Mortal Kombat vs. Franchises that should have come before DC

Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe might have been less of a surprise when Capcom and Marvel were mixing it up years ago, but then they’d just be accused of copying. Now, it feels a few years too late, especially because DC hasn’t had a fighting game since Justice League Task Force (1995). Still, you would think MK could have found another game franchise to throw down with since then. Especially when some seemed perfect for a crossover, and others destined to be…

#5 Killer Instinct - With brutal combos and No Mercy finishing moves, Killer Instinct and its fighters not only seemed to be inspired by Mortal Kombat, they seemed like a perfect match for each other. This would probably be even more true if there had been another KI since KI2 (1996), or if Rare ever decides to make KI3.

#4 King of Fighters - King of Fighters boasts an impressive and huge roster of opponents; more than enough for the roster MK has built up. It also wouldn’t be a stretch to see KoF’s fighters either stepping in to stop Outworld’s invasion, or just looking for a good fight.

#3 Dead or Alive - The women of MK probably never go on vacation to a private island because they’re always at the gym or too busy fighting to get away from it all. Perhaps it’s time the tough-as-nails MK babes take on the beautiful, but deadly, babes of DOA. If not in a fighting game, perhaps volleyball or some other sports. How about Jello wrestling, ladies? (/beaten severely, must type with thumbs/) Ryu Hayabusa fight Lin Kuei instead?

#2 Dark Stalkers - With monsters for fighters, Dark Stalkers seems like it would go nicely with MK, making for some great team-ups: Lord Raptor and Scorpion, Sasquatch and Sub-Zero, Jon Talbain and Nightwolf, just to name a few. The coolest factor here would be giving the Stalkers’ fatalities, and the ones I can imagine would be pretty awesome: Felicia turning her opponent into a scratching post, or a kiss from Morrigan that leaves you a grinning, lifeless husk.

#1 Street Fighter - In the days of the arcade, there were two fundamental schools of fighting: those who embraced the traditional form with Street Fighter, and those who embraced the ruthless and brutal ways of Mortal Kombat. Both have been adapted into cartoons, horrible movies, even card games and GI JOE-style action figures, but they have yet to battle it out in a game. The silent tension built up over the years just begs for someone to throw the first punch. There’s also potential here for great team-ups and rivalries, making for an awesome story.

Take a hint, Mr. Game Executive, if you want to save MK, give us crossovers we really want.