Mortal Kombat is one of the longest-running fighting game franchises of all time, with the original game dropping in 1992. Since then, there have been multiple sequels and spin-offs. The most recent release received great reviews from critics and was the best selling video game in both April and May of 2019.

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But the franchise has always courted controversy, mostly due to the extreme levels of violence. The game could use a little softening up and that's where the Pokémon come in. They're perfect partners for the Mortal Kombat fighters as they're cute but can still throw down.

Johnny Cage & Mr. Mime

The first Mortal Kombat was originally conceived as a Jean-Claude Van Damme game, a concept that obviously fell through. But Johnny Cage's character and design was a holdover from that development process. He is an actor and martial artist, like JCVD.

They both even do a splits/punch move. At first glance, you might think that Cage would go best with a fighting type but he would work better with Mr. Mime. Its invisible barrier skills would combine well with Cage's fighting. Plus, they're both insufferable when it comes to their acting.

Shao Kahn & Gyarados

As the ruler of Outworld, Shao Kahn is the most consistent villain in the Mortal Kombat franchise. He is often depicted as having godlike powers, comparable to someone like Raiden. He's also kind of a jerk since he constantly taunts opponents in battle.

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Kahn loves conquering new worlds, and a Gyarados would be extremely helpful with that. The powerful serpentine Pokémon are feared for their destructive capabilities and easily triggered tempers. Shao Kahn would love that. Plus, it would be hilarious to watch Kahn have to go through the process of evolving a Magikarp.

Sonya Blade & Blaziken

One of the first humans to fight Shao Kahn's attempts to invade Earthrealm in the modern era was Sonya Blade. As one of the original seven fighters, her goal was to capture Kano before getting drawn into the fight against Kahn.

Blade is a soldier, a government agent, and a talented martial artist. She also has terrible taste in men. Blade would work well with Blaziken, a dual fire and fighting type. Blaziken has powerful legs, using a form of martial arts in combination with its fiery abilities in fights. He's exactly what Sonya needs watching her back in the field.

Shang Tsung & Ditto

As the right hand of Shao Kahn, Shang Tsung has played a nefarious role in Mortal Kombat since day one. The evil warlock was the final boss of the first game and has since become a playable character. Tsung has a variety of mystical abilities, including stealing souls which he needs to consume to stay alive. Gross.

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Tsung can also shapeshift into the other characters in the game, giving him their skills and abilities. Ditto could actually do the same, shifting into other Pokémon and fighters. Between the two of them, they could throw almost any combination at their opponents.

Jax & Steelix

As Sonya Blade's superior officer and friend, Jax has shared in her mission to capture Kano as well as the battle against Shao Kahn and Outworld. Reputedly, a version of the character was supposed to be in the first game but was actually replaced by Sonya Blade.

Jax is a strong, skilled fighter whose abilities have only been enhanced by his bionic arms. Steelix would be the perfect partner for him. The massive steel and ground type is powerful, and virtually invulnerable thanks to its rocky body and steel coating.

Kano & Persian

As the target of pursuit for Jax, Sonya Blade, and Cassie Cage, Sonya's daughter with Johnny Cage, Kano plays an important role in the story. The Aussie mercenary works first for the criminal organization Black Dragon, then shifts his loyalties to Shao Kahn by becoming one of his generals.

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Like Jax, he has cybernetic parts, specifically a right eye that shoots lasers. A Persian would work well with Kano as the feline Pokémon has been known to attack and rip apart their prey for no reason. That kind of casual savagery would make Kano laugh.

Liu Kang & Hitmonlee

Like Johnny Cage, Liu Kang was not so subtly based on a real person. In Kang's case, that person would be martial arts and Hollywood legend Bruce Lee. Liu Kang was a renegade Shaolin monk who used his training to defend Earthrealm.

As one of the more consistent and popular characters in the franchise, he became the main protagonist of the ongoing story for a time. The Pokémon Hitmonlee was also based on Bruce Lee and fights in a similar fashion to Liu Kang. Their pairing could be quite advantageous as Kang is uniquely suited to train that specific Pokémon.

Raiden & Raichu

At the core of Earthrealm's defense against Outworld is the thunder god, Raiden. He was quite literally appointed to be the protector of Earth from a variety of threats and has chosen a team of warriors to help do exactly that. Raiden has an impressive range of abilities he uses in combat, including teleportation and control over lightning.

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Raichu would feel right at home. As the evolved version of Pikachu, Raichu can collect and fire off incredible amounts of electricity. Raiden would perpetually be able to recharge his Raichu in combat, giving him a strong second attacker.

Goro & Machamp

A pair of four-armed powerhouses. It's like Goro and Machamp were made to be together. The Shokan prince from Outworld first appears as an unplayable character you must beat to take on Shang Tsung at the end of Mortal Kombat.

He's a massive, powerful monster with four arms who is incredibly difficult to defeat. Eventually, Goro became a playable character and fans finally got to enjoy crushing their opponents with him. Machamp would pair nicely with Goro, using his strength, multiple arms, and fight training to help the prince destroy everything.

Sub-Zero & Glalie

Sub-Zero can be a little confusing for some Mortal Kombat players who haven't followed the story as there have been two. Bi-Han, the original, appeared in the first game and was a villainous character. His more heroic younger brother Kuai Liang took on the identity in the second game and ran with it from there.

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Both versions of Sub-Zero have complete mastery over ice, allowing them some unique and inventive moves in combat. The same can be said of Glalie, which also has the ability to control ice and freeze its enemies. Sub-Zero certainly doesn't want a fire type around.

Scorpion & Centiskorch

Someone who does want a fire type Pokémon is Scorpion, possibly the most popular character in Mortal Kombat. He died before the first game, making his core mission revenge on the individual who killed him, Quan Chi.

Scorpion is best known for his slick ninja moves, passion for setting things on fire, and screaming at people while dragging them closer to him against their will. He's actually kind of scary. The only thing that would make him scarier is riding into battle on a Centiskorch, a violent fire and bug type Pokémon that loves to burn everything in sight.

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