Summary
AsMortal Kombat 1continues to be defined by its hyped DLC character additions, the recent release of Peacemaker means that the last of Kombat Pack 1’s guests is soon to follow. Announced alongside the deceptively similar Omni-Man, Homelander ofThe Boyswill most likely arrive as a vastly distinct fighter when he’s released later this Spring. The hype generated by the unexpected nature ofMortal Kombat 1’s guestshas been a highlight of the game since even before its launch, and Homelander is perhaps the most exciting out of the entire Kombat Pack’s offerings.
The monetization and community support ofMortal Kombat 1has been noted as needing improvement from some outspoken fans, but support in the form of expanding the roster with popular faces from other IPs is still the most popular form of DLC which can reliably grow the title. This has come with an adherence to source material that has been well-received among fans, and Homelander is pretty much guaranteed to follow this pattern despite not actually being voiced by Antony Starr. The issue of the character’s lack of combat display inspiration when compared to his peers may raise concerns about his moveset, but leaning heavily into making him a zoner would be the truest to his roots.
Homelander is Likely to Be Totally Different From Omni-Man
Opposing Origin Stories and The Boys' Unorthodox Style
The topic of the differences betweenHomelander and Omni-Man inMortal Kombat 1has been relevant in the community since they were both unveiled for DLC, but most fans of both of their respective IPs will know just how different the DNA of these villainous superheroes is. Omni-Man has now had time to find his place inMK1’s meta as an aggressive fighter capable of instantly closing the gap between him and his opponent, but there’s a high probability that Homelander will end up utilizing the opposite approach.
Two Different Takes on Flipping the Superman Concept
His design and power set makes it evident that Homelander is a homage to Superman portrayed through a twisted and immature lens, and inThe Boys,he’s not often represented putting in the same physical effort as Superman. When juxtaposed with the disciplined feats that Omni-Man consistently displays, it seems that Homelander’s gameplay could follow what series director Ed Boon has stated about the dynamic between the two in an interview withIGN.
“We’re not going to have them both do all the kind of category of Superman type things. We’re going to divvy up those abilities, so it’s not like it’s just a clone of the same character. They’re definitely going to play differently.”
The Zoner Archetype is Perfect for Mortal Kombat 1’s Homelander
Laser Vision is Almost Certain to Be Core to Homelander’s Moveset
The power of the Viltrumites might arguably outclass Homelander, but there’s one big advantage he has in terms of a fighting game likeMortal Kombat. His heat vision is not only probably his most well-known ability due to its disturbing use duringAntony Starr’s sinister performance inThe Boys, it could serve to cement him as a zoner with devastating potential. There’s an inherent imbalance to the power of a fullscreen projectile like lasers, but the flawed personality of Homelander could still even the playing field.
Mortal Kombat 1 Will Be The Boys' Character’s Fairest Fight Yet
He might have access to a combination of other powers such as enhanced strength, durability, and hearing outside his laser vision, but Homelander tends to use these other abilities far less than otherMortal Kombatfighters with similar traits. He has a raw sense of inexperience when it comes to fighting on any sort of even playing field, a core pitfall of the character that lead to NetherRealm deemphasizing much of his close-range moveset. Whatever direction NRS takes withHomelander’s gameplay design inMK1, players are looking forward to seeing how he represents his franchise relative to other guest characters.
Mortal Kombat 1
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
