Injustice 3 Can Take a Leap the Franchise Should Have Taken Years Ago

Injustice 3 Can Take a Leap the Franchise Should Have Taken Years Ago

As a long-time fan of both Mortal Kombat and Injustice, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation that borders on excitement for the potential release of Injustice 3. While NetherRealm Studios has consistently delivered on the DC universe’s combat potential, it’s time they let loose the reins a little more and fully embrace the darker elements of their narrative.


As a devoted fan, I’m excitedly anticipating that NetherRealm Studios, fresh off the release of two back-to-back “Mortal Kombat” games, will soon dive back into their other notable fighting game franchise – “Injustice 3”. While the DC-inspired brawler has consistently showcased its license’s potential for immersive combat and jaw-dropping super moves, it hasn’t fully explored the mature narrative themes that define this series. With NetherRealm Studios’ rich background in creating intense, brutal action within the “Mortal Kombat” universe, “Injustice 3” could be the ideal stepping stone for introducing a grittier tone by incorporating more explicit Fatalities directly into gameplay.

Despite NetherRealm’s reputation for graphic depictions of violence in its fighting games, the Injustice series has consistently been less intense due to DC Comics seemingly wanting to preserve the image of their superhero franchises. However, over time since the initial release of Injustice, an increase in adult-oriented animated films and a growing trend towards R-rated superhero media have significantly altered public perception towards violence within this genre.

Injustice’s Lack of Fatalities Has Never Complemented Its Darker Themes

An Emphasis on Spectacle Alone in Super Moves Can Undermine Battles

In the thrilling world of Injustice, it’s been essential that its super moves deliver a visual punch, showcasing the immense power of its characters. However, following an awe-inspiring moment like Superman hurling an opponent into space or The Flash circling the globe, reverting back to regular combat can feel underwhelming. This lack of a conclusive end after intense bouts may make Injustice match resolutions seem less gratifying compared to Mortal Kombat’s renowned Fatalities, and in the past, attempts to emulate a similar system didn’t yield positive results for NRS.

NetherRealm Has Distanced Itself From the Poor Reception to Heroic Brutalities

In the game Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, the introduction of Heroic Brutalities (a toned-down version of Fatalities) to accommodate a lower age rating received significant backlash among fans. These moves were seen as undermining the impact of MK’s traditional finishers, which often displayed excessive power without sufficient gory consequences. It’s understandable that the DC brand might not want its characters to endure dismemberment or other extreme fates, but popular culture has evolved since then, and fans may now expect a balance between brutal action and appropriate representation of character suffering.

The Case for an M-Rated Injustice 3

Dark Superhero Depictions Have Become Mainstream

Initially, when Injustice: Gods Among Us debuted, its grittier take on DC heroes was quite innovative. Over time, fans have encountered more mature storylines in the genre such as The Boys and Invincible. Interestingly, these very characters have even been integrated into Mortal Kombat as playable fighters. This trend suggests a growing demand among players for their beloved superheroes to be depicted in more gritty and authentic contexts. If Injustice 3 were to reset its series, it could capitalize on this trend by incorporating realistic and brutal finishing moves, bridging the gap between its two iconic IPs.

Letting the Ridiculous Power Levels of DC Characters Truly Shine

In the show, there are numerous potent characters who might be considered almost divine, yet some of the super moves in Injustice seem not fully representative of the DC universe’s immense power. The destructive force shown in Homelander’s “Winging It” Fatality from Mortal Kombat 1 has given us a glimpse into the potential devastation of superhero-inspired final blows. If NetherRealm Studios decides to revert back to non-lethal moves after introducing this innovation, it could be disheartening. However, if only Brutalities are incorporated in Injustice 3, amplifying their violent impact would align the series more closely with its concept by making them truly brutal and intense.

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2024-10-03 23:33