Unveiling the Jaw-Dropping Evolution of Mortal Kombat DLC Characters: From MK1 to MK11!

Highlights

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to release with a solid base game roster of 15 characters, with the option to pre-order and receive a bonus character.

The game's DLC, known as the Kombat Pack, will introduce six new fighters that can be played in their entirety. These fighters will consist of both iconic characters from previous Mortal Kombat games and guest characters. When it comes to popularity and attraction, the DLC roster of Mortal Kombat 1 appears to have a wider appeal compared to the DLC roster of Mortal Kombat 11. It features beloved legacy characters as well as characters from highly praised television shows and movies.

Downloadable content (DLC) has been a part of the gaming industry for quite some time now. Initially met with controversy in the 2000s, gamers have gradually accepted it, sometimes viewing it as a necessary component and other times as a way to enhance their gaming experience. However, the fighting game genre has faced more criticism in this regard. In the past, some fighting games would release with a limited selection of characters, only to require players to purchase DLC for additional fighters. Fortunately, there has been a shift in recent years, and Mortal Kombat 1 seems to be a complete game upon its release.

At present, Mortal Kombat 1 has already confirmed 15 characters for its base game roster, with an additional character, Shang Tsung, available as a pre-order bonus, making it a total of 16 characters. This number is already impressive for a Mortal Kombat game, and NetherRealm Studios has not yet announced all of the fighters. While the base roster offers fans ample options to experiment with, those seeking an enhanced gaming experience can look forward to the recently announced DLC, which will introduce six new fully playable fighters to Mortal Kombat 1. When compared to the DLC offered in Mortal Kombat 11, Mortal Kombat 1's DLC lineup is already looking highly promising.

How Mortal Kombat 1's First Kombat Pack Compares to Mortal Kombat 11's

The debut Kombat Pack DLC for Mortal Kombat 1 introduces six fully playable characters to the game. This selection consists of three iconic Mortal Kombat franchise staples, namely Takeda, Quan Chi, and Ermac, as well as three guest characters, Peacemaker, Homelander, and Omni-Man. Without even comparing these choices to the DLC roster of Mortal Kombat 11, all of these characters are exceptional additions for Mortal Kombat 1. Since this game is marketed as a celebration of the entire Mortal Kombat franchise, it is only fitting that the first DLC for Mortal Kombat 1 provides a balanced mix of legacy characters that satisfy long-time fans and guest characters that entice newcomers.

Similarly, Mortal Kombat 11's initial DLC, which gradually rolled out two months after the game's release, also introduced a total of six playable characters. This DLC pack for Mortal Kombat 11 follows a comparable pattern by offering screen time to both legacy characters and guest fighters. Amongst the characters included in Mortal Kombat 11's first Kombat Pack are Nightwolf, Shang Tsung, and Sindel, alongside guest characters Joker, Spawn, and the Terminator. While the legacy DLC characters were obvious choices for Mortal Kombat 11, the guest characters formed an intriguing mix, consisting of two beloved comic book characters - one being immensely popular and the other catering to a more niche audience - and an iconic action movie figure.

In terms of DLC rosters, Mortal Kombat 1's current lineup has a wider appeal compared to Mortal Kombat 11's initial set of DLC characters. Takeda, Quan Chi, and Ermac are beloved legacy characters, Peacemaker gained recognition through his acclaimed solo show, Omni-Man made a memorable impression in Invincible, and Homelander has become an iconic villain in pop culture. Mortal Kombat 1 boasts a more impressive roster, even when considering subsequent DLC characters like RoboCop and Rambo.

Another notable aspect to consider when comparing the DLC rosters of Mortal Kombat 1 and Mortal Kombat 11 is how NetherRealm Studios approached the character designs. Both games have done an exceptional job translating comic book and movie characters into the franchise's unique art style. While it may be relatively simple to model realistic characters such as Peacemaker, Terminator, and Homelander, the game has also succeeded in faithfully bringing to life characters like Omni-Man and Spawn who are seldom seen in live-action. These characters retain all their iconic details while receiving a more realistic appearance.

Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.