I've found it.
Like most design choices for Sub-Zero in MK11, they axes are actually a somewhat authentic type of battle axe used in Chinese warfare. They fell out of favor to to axes generally being to heavy and slow for effective use in combat. They really want Sub-Zero to read as 'warrior' and not so much 'ninja'.
The type of axe is called the Shuang Axe. Popularized as a pair of smaller axes with spear tips at the top and points at the base of the handle. This is based largely off the work called 'The Water Margin'.
I think the new Sub Zero is modeled highly off of this work. There are plot points that mirror the Lin Kuei redemption ark from the Cyber Initiative, as well as their center of operation namesake and location: the Liangshan Mountains. It's basically Chinese Robin Hood except they go on to be a defender of the people from corruption (lin Kuei defenders of earthrealm anyone)
Yeah, swords and polearms were still more common in chinese culture though.
My guess here:
- Shao Kahn is going to heavily feature Hammers and Spears.
- They probably didn't want to feature as many swords as MKX and they wanted Scorpion to keep his.
- Frost is going to feature daggers.
- Nightwolf isn't in the game, which frees axes.
Personally I think Subbie should have at least another weapon (he uses a spear during a fatality, but not for gameplay) and the Kori Sword would fit some of his strings more than the axes.
It would make his moveset look more original. Take other characters capable of forming magic weapons:
- Skarlett has Scythe, Whip and (non elemental) Dagger.
- Nighwolf had knife, tomahawk and bow.
- Subbie himself had sword, dagger and hammer in 2 previous games, so this feels like a downgrade.
Also Sub-Zero's third equipment slot is stupid and a second customizable ice weapon would've been way more interesting for this purpose too.
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