As a long-time fan of fighting games and crossover events, I've been fascinated watching the Mortal Kombat series dive deeper into the pop-culture pool. It's been a wild ride! I remember when Mortal Kombat (2011) gave us just one guest fighter. Fast forward to now, with Mortal Kombat 1 launching and immediately announcing three post-launch DLC guests, led by the powerhouse Omni-Man from Invincible. It feels like we're in a golden age of mash-ups, where our favorite characters from comics, shows, and other games can throw down in brutal kombat. The recent arrival of Omni-Man has definitely sparked a lot of conversation in the community. While playing him is an absolute blast, it also got me thinking about how these crossover packages are delivered. Looking at another titan in the crossover space, Dead by Daylight, I can't help but feel there are lessons to be learned about creating a truly immersive and content-rich experience for fans.

First, let me be clear: playing as Omni-Man in Mortal Kombat 1 is phenomenal. The developers at NetherRealm Studios poured an incredible amount of love and detail into making him feel authentic. 🥊 Every single animation, from his devastating punches to his bone-crushing special moves, feels like it's been lifted straight from the pages of the comic or scenes of the animated series. His Fatalities are... well, they're exactly what you'd expect from a Viltrumite warrior, and they are gloriously over-the-top. The cherry on top is having the legendary J.K. Simmons return to voice the character. His delivery in the fight intros is perfect, dripping with that signature arrogant confidence. It's a real treat for fans. Plus, completing his dedicated arc in the Challenge Tower and getting a glimpse of the Viltrum Empire—and even a cameo from Invincible himself—was a fantastic little narrative reward.

However, once the initial thrill of mastering his moveset fades, I started to notice what's missing. For a premium DLC character released in 2026, the package feels surprisingly lean. Here's a quick breakdown of what we get versus what feels absent:

Feature	Omni-Man in Mortal Kombat 1	Ideal Crossover Package (Inspired by Others)
Playable Character	✅ Yes, and he's fantastic!	✅ Expected core element
Voice Actor	✅ J.K. Simmons reprises the role!	✅ Great for authenticity
Alternate Skins	❌ None currently available	✅ Multiple themed outfits
Shaders/Palette Swaps	⚠️ Only a handful, few are references	✅ Numerous, lore-accurate options
Character Mastery Levels	⚠️ Capped at 20 (vs. 35 for base roster)	✅ Equal progression depth
Themed Game Mode/Season	❌ No Invasion Season or event	✅ Dedicated seasonal event/story
Additional Themed Content	❌ No stages, announcers, or gear	✅ Maps, music, and cosmetic sets

This is where my mind immediately jumps to Dead by Daylight. Now, I know they're completely different genres—one's a 1v1 fighter, the other an asymmetrical horror survival game—but their approach to crossover DLC is masterclass. When Dead by Daylight adds a licensed Killer like The Xenomorph or The Demogorgon, they don't just add the character.

They build an entire experience around them. Typically, a DbD chapter includes:

• A new Killer with unique powers and perks themed to their source material.

• A new Survivor from the same franchise, also with themed perks.

• A brand-new, intricately designed map based on a iconic location from the movie or game.

• A plethora of alternate costumes for both characters, often letting you play as different characters from the same universe (like different Resident Evil protagonists).

This creates a much deeper level of immersion. You're not just playing as a character from another world; you're playing in a slice of that world. The map is packed with environmental storytelling and Easter eggs that fans adore discovering. The progression for these characters is also on par with the original roster, offering no sense of being a 'lesser' addition.

Mortal Kombat 1 has embraced more live-service elements than any previous game in the series, with its seasonal Invasion mode. Imagine how incredible it would have been if Omni-Man's release was paired with a limited-time Invasion season themed around the Viltrum Empire! We could have fought through stages modeled after Flaxan worlds or the Pentagon, earned Omni-Man-themed gear and skins for other characters, and unlocked lore snippets about the Viltrumite conquest. It would have transformed his addition from a great character drop into a major event that reshapes the game's landscape for a few weeks.

Don't get me wrong, the quality of Omni-Man's core gameplay is top-notch. NetherRealm's dedication to combat authenticity is unmatched. But in 2026, the standard for crossover content has been raised. Players, especially those paying a premium, expect a more holistic package. We want to celebrate the entire franchise being brought into the fold, not just a single combatant. We want to customize our favorite guests with different looks that reflect key moments from their stories. We want equal opportunity to grind and show off our mastery with them.

Omni-Man is a stellar start for Mortal Kombat 1's guest lineup, and he's incredibly fun to play. However, for future crossover characters like the upcoming Peacemaker or Homelander, I sincerely hope NetherRealm looks at the broader industry landscape. By taking a page from Dead by Daylight's book and offering more thematic content—be it through skins, dedicated events, or even just deeper progression—they can turn a great character addition into an unforgettable gaming moment that truly does justice to the iconic worlds they're borrowing from. The foundation is rock-solid; now it's time to build something even more spectacular on top of it. 🏆