DC Comics is returning to the fighting game arena with DCKO, a new free-to-play tag fighter developed by Drop Fake for mobile devices. While the announcement brings DC characters back into the genre, it has simultaneously sparked disappointment and concern among fans who were hoping for a successor to NetherRealm Studios' Injustice series.
The game's roster includes iconic heroes like Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, alongside less common but fan-favorite characters such as John Constantine. As a tag fighter, DCKO will allow players to switch between characters during combat, a feature that has led some to hope for the inclusion of characters like Green Arrow to form desired duos.
However, the decision to launch DCKO exclusively on mobile platforms has raised significant questions about its potential reach and appeal within the fighting game community. The input limitations inherent to touchscreens are seen by many as a compromise compared to the precision offered by controllers or fight sticks, genres where precise inputs are paramount. This has led to speculation that DCKO is primarily aimed at a more casual audience looking for a DC-themed experience on their phones, rather than hardcore fighting game enthusiasts.
Fans of the Injustice series are particularly vocal, with many expressing a desire for NetherRealm Studios to return to that franchise. It has been nearly a decade since Injustice 2 was released in 2017, and NetherRealm has since focused exclusively on its Mortal Kombat titles. Despite persistent rumors and fan demand for Injustice 3, there has been no official confirmation from the studio. The existence of DCKO on mobile, while a new fighting game offering, might only heighten the sense of longing for a console-focused DC fighting game.
DCKO is currently available for pre-registration ahead of its anticipated 2027 launch. The game's mobile-first approach leaves many wondering if a console or PC port will ever materialize, a possibility that offers a glimmer of hope for those wishing for a more traditional fighting game experience within the DC universe.