Ed Boon talks MK vs. DC – ratings, gore, and creating a non-Heath Ledger Joker
I never thought I’d see the day when Fatalities aren’t set ablaze, mutilated, or even look like they hurt at all. Ed Boon shares his thoughts on Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3), and how difficult it was to mellow the bloodthirsty MK folks down to kid-friendly DC level.
It looks like these two realms are just a bit too far apart. Ed Boon of Midway Games talks about how the classic Mortal Kombat gore could not be easily adapted with DC heroes in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3). The fan base of both franchises would be asking themselves, “to kill or not to kill?” only to find that they have very different answers.
With MK fans, that’s a given. It’s only a matter of asking how, and on that subject, has been very creative. For the DC heroes, however, things are so much different. As a compromise to both camps, the MK boys have to cut down on the bloodlust.
Boon says:
To be blunt, the initial reaction was pretty negative. I would say at least 70% negative, 30% positive. [I think the fans felt that,] “you’re messing with my baby!” And DC is known to be a little more of a boy scout, clean-cut label.
To keep its Teen rating and keep it from getting a Mature one, Ed Boon had to cut down on the blood, the incineration, the blood, the mutilation, and yes, blood. While Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe still spills blood here and there, it’s just not hardcore MK stuff.
Apart from laying low on the gore, Boon also received specs from DC. Apparently, the graphic novel giant is very keen on their characters, such as Dr. Manhattan and Rorschach from Watchmen.
These were characters who deemed DC off-limits. They said, “no you can’t use these certain characters.” “DC also said things like, “Your Batman can’t look like the Dark Knight movie, “and you can’t make your Joker look like Heath Ledger.” So there were certain things that DC wanted to keep separate from the movies.
Also in the interview, Boon reveals that his favorite MK rip-off is Killer Instinct, and his least favorite was Tattoo Assassins, remarking the diarrhea special move. For more of the interview, follow the source link below.
More Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe:
- Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe: the Joker makes an appearance
- Rated T for Toeing the line: MK vs. DC most violent Teen game you’ll ever see
Buy: [Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (PS3), (Xbox 360)]
Via Gamepro
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