Noting the success of utilizing a palette swap method for Scorpion and Sub-Zero's character sprites, he and Tobias decided to include a 'super secret hidden feature' in Mortal Kombat, choosing Reptile's green color as a contrast to Scorpion's original yellow and Sub-Zero's blue colors. Included in the first game late in the development process, Reptile's character concept was conceived while Boon was driving back to work from lunch. Originally a palette swap of Scorpion, Reptile's design evolved as the series progressed. Critical reception to the character has been positive, with many print and online publications commenting on his evolution since his debut as a hidden character. Reptile has been featured in almost every title in the series under the same pretenses, and until the 2011 reboot, he had yet to be rewarded for his efforts.

Reptile is a Raptor, a nearly-extinct bipedal humanoid race of reptilian creatures and loyally serves the series' recurring villain Shao Kahn in hope that his race will be revived. He debuted in Mortal Kombat as a hidden opponent and appeared in subsequent titles as a playable character, also appearing in the merchandise and other media related to the series. Reptile is a video game character from the Mortal Kombat fighting game franchise created for Midway Games by Ed Boon and John Tobias.

Human reptile mortal kombat