Could we be seeing classic weapon stances make a return to the MK Universe in Mortal Kombat 11?
Starting back in Mortal Kombat Deadly Alliance, the roster was given multiple stances to use in combat. Each character would have two separate fighting styles and a third stance involving a weapon.
While fighters like Kitana used weapons that they were known for, for her the Steel Fans, most of the roster was given random weapons in order to flesh our their move set. Jax began using tonfa. Kung Lao and Sub-Zero were given swords. Even Raiden, the Thunder God, was forced to implement a staff into his fights.
However, though some felt it seemed a little forced, this change became a vital component of the later games of the first generation of Mortal Kombat. Prior to the soft reset of Mortal Kombat 2011, the last three games of the original series used weapon stances, and eventually certain characters, like Scorpion, were given their weapons afterward. Some Deadly Alliance/Deception/Alliance characters have even been added to the second series of games, like Kenshi, who's katana became vital to his whole identity.
In the trailer for Mortal Kombat 11 that we saw at the 2018 Game Awards, Scorpion and Raiden were both shown to use their sword and staff during their fight, and even though this could just be enhanced moves used in their move sets, it's possible we could see the weapon stance come back.
It's not that far of a stretch. Mortal Kombat X sort of went back to this already, as it saw every fighter given three distinct modes that would completely alter the way they played, and some of these modes included weaponry. Combatants like Takeda and Kung Jin and DLC characters like Jason Voorhees and Leatherface featured weapon-only fighting styles that allowed them to pack more of a punch.
Mortal Kombat X was an evolution of the original three fighting style schtick. It was done well here, and though some styles were clearly better than others, gave players more variety when choosing among characters. It also wasn't overly complicated and didn't force you to swap on the fly. However, in a series as brutal as Mortal Kombat, why not give every fighter their own weapon of choice.
I mean, if...hypothetically...they brought Havik back (please?), he'd have to have his trademark morning star.
What series staple would you like to see make a return to Mortal Kombat? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to stick to Sportskeeda for all of your gaming news!