Summary
With only a month untilMultiVersusfinally launches, the fighting game is set to bring some iconic characters head-to-head in a platform brawler. As Warner Bros. own version ofSuper Smash Bros.,MultiVersuspits the likes of Batman and Shaggy against each other with some fun, cartoonish combat.
However, there is another fighting title owned by Warner Bros. that has a much longer history.TheMortal Kombatfranchisewas taken over by Warner Bros. back in 2009. Since then, the company has rebooted theMortal Kombatfranchise, and the most recent chapter in the series,Mortal Kombat 1,saw the games take an exciting turn with an all-new timeline.MultiVersuswill be the next big fighting title from Warner Bros., and it seems to be the complete anthesis ofMortal Kombat.
MultiVersus and Mortal Kombat Have Very Little in Common
When comparing the two games, the only real similarities betweenMultiVersusandMortal Kombatis that they are fighting games, they areowned by Warner Bros., and they each feature DC characters. In fact, when looking at the mechanics and overall approach,MultiVersusandMortal Kombatcouldn’t really be more different.
The Most Obvious Difference
It’s hard to compare both games in general, since they are so dissimilar, but the most glaring difference of all is the amount of violence featured in the games. SinceMultiVersusis centered around the many iconic cartoon characters that have graced the history of Warner Bros., the violence in the game’s fights is pulled straight from cartoon tropes. The only character featured inMultiVersusthat is fitting for an R-rating isGame of Thrones' Arya Stark.
TheMortal Kombatfranchise is vastly different. These games embrace absurd amounts of violence to the point where it’s so over-the-top that it’s funny.Fatality moves are at the heart ofMortal Kombat, and they showcase some of the most gruesome violence one can imagine. From disemboweling an enemy to crushing them with an oncoming subway train,Mortal Kombatgets incredibly creative with its violence.
Setting the Stage in Different Ways
Another major difference between the fighting titles lies in their stages.Mortal Kombatis a traditional fighting title that features a basic floor that serves solely as a battleground.MultiVersusembraces the fighting stage brought to the forefront bySuper Smash Bros. by integrating platforming into its fighting. Where the stage in theMortal Kombatfranchise allows players to focus completely on their moves and technique,MultiVersusadds an extra layer of challengewith its platforming.
Opposite Approaches to Facing Off
The last difference between the two properties is more subtle, but it further illustrates just how different these two fighting games truly are. The base version of theMortal Kombatfranchise has always focused on 1v1 fights, whereasMultiVersusputs an emphasis on 2v2 matches. Both approaches have their pros and cons depending on a player’s preference, but it’s truly fascinating to see just how little these games have in common with one another.
One of the few things that connect the games is the featuring of DC characters thanks to being owned by Warner Bros.Mortal Kombat 1’s Peacemaker skinis an incredibly popular addition to the game, andMultiVersushas its own fun lineup of DC Comics icons to look forward to. WhenMultiVersusreleases on May 28, it will be intriguing to see what other differences become known.
