Many fighting game fans are eagerly awaiting news aboutInjustice 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 ofMortal Kombat 11has set a high bar for what fans will expect fromInjustice 3.
Some of the elements that helped makeMortal Kombat 11successful were present in the previousInjusticetitle. Thegear system inInjustice 2allowed for players to gather equipment that augmented character attributes like higher strength or resistance to projectile damage, which was fine tuned inMK11and expanded upon with the customization options.Injustice 3will be likely to feature a customization system more similar toMK11, perhaps even bringing in the ability to change up characters' movesets, but the level of presentation in all of the options available inMK11for characters' appearance, intros, victory animationswas 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.
RELATED:Mortal Kombat 11 Once Had a Very Different Storyline
Mortal Kombat 11’s Effect on Injustice 3
Injustice 2was by no means a slouch, and helped set up high expectations for its own sequel, and many expected it atDC Fandome late last yearto no avail. So right now, the success ofMortal Kombat 11is a big factor in determining what to expect in the next DC brawler. The Hollywood blockbuster-style story mode inMK11really shows off the influence of Warner Bros. over the games from NetherRealm, and whileInjustice’s story is very well done in its own right, theMK11story 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 thatInjustice 3will live up to its predecessors.
On a gameplay note, it will be interesting to see if NetherRealm takes some of the same chances onInjustice 3that it did withMK11. One criticism that some fans levied aboutMK11is that is deliberately slower paced thanMKX. Not all fans agree though, as some feel that the focus on defensive play makes the newestMKfeel 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 likeStreet Fighter 5,and many fans think it paid off. Changes made inMK11: Ultimateare likely to influenceInjustice 3, but it’ll be interesting to see if elements beyond cross-play will make their way intoInjustice 3.
Injustice 2already has an expansive roster after all of its available DLC. But again,MK11raised 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 inInjustice 3.Mortal Kombat 11andInjustice 2are both considered to be some of the bestfighting games of the PS4 and Xbox One generation, butMK11has set itself apart and lands itself on many players' top tier lists. Its success has certainly raised the stakes for the more-than-likelyInjustice 3.
