The next MK game will, according to unofficial webpages, blow all of us MK fans away... Not only they are annoucing major upgrades in the game's fighting and interactive engines, but also the biggest character selection yet to appear in a MK game... Of course I hope they are taking into account MK Trilogy which had a great amount of characters to play with... If they want to really create a sensation it has to be bigger than that... LOL...
But relating to the plot I find particularly important to establish a relationship/connection between MKDA and MKD... After the alliance between Tsung and Quan Chi, and the wakening of the Dragon King many angles of the story were left to be explored and added to future game. My idea for MK Armageddon's plot is a major twist of events. I would not only bring Shao Khan back to the scene, but I would make him confront the Dragon King to see who has the power and capability to rule all realms... I would re-organize the characters and their allignments to better fit the idea this is a game following the disaster caused by the Deadly Alliance... Maybe at the very beginning of the game A MAJOR, movie-like trailer would help to explain every single character involved in the game, their lives, how they became involved with the new Tournament, and how they plan to use such competition to accomplish their goals... For instance, in case this new game brings someone back to life, supposed to have been killed in previous MK games, I would show in such trailer how he/she managed to escape from death and why they chose to be on the good, neutral or bad side.
I would give importance to each arena used according to the realms they are located in, for example, having a Netherrealm arena where characters like Ashrah are weakened or suffer major damage as suppose to characters like Noob Saibot which would become a little stronger. Not only having a totally interactive arena with death traps, but also an aura based interaction in which each character is affected.
Regarding character renders I would try to keep a similarity with MKDA and MKD in an attempt to establish the previously discussed connection between games. For characters like Reptile that have been changing ever since day one I would try to compile a coherent explanation to such change. Also, when establishing the alternate costumes for these characters I would try to maintain the connection between previously seen costumes, of course, with some upgraded visual effects. For example, Reptile would be able to use his MK Shaolin Monks, MK Trilogy, MK4, MKDA and MKArmageddon costumes having an explanation to each of the changes and work done on the 2D versions of his costumes.
Such explanations on the life, looks and goals of the characters could take place inside the Konquest Mode where you would begin with a character, like Kitana wearing her upgraded version of MKII costume. She would have to explore a particular path of the Konquest where she would learn about her past, about Edenia, she would form alliances, encounter enemies, and, along with this learning process, evolve into the looks and goals she has for MK Armageddon. The Konquest mode will be based on the personal lives of each character so MK super fans, like me, interested in the back stories would be able to see how, where, when and why they became the way they are. For others interested in pursuing the total completion of the game I would have rewards they would have to collect only playing through Konquest mode; ultimately allowing them to use the rewards for their characters, something like: a special fatality or a rare animality. How about that?
For a more interactive approach during fights I would have characters talking to each other for brief periods of time taunting or explaining the reason why they have to win. For instance, I would have Kano trying to explain to his brother Jared why he has to win and how Jared's actions would hinder the opportunity to redeem the organization they work for. Of course, the formula of fatalities and other finishing moves would be allowed, but just before the round is over the character winning should shout something like: YOU DISSAPOINT ME!. After all this is an Armageddon and everyone is an ally and enemy. Whenever opposing characters fight against each other the dialogue would be focused on taunting each other rather than trying to make a point.
The mini games should be kept as in MKD... Sometimes is cool to chill out playing an easy going game, but inside the Arcade and Konquest modes I would have the usual Test your Sight and Test your Might games where the result would open or close a hidden secret (in the arena the character was playing previous to the test). Something like MK Shaolin Monks' test your might parts where the character accomplishing the task would be able to open or access a restricted area or hidden secret.
My speculations regarding characters that would be included in this massive new game or the finishing moves included WILL BE posted Tomorrow... Stay tuned!

Vittorpia