When are we going to see Injustice 3?

Injustice 2 was released on the Xbox One, PS4, and PC in 2017. There were a total of three fighter packs that released as DLC for the game. At the end of it's lifespan the game featured a total of 38 playable characters (10 of which being DLC). There are also a total of 12 arenas to choose from, all of which having several "levels" to them that can be progressed through gameplay. While, not as popular as NetherRealm's Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2 served as a love-letter to fans of the DC universe and provided exceptional entertainment.

Does Injustice 2's gameplay hold up though? Well, it depends on who you ask.

Injustice 2 has it's own personal style when compared to NetherRealm's veteran MK. This doesn't just stop at button inputs and controls but also movement. The biggest example of this is a no dedicated block button. The only way to successfully block an attack is to push back on the D-pad or thumbstick, away from the person you are fighting. This changes depending on what combos and moves your opponent initiates. There are some unlockable attacks that need to be countered with crush-counters or just straight up dodging. This is a departure from NetherRealm's usual style of game. MK has had a dedicated block button since 1992 (Mortal Kombat). To me, undedicated block buttons really change the way one plays a fighting game. This is because of combo inputs. Many classic fighting games such as Tekken and Street Fighter use directional inputs that shape the way you imitate combos. For a NetherRealm game though, they perfected the input system with Mortal Kombat.

Maybe not so much on the silver screen but Injustice was always seen as the little brother to Mortal Kombat. This was proven with the release of Mortal Kombat 11 and how they changed the formula of what made their fighting games what they were. For NetherRealm, the release of MK11 brought some mechanical and stylistic changes to the way Injustice operates. Right as you load into a fight, you'd notice how MK11 moves much slower and tactical compared to Injustice 2. They brought back the dedicated block button and this too, changed the way combos and special moves could be initiated. Flawless blocks also change up combos and throw in some expertise when using the block button. When you land a flawless block you can initiate a FBA (Flawless Block Attack), this is similar to get-up attacks. You can do an invulnerable attack that delas massive damage or a launch attack that allows you to juggle your opponent. Aside from the obvious improvements in graphics and motion capture, MK11's use of a dedicated block feature changes everything about how Injustice 2 operates. This can and should be improved upon in the next installment of Injustice 3, if we ever get one (more on that later).

Like I've stated, a dedicated block button should be a top priority for Injustice 3. Aside from the technical side of the game, there should just be more characters in the roster. DC has a plethora of characters and multiverses to choose from. Not being limited to a Gotham style of villains and heroes should be doubled down on. Which is why, characters like Doctor Fate, Atrocitus, and Green Lantern were welcome additions alongside the Gotham family. What also has been touched upon is the inclusion of guest appearances. Injustice 2 did have the privilege of using Hellboy, Sub Zero and the TMNT. Again, this just needs to be expanded upon and given more attention. While the DC cast is fruitful and abundant, nothing beats loading up MK11 and playing as John Rambo or the Terminator.

Although, as of right now, I highly doubt Injustice 3 is even being talked about at NetherRealm.

When it comes to raw numbers Mk11 has Injustice beat. The first three months of Injustice 2's launch, the game sold around 1.5 million copies. MK11 though, shipped around 5 million copies worldwide in its first week on the market. From a business perspective it makes more sense for NetherRealm to just keep the hype train moving with MK12. Even with DC's plethora of characters and potential, I guess people just love MK more.

The MK brand is still, 31 years later, top dog in fighting games.

Sources:

• GuitarGuruu. (2017, December 25). Dedicated block button in fighters. ResetEra. Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://www.resetera.com/threads/dedicated-block-button-in-fighters.12551/

• Hills, D. 'D. H. (2019, June 19). Mortal kombat 11 becomes the best-selling game of 2019 in the US after topping NPD's list for May. EventHubs. Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2019/jun/19/mortal-kombat-11-topped-mays-npd-list-becoming-best-selling-game-2019-us/

• Mortal Kombat (1992 video game). Mortal Kombat Wiki. (n.d.). Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://mortalkombat.fandom.com/wiki/Mortal_Kombat_(1992_video_game)