NetherRealm is hard at work on its next game, but the studio has yet to confirm if this new project isInjustice 3, or if a newInjusticegame is even coming. It seems unlikely that NetherRealm would abandon such a lucrative franchise. However, after the studio broke its alternating release pattern and put out twoMortal Kombatgames in a row, manyInjusticefans are desperate for details about a third installment. This radio silence provides ample opportunity for speculation regarding what a thirdInjusticegame might look like.
As with most fighting games, guessing which characters could make an appearance onInjustice 3’s roster has become a hotly debated topic. Classic characters like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman seem to be a given for the main roster, but the unpredictable slate ofguest characters inInjustice 2makes DLC detective work difficult. That being said, one predicted inclusion feels more likely than not. When taking a trend from the first two games into account, at least one guest character from a related franchise seems like it’d be a shoo-in.
Injustice 3 Could Have Another Run at Mortal Kombat vs. DC
Licensing guest characters for a fighting game can be difficult. Characters like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles andHellboymake for fun match-ups in a game likeInjustice 2, but getting access to that IP can be a lengthy and expensive process. The simple workaround: just use characters that NetherRealm already owns.
This is the route that NetherRealm resorted to for three guest characters in the first twoInjusticegames. Scorpion appeared as the sole guest character inInjustice: Gods Among Us, while Sub-Zero and Raiden both joined theroster inInjustice 2. IfInjustice 3does come out, the chances of moreMortal Kombatalumni showing up as DLC are incredibly high.
The Mortal Kombat Characters Most Likely to Appear in Injustice 3
Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden are by far the most iconic fighters from their franchise, so when it comes to predicting whichMortal Kombatcharacter will follow in their steps, the answer isn’t as obvious.
Though not as popular as the ninjas, Liu Kang has long been the de facto protagonist ofMortal Kombat. His historical significance certainly warrants a slot as anInjustice 3guest character and, due to Liu Kang’s elevated status as thegod of fire inMortal Kombat 1, NetherRealm could also choose to throw him in as a way to promote the ongoing narrative in its flagship franchise.
Johnny Cage has a high chance of appearing in a futureInjusticegame as well. In addition to having important roles in the story modes ofMortal Kombat(2011),Mortal Kombat X, andMortal Kombat 11, Cage’s cocky attitude and showy fighting style have made him a fan-favorite character throughout the series' modern era. Cage tends to have the funniest and most outrageousintro dialogue inMortal Kombat, so pitting his personality against the likes of Batman, the Flash, or Wonder Woman seems too good to pass up.
A Villainous Twist For Injustice 3
WhileMortal Kombat’s heroes and antiheroes serve as its most popular characters,Injusticehas always been about the dichotomy of hero and villain. IfInjustice 3wants to shake things up, Shao Kahn could also be a potential pick for DLC.
