servant of Shinnok; his role in freeing him from imprisonment had not gone unnoticed by the Elder Gods.
Shinnok was no longer a threat, but Quan Chi's actions had given rise to a new power.
After much deliberation, the Elder Gods contrived a plan to rebalance this power before it grew further.
Free will was burned from Quan Chi's soul and replaced with a single directive...
...He must kill Raiden.
In the spirit of MKX, we wanted to take Quan Chi farther with his visuals. We began by exploring armor segments, silhouettes and small details we could use to raise his villainous appearance. We wanted to present a more necrotic sorcerer, while also referencing his original design.
We agreed that the visual of two very large blades on each shoulder, with a grid of straps across his sternum was a deviously dark look. Of course, we wanted more, and decided to affix a vampire skull onto his chest for good measure.
During our initial drafts, we created an outfit that shared some elements with his MK9 appearance that we thought would be a fitting step up for his appearances in storymode that take place in the past.