The high expectations ofMortal Kombat 1as an ambitious reboot have potentially left players disappointed after recent rumors indicating that the end of the game’s post-launch support could be coming soon. In a series that thrives on DLC and guest fighters sustaining titles for at least two years, this would be an unprecedentedly short lifecycle for a NetherRealm Studios release. In light of this unfortunate circumstance, any unused work put intoMortal Kombat 1may still be able to be salvaged for the benefit of the studio’s next project.
Following the reasonably positive overall reception to the two Kombat Packs released forMK1so far, speculation about who could make it into the next season has driven excitement around the title’s future. Instead,rumors aboutMortal Kombat 1’s DLC cancelationhave made it clear that these hopes could end up dashed. Rather than resigning this to being the end of an upstart era, however, NRS has the chance to allow its KP3 fighters to find a new home moving forward.
The Addition of Fan-Favorite DLC Characters in Mortal Kombat 1 Appears to Have Been Cut Short
The Lost Potential of Kombat Pack 3 Shouldn’t Go to Waste
One of the major criticisms that has been levied againstMK1is what could be perceived as an overreliance on guest characters. While it’s undeniable that these crossovers can generate massive hype and represent dream match-ups, the fact that both Kombat Pack rosters have been composed of three guests out of six fighters has taken attention away from the legacy of the series that the title initially seemed focused on honoring. According toMortal Kombat 1Year 3 leaks, its emphasis on classic series fighters would likely have been well-received, as it is alleged to have included:
Instead of totally moving on from what was built withMK1, the next game can iterate on the same engine tools and act as a direct improvement that uses the shorter turnover to its advantage. Rather than going for yetanother reboot likeMortal Kombat 1, a straightforward sequel could provide the perfect foundation for launching with these cut KP3 characters to extend an olive branch to fans.
Including the Allegedly Cut Fighters From Kombat Pack 3 in NetherRealm’s Next Title Could Be the Way Forward
Future DLC releases are far more likely to be welcomed if NRS moves to include the KP3 characters from the start in the nextMK. With other major franchises likeCounter-StrikeandCall of Dutyopting to adopt platform-based approaches to essentially deliver entire new games as updates,Mortal Kombat’s business strategy could follow their examples with its next game. Even if the next game the developer puts out isInjustice 3, there’s already a history of featuringMKcharacters as guests in that series, which could allow the cut KP3 content to still be used. While there’s a case to be made thatMortal Kombatguests inInjusticeare a wasteof the DC crossover premise’s scope, this decision could go a long way in pleasing the disappointed fans who were anticipating more fromMK1.
It’s possible that NRS could turn the tides of the critical discourse around its flagship franchise by adjusting its strategy to be more iterative than redundant, but this needs to be done in a way that’s seen as consumer-friendly.Monetization inMortal Kombat 1has been controversial in a way that has hampered what could have been overwhelming enthusiasm, and bringing its DLC offerings down in pricing would allow a transition into a new format to be more well-received by the general community.
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns
WHERE TO PLAY
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignsexpands Liu Kang’s New Era with a new story campaign and an all-new cinematic experience. Discover how Liu Kang rallies his champions and puts faith in his enemies as he battles the ruthless Titan Havik, who threatens to plunge the realms into khaos. If they fail, the New Era will be reduced to anarchy.DISCOVER NEW ORIGINSMortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reignsfeatures reimagined stories and gameplay for Klassic Kombatants Noob Saibot, Cyrax, and Sektor, while also welcoming new faces to the Mortal Kombat universe—Ghostface, T-1000, and Conan the Barbarian.ANIMALITIESAnimalities return as a free content update for all Mortal Kombat 1 owners. Morph into your favorite kombatant’s spirit animal to annihilate your defeated opponent.NEW KONTENT, MORE VALUEThe best value for Mortal Kombat 1 is now available! Jumpstart your journey with the Kollection Edition. Includes access to the Base Game, Kombat Pack, Story Expansion, and Kombat Pack 2 (Guest fighters release date TBA)* KOMBAT PACK 2 NOT AVAILABLE SEPARATELY
