Which Mortal Kombat game first introduced Kung Lao as a playable fighter?

Mortal Kombat II first introduced Kung Lao as a playable fighter.

Kung Lao is a descendant of the Great Kung Lao, an earlier champion defeated by Goro centuries before the original Mortal Kombat. In Mortal Kombat II, he joins Liu Kang and other Earthrealm fighters in Outworld to oppose Shao Kahn.

The character is distinguished by his razor-edged hat, which he uses as both a weapon and a signature visual feature. His design and fighting style helped establish him as one of the series’ recurring heroes.

Kung Lao is sometimes confused with the Great Kung Lao, but they are separate characters from different generations. Mortal Kombat II was released in arcades in 1993 and expanded the original game’s roster, story, stages, and finishing moves.