10 Video Game Characters Everyone Loved (That Just DISAPPEARED)
6. Cyber Sub-Zero - Mortal Kombat
In Mortal Kombat 9's prologue, Raiden realises Earthrealm can't win the MK tournament, compelling him to go back in time and try again. Returning to the moment the tournament began, Raiden does everything in his power to ensure his champions don't make the same mistakes as before.
Since Smoke was transformed into a villainous cyborg in the previous timeline, Raiden protects him, knowing he'll need the mist-controlling ninja in the upcoming fight. However, the thunder god puts so much focus on Smoke, he doesn't pay attention to Sub-Zero, allowing the enemy to turn the ice-crafting warrior into a robotic assassin.
This was a bold change of direction for the developers, since Sub-Zero is among the most iconic fighters in Mortal Kombat, as well as the only playable character to appear in every major MK instalment. At the same time, introducing Cyber Sub-Zero was a great way to put a new spin on the cryomancer, expand the lore, and show off some new Fatalities.
Sadly, this decision didn't amount to much, since icy bot dies less than an hour after his big reveal. When Sub-Zero was resurrected in the sequel, his soul was inserted into his human body, making this sub-plot irrelevant.