Wouldn't it Have Made More Sense for the Predator to Appear in MK11 Instead of MKX?

It’s an intriguing point to ponder regarding the timing of the Predator's inclusion in Mortal Kombat X (MKX) as opposed to Mortal Kombat 11 (MK11). In MKX, the Predator was an integral part of the game's first Kombat Pack DLC, featuring a mix of iconic characters from various franchises. This decision to include him in MKX could have been influenced by the desire to capitalize on the popularity of the Predator franchise at that time, given the release of The Predator movie in 2018.

More Customization Options in MK11

However, in MK11, the game offered a plethora of customization options, allowing players to tailor their characters with a wider range of skins, gear, and abilities. This would have potentially enhanced the Predator's unique aesthetic and combat style, making him a more versatile character in terms of gameplay. The presence of more customization options in MK11 could have translated to a richer and more personalized experience for players.

Risk and Reward of Timing

Decisions about character inclusion often involve factors such as marketing strategy, fan demand, and the overall direction of the game during the time of development. MKX provided an opportunity to introduce the Predator earlier, which could have generated interest and excitement for the game. On the other hand, MK11 might have seemed like the more strategic choice to enhance gameplay and maintain a strong roster of characters.

Super Roster Concept

Considering the current trends, it would have been feasible to include all the MK10 DLC characters as extras in MK11. This would have resulted in an even larger and diverse roster of characters, including the Predator. While MK10 featured limited customization options, MK11 introduced a much more extensive array of options, such as the 40 skins available for RoboCop. The Predator, with his unique style, could have been a fantastic addition, further enhancing the game’s customization potential.

Ultimately, both games have their unique strengths and the timing of character inclusions often reflects a balance between nostalgia, franchise synergy, and gameplay mechanics. While MK11 offered richer customization, MKX could have been seen as an opportunity to generate early interest and capitalize on the current popularity of the Predator franchise.

Conclusion

The decision to include characters like the Predator in Mortal Kombat can significantly impact the game's appeal and mechanics. Timing is crucial, and in the case of MKX, the decision to bring the Predator earlier aligns with the franchise's contemporaneous popularity and marketing strategies. MK11, on the other hand, presented a different landscape with a more extensive customization menu. This highlights the importance of strategic character placement and balancing between nostalgia and innovation.