In a world that has seen multiverses collide several times and superheroes from diverse franchises join forces, a much-requested showdown has been quite elusive: a dedicated Marvel vs. DC fighting game. Now, with Ed Boon, the brains behind iconic titles like Mortal Kombat and Injustice, expressing his interest, the dream might be closer to reality than we think.
Almost a year ago, Boon sent tremors through the gaming community with a simple poll: Which game would fans like to see NetherRealm Studios develop next? Tucked among the choices was a potential Marvel vs. DC title. This option not only piqued interest but topped the poll, unveiling a fervent desire among fans for such a crossover fighting game.
Conversations with Boon suggest that it’s not just fans who harbor this wish. Speaking candidly about the idea, Boon’s reasoning brought him to those childhood debates over potential face-offs between characters from separate universes. “Spider-Man and Batman would be the coolest thing in the world,” he shared in an exclusive interview with ComicBook.com.
The hurdles? Primarily, aligning Marvel and DC, two colossal entities, in a mutual agreement. While such crossovers are relatively common in the comic books, creating a video game is a different ballgame altogether. That said, the hope isn’t unfounded. Marvel Games’ recent collaborations with diverse studios have resulted in standout titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Could NetherRealm, which already has strong ties to DC, be next on Marvel’s list?
Of course, making a Marvel fighting game, which NetherRealm was rumored to be working on years ago, is separate from a crossover fighting game featuring characters from both franchises.
Having said that, rumors about NetherRealm’s next project has swirled for months. Naturally, Injustice 3 is high on fans’ wish lists, especially given the Nvidia GeForce Now leak. But, a Bloody Roar game is also highly requested.
It’s safe to say that we can add a Marvel vs. DC game into the list of games fans want to see NetherRealm work on one of these days.
Crossovers are in vogue. Characters from Marvel and DC have already shared stages in games like Fortnite and, yet, a dedicated game with these giants pitted against each other remains a tantalizing but sorely missed prospect, at least, in recent years.
Thankfully, while the dream of a full-fledged Marvel vs. DC game is still budding, Mortal Kombat 1 is introducing a new system that might bridge the gap. The Kameo Fighter system allows characters from diverse universes to briefly step into the battle, executing tag-team moves without facing the brutal fatalities typical of MK. It’s an enticing thought – seeing Batman or even zanier characters like Tom and Jerry pop into the game, adding layers of excitement, something that could happen, as revealed in an interview with GamesRadar.
As Boon explained, the new Kameo system bypasses the visceral concerns that rights holders, you know, like Marvel, might have about their characters enduring the series’ renowned fatalities. So, while we might not witness Deadpool’s spine getting yanked out, we could certainly experience the thrill of Batman allying with Sub-Zero for a combo move.
Given NetherRealm’s association with Warner Bros. and their successful run with the DC-centric Injustice series, the introduction of DC characters seems plausible. But what about Marvel? As improbable as it may seem now, Boon might just be the linchpin that transforms this ambitious dream into an epic reality.
As Mortal Kombat 1 rolls out across various platforms, it promises to be a new chapter in NetherRealm’s illustrious and, of course, controversially gory journey. But it’s the chapters beyond that have fans excited – a chapter where Spider-Man might just face off against Batman, where Iron Man might clash with Superman. And with Ed Boon himself being the champion of the cause, who’s to say what’s impossible?
Speaking of Marvel games, Electronic Arts is currently working on an Iron Man game and a Black Panther game while Amy Hennig’s Marvel game will feature both Captain America and Black Panther.
