Netherrealm Studios’ Injustice series has spanned two games featuring over 50 iconic characters from DC Comics, and yet there are still many that have yet to grace the screen. The DC Universe is a large one, and with storylines ranging from classic Justice League to Suicide Squad, Teen Titans, Justice League Dark, and more, there’s plenty of untapped potential. Both possible endings for Injustice 2 left the door open for a sequel, and that means a new roster of playable heroes and villains for Injustice 3.
It’s impossible to imagine an Injustice game without Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, and other fan favorites present in both Injustice: Gods Among Us and Injustice 2. Now that DC Entertainment owns the IP, Injustice 3 could have Watchmen characters, which would mean the inclusion of heroes like The Comedian, Nite Owl, Dr. Manhattan, or Rorschach. While this is a potential crossover, that seems more likely to be a game like ‘Watchmen vs Justice League’ than a storyline to affect the Injustice series. Injustice has always been about Superman’s descent into darkness, and while Watchmen may share the same gritty tone, it would deviate too far from the current story.
While the plot for most fighting games isn’t as important as the combat and character balancing, Mortal Kombat has proven that a strong story can enhance the game, offering unique dialogue between combatants and creating a memorable cinematic experience. Similar to the first two titles in the series, characters added in Injustice 3 would in all likelihood have a bearing on the plot. Much like Braniac’s invasion and the titular Injustice storyline, there are some epic DC Comics moments for Injustice games to benefit from. A reliable way to guess new characters would be to go to the source material.
[WARNING: Spoilers for the Injustice series below]
Injustice 3 Needs Classic Pairings With Fresh, New Villains
The death of Lex Luthor in Gods Among Us sets up Amazo well, if Netherrealm Studios wants to follow the DCAU canon. The power-stealing android could easily prove as terrifying a villain as Braniac, absorbing the powers of everyone he fights like iconic Mortal Kombat antagonist, Shang Tsung. Similarly, the death of Dr. Fate in Injustice 2 could spur more arcane forces; a perfect excuse to bring in a magic practitioner like John Constantine.
Each Injustice game so far has also showcased a new Green Lantern villain, with the sequel trading out Yellow Lantern Sinestro for Red Lanterns Atrocitus and Dex-Starr. The Lantern Corps War could bring many new DC villains in Injustice 3, particularly Star Sapphire. Hero/villain pairings are a key factor in determining new characters, with Wonder Woman similarly trading Ares for Cheetah, or The Flash trading Killer Frost for Captain Cold. Batman’s Rogues Gallery is a ripe opportunity for new characters, and while it’s unlikely Penguin or Hush will make an appearance, Killer Croc or Ra’s Al Ghul wouldn’t go amiss. Considering his tie-ins to the series’ constant, Damian Wayne, Ra’s Al Ghul is doubly likely.
New villains for Wonder Woman and Superman could be Circe and Vandal Savage, respectively. Vandal Savage could even play the campaign’s main villain, seeing as Superman villains are popular candidates for the role. A dystopian future is a trademark of the franchise, and the world of Vandal Savage could give Injustice Superman’s Metropolis a run for its money. Harley Quinn has also evolved over the two video games, so Injustice 3 may have more Suicide Squad cast, like Katana or Captain Boomerang.
The plot of Injustice 3 could go in many different directions, but with a backlog of famous storylines and iconic villains to choose from, many of those directions could lead to a fantastic game. Considering the balance of return encounters, like Batman versus Joker, tempered with new rivalries, like The Flash versus Gorilla Grodd, it’s safe to assume that the new villain roster will be dependent on the return of the series’ most well-received heroes. As for new heroes in Injustice 3, that’s more determined by where Netherrealm Studios wants to take the story.