I was actually able to pick a main faster in this game than any other fighter because of Reptile. I was the most excited about four characters when this game came out: Quan Chi, Sub-Zero, Kung Lao, and Reptile. Reptile won out for multiple reasons:
The way that he plays as a character at a high level is perfect for his design as a character in the MK universe and what he is (basically, a raptor). He is patient and agile, moving around alot and when that opening finally shows itself its an efficient, merciless onsalught.
I could never figure out how he worked in MKII (i was a little kid) but he was one of my favorite characters because he was the green ninja and he wasn't in the first game (that i knew of).
He is basically a velociraptor with the ability to create and manipulate acid to destroy his enemies
His playstyle is what i look for in a character when playing a game: versatility, creative options, flashy combos, viable but not OP
THTB and his amazing performance at Powerup
He is also the character that feels the most natural to me, i still have a long way to go, but i really enjoy playing him and it is very satisfying to slip out and around people and then explode for 40%+ damage
