Saying "I'm excited" for DC's upcoming fighting game really doesn't do my anticipation any (in)justice. Have you played Mortal Kombat 9 by NetherRealm Studios? If so, you likely share my absurdly high level of enthusiasm for this game. So far the Studio has shown us plenty of gameplay footage, but they've been quite a tease when it comes to revealing the roster. Creative Director Ed Boon has stated that Injustice will offer a playable list around the same size as Mortal Kombat 9. DLC and exclusives aside, that game was sporting 27 combatants. As of right now, we only have 9 characters officially confirmed for the DC fighter: Batman, Wonder Woman, Nightwing, Cyborg, Flash, Solomon Grundy, Harley Quinn, Superman and Catwoman.
== TEASER ==
The idea of making a list of characters I want to see was extremely tempting, but I've managed to resist the urge to spew my fanboy thoughts (here's looking at you, Bane). Instead, I came up with a list of characters that I believe need to be thrown into the roster. It was quite a chore, but I've managed to trim the list down to 5 characters and threw in a few mandatory honorable mentions. Once you're done reading this, be sure to chime in with your own thoughts. Do you agree or disagree with my picks? What would you want their power moves to be? And lastly, what alternate costumes would you like to see?
Green Lantern (Hal Jordan)
Green Lantern seems like an incredibly obvious choice and I would be very surprised if he didn't make the cut. He's one of the prominent names the publisher has to offer and a GL ring opens up a huge world of possibilities when it comes to special moves. He'd clearly fall under the "power" play style and there's a more than wealthy selection when it comes to alternate costumes. We could be bland and dive into different Hal costumes (classic, N52, jet pilot, etc), but it would be far more appreciated if they used this opportunity to make an alternate skin feel like a completely different character. We could have John Stewart, Kyle Rayner, and even Sinestro.
Deathstroke
Having a DC fighting game without Slade Wilson would be a sin. This man was practically tailor made for fighting games. The mercenary has the physical means and talent to beat up the Dark Knight, is armed to the teeth with everything from basic swords to a blasting bo-staff, and he even has a healing factor. Naturally, he'd fall under the "gadget" style of gameplay. Thankfully, NetherRealm included The Terminator in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, so it seems safe to assume they'll be wise and include him once again.
Green Arrow
Another one of the publisher's more famous faces, Ollie is about to receive even more fame with his own show on the CW. Falling under the "gadgets" gameplay style, it would be a thrill to control Ollie and his insane assortment of regular and special arrows. With so many characters focused on close combat methods, it would be a nice touch to have an option that excels at distance. While there's plenty of alternate costumes to select, it would be especially awesome to have a Red Arrow costume.
Aquaman
Say what you will about the New 52, but there's no denying that Geoff Johns has completely redeemed Aquaman's image. Confident, powerful and even rather intimidating, Arthur is no longer a character you should feel comfortable making a sushi joke about. He'd fall under the "power" gameplay style and could utilize his trident for a lot of special moves. It's tough to imagine how they'd include the likes of great white sharks and more for a potential power move, but seeing as Flash runs around the world and Superman punches his enemy into orbit, the though of Arthur knocking someone into the ocean, having them ravaged and then launched back into the arena isn't that far-fetched.
Joker
I think it's more than safe to say Joker will be playable, but he has yet to be officially confirmed. He's already made a minor appearance in the game, though. If you look closely in the bat-cave arena, you can spot an image and profile of Joker on one of the monitors. The legendary bat villain is simply too fun to pass up for a fighting game. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to ridiculous and hilarious moves with the "gadget" style -- ranging from acid flowers to hand buzzers. The Joker should be an obvious choice for a spot on the roster and hopefully NetherRealm Studios agrees.
Honorable Mentions: Lex Luthor, Darkseid (should be a boss and unlockable), Swamp Thing, Red Hood
***UPDATE***
Green Arrow, Green Lantern and Joker have been confirmed!
Gregg Katzman is a freelance writer for Comic Vine and IGN Entertainment. Follow him on Twitter for more fanboy gushing about this game.
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