Mortal Kombat 1 has been generating excitement among players who are keen to explore the abilities and strategies of the game’s main roster and Kameo characters. With the upcoming Kombat Pack DLC promising new entrants like Homelander, Omni-Man, and Peacemaker, the anticipation is palpable. However, Ed Boon from NetherRealm Studios recently revealed that the studio failed to secure John Wick as a guest character, and we argue that this might actually be beneficial for the game.

The Hype Surrounding Kombat Pack DLC

The Kombat Pack DLC for Mortal Kombat 1 is expected to bring six characters into the fray, namely Homelander, Omni-Man, Peacemaker, Ermac, Quan Chi, and Takeda. This addition to the game has been the subject of much speculation, and fans are eagerly waiting for official announcements. Leaks suggest that more Kombat Packs could follow, but until official confirmation is received, this remains speculative.

Why John Wick’s Absence Might Be Positive

John Wick, portrayed by Keanu Reeves, is undoubtedly a popular character. However, the exclusion of this character could be advantageous for Mortal Kombat 1 for a variety of reasons. Firstly, John Wick lacks distinct abilities that could add depth to the game. While Mortal Kombat has included human characters without special abilities in the past, those characters are often imbued with some form of power to make them unique. In the case of John Wick, his gameplay would likely not bring anything unique or original to Mortal Kombat 1.

Gameplay Considerations

John Wick is known for his expertise in close-quarters combat and marksmanship. However, his potential moves in Mortal Kombat 1 would largely be limited to gunplay. This would categorize him as a “zoner” character, emphasizing long-range attacks. This combat style, while effective, is not groundbreaking within the Mortal Kombat universe. Characters like Cassie Cage from Mortal Kombat X or Red Hood from Injustice 2 have already employed a similar approach. Therefore, including John Wick would likely not offer an enriching experience to the gameplay.

Theme Consistency in Kombat Pack

Another point to consider is the thematic consistency within the Kombat Pack. The guest characters like Homelander, Omni-Man, and Peacemaker all belong to superhero-themed media. This could be a coincidence, but it might also indicate a deliberate strategy on the part of NetherRealm Studios to maintain a specific theme. Given this, John Wick, who is not a superhero, would be a mismatch in this context.

Future Prospects for Kombat Packs

NetherRealm Studios has a history of including characters from superhero media, especially DC Comics, in their games. It is plausible that future Kombat Packs might continue this trend. Under this theory, John Wick would be an outlier and not fit well among the lineup of characters with superhero backgrounds.

Conclusion

Although John Wick’s inclusion in Mortal Kombat 1 might have initially seemed like a tantalizing prospect, a closer examination reveals several reasons why his absence could actually benefit the game. From the lack of a unique combat style to a potential thematic mismatch, the decision not to include John Wick in the upcoming Kombat Pack could align more closely with the goals of the game’s developers and the expectations of its player base. As the release date for the Kombat Pack approaches, it will be interesting to see how these decisions ultimately shape the future of Mortal Kombat 1.

Also Read: