Summary
For the time being,Mortal Kombat 1has settled into its newest era. The game follows through withMortal Kombat 11’s timeline reset, and players have pickedMortal Kombat’s gameplay and narrative back up in Liu Kang’s reborn universe. With new character relationships and features like Kameo Fighters and the Invasions mode to distinguish it,Mortal Kombat 1has established itself as the new face of the best-selling fighting game franchise.
As Kombat Pack 1 fighters and Invasions seasons keep rolling out, rumors, leaks, and teasers ofMortal Kombat 1’s distant future are already happening. Series director Ed Boon has confirmed astory expansion similar toMortal Kombat 11 Aftermathis coming forMK1, and the game’s extended post-launch support plans means more Kombat Packs are all but guaranteed. Conflicting leaks and datamines have already surfaced for Kombat Pack 2, and a particular guest character has drawn fans' eyes, regardless of whether they can or should joinMortal Kombat 1’s roster.
Doomslayer Is A Perfect Guest For Mortal Kombat 1
Based on corroborated leaks from shortly before Mortal Kombat 1 was released, the Doomslayer from modernDOOMtitles could be playable inMortal Kombat 1. Datamines from after the game’s launch contradict this, as well as most pre-release leaks regarding Kombat Pack 2, but that doesn’t mean Doomslayer is off the table.Mortal Kombathas had a history of inconclusive leaks, such asEvil Dead’s Ash Williams being datamined forMortal Kombat 11but never appearing, and aMortal Kombat 12leak throwing off expectations forMK1. Thus, anyMortal Kombatleaks should be taken with a grain of salt, including the one Doomslayer is part of.
If the Doomslayer is on his way, that means exciting times for fans regardless of which Kombat Pack he arrives in.Mortal Kombat’s only other video game guest fighter wasGod of War’s Kratos in the PS3 and PSP versions ofMortal Kombat 9, and theDoomslayer is a perfect fit forMortal Kombatin the same gory, M-rated way. Doomslayer’s most recent title,DOOM Eternal, even provides a solid template for Doomslayer’sMK1play style, assigning different guns to every part of the Slayer’s moveset. Even if the Doomslayer has plenty of close-range attacks mixed in, his potential animation variety could make him very entertaining to watch, and that’s before translating his Glory Kills into Fatalities and Brutalities.
Adding Doomslayer to Mortal Kombat 1 Is A Logistical Nightmare
Mortal Kombat 1and the Doomslayer seem like a perfect match, but several problematic elements to his inclusion could get in the way. First and foremost, just likeMortal Kombat 9’s Kratos, Doomslayer is a first-party Microsoft character thanks to its 2021 Bethesda acquisition. That means theDoomslayer’sMortal Kombat 1appearance, sensible as it is, could be locked to Xbox Series and PC platforms, just like Kratos was once a Sony platform exclusive. That’s even assuming NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games are willing to make that kind of deal, and haven’t already decided against Doomslayer for this reason.
Miscellaneous Concerns Affecting Doomslayer In Mortal Kombat 1
Setting aside exclusivity concerns, a couple of other points are holding Doomslayer down.Mortal Kombat 1has handled zoning characters betterthanInjustice 2andMortal Kombat 11did, but the amount of guns Doomslayer uses, not to mention Harley Quinn and Deathstroke sharing his leak, risks their ranged oppression creeping back in. Even if that’s kept under control, Doomslayer’s inclusion would break the seal on modernMortal Kombatincluding video game guests. After years of movie and comic book characters, some game crossovers would be refreshing, but the shrinking pool of realistic, ultra-violent AAA gaming IPs meansMortal Kombat 1shouldn’t make promises that future entries can’t keep.
