Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts an impressive roster of characters from various gaming franchises, including Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, and Tekken. However, one notable absence from the lineup is Mortal Kombat.
The decision not to feature Mortal Kombat characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is understandable. The intense gore and violence associated with NetherRealm Studios’ fighting game wouldn’t align well with Nintendo’s more family-friendly approach. Additionally, according to series co-creator Ed Boon, Nintendo has never expressed interest in including Mortal Kombat characters in the game (via Axios).
Despite the lack of official inclusion, Ed Boon shared his thoughts on which Mortal Kombat characters would be a good fit for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Without any hesitation, he mentioned Scorpion as his top choice, stating that the character’s iconic weapon and recognizability make him compelling for a crossover. Boon also added that Sub-Zero could be a potential second choice if Nintendo wanted to include two Mortal Kombat fighters.
While the idea of a crossover between these two franchises is amusing, the reality of seeing Nintendo characters subjected to Mortal Kombat’s brutal fatalities is less appealing. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has always leaned towards the family-friendly side of the fighting game genre, and the introduction of extreme violence wouldn’t align well with the game’s overall tone.
It’s safe to say that Mortal Kombat and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will remain separate entities, with each catering to their respective audiences. The addition of characters like Ryu and Kazuya already expands the roster while still maintaining the game’s accessibility and appeal to all ages.
Jim Norman is a passionate gamer with a love for video games and superheroes. He can often be found playing a Zelda title instead of tackling his ever-growing backlog. With a preference for fantasy-themed content, he enjoys discussing and sharing his thoughts on these topics.