EA’s Iron Man should take cues from Mortal Kombat 1 character’s extravagant lifestyle.

EA's Iron Man should take cues from Mortal Kombat 1 character's extravagant lifestyle.

A Fresh Take on Iron Man: Inspired by Mortal Kombat

Iron Man

After years of anticipation, EA’s announcement of a single-player Iron Man game was met with enthusiastic cheers from gamers everywhere. While we hope EA delivers the superhero experience we’ve all been craving, it’s important to give the man in the suit his time to shine. Rather than sticking to Robert Downey Jr.’s iconic portrayal of Tony Stark in the MCU, let’s explore a new and exciting approach inspired by NetherRealm’s Mortal Kombat 1.

We all know Insomniac Games successfully crafted a unique version of Spider-Man without trying to replicate any on-screen portrayals. Following their lead, EA should avoid copying Downey Jr.’s smart and snarky persona. Instead, let’s introduce gamers to a Tony Stark who is still new to the superhero world, brimming with cockiness and overconfidence. To achieve this, we can take inspiration from Mortal Kombat 1’s most charmingly obnoxious millionaire, the one and only Johnny Cage.

Johnny Cage

At first glance, Tony Stark and Johnny Cage may seem like an unlikely pairing. However, if we look beyond their immense wealth, we’ll find two characters sharing remarkable similarities in their inflated egos and unchecked arrogance. While Iron Man briefly touched on Stark’s ego as a liability to his superhero endeavors, it was quickly forgotten once the fighting began.

Using Johnny Cage as a template for a new take on Tony Stark allows EA to craft a narrative that sees our protagonist go from an obnoxious billionaire playboy to the beloved hero we all know. Starting the game early in Iron Man’s crime-fighting career could form a captivating arc, showcasing Stark’s transformation from a narcissistic newbie who revels in his newfound power, to the inspirational leader who eventually leads the Avengers.

Making Iron Man cocky instead of quippy would allow the character to stand out in a genre dominated by wise-cracking superheroes. The MCU-style of endless puns has become the norm, but why not let Iron Man break the mold? Embracing a blowhard persona would give EA’s Iron Man game a fresh feel, setting it apart from both the MCU and recent superhero portrayals.

To explain Tony Stark’s growth throughout the game, EA Motive could introduce a villain who mirrors his worst traits. Enter, Iron Man 2’s Justin Hammer, the rival industrialist who personifies the dark shadows of Tony’s character. Battling against Justin Hammer would provide the catalyst for Stark’s personal growth, ultimately shaping him into the true hero he is meant to be.

Sure, it would’ve been easy for EA to replicate Tony Stark’s MCU persona, but where’s the fun in that? By drawing inspiration from Johnny Cage and giving Stark some rough edges to buff out during the game, EA can deliver an exciting new version of Iron Man that feels truly unique.

So, buckle up and get ready to witness Tony Stark’s remarkable journey in EA Motive’s upcoming Iron Man game. It’s going to be a blast!

EA Motive’s Iron Man game is currently in development.