There’s still a lot of empty slots…
This week,we finally got out first look at the rosterfor NetherRealm Studios’ upcoming face-masherMortal Kombat 11.Confirmed playable were Outworld fighter Baraka, Special Forces agent Sonya Blade, sexually-charged ninja buddies Sub-Zero and Scorpion, the blood-draining DLC debutante Skarlet and an all new grumpy-attitude Raiden.
Later in NRS’ presentation we got to see the time-manipulating hunk o’ beef that isGeras, and also caught a glimpse of what appeared to be Kabal. Appearing in cinematics – but not specifically noted as playable – were Shaolin monks Liu Kang and Kung Lao, as well as a sinister lady who can also freeze the clock, Kronika. Finally, former Outworld Emperor Shao Khan will be on-hand as a pre-order bonus.
That’s seven confirmed playable characters and 11 “more-than-likely” playable characters. The character select screen in the demo featured 25 slots, which leaves space for 14 more characters, (I took some college). This is, of course,easilyexpandable at NetherRealm’s whims, so shouldn’t be taken as set in stone.
So, who do you wanna see make the grade fromMK’sillustrious roster of good, so-so and God-awful kharacters? I think its gonna be a tough cut. Surely NRS didn’t introduce all those kids inMortal Kombat Xjust to drop them one sequel later. What about newbie villains like D’Vorah and Kotal Khan? This isn’t to mention the currently zombified mainstays such as Nightwolf, Smoke, Stryker and Jade. On top of all that, you also have the series’ penchant for giving slots to guest stars… Boy, that’s a helluva lot of cats vying for screen time.
Personally, I’m hoping to see less of the “family ties” gimmick.MKXis a great title, but we didn’t need JohnnyandSonyaandCassie, alongside JaxandJacqui. Too many macho humans with similar attitudes. My favouriteMKcharacter is Sindel, and has been since the launch ofMK 3, way back in ’95.I believe it’s time for the Screamin’ Queen of Edenia to take back her throne. Failing that, let’s get Mileena back in the scrap. The feisty rebellion leader was executed inMKX,but so was Baraka, yet he returns in all his fanged glory. And if we’re going nostalgic, how’s about arealfreak like ChaosRealm’s Havik?
Death means zilch in theMortal Kombatuniverse. It didn’t in the ’90s, nor the PS2 era, and withMK 11’s“time-bending” storyline, it’s could mean even less today. The roster ofMKXfelt specifically dictated by the events of its story mode. ForMK 11, I’d rather have a roster that balances out variety, nostalgia and creativity. Less humans, less ninjas, more weirdos. Given the kombatants signed up thus far, I think NRS is on target and I cannot wait for further reveals, whomever steps back into the blood-stained ring.
Mortal Kombat 11launches April 23 on PS4, PC and Xbox One. Recent rumours suggest that the Nintendo Switch release has been delayed until May.
