NetherRealm Studios is finally ready to unveil Mortal Kombat 11's Joker DLC character in all his barbarity. Today NetherRealm and WB Games released the first official gameplay trailer for the Joker. Consistent with previous fighter gameplay trailers, the video is thick with action. It provides a look at several of the Joker's most exciting and violent combos, some Fatal Blows, and even the first of the Joker's disturbing Fatalities. The Joker launches in Mortal Kombat 11 on January 28.
As the trailer shows, NetherRealm has taken the opportunity to get very creative with the Joker's move-set. His abilities include several tools, including his heavy metal cane, a jack-in-the-box with explosive potential, giant extending boxing gloves, and a Batman puppet with a gun barrel sticking out of its mouth. Joker even pulls a hostage from a wheelchair to attack his opponent with.
The Joker's first Fatality is certain to please Mortal Kombat fans new and old. The Fatality starts with the Joker handing his opponent a birthday cake while a sign drops from the background reading "Friendship," a reference to Mortal Kombat 2's Friendship finishing moves. It's all a joke, of course, as the birthday cake explodes and the word "Friendship" shifts to be "Fatality." The Joker then takes out a Tommy gun to finish his opponent off, before the heavy "Fatality" sign drops on their head.
Speaking of references, there's a Fatal Blow shown right before the Joker's fatality that's worth mentioning. It's triggered by a hit with the Joker's jack-in-the-box and grows increasingly more violent. The Joker first stabs his opponent and then turns them around to cut a "Joker's smile" in their face. It's what follows that's a reference, however. The Joker begins hitting their opponent with his heavy cane, the visuals a direct reference a classic Batman comic in which the Joker kills Robin with a crowbar.
The Joker gameplay trailer also has one more surprise for Mortal Kombat 11 players. It reveals a new DC Elseworlds Skin Pack that will launch alongside the Joker. The DLC pack includes a Batman Who Laughs skin for Noob Saibot, a Killer Croc skin for Baraka, and a Catwoman skin for Kitana. A separate Darkseid skin for Geras is also teased. Mortal Kombat 11 players can pick up the Joker, the DC Elseworlds Skin Pack, and the Darkseid skin starting January 28.
Mortal Kombat 11 is available now on Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.