Roster Speculation

[Commander]

Didn't they say they didn't want guest characters this time around?

You also didn't refute the fact they've said on record that this will have the most amount of new characters any MK game has had, that's at least 13, you only have 8.

MK1 - 10
MK2 - 10
MK3 - 8
UKM3 - 3
MKT - 1
MK4 - 8
MKDA - 12
MKD - 9
MKA - 2
MK09 - 1

No.
They said that there would be no console exclusives (like Kratos in MK9), but they did say that there would be a guest.

I have refuted it in the past.
Deadly Alliance had 11 new characters, not 12.
Out of those 11, only 10 were playable, and 2 were unlockable (Blaze, Mokap).

I understand that. You wanna see more new because you're excited for it, but some people are scared of letting go, so NRS is making this a gradual process. They're gonna introduce a decent-sized batch of new guys (about 1/3 of the roster) to make it feel somewhat new, but not enough to overwhelm anybody stuck in the trilogy era. Basically, I think they're trying to find the middle ground that pleases as much of the fanbase as possible. I think in the next game, we might see the tables flip: 2/3 of the roster being a part of the new generation, 1/3 being old favorites that can still fight (Johnny/Sonya/Jax gonna be too old, but they've been replaced; characters like Kitana and Baraka can stay in the next generation because they don't age the same way). MK11 is gonna be the more exciting game for you if NRS is going in the direction I think they're going in.

And thus, unfortunately, NRS will never get to expand on MKX, because people will always go and cry that their favorite character ____________ isn't in MK11.
Even if NRS makes this a gradual change, people will always b**** and moan that __________ didn't make the cut.
It's holding back the development process.
If people keep suffocating the development process, MK could go the route of Armageddon again, and I'd hate to see that happen again.

 

[Miles X]

No.
They said that there would be no console exclusives (like Kratos in MK9), but they did say that there would be a guest.

I have refuted it in the past.
Deadly Alliance had 11 new characters, not 12.
Out of those 11, only 10 were playable, and 2 were unlockable (Blaze, Mokap).

I did some research and you're right, Boon actually said they sold really well so I guess we should expect something there.

Until they clarify what they meant by new characters it's 11-13 new debuts IMO. Are you missing Sareena from MKDA? I'm not sure why they would exclude a character just because they were in a special edition, they said nothing about "most amount of new characters in the main game not including unplayable, dlc, unlockables and special editions"

Just too many factors there. But yeah, At the very least we're getting 10.

 

[Lord Greyjoy]

And thus, unfortunately, NRS will never get to expand on MKX, because people will always go and cry that their favorite character ____________ isn't in MK11.
Even if NRS makes this a gradual change, people will always b**** and moan that __________ didn't make the cut.
It's holding back the development process.
If people keep suffocating the development process, MK could go the route of Armageddon again, and I'd hate to see that happen again.

They tried to do this with Deadly Alliance and it failed, yes, because the new characters weren't accepted by the fans. But it could *hopefully* be different this time because the new characters might be 1) well-designed and/or 2) a semblance of their past favorites.

Characters like D'Vorah and Kotal get a lot of praise, so they're fitting the bill for #1. Characters like Cassie Cage fit the bill for #2; I see a lot of Johnny and Sonya fans being a fan of the daughter and hopefully they realize that this character was made for them, because Johnny and Sonya won't be around forever. They are aging and NRS is using the story to propel the series forward, so the fact that they're aging is a problem. They gotta retire, physically and symbolically, if NRS is to evolve the series.

If Kung Jin, Takeda and Jacqui all get accepted the way Cassie has, that's a solid foothold the next generation has made. And NRS would feel more confident to widen their horizons for the sequel.

So NRS might just pull it off this time. They might just avoid Armageddon, if you will.

If not, though, we might get indefinitely stuck in the trilogy era because the fanbase is stupid. That's a scenario I don't wanna contemplate.

 

[Miles X]

They tried to do this with Deadly Alliance and it failed, yes, because the new characters weren't accepted. It could hopefully be different this time because the new characters might be 1) well-designed and/or 2) a semblance of their past favorites.

Characters like D'Vorah and Kotal get a lot of praise, so they're fitting the bill for #1. Characters like Cassie Cage fit the bill for #2; I see a lot of Johnny and Sonya fans being a fan of the daughter and hopefully they realize that this character was made for them, because Johnny and Sonya won't be there forever. They are aging and NRS is using the story to propel the series forward.

NRS might pull it off this time. If not, though, we might get indefinitely stuck in the trilogy era because the fanbase is stupid. That's a scenario I don't wanna contemplate.

I feel this is very pessmistic talk given Boon's comments on the matter

In an interview with IGN, Boon discussed the thought process behind designing the the title's roster. The Mortal Kombat creator stated that the previous installment in the franchise, Mortal Kombat 9, was a "complete fan service title" because it had so many returning faces that players have known and loved for years.

Boon says that many classic characters will not return in Mortal Kombat X, however, and the company feels that it's time for some fresh fighters to enter the arena -- more new combatants than ever before.

"It was more important we did introduce new characters," Boon explained. "We're probably introducing more in this game than in any other MK title ever."

 

[Lord Greyjoy]

I feel this is very pessmistic talk given Boon's comments on the matter

Please be more clear. I don't understand how I'm being pessimistic. Is it because I'm expecting less new characters than Boon stated? Or because you believe they feel confident enough to not let the fans throw off their vision for the series?

 

[Miles X]

Please be more clear. I don't understand how I'm being pessimistic. Is it because I'm expecting less new characters than Boon stated? Or because you believe they feel confident enough to not let the fans throw off their vision for the series?

Both really, I'm confident they're all for a lot of fresh faces and from what we've seen they're hitting it out of the park. I always meet new Mk characters with skepticism and usually only a small handful (if not just 1 or 2) end up being good, but so far so good.

Only thing striking me as odd is how many veterans have been revealed in a row, I assume this is because new characters need to be worked on longer as they don't have a base design to draw from, they're probably tinkering around a lot with them. I actually think new fighters will garner more hype as we get closer to release as well, with a few more veterans being revealed right before release.

 

[Lord Greyjoy]

Both really, I'm confident they're all for a lot of fresh faces and from what we've seen they're hitting it out of the park. I always meet new Mk characters with skepticism and usually only a small handful (if not just 1 or 2) end up being good, but so far so good.

Only thing striking me as odd is how many veterans have been revealed in a row, I assume this is because new characters need to be worked on longer as they don't have a base design to draw from, they're probably tinkering around a lot with them. I actually think new fighters will garner more hype as we get closer to release as well, with a few more veterans being revealed right before release.

Well, I'm cynical by nature, lol. And Boon sorta retracted the comment you provided when he said something to the tune of "MKX will have more new characters than any other MK game, except maybe Deception". I don't have the source, but I can probably find it if I ask on MKO. It's odd that he said Deception; he probably meant Deadly Alliance. But the fact of the matter is he thinks there was 1 MK game that introduced more new characters, which kind of rules out more than 10. He could be wrong. It's not like he keeps a database of MK trivia in his head. (Often times fans know more than the developers.) But because of that comment, I'm inclined to believe we're getting 8-10 new characters. I wouldn't mind more, but that's what I'm expecting.

I believe they've only been showing us the old characters because they're waiting for the prime marketing period (March, early April) to start heavy selling the multi-generational concept/gimmick behind this MK. Least that's what I'm hoping. It makes no sense to advertise the game at E3 as such and then not show any more new characters until the game is out.

 

[Commander]

I feel this is very pessmistic talk given Boon's comments on the matter

Mortal Kombat 9, was a "complete fan service title" because it had so many returning faces that players have known and loved for years.

Boon says that many classic characters will not return in Mortal Kombat X, however, and the company feels that it's time for some fresh fighters to enter the arena -- more new combatants than ever before.

I find this hilarious, given that MKX seems to also be a fan service title with so many fan favorites returning / being revealed.

"It was more important we did introduce new characters," Boon explained. "We're probably introducing more in this game than in any other MK title ever."

Well, where are all these new characters, then, Mr. Boon???

I believe they've only been showing us the old characters because they're waiting for the prime marketing period (March, early April) to start heavy selling the multi-generational concept/gimmick behind this MK. Least that's what I'm hoping. It makes no sense to advertise the game at E3 as such and then not show any more new characters until the game is out.

Exactly.

 

[Miles X]

I find this hilarious, given that MKX seems to also be a fan service title with so many fan favorites returning / being revealed.





Well, where are all these new characters, then, Mr. Boon???





Exactly.

I dunno, if half the cast are new, why are you expecting the other half to offer anything less than the ultimate favourites? They're not exactly gonna do 12 brand new, 6 lesser popular but still good (Havik, Kenshi ect) and 6 classic/well loved. Even 10~ veterans is a small number, wouldn't say that's fan service, more common sense when picking who is best for the game (and sales).

i kinda see where your skepticism is coming from now, and it's not entirely misplaced, it is odd they've chosen to reveal so many old characters all in a row, i just hope they start with the new ones very soon.

Well, I'm cynical by nature, lol. And Boon sorta retracted the comment you provided when he said something to the tune of "MKX will have more new characters than any other MK game, except maybe Deception". I don't have the source, but I can probably find it if I ask on MKO. It's odd that he said Deception; he probably meant Deadly Alliance. But the fact of the matter is he thinks there was 1 MK game that introduced more new characters, which kind of rules out more than 10. He could be wrong. It's not like he keeps a database of MK trivia in his head. (Often times fans know more than the developers.) But because of that comment, I'm inclined to believe we're getting 8-10 new characters. I wouldn't mind more, but that's what I'm expecting.

I believe they've only been showing us the old characters because they're waiting for the prime marketing period (March, early April) to start heavy selling the multi-generational concept/gimmick behind this MK. Least that's what I'm hoping. It makes no sense to advertise the game at E3 as such and then not show any more new characters until the game is out.

I believe you on the Deception comment (probably meant MKDA). With that I agree around 10 characters, 8 wouldn't be more than like 4/5 games.

6 more "new characters" (and some of them being DLC) might mean it's not very odd we havn't seen many given we have another 11 on the main roster to be revealed.

 

[Lord Greyjoy]

Exactly.

It would make sense as to why they're holding back on Mr. and Mrs. Cage. They're obviously in the game, but they wanna reveal them when they want to market the cross-generational aspect by having them fight the daughter. You can bet they're gonna use the soccer mom outrage of a mother killing her daughter as free publicity. I see them revealing Jax and Jacqui together similarly.

 

[Yellow Ledbetter]

The game is not over. Probably they are making important characters and are not revealing now because it could spoil something.

One of the first things that make a character suckis when they make no difference in the world.

I'm not saying all characters who does not make difference at all suck, but all that usually suck make no difference.

They may be connecting all the new people with a good role.

The game is not over.

 

[Rolling_Toaster]

Well, where are all these new characters, then, Mr. Boon???

Not revealed yet Mr. Commander.

 

[ironRod]

And thus, unfortunately, NRS will never get to expand on MKX, because people will always go and cry that their favorite character ____________ isn't in MK11.
Even if NRS makes this a gradual change, people will always b**** and moan that __________ didn't mThake the cut.
It's holding back the development process.
If people keep suffocating the development process, MK could go the route of Armageddon again, and I'd hate to see that happen again.

yeah the thing is that its a double edge sword. cause with these next gen graphics and powerful engine they can make any character look amazing.
if they leave some characters out it just makes u wonder how cool cyrax's bombs and net would look in this game all the cool moves he would have or how groundbreaking jax would be (pun intended) lol.
u can only imagine how diverse the classic characters would be implementing new moves into their arsenal across 3 variations,so I dont think they wanna miss out on this opportunity and cramm as many characters as possible. I know kabal would look amazing in this game but we may never get that chance cause he would be taking a spot for a new character.

 

[MKfighter89]

yeah the thing is that its a double edge sword. cause with these next gen graphics and powerful engine they can make any character look amazing, if they leave some characters out it just makes u wonder wow imagine how cool cyrax's bombs and net would look in this game all the cool moves he would have or imagine how groundbreaking jax would be (pun intended) lol.
u can only imagine how diverse the classic characters would be implementing new moves into their arsenal across 3 variations,so I dont think they wanna miss out on this opportunity and cramm as many characters as possible. I know kabal would look amazing in this game but we may never get that chance cause he would be taking a spot for a new character.

That's also my thing, post mk3 characters may find a new fan base. Next gen effects/graphics can turn frost into something more then a water downed female subs, with the right time invested. I think new characters are welcome and needed, but I hope they don't just completely abandon 4-7. Not all of them, but some of those characters have potential to be a face of MK.

 

[Lord Greyjoy]

Is this everything about Johnny/Sonya, [MENTION=5028]Commander[/MENTION] ? I wanted a comprehensive list to copy/paste whenever I see someone say there's no way Johnny/Sonya are in the game.

Evidence:

-Boon questioning the fanbase's leaps in logic regarding Cassie replacing Sonya

-Boon claiming there will be characters with aged variations (we haven't seen any so far!)

-Boon claiming family members will be doing fatalities on each other

-Adam Urbano accidentally mentioning Johnny Cage as playable in the Gamespot PAX demo

-German Gamepro leak that also leaked Kano mentioned Sonya and Johnny as playable (tenuous credibility)

Speculative points:

-Both characters survived MK9. Who else is gonna fight on the side of Earthrealm in the Netherrealm War portion of the story mode besides maybe Kenshi and Fujin?

-NRS has said time and time again that this game is "the passing of the torch between the old generation and the new". If Johnny and/or Sonya are missing, it isn't a torch getting passed, so much as a torch getting put out and replaced.

-NRS loves including most, if not the entirety, of the MK1 cast in every next-gen MK game, because they are the dearest to them and they like to revamp them with whatever gimmick they're working with at the time (in this game's case: variations).

 

[NathanCorsini]

Well, we have already seen Kung Lao aged variation! My bets for the final returing characters (considering 28 characters roster) are:

1) Fujin
2) Sonya Blade
3) Cyrax
4) Mileena
5) Reiko

 

[p.W]

Well, we have already seen Kung Lao aged variation! My bets for the final returing characters (considering 28 characters roster) are:

1) Fujin
2) Sonya Blade
3) Cyrax
4) Mileena
5) Reiko

Pretty sure we've seen aged Kano as well.

 

[gosoxtim]

Well, we have already seen Kung Lao aged variation! My bets for the final returing characters (considering 28 characters roster) are:

1) Fujin
2) Sonya Blade
3) Cyrax
4) Mileena
5) Reiko

i don't think cyrax will be on the roster since that german magienzine mention that cyrax in the liviing tower like tremor apperance

 

[emi_b7]

Well, I'm cynical by nature, lol. And Boon sorta retracted the comment you provided when he said something to the tune of "MKX will have more new characters than any other MK game, except maybe Deception". I don't have the source, but I can probably find it if I ask on MKO. It's odd that he said Deception; he probably meant Deadly Alliance. But the fact of the matter is he thinks there was 1 MK game that introduced more new characters, which kind of rules out more than 10. He could be wrong. It's not like he keeps a database of MK trivia in his head. (Often times fans know more than the developers.) But because of that comment, I'm inclined to believe we're getting 8-10 new characters. I wouldn't mind more, but that's what I'm expecting.

Here is the video of this interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKxQCqcKNiQ

Starting at 3:20 :"I think this game is going to introduce more new characters than almost any Mortal Kombat game, maybe Deception did more"

 

[Lord Greyjoy]

Pretty sure we've seen aged Kano as well.

Well, we have already seen Kung Lao aged variation!

We've seen old versions of these characters, but they're all the same old age in each of their variations. Boon mentioned a character(s) that would have variations displaying his powers at different points of his/her life, as he/she masters said powers and goes from young to old.

Here is the video of this interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKxQCqcKNiQ
Starting at 3:20 :"I think this game is going to introduce more new characters than almost any Mortal Kombat game, maybe Deception did more"

Thanks.