The Case For Injustice 3 to Embrace an Overused Video Game Trope

The Case For Injustice 3 to Embrace an Overused Video Game Trope

As a longtime fan who’s witnessed the evolution of the DC universe from the golden age to the New 52 and beyond, I can’t help but feel a pang of excitement at the prospect of an Injustice 3 game that delves deeper into the multiverse. The potential for new characters, storylines, and worlds is practically limitless!


Following the launch of the DLC for Mortal Kombat 1 titled “Khaos Reigns,” whispers have arisen, hinting that NetherRealm Studios might be working on the next Injustice game. Although these whispers remain unverified, Ed Boon, NetherRealm’s Chief Creative Officer, has revealed that they had a clear idea of their next project three years ago. If development on the third mainline Injustice game is indeed underway, fans might have to wait several more years before getting their hands on it. To keep things fresh, NetherRealm could consider incorporating a frequently used concept from recent games: introducing DC Comics’ diverse multiverse in Injustice 3.

DC Comics’ Injustice Universe Explained

The “Injustice” universe, initially introduced in 2013 through the game “Injustice: Gods Among Us“, exists on Earth 49 of the DC multiverse. For most of this universe’s timeline, it mirrored events from Earth Prime until a fateful day when the Joker decided to attack Superman. In this reality, the Joker murdered Jimmy Olsen, abducted Lois Lane who was pregnant at the time, and stole a nuclear bomb with the intention of destroying Metropolis. As Superman raced to save Lois, he encountered what seemed to be an invincible monster named Doomsday. However, it was later revealed that this creature was actually Lois, transformed by Scarecrow’s fear toxin to appear as a monster. In the blink of an eye, both Lois and her unborn child perished, setting off the bomb in Metropolis, causing catastrophic destruction.

Overwhelmed with anger, Superman soared towards the Joker, taking his life, marking the start of a dark transformation for the Man of Steel that led him down a path of madness and tyranny. This descent set the stage for conflict between Earth’s mightiest heroes and villains that lasted over five years. The first installment of “Injustice” shows the Justice League of Prime Earth journeying to Earth 49 to support Batman in his efforts against Superman and his autocratic rule. Fast forward to 2017, fragments of Superman’s regime, led by Black Adam and Wonder Woman, tried to free the imprisoned Kryptonian at the same time as an alien invasion by Brainiac occurred, compelling Batman and Superman to momentarily collaborate.

The Potential Role of the Multiverse in Injustice 3

The game “Injustice 2” concludes with two different outcomes: one where Superman gains power and alters Batman’s mind, and another where Superman is banished to the Phantom Zone while Supergirl teams up with Batman. This structure of multiple endings is reminiscent of “Mortal Kombat 11,” and it’s plausible that NetherRealm Studios could design the narrative for “Injustice 3” in a similar manner to the original “Mortal Kombat.

In justification for a unique approach in Injustice 3, NetherRealm Studios might decide to incorporate the Injustice universe into a multi-verse defense against an impending threat. Many enthusiasts of the Injustice series have speculated that the upcoming antagonist for Injustice 3 could be either the Anti-Monitor, who instigated the initial multiverse destruction in Crisis on Infinite Earths, or Darkseid, the ruler of Apokolips. The inclusion of Darkseid as the antagonist for Injustice 3 could potentially link back to Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe and Mortal Kombat 11 through the character Dark Kahn, the fusion of Darkseid and Shao Kahn. Introducing a Brainiac-empowered Superman, Darkseid, or the Anti-Monitor could result in Injustice 3 showcasing several new fighters hailing from DC’s multiverse.

Possible New Fighters in Injustice 3

In the games Injustice 1 and 2, well-known DC Comics heroes and villains were present, but only Green Arrow from Injustice 2 hailed from an alternate universe. Additional skins of characters from other dimensions can be obtained or bought in both games, such as the Red Son Superman skin. However, the Injustice series hasn’t yet introduced a unique combatant solely from an alternative universe. Potentially, Injustice 3 could bring fan-favorite alternate characters to life, like Earth 3’s Owlman, Earth 12’s Batman Beyond, Earth -22’s Batman Who Laughs, Earth M’s Static Shock, Earth 55’s Green Canary, Earth 118’s Deathstroke, Earth 2’s Red Tornado, and more. These characters could each bring distinct roles to Injustice 3 and offer newcomers insight into lesser-known corners of the DC multiverse.

Tom Taylor, who penned the comics for both Injustice: Gods Among Us and Injustice 2, is also responsible for writing the comic series DCeased set in Earth 55 and Dark Knights of Steel based on Earth 118.

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2024-10-20 22:44