At Comic Con 2011, NetherRealm Studios revealed the last (announced) DLC for Mortal Kombat (aka Mortal Kombat 9) – Freddy Krueger. The DLC announcement was received with mixed results from fans, some of which were hoping for an actual MK alum to return (Tanya or Goro, among others) as a playable character. Considering the studio isn’t expected to add any more characters – we may have to wait until the next Mortal Kombat title, presumably Mortal Kombat 10, to potentially take the reins of characters that didn’t make the cut this round.
But what can we expect from the next installment in the series? We spoke with MK creator Ed Boon at Comic Con before the Mortal Kombat: Legacy panel to get an idea of what to expect.
Despite his excitement for the Freddy Krueger DLC announcement, and his pride in the Mortal Kombat roster, Boon made it pretty clear that the team at NetherRealm is primarily focused on the “next games,” not pumping out new MK9 characters.
Though, the fan-favorite game creator doesn’t close the DLC door entirely:
“Our original plan was to do four [characters] and I think it’s all kind of being dictated by a number of things. One is our team’s ability. Obviously, we want to start the next games and what not. And then also demand for it – you know, if it’s just this crazy, ridiculous, success then we have to at least entertain the idea. For the most part [reaction has been positive] and this is the first time we’ve done it, actually the first time that any fighting game has really had a real downloaded character that wasn’t on disc.”
It’s certainly interesting to hear Boon use the phrasing “next games” – maybe another Mortal Kombat spin-off title is also in the works (purely speculation at this point).
As for what to expect from the next Mortal Kombat tournament game, Boon didn’t divulge too many details but reassured us that the game wouldn’t be jumping back into 3D environments any time soon.
“[The return to 2D] was really well received – that was one of the things that people were the most pleased with. You feel at home ducking, jumping, all that stuff.”
No doubt one of the most exciting aspects of Mortal Kombat was the return, and reimagining, of the original arcade gameplay as well as iconic characters. While the title no doubt reinvigorated the franchise, bringing back loads of players that had abandoned Mortal Kombat at some point, the team at NetherRealm faces a tough challenge now that they have to rely on moving forward into uncharted territory (new characters, storylines, and gameplay mechanics). Mortal Kombat was a nostalgia-fueled trip down memory lane with a number of modern refinements – but will another similar experience bring players rushing back for another round?
After a roster of twenty-seven playable kombatants (not including PS3 exclusive Kratos), four DLC characters, and three boss fighters, it’s hard to imagine what NetherRealm can do for a worthy follow-up. That said, given the commercial success of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe as well as Boon’s interest in horror icons such as Freddy, Jason, and Michael Meyers – maybe we should prepare for a new mash-up title: Mortal Kombat vs. Slasher Films? Just kidding – maybe.
Follow me on Twitter @benkendrick and let us know what direction you’d like to see NetherRealm take Mortal Kombat next?
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No don’t stop now Ed! Gives us some more dlcs this fall. Actually gives us more stages and some new modes. But def fix the multiplayer situation; it’s still not easy to find a good match; minus the lagging and disconnects. But Halloween is coming and you can still throw in Jason or Myers
The Freddy Krueger DLC is epic amazing, wtf is wrong with people? Seriously…..
But Boon and Netherrealms are really proving themselves to be good developers aren’t they?
Completely agree…
The game is great! 2D was a geat idea! MK always been my favorite fighting game, but I guess I don’t love it enough to buy this DLC.
I think they should stop with the DLC characters, maybe add Jason but save the rest for the next game. BUT I would love to see a DLC for this one with like 2 new arenas (St.Elm St maybe) lol. That would be sweet. And o yeah, Freddy is awesome, way better than Tanya, Frost or whoever else from Mk4 and up.
I want a new costume dlc.
Too expensive. 5 bucks for a character.
Too expensive?, joke right :p no…….. oh damn son get a job. And lock up you wife and kids cause there’s a RAPIST climbing in your window.
Ha! No but really, 5 bucks ain’t sh*t but when you consider what your paying for it is. All together that’s $20 for 4 fighters. The game came with 20+ for $60, u pay 1/3 the price of the game only to receive less than 1/6 what you originally paid. YOU got hustled!
Totally agree. It’s almost, no wait, exactly like the Black Ops Dlc’s. You pay 1/4 the actual price just for some new maps (that never actually add anything new…) and then the zombie map, which is just garbage. Really, I don’t see the point in any Dlc… I have honestly never seen any that perked my interest in any way… Although I should probably shut up considering I did get the first BO Dlc for the Ascension map.
How about making sure this game is polished before starting the next? Like fixing the damn servers so online multiplayer is actually fun, and not a lag-fest (doesn’t seem to matter internet speed). Or that 4 player Co-Op tag team (online, not same system with a guest) mode that was cut a month before release.
That said, great game. With the points listed above, stops just short of being amazing though.
Batman could kick Lui Kang’s ass any day of the week. I still want Batman for DLC. Ten reasons why Batman should be Mortal Kombat.
1. Batman would have hands down been the champion of the 1st MK Tournament if he were actually a part of the MK Universe.
2. He fits into the story. Batman is the most human “mortal” of all super heroes. What is Mortal Kombat? The fight to protect the lives and freedom of all mortal’s in Earthrealm. Why wouldn’t he be at the tournament?!
3. He has an IQ of probably 200 and knows just about every form of martial arts ever.
4. His style just fits the mood. Plus, it would be like having an all new ninja character. He is a ninja you know. His costume has that MK vibe if you put him next to Reptile, Scorpion, or Sub-Zero. Smoke’s alternate has already made him the MK Batman. You know what I’m talken about. That would be a sweet fight!
5. When Shao Khan invaded Earthrealm, Batman would not stand by and let Gotham be taken.
6. With The Dark Knight Rises, Arkahm City, and Gotham City Imposters just around the corner why not? It’s good promotion.
7. Batman does not kill but can still perform a fatality. Leaving the opponent to die in a situation that they “may or may not be able to get out of” is a good example. It’s happened in the movies. It takes some thought but his fatalities are possible.
8. He can resist the opponent to the point of their death. Shao Kahn would fight till he is dead. There is no hope for someone like Kahn in changing their mind about their plans.
9. Batman is the one character from a previous MK game that doesn’t need his story rearranged for him to fit in. Realistically Batman would toast everyone in Mortal Kombat. We can at least pretend they have the skills to keep up with him, thus making the MK characters that much more badass.
10. Batman is awesome. One of the most dark, twisted, deranged, misunderstood, and heroic characters ever made. He has a back story everyone knows. Beaten to a pulp he’d still win. No one can deny he would do what ever it takes. Even if it means his own fatality.
I don’t think that Batman should be a part of the official MK Universe. I’m just saying he could be and would be the perfect bonus character.
(P.S. MK3 Kung Lao is awesome too. A shaolin monks costume pack would be sweet.)
thats one thing i hate with these game company’s today they only put out a couple dlc and then stop. milk the damn game dry before u give up on it
UHM BATMAN WAS IN MORTAL KOMBAT AND HE WAS THE ONLY GOOD DC FIGHTER BUT I THINK YOU HAVE A BATMAN FETISH….THAT DC CHARACTER WAS THE REASON WHY DC VS MK SUCKED D!CK…THEY TO PU$$Y WITH THEIR FRANCHISE…..SO GO EAT SOME D!CK
IN MY OPPION: ‘d like to see more dlc but more than just female versions of ppl (frost) and no more cross overs cuz it takes to much from the mortal kombat aspect. Mixing up dlc as far as new ppl can be cool but ed boon has always tryed to change up mk to much stick with what made the series great in the old dayz. As far as change I’d like to see run put back in but it’s not sumthing that is to important
we need more DLC! while it’s true that it’s already an epic fighter with the first true downloadable chars not on disc, ed boon can immortalize kombat by making it the first game to really utilize DLC. he’s gonna make stacks either way but why have less karacters than Armageddon? this is the age of chars. and for the record, mugen was fun and all but i don’t approve of freddy. it’s a respect thing. just sayin.
I say make your own character like on armagedon….That should be the dlc…
I’d love to have Pinhead from Hellraiser.
Personally, Neo from Matrix wouldn’t be a bad DLC. Since Warner Bros owns it. OR V from “V for Vendetta” Also warner brothers. V is amazing. X ray: V throws two of his knives; one into each shoulder, rushes forward, and spins. DURING THE SPIN: he pulls two knives and slices the neck of his opponent. Fatality: (of course) pick up by the neck, cut through the neck, and proceed to wriggle the head+spinalcord free from the body.