Though MultiVersus pools its roster of playable characters from across Warner Bros.' extensive library of films, shows, and cartoons, the Animaniacs have been missing since the game's launch despite being an iconic part of the Warner Bros.' brand. MultiVersus continues to expand its range of playable characters, regularly adding fighters from all corners of Warner Bros., like Rick Sanchez of Rick and Morty fame. Given how popular the show has become among audiences - and how Rick's skins had been leaked earlier this year - it didn't surprise fans that he was being added to the game.

But from the current lists of popular cartoon characters both modern and classic, the Animaniacs are likely one of Warner Bros.' most emblematic trios and arguably a parallel to the likes of Disney's Mickey Mouse. Based on the same 1930s designs of simple, black-and-white characters, Animaniacs serve as a tie for Warner Bros. to a much older generation of entertainment that doesn't have that much representation within MultiVersus. Their inclusion in MultiVersus would not only be an homage to the history of entertainment across the decades but an embrace of the 2020 Animaniacs revival for an added boost of cultural relevancy.

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The Classic Animaniacs and Their Revival

A still from an episode of classic Animaniacs of Yakko, Wakko, and Dot participating in a gameshow.

As the creation of Steven Spielberg and Tom Ruegger, Animaniacs was the pair's next step following the success of Tiny Toon Adventures and was a departure from reusing existing characters and instead developing an altogether new concept. Animaniacs was best described by those who worked on it as a sketch comedy, with each episode comprised of three segments tied together by the three Animaniacs: Yakko, Wakko, and Dot. Animaniacs didn't concern itself with story threads and instead allowed its trio to be free to do whatever they like with the same wacky, tongue-in-cheek humor.

As a product of its time, Animaniacs truly was a variety show full of sketches, musical numbers, and parodies that ensured across its many episodes there was surely something for everyone. The show was hugely successful and popular, earning critical acclaim and various award and nominations over the years. Even recently, the prominence of Animaniacs continues to thrive via memes such as Nations of the World performed by Yakko.

This is likely why the show was revived in 2020 after the original show was added to Netflix in 2016 and proved it was still popular among audiences. Even Spielberg had a hand in its revival by insisting that the Animaniacs' original cast reprise their roles, including bringing back series composers with a small orchestra. Those responsible for its return knew full well the cultural significance and entertainment value Animaniacs still had, making it all the more important it was brought back after close to two decades off the air. Now that it is back, fans are anticipating the third season after a successful second in 2021.

The Animaniacs in MultiVersus

The Animaniacs, Yakko, Wakko, and Dot, on top of the Warner Bros' water tower.

With their legacy in pop culture outlined, it seems strange that Warner Bros. would not be insisting that Yakko, Wakko, and Dot make their way into MultiVersus. Though the trio has had their fair share of video games in the past, they haven't graced the gaming industry since 2005. It's therefore long overdue that, after a return to television, the Animaniacs return to the gaming scene, and MultiVersus would be the ideal place to start. Not only would it be a neutral ground to test out Animaniacs in gaming again, but it also adds a classical touch to MultiVersus that taps into the revival's popularity.

The first challenge would be to decide if Yakko, Wakko, and Dot will each be their own fighter, or if they'll take after the likes of Tom & Jerry and work together. The latter seems more likely, but while this presents the challenge of condensing three characters into one, it's not impossible. For example, Player First Games could look to Super Smash Bros.' Pokemon Trainer and introduce a swap-in mechanic. Beyond this initial hurdle, coming up with moves and abilities is straightforward, as Animaniacs' already goofy style justifies any equally wacky attacks.

MultiVersus is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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