Highlights
- Ed Boon confirms there is a plan in place to make Homelander and Omni-Man in Mortal Kombat 1 feel unique despite their similarities.
- NetherRealm Studios aims to split up the abilities between both characters to prevent them from playing like clones or too similar to Injustice Superman.
- The developers are aware of fans assuming that both characters will be the same and are ready to prove them wrong by making them play differently through their main attacks.
Speaking at Gamescom, NetherRealm Studios' own Ed Boon comments on how Mortal Kombat 1 will differentiate Homelander and Omni-man regardless of how similar they may be. It's been another busy week for Mortal Kombat 1, which released another new trailer at the annual Gamescom event in Germany. For Geoff Keighley's Opening Night Live, Mortal Kombat 1 revealed Sindel and General Shao for the main roster, with Motaro and Shujinko as two additional Kameo fighters.
With the Mortal Kombat 1 release date rapidly approaching, NetherRealm Studios hasn't been shy in sharing new details regarding the game, also confirming a new single-player mode called Invasion, which seems to be a more interactive version of the Krypt where players can go to unlock new cosmetics, customizable options, and more. In addition to new characters and game modes, Ed Boon was on hand at Gamescom to provide a small update on Mortal Kombat 1's post-launch plans including the previously announced DLC characters.
One of the questions posed to the Mortal Kombat co-founder was regarding Homelander and Omni-Man, two "Superman-like" characters that seem to have a similar style being super strong, laser eyes, and the power to fly. With all these similarities, many were wondering how NetherRealm would be able to make them feel unique instead, to which Boon confirmed there is a plan in place to prevent them from playing like clones of one another or potentially too similar to what players got with NetherRealm's Injustice Superman.
Specifically, Boon mentioned that the studio is going to split up the abilities between both characters, giving some to Homelander and the rest to Omni-Man. Outside of those specific abilities, the main goal is to make them play differently which can be done through their main attacks, though Boon didn't elaborate further on that point. Regardless, NetherRealm developers are keenly aware of the assumption that many in the Mortal Kombat 1 fan base have in thinking that both characters are going to be the same and appear to be ready to prove them wrong.
Following the Kombat Pack 1 reveal, many fans were instantly drawn to the 3 guest fighters of Homelander, Omni-Man, and DC's Peacemaker. Alongside returning fighters Quan-Chi and Takeda, many seemed to be disappointed with the new look for the classic red ninja Ermac. While a fan favorite character from Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, Ermac design is fairly different from what many are used to, ditching the ninja style use of a face mask and instead appears to be closer to some sort of mummy. Many are hoping NetherRealm will make a few tweaks in the months remaining before his arrival, or at the very least, provide alternate costumes which brings the character back closer to his Scorpion color swap days.
Mortal Kombat 1 releases September 19 for PC, PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: IGN
