As NetherRealm Studios has continued to set the bar for ambitious crossovers in the fighting game genre, the potential forInjustice 3to follow up on its predecessor with even more standout guest additions is an all-time high. Following the inclusion of several DLC fighters from outside the DC universe inInjustice 2and the persistent presence of comic book guests inMortal Kombat, NRS is poised to continue this trend in a title that couldn’t be more fitting. In light of the waning appeal of the studio’s own first-party collaborations, however, it would likely be best ifInjustice 3featured more deep cuts from the world of comics rather than further NRS representation.
Making surprise appearances in each Fighter Pack ofInjustice 2, guest characters in each season of DLC honored what has remained a tradition of its developer’s releases in the years since. Ultimately, addingMKfighters to the game provided a fun crossover that paid homage to NRS, but these also paled in comparison to the bold choice to add both Hellboy and the TMNT as well. With the world of comics beyond DC and Marvel containing a massive amount of source material, it might be a wasted opportunity if these unique IPs aren’t utilized as theguest characters ofInjustice 3.
DLC Crossovers Between Mortal Kombat and DC May Have Outlived Their Novelty
Squandering the Potential of a Comic-Centric Fighting Game
The entire premise ofInjustice– a dark spin on the Justice League and other DC characters battling each other – has always set itself apart within the genre due to the status of its licenses. Practically all the imprint’s most iconic faces have been featured inInjustice, but it’s still an extremely deep universe with fan-favorites across thousands of issues and hundreds of storylines.Scorpion inInjustice: Gods Among Usalready took the place of a comic-based fighter once, but the sequel saw Sub-Zero and Raiden doing the same for two entire slots which could have been dedicated to those with similar powers.
The addition of a Black Lightning Premier Skin softened the impact of Raiden’s redundant place in the game, but it also highlighted the fact that other electricity-inspired fighters could easily have taken his place to begin with. The same could be said forMortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero, a fighter whose role as a cryomancer is already occupied by Captain Cold and that fighter’s Mr. Freeze Premier Skin, making the Lin Kuei ninja little more than a fan-service-motivated inclusion in a medium where he already has plenty of appearances.
Injustice 3 Should Lean More Heavily into Comic Book Guests like TMNT and Hellboy
Bringing Fighters From Other Comic Imprints to Life
There is a slew of characters from across fictional universes who could find a home in the nextInjustice, with several already feasible given the history between NRS and DC working with the likes of Dark Horse forHellboy. Despite its more independent reputation,Watchmenis owned by DC Comics, and that book’s team has been featured in theDoomsday Clockseries, meaning they could even reasonably appear in a base roster.
Static Shock was rumored forInjustice 2, and the long history of Milestone Media allowing him to be used bodes well for his future. Even lesser-known faces like Valiant Comics' X-O Manowar could benefit from the exposure, following that company’s trend of attempted expansion. The likes of Spawn andOmni-Man inMortal Kombatare derived from Image Comics, an imprint that supports creator ownership in a way that has already led to NetherRealm’s successful licensing on multiple occasions.
Following Up on TMNT’s Success with Animation-Based Comic Characters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesmight originate from a gritty comic series, but the brand has become famous from stints in animated shows. Due to being owned by Nickelodeon, that team’s appearance inInjustice 2didn’t need any comic-related oversight or approval. This means everything fromThe TicktoThe Maxxis fair game, but the increasingly blurred lines between mediums seen in NRS' collaboration leave the door open for even more unexpected arrivals.
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns
WHERE TO PLAY
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignsexpands Liu Kang’s New Era with a new story campaign and an all-new cinematic experience. Discover how Liu Kang rallies his champions and puts faith in his enemies as he battles the ruthless Titan Havik, who threatens to plunge the realms into khaos. If they fail, the New Era will be reduced to anarchy.DISCOVER NEW ORIGINSMortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignsfeatures reimagined stories and gameplay for Klassic Kombatants Noob Saibot, Cyrax, and Sektor, while also welcoming new faces to the Mortal Kombat universe—Ghostface, T-1000, and Conan the Barbarian.ANIMALITIESAnimalities return as a free content update for all Mortal Kombat 1 owners. Morph into your favorite kombatant’s spirit animal to annihilate your defeated opponent.NEW KONTENT, MORE VALUEThe best value for Mortal Kombat 1 is now available! Jumpstart your journey with the Kollection Edition. Includes access to the Base Game, Kombat Pack, Story Expansion, and Kombat Pack 2 (Guest fighters release date TBA)* KOMBAT PACK 2 NOT AVAILABLE SEPARATELY
