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Freddy Krueger in Mortal Kombat 9 and other Video Game Crossovers
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Video game developers have always catered to the nerd audience by including subtle (and sometimes, not-so-subtle) crossovers with other areas of pop culture that also appeal to the Starfleet insignia-shaped pleasure center of the standard nerd's brain.
In the biggest heart-stopping nerd-gasm since Mario was finally able to take on Sonic the Hedgehog in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Warner Bros. announced that Freddy Krueger would be available to download for Mortal Kombat 9 as a playable character.
Krueger fits reasonably well into the mystic and murderous world of the Mortal Kombat universe. Yes, I just typed the phrase "mystic and murderous" and, no, I am not happy about it.
I had no real desire to buy Mortal Kombat 9, mainly because I am completely inept at mashing the buttons crisply enough to properly execute the moves in any fighting game. Whenever I hear the words "Finish Him!" and I see my opponent helpless and dazed, the adrenaline kicks in. You only have a 5 second window to push the buttons in the correct sequence to unleash a finisher and my nerves just can't handle the pressure.
At any rate, this Freddy Krueger playable character is enough to pique my interest in the game. At least a little bit.
In honor of this announcement, I present to you a list, in no particular order, of notable video game crossover moments. These may be interesting, ridiculous, or a mixture of both.
This list does not include games completely devoted to crossovers or celebrities. Don't wonder why X-Men vs Street Fighter, Marvel vs. Capcom, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, or even Celebrity Death Match isn't on the list. This list isn't complete either, so if I left some game out, I fully acknowledge that fact.
1. Soulcalibur II (2003) for Xbox and Gamecube
The Gamecube version of the title featured Nintendo icon, Link from the Legend of Zelda series, while the Xbox port's guest character was Todd McFarlane's popular comic book creation, Spawn.
Spawn seems like a suitable choice for a guest fighting game character, but Link isn't necessarily one of the first characters most players would choose to control. Link is, however, one of the most "realistic" characters in Nintendo's arsenal, so if Nintendo and Soulcalibur's developers were intent on including a Nintendo character, then Link is one of the most logical choices.
This wouldn't be the last time that the Soulcalibur series would include outside characters in their title in order to drum up interest in the franchise.
2. Soulcalibur IV for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360
This time around Soulcalibur made a bold decision to contact George Lucas about including characters from the Star Wars universe in their game. Including the Secret Apprentice from the Star Wars: The Force Unleashed is one thing, but these games featured Darth Vader and Yoda.
Star Wars fans didn't like it. Soulcalibur fans didn't like it. But, it's still pretty cool.
3. Clayfighter 63 1/3 (1997) for N64
Earthworm Jim was a character in the '90s who achieved a high level of popularity inside and outside of the video game community. Cartoons, comics, action figures, Earthworm Jim was a character that was poised to reach Mario and Sonic levels of popularity…until the character just went away.
Not only was Earthworm Jim featured in this game, but also another outside '90s creation called Boogerman, who flicked boogers and propelled himself by farting. Boogerman was cast in the game as Jim's arch-enemy. Ah, the '90s. Nostalgia.
4. WWF Smackdown! Just Bring It (2001) and Fight Club (2004)
Fred Durst. He was in Smackdown because the Undertaker used to use Limp Bizkit's "Rollin'" as entrance music. He was in Fight Club because….I'm not sure why he was in it. But it gives you the opportunity to destroy something beautiful. Or at least Fred Durst.
5. UFC Undisputed 2010
Shaquille O' Neal as a hidden fighter in an MMA game? Shaq has trained in MMA for a few years, so…this…is…an…obvious….crossover? But would an MMA rather play as Rampage Jackson or Shaq.
6. Punch Out!! for Wii
The original game for the Nintendo featured Mike Tyson as the champion or final boss. Tyson was one of the first celebrities, athletes or otherwise, to lend their likeness to a high profile video game.
Twelve years later, using Mike Tyson as a final boss is neither financially or commercially viable. So, who would be it? Who would be the seemingly unbeatable opponent that Little Mac has to defeat?
Donkey Kong. Ugh.
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops
In a very cool (at least in my opinion) crossover moment, the downloadable Escalation Zombie map includes well-known actors who made their living playing cult characters in supernatural settings against hordes of zombies.
Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Danny Trejo (Machete), Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger), and Michael Rooker (Merle from "The Walking Dead"). Not only that, but the "father" of the zombie movies, George Romero makes an appearance as an enemy in the map.
8. Madden NFL 11
Guiding your favorite team to a Super Bowl victory has always been the goal, but the reward has always seemed underwhelming. This version enhances the post game celebrations with award presentations, parades, and a visit to the White House to meet President Obama. A president has never made an appearance in a Madden game before, but this crossover seems like a natural fit for a president who is a known sports fanatic.
Categories: RFP, video games, lists
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