Long before characters like Ghostface and Conan the Barbarian were battling Scorpion and Sub-Zero, Mortal Kombat took on the DC Universe. Released in 2008 by Midway Games, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe was the first crossover for the Mortal Kombat series and hinted at the potential for a DC Universe-based fighting game. While Mortal Kombat has since entered the HD era and featured numerous pop culture icons, and Injustice has become the premier DC fighting game, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe remains a somewhat forgotten title for many fans. A recent Reddit discussion sheds light on why this game missed the mark.

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe: A Safe Play?

One key point from fans is that Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe “was a massive departure in tone and gameplay.” As a T-rated game, it lacked the mature content that defined other Mortal Kombat titles. This rating limited the game’s ability to deliver the same brutal experience fans had come to expect. Additionally, it attempted several new ideas suited for next-gen consoles at the time, but these efforts did not resonate well with the audience.

Limited Character Roster

Why is MK vs DC a generally disliked game?
byu/RestlessRhys inMortalKombat

The limited character roster was another significant issue. Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe launched with just 20 characters. The DC side featured popular Justice League members and The Joker, while Mortal Kombat included familiar faces like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden. Compared to today’s expansive rosters, this was underwhelming. Since then, Mortal Kombat has introduced a plethora of original characters and fan favorites, while DC’s popularity has surged thanks to animated series and live-action films, making once-obscure characters like Atrocitus and Black Adam household names.

Mediocre Storyline

The game’s story was another point of criticism. Fans found it mediocre and lacking the depth seen in later Mortal Kombat games. Interestingly, Mortal Kombat (2011) and subsequent titles have been praised for their engaging story modes, but at the time, the storyline in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe did not impress.

Reflecting on a Missed Opportunity

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe had the potential to be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in fighting games. However, due to its safe approach, limited character roster, and lackluster story, it remains a forgotten piece of fighting game history. Despite these shortcomings, it’s an intriguing part of Mortal Kombat’s evolution and serves as a reminder of what could have been. Perhaps someday, it might see a revival with the improvements fans have longed for.

Final Thoughts

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe stands as an interesting experiment in the crossover genre. While it missed the mark in several areas, the game paved the way for future collaborations and highlighted the need for deeper, more expansive fighting game experiences. As the gaming community reflects on past titles, there’s always hope that lessons learned will lead to even greater innovations in the future.

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