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Li Mei (Chinese: 李梅) is a character in the Mortal Kombat fighting game series. She is a warrior born from the village of Sun Do in Outworld.

Li Mei made her debut in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance and has had minor roles since.

A new version of Li Mei returns in Mortal Kombat 1 as a playable character, marking her return to the franchise in over 16 years.

About Li Mei

Li Mei debuted in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance as an Outworld warrior whose village was enslaved by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi. Her people were forced to build a temple from which the Deadly Alliance would summon the Soulnado. She attempted to win her village's freedom in a tournament hosted by Shang Tsung, but was betrayed. Her soul was subsequently stolen and placed in one of the Dragon King Onaga's soldiers.

Bo' Rai Cho saved her soul and trained her so that she would join the Forces of Light in the final Battle of Armageddon. Although she was killed in that battle by Hotaru's naginata, Li Mei was brought back to life (along with all of the other warriors who perished) by Raiden's resetting of the timeline. She made a brief appearance in the story mode of Mortal Kombat X, wherein Li Mei and her fellow villagers sought sanctuary in Earthrealm to escape the civil war raging between Kotal Kahn and Mileena. It was she who informed the Special Forces of Kano's return to Earthrealm, and Raiden of Mileena's use of the Amulet of Shinnok.

In Mortal Kombat 1, Li Mei was a former leader of the Umgadi warrior priestesses who left the order after a tragic death of King Jerrod. She joins Sun Do's police force and became the First Constable.

Appearance

Li Mei is a fair skinned woman with dark, long hair from Outworld. In Deadly Alliance, Li Mei wears a magenta colored sleeveless top with a very deep v-neck cut going past her chest and floral patterns on it and magenta, purple and black bell bottoms. She also wears a pink belt with a small sash hanging off loosely of it, as well as two black sashes on her waist. For shoes, she wears traditional japanese Geta Sandals. Her alternative outfit is much more revealing, having Li Mei in a dark red bikini, with a matching collar, matching knee high, high-heeled boots and thigh straps.

Deception turned the concept somewhat around, as her primary costume now consists of the bikini like outfit, however this time the color pattern is lilac and purple. The bikini is somewhat armor plated, and Li mei wears matching shoulder and arm guards. Her footwear consists of thigh high, deep purple high heeled boots and for accessories she wears a flowing sash on her waist as well as her now iconic purple bandana. Her alternate outfit is her much more battle oriented set of armor, including waist and shouler guards, a helmet and a breastplate.

For her cameo appearance in X, like all the female fighters, Li Mei has a much less revealing outfit, as she wears a simple black and purple crop top, black and purple bell bottoms and a matching purple belt.

In Mortal Kombat 1, Li Mei's primary outfit is the uniform of Sun Do's police force. She wears a purple kimono underneath a black vest, with a steel belt that seemingly holds her firecracker explosives. She wears orange pants and black, knee high boots and additional firecrackers on an armband on her right upper arm. Her hair is somewhat shorter than in the 3D Era and worn in a high ponytail now.

Combat Characteristics

Being an Outworlder, Li Mei possesses an array of magical abilities, such as being able to shoot fireballs at her opponents. Having been trained by Shujinko and Master Bo' Rai Cho, Li Mei has become a very established and seasoned warrior in the art of kombat.

In Mortal Kombat 1, she retains her ability to shoot fireballs, now more visually distinct as having a sparkling firecracker aesthetic to her powers. Additionally, she can summon fire lamps to act as airborne mines. When using her powers, her tattoos glow a bright purple-pinkish color. Unlike her previous iteration, Li Mei appears older and more experienced.

Signature Moves

  • Nova Blast: Li Mei shoots a purple ball of energy at the opponent. In Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance this special move is called Sparkler. In Mortal Kombat 1, the attack appears to be purple Fireworks that she shoots by bringing her hands together and it can also be done airborne. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A, MK1)
    • The Enhanced Version adds 2 additional explosions that launch the opponent.
  • Flipping Heel Kick: Li Mei flips forward in a circular motion, bringing her feet over her head kicking the opponent and then landing back on her feet. In Mortal Kombat 1, this is an Airborne only move. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A, MK1)
    • Enhancing the move adds a follow up backflip kick that knocks the opponent down.
  • Flying Flurry: Li Mei launches herself forward with a series of punches to the opponent's face. In Mortal Kombat 1, the move is known as Chain Reaction, and has Li Mei launch herself forward with a rising knee attack to the opponents gut first, before she follows with a series of punches, ending in a Firework Explosion knockdown. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A, MK1)
    • In the enhanced version, Li Mei doesn't use a series of punches, but instead one explosive punch that deals more damage. Additionally, Li Mei gains armor during this move.
  • Carnival Spin: Li Mei spins backward and kicks the opponent in an impossible fashion. In MK1, this attack is known as Shi Zhi Lion, and no longer launches the opponent, knocking them down instead. (MK:DA, MK:D, MK:A, MK1)
    • The Enhanced version has much faster start up.
  • Sky Lantern: Li Mei sets off a Sky Lantern into the air. Should the opponent connect with it somehow while airborne, the Lantern exploses, setting the opponent up for a juggle. Alternatively, the Lantern can be shot down at the opponent with an (Air) Nova Blast, exploding on contact and launching the opponent. (MK1)

Other Moves

  • Half Circle: Li Mei implants her foot in the opponent's abdomen and flips them over to the other side. (MK:DA)
  • Back Stomp: Li Mei knees her opponent in the stomach, leaps on their back and knocks them away with a dropkick. (MK:D)
  • The Lion's Appetizer: Li Mei grabs her opponent and implants her foot in their abdomen, flipping them over like her Half Circle throw move. However, once they are thrown to the other side, Li Mei summons her spirit Lion, who launches the opponent and then slams them back to the ground.
  • Lion's Pounce: Li Mei jumps into the air and flips into a ball, before drop kicking the opponent and knocking them down. The attack may also be cancelled by extending it.

Fatal Blow

  • Fatal Blow - The Lion's Feast: Li Mei hits the opponent with her magic before the Kameo performs their attack. As they end their blow, Li Mei proceeds to the opponent with a frontflip kick, summoning a spiritual Lion behind them before Li Mei jumps into action by twisting their head to the side and throws them into the spirit, eating them alive. (MK1)

Fatalities

  • Fatal Kicks: Li Mei kicks her opponent's stomach, lodging her foot in the opponent's innards. She keeps it there for a second before pulling it out, then kicks the opponent's head, causing it to explode. (MK:DA)
  • Brutality: Li Mei repeatedly strikes at the torso and head of her opponent very quickly, and then stands, striking a pose. The confused opponent then screams in pain a few seconds later and explodes in a shower of gore. This fatality seems to borrow from the Asian martial arts study of pressure-points. (MK:D)
  • Kick Precision: Li Mei walks up to her opponent and with one swift uppercut, knocks her foe's head straight into the air. Li Mei patiently waits for it to come back down before she kicks it hard at her opponent. When the head strikes them, they explode into piles of blood and bone. This is done in a different way than Liu Kang's Shaolin Soccer. (MK:D)
  • Roman Candle: Li Mei punches a hole inside of the opponent's stomach and grabs their intestine. She then lights the intestine with her energy like a fuse, causing her opponent to further panic. As the spark travels up the intestine and eventually reaches their esophagus, Li Mei swiftly runs up to the opponent and flip kicks their head off with the intestine still attached. Eventually, the spark reaches their head, causing it to explode. (MK1)
  • Grand Finale: Li Mei charges her fingertips with energy and rams them up the opponents shoulders. As the overwhelming energy charges up, the opponent's arms explode. She then proceeds to do the same to the opponent's torso, causing it to explode as well. The opponents head flies off, while Li Mei's spiritual Lion catches it in its mouth, bringing it to her. (MK1)

Brutalities

  • The Klassic: TBA (MK1)

Other Finishers

  • Hara-Kiri: Deadly Limbo: Li Mei throws her sword into the air and bends over. The sword falls back down and decapitates her. (MK:D)

Quotes

Mortal Kombat X

  • "Our village, Sun Do, was the epicenter of a fierce battle. We barely escaped with our lives."
  • "This was different. The rebels, Mileena, had a weapon unlike anything... Entire battalions, erased."
  • "It was not honorable. Not kombat."
  • "A talisman. Gold, with a center jewel. Mileena wields its crimson energy without precision."
  • "It is enough that she possesses it. It turns the tide in her favor. The emperor grows desperate. And those caught in the middle... pay the price."
  • "You remind me of an Earthrealmer who crossed over with us. He also found humor in everything."
  • "He was an Earthrealmer. One of his eyes... glowed red."
  • "You seem to know this "Kano" intimately."

Mortal Kombat 1

  • "You fight honorably, Earthrealmer. But not nearly well enough." (After Raiden lost to her in a round)
  • "You've one last chance to surrender. For your sake, take it." (After Reptile lost to her in a round)
  • "Return home, Lord Liu Kang. I am to let no one pass."
  • "Her decision was unwise, but she no longer seeks my counsel. And I doubt she's interested in yours."
  • "I thought Shao's soldiers were better trained." (After defeating Reiko in a round)
  • "You and your accomplices will face judgement, Reiko." (After defeating Reiko)
  • "We must leave. Reinforcements will be on the way."
  • "We waste precious time, Tanya. Let's finish this." (After defeating Tanya in a round)
  • "I'm sorry you made this necessary." (After defeating Tanya)
  • "I know you may never forgive me, but don't be blinded by anger and grief. We are here to help you!"
  • "Your Highness, please. You fight the wrong battle." (After defeating Kitana in a round)
  • "You must be smarter, Princess." (After defeating Kitana)
  • "I remember teaching you that, Princess. You were but a girl."
  • "My loyalty to your family hasn't. Trust me now as you did then."
  • "Please, Princess. Just listen. We shouldn't fight!"
  • "Forgive me, Princess. But I won't allow you to hurt yourself or anyone else."
  • "I must be careful. I cannot harm her." (After defeating Mileena in a round)
  • "Tarkat makes victims of us all." (After defeating Mileena)
  • "No, Your Majesty. There can be no debt between friends."

Dark Li Mei

  • "All realms and all timelines will obey Shang Tsung's will." (After Liu Kang lost to her in a round)

Armageddon Li Mei

  • "For Sun Do and for Outworld."
  • "Let's finish this."
  • "Today's battle will be your last."
  • "You won't see another sunrise."
  • "I doubt this won't take long."
  • "Thank you, Kitana." (Thanking Titan Kitana)
  • "Too kind, Liu Kang. Thank you. Allow me?"
  • "What's happening, Liu Kang?!"

Trivia

General

  • Li Mei is rather notable in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance for having four special moves; most characters have only two or three. She retains all these moves in Mortal Kombat: Deception.
  • She is the only normal character to use the "Baji Quan" fighting style, although created characters can use the stance in Armageddon.

Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance

  • Has the same voice actress as Nitara.
  • One of the only three character to possess a "tragic" ending in the game, when she has her soul transferred to a mummified soldier by Shang Tsung. The others being Scorpion and Frost.
  • In the beta, her weapon was the kama, which eventually became Nitara's weapon.

Mortal Kombat: Deception

  • After offering to train Li Mei, Shujinko foreshadowed her ending in Deadly Alliance by warning her that fighting Shang Tsung and Quan Chi alone would "end in misfortune."
  • She has the same fighting style that Bo' Rai Cho had in Deadly Alliance: Mi Zong.
  • She has the same voice actress as Jade and Mortal Kombat: Unchained Kitana.
  • In Mileena's Deception Ending, Li Mei is shown holding a naginata instead of her weapon in the game, which is the Kunlun Dao. Coincidentally, Li Mei was killed by a naginata in the Armageddon intro video, by means of Hotaru.
  • In the character select screen, when Li Mei is locked, she is shown in her alternate costume in her character space.
  • Li Mei was given a new facial model in Deception. In Deadly Alliance, her eyes were larger with them being brown in colour, as well as having larger lips. This was altered in Deception, with her eyes being smaller and being green in colour, along with her lips being reduced in size. Her alternate costume in Deception uses some parts of her Deadly Alliance face model.
  • Li Mei is described as The Defender of the People of Outworld.

Mortal Kombat: Armageddon

  • She appears in Konquest Mode attacking Shinnok in the Netherrealm Cliffs. When Taven shows up, he fights off Li Mei. It is not made clear whether this was the real Li Mei, or simply a clone Shinnok created to test Taven's strength, most likely the latter.
  • She is the first character to die in the opening Armageddon cinematic, by means of Hotaru.

Mortal Kombat (2011)

Mortal Kombat X

  • An older version of Li Mei appears leading a village of refugees from Outworld in MKX's story mode, serving as an informant to Sonya and the Special Forces.

Mortal Kombat 1

  • Some of Li Mei's combo attacks reference both her Fighting Styles in Deadly Alliance. Her Throw and Flick Kick basic attack have her take the Baji Quan stance, while her Pankration Champion ends in her Lui He Ba Fa stance.
  • Li Mei's fighting abilities are somewhat switched from her appearance in the original timeline, as in Deception's Konquest mode, it is Shujinko who trains her for the Deadly Alliance's "tournament". Her and Bo' Rai Cho's biographies as well as Li Mei using the Mi Zong fighting style, a fighting style formerly used by the Outworld Master, suggest that Bo' Rai Cho additionally trained Li Mei, refining her fighting skills. Her alternate outfit being a set of armor and both Mileena's and Bo' Rai Cho's ending revealing she joined the Edenian Army also proves she refined her fighting skills. In the New Era, she proves herself a much more capable fighter, as she is not only the First Constable of Sun Do, but was also the former Umgadi leader and trained Kitana and Mileena, as revealed through intro dialogue.

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