My choice of variations is based on what I think is the most badass or fitting for that charcter. For instance, my main is Hellfire Scorpion because I think it's so badass that he can finally throw fireballs. When I saw that I was like "it's about time!" and was sold on that variation right away lol

I tried out Ninjitsu Scorpion but honestly it didn't do anything for me although that extra range was kinda nice. Haven't touched Inferno Scorpion at all and since it appears to be the most popular, I don't think I plan to either. I prefer to be one of few not one of many, that's so lame to me. Plus I don't like the idea of Scorpion summoning demons anyway. I like the comic Scorpion that constantly battles his inner demons and seems to somewhat have control over his "fire" abilities and only unleashes it when he has to. THATS Scorpion to me.

Honestly, I know this sounds crazy, but I would prefer to play as Reptile with NO variations. I would like Deceptive, but it takes off his mask, and yes, that really bothers me (Deal with it)

If there's a way to do this, please don't hesitate to tell me how to play with no variations (besides Training)

Don't worry bro. I'm also bothered by the removal of his mask and any mask for that matter. EVEN Kitana's mask as pretty as she is. Let's face it: masks are cool.

When you're at the variation selection press up up, and triangle/y after. Allows you to play with no variation.

There are certainly some underused variations, but most of them are for good reasons. For example Gunslinger is probably Erron Black's worst because it doesn't excel at anything. Outlaw has rushdown covered, and marksman has zoning covered. Gunslinger is a mixed bag, you have stand-off stance which sos 3 and 4 are good, but sos 2 is a pile of shit. his coin shots suck as well, so there isn't really any incentive to use this variation. I feel like this is the case for a lot of others like Necromancer Shinnok or Dualist Liu Kang. They just aren't worth using in the long run.

Hopefully that'll change and some of the variations will be buffed.

Yes. Very true.

However, once you get your defense on lock, those scrubs are donezo.

dude yes, is there any move Johnny has that is safe? Every combo is punishable, shadow kick, nut punch all unsafe. They DESPERATELY need to patch johnnys nut shot as a low hit, he literally has no low starters and everything is unsafe... Wtf did they do to Johnny in mkx??