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Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (commonly abbreviated as MK vs. DCU or just MK vs. DC) is a crossover fighting game from Midway Games in the Mortal Kombat series, which was released on November 16, 2008.[2] The game contains characters from both the Mortal Kombat franchise and the DC Comics Universe. The game's story was written by comic writers Jimmy Palmiotti and Justin Gray. The game was developed using Epic Games' Unreal Engine 3 and is available for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 platforms.[4]
Story LineMK vs. DC does not follow chronologically with the other games in the Mortal Kombat series, and is set much earlier on in the series than the last MK game, Armageddon. MK vs. DC takes place immediately after the conclusion of Mortal Kombat 3. After Shao Kahn's invasion of earthrealm is defeated by Raiden's forces of light, Raiden destroys Kahn by blasting him through a portal. At the same time on Earth, Superman is seen stopping an invasion lead by Darkseid by blasting Darkseid as he enters a Boomtube. These acts do not destroy either of them, but merges them into Dark Kahn, and causes the DC universe and the Mortal Kombat realms to merge. As the worlds merge the characters powers fluctuate, and experience violent rage outbreaks (later revealed to be the work of Dark Kahn). Each world thinking that the other is responsible for the merger, they fight each other in Mortal Kombat until only two remain, Superman and Raiden. In the final battle, Raiden and Superman fight while Dark Kahn feeds off their rage. The two overcome their rage for each other and defeat Dark Kahn, restoring the two worlds. RosterAccording to interviews, the characters were chosen for their popularity, and for parallels between characters from both universes.[5] Ed Boon has said that some of the characters' abilities, especially on the DC side, have been toned down to make them balanced within the game. Boon specifically mentioned that Superman will have some vulnerabilities because of magic, otherwise the game would be sorely unbalanced.[6] It was also revealed during an interview with the series creator that the characters of "The Dark Knight" aka Heath Ledger's Joker, wouldn't show up in the game, due to the respective movie studios owning the rights to any likenesses related to the movie.[7] Gameplay
The game features a story mode, playable from two different perspectives, one from the DC side, and one from the Mortal Kombat side. Depending on which side players choose, they will see the characters from the opposite universe as the invaders of their own. Ed Boon has also confirmed that the player will have to play as all the characters at different points in the game, which will be split into chapters.[5] Intertwined with the fights there will be new gameplay modes featuring totally different game dynamics to the usual fight. These modes are "Free-fall Kombat," which is activated automatically after throwing the opponent to a lower level in the arena. The players can fight in the air during the fall, which builds up their super bar. When a player's super bar is full, they can activate a strong, character specific special move which slams the opponent on the ground, ultimately ending the Free-fall Kombat sequence; and "Klose Kombat," which is a mode you can enter during a fight, causing the characters to lock with each other and the perspective to change to a close-up shot of the two, to make for an interval of close-quarters fighting.[5] A test your might mini game is also worked into the gameplay. While fighting in certain areas, the player can smash the opponent through a series of walls. The player on the offense mashes buttons, alike to the classic test your might mini game, to increase damage, while the player on the defense mashes buttons to decrease damage taken. A new mode called "Rage Mode" is when your second gauge bar is filled, then your damage to your opponent is much stronger, and you show no signs of damage to the other player's attacks. According to a video on MK vs. DC main web site, the rage is caused by the merging of the two worlds causing friends to even attack each other.[citation needed] During fights, characters will show permanent signs of damage, such as bruises, blood marks, and broken or torn clothing pieces. For example, Scorpion's mask will fall off if he is hit in the face many times. All of the MK characters and DC villains will have fatalities, while DC heroes will have heroic brutalities which will function similarly to fatalities, except without killing the opponent (as far as the story is concerned).[14]
ReceptionMortal Kombat vs DC Universe was released to generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike.IGN gave the game a 7.5, while Gametrailers awarded a 7.4. A lack of unlockable features as opposed to past installements garnered criticism. Still, a return to combo heavy and simpler kombat was praised.[citation needed] Downloadable ContentDownloadable content has been confirmed. Creator Ed Boon has stated that they will be updating the game periodically with new content all the way up to the release of the next installment of the Mortal Kombat series. Although unclear of what specifics would be included, Boon has stated that there will be DLC's (downloadable characters), arenas, and fatalities. Other hinted ideas through interviews have suggested alternate costumes, and added chapters to the game's story mode. Boon has stated that the first wave of DLC's will be available for download by Christmas 2008.[17] Although not confirmed, in a developer chat conducted by MortalKombatOnline.com, the MK developing team was asked if they could include one character for each side as a DLC, who would it be. Boon, and compatriots (aside from John Vogel, who was cracking jokes about Aquaman) stated that they would like to include DC's Lobo and MK's Noob Saibot. In the same chat, when asked if Quan Chi would be a playable character, the developers said no, but he could possibly be a DLC. [18] In an interview with gamespot Boon alluded the the inclusion of Kung Lao as a DLC. Boon stated that he was shocked Kung Lao did not make the game, but then followed it up by stating that he would be sure to include him at some time.[19] Midway.com conducted a poll on their official Midway boards asking fans which characters they would most want included as DLC. Fans were able to vote for either Kung Lao, Mileena, Reptile, Ermac, or Johnny Cage from the MK side, and Lobo, Martian Manhunter, Green Arrow, Black Canary, and Doomsday from the DC side. Reptile and Lobo each won decisivly.[20] [21] References
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