Many fighting game fans are eagerly awaiting news about Injustice 3, the more-than-likely next iteration in NetherRealm Studios' DC fighting game series. The franchise has been very popular both for the game itself and a successful comic series based on the game's events. Currently, there has yet to be an official announcement, but the success of the previous games means it's likely to manifest some day. However, the accomplishments of Mortal Kombat 11 has set a high bar for what fans will expect from Injustice 3.
Some of the elements that helped make Mortal Kombat 11 successful were present in the previous Injustice title. The gear system in Injustice 2 allowed for players to gather equipment that augmented character attributes like higher strength or resistance to projectile damage, which was fine tuned in MK11 and expanded upon with the customization options. Injustice 3 will be likely to feature a customization system more similar to MK11, perhaps even bringing in the ability to change up characters' movesets, but the level of presentation in all of the options available in MK11 for characters' appearance, intros, victory animations was very high. Many fans enjoyed the ability to show off after an online victory with hard-earned victory animations or finishing off their opponents with unlocked Brutalities.
Mortal Kombat 11's Effect on Injustice 3
Injustice 2 was by no means a slouch, and helped set up high expectations for its own sequel, and many expected it at DC Fandome late last year to no avail. So right now, the success of Mortal Kombat 11 is a big factor in determining what to expect in the next DC brawler. The Hollywood blockbuster-style story mode in MK11 really shows off the influence of Warner Bros. over the games from NetherRealm, and while Injustice's story is very well done in its own right, the MK11 story mode had a level of flair and polish pretty much unmatched in the genre. NetherRealm has thus far handled the DC universe with care, so it's likely that Injustice 3 will live up to its predecessors.
On a gameplay note, it will be interesting to see if NetherRealm takes some of the same chances on Injustice 3 that it did with MK11. One criticism that some fans levied about MK11 is that is deliberately slower paced than MKX. Not all fans agree though, as some feel that the focus on defensive play makes the newest MK feel distinct among its competition. Splitting the offensive and defensive utility moves across two separate meters took a fighting game standard feature and forced players to consider meter usage even more than games like Street Fighter 5, and many fans think it paid off. Changes made in MK11: Ultimate are likely to influence Injustice 3, but it'll be interesting to see if elements beyond cross-play will make their way into Injustice 3.
Injustice 2 already has an expansive roster after all of its available DLC. But again, MK11 raised the bar in this regard with its large roster that includes about a half dozen crossover characters. While the stable of available heroes and villains in the DC universe is staggering, its likely that the popularity of these crossover characters will affect any decisions about including characters from other franchises in Injustice 3. Mortal Kombat 11 and Injustice 2 are both considered to be some of the best fighting games of the PS4 and Xbox One generation, but MK11 has set itself apart and lands itself on many players' top tier lists. Its success has certainly raised the stakes for the more-than-likely Injustice 3.
Injustice 3 is rumored to be in development.