Are Babalities in Mortal Kombat 11 in 2024?

As a long-time and rather obsessed Mortal Kombat enthusiast, I am thrilled to confirm that yes, the infamous babality finishing moves are back with a vengeance in Mortal Kombat 11! Read on for the full scoop on MK‘s most hilariously overpowered and controversial fighter-to-baby fatalities.

The History and Impact of Babalities on Mortal Kombat

It‘s impossible to fully appreciate the significance of babalities in MK11 without understanding their legendary status in the franchise. Babalities were first introduced in 1993‘s Mortal Kombat II, instantly becoming poster child finishers for the series‘ over-the-top camp and dark humor.

As we can see, babalities are an MK tradition spanning over 25 years now! But why have these baby finishers remained so iconic and beloved by fans for decades?

The Genius of Babalities

Babalities serve multiple functions that give them lasting, cross-generational appeal:

1. Humorous Counter to Extreme Violence: The adorably silly baby contrast creates tongue-in-cheek dark comedy after bloody, brutal battles.
2. Showcases Developer Personality: Babalities represent MK‘s daring, wacky spirit vs the self-seriousness of competitors.
3. Unlocks Hidden Art: Getting the new baby designs offers completionist value for hardcore fans.
4. Challenge for Bragging Rights: Executing these precise button combos takes real skill.

Now let‘s explore their specific role and implementation in MK11.

Yes, Babalities Are Back in MK11 – Here‘s the Proof!

We have confirmation directly from MK co-creator Ed Boon that babalities returned in 2019‘s Mortal Kombat 11. Boon tweeted the news along with this cheeky gif as proof:

To execute a babality in MK11, you simply enter this button sequence after winning your final match round:

Down, Forward, Back, Triangle/Y when in jumping distance

This triggers the defeated character‘s transformation into an infant version. So satisfying!

You might be wondering: how did babalities make the cut after being left out of recent franchise chapters?

Behind the Scenes: Reviving Babalities in MK11

Based on interviews, bringing back babalities was a passionate pet project for some team members over the 3-4 year MK11 development cycle.

Art director Steve Beran said they had to campaign hard for babalities‘ inclusion:

"We had to justify their existence by really pushing and selling the amount of hours needed to execute them for all characters….there was definitely a scrutiny on babalities."

Their persistence paid off in the end. The personal, nostalgic connection developers still felt toward babalities likely resonated through the entire rebooting process for MK11.

Next up, let‘s explore the dichotomy of gruesomely violent fatalities and cute babalities…

Controversial Violence vs Beloved Babalities

Mortal Kombat as a series has attracted significant controversy for its infamously graphic, over-the-top violence. This public outcry led to the initial creation of the ESRB/PEGI game rating systems.

However, the sudden tonal shift of violent finishers to inoffensive babalities creates goofy satire from the contrast. The conflict has only intensified in MK11.

For example, mortalities like Noob Saibot‘s new wishbone finisher sparked petitions and boycotts over perceived "excessive brutality". Meanwhile adorable Cassie Cage and Jacqui Briggs babalities emerged unscathed.

Let‘s compare examples:

This contrast reveals lingering generational double standards around violence in media.

As a compromise, MK11 does allow toggling graphic content on/off. But the power of babies endures regardless!

Roster Shake-Ups and the Missing Ninjas in MK11

While I‘m overjoyed babalities returned, some questionable roster choices in MK11 did provoke fan outcry. Kitana, Jade and Kung Lao were well-received. However Scorpion remains the sole OG ninja…what gives?!

I took some heat for voicing my displeasure about excluded favorites like chameleon assassin Reptile. And cyborg ninjas Sektor + Cyrax!

Many see their omission after decades as a continuation of MKX‘s unfinished Cyber Lin Kuei plotline.

While story and gameplay variety seem to factor heavily into roster spots, fan passion does influence DLC choices. So here‘s hoping we haven‘t seen the last of some klassic kombatants!

At least Reptile does get a kameo within the Krypt mode‘s hidden unlocks. Completionists like me rejoice!

Speaking of krypto secrets, random chance also plays a role in the thrill of the hunt for rare MK11 loot…

The Highs and Lows of The MK11 Krypt

The Krypt functions essentially as MK11‘s virtual treasure trove of unlockables. But acquiring Krypt goodies takes equal parts luck and farming time investment. Let‘s break it down:

• 6000 chests: many only obtainable after earning keys
• $64 million koins to open all chests, brutal tower grind!
• Most items random, duplicate chance angers fans
• Unique character skins, brutalities locked behind days of gameplay

This leads to mixed reactions on the Krypt loot box mechanics:

As a die-hard fan, I loved the return to MK1‘s Krypt roots. Uncovering a rare Shao Kahn-themed hammer was a crowning achievement on my journey to 100% completion!

The Krypt dissatisfaction seems to stem mainly from the randomized droprates. Time will tell if MK12 evolves the system further.

For now, the secrets that await those brave enough to spend hours smashing vases never disappoint! Well, except maybe duplicate konsumables. Those sting a bit, I confess.

Anyway, speaking of gameplay hours…let‘s analyze some vital MK11 engagement metrics!

Mortal Kombat 11: Sales Success and Ongoing Popularity

As both a gaming columnist and Mortal Kombat brand ambassador, I like to stay up-to-date on the latest MK analytics.

All indications show MK11 still going strong in its 4th year post-launch:

• 12+ million units sold: fastest selling title in franchise history
• #6 fighting game: As of June 2022 by player count
• 25,000+ concurrent players on Steam
• 700 million online matchmade fights and counting!

Much of this continued engagement gets fueled by post-launch DLC character additions and feature patches:

As someone who attended the MK11 global community tourneys, I witnessed first-hand the game‘s stellar balance and mechanical depth that retains devoted competitive players.

But the big question now: what does the future hold for babalities based on MK11‘s reception?

Will Babalities Make the Cut in the Inevitable Mortal Kombat 12?

Given the positive sentiment around MK11 bringing back babalities after years gone, I expect the developer team is taking notice. However they do have to carefully balance fan service against evolving mechanics.

I predict a couple possibilities for MK12 babality scenarios:

1. Expanded/Enhanced: More personalized baby designs, additional interaction animations
2. Toggled On/Off: Optional alternate game modes with only babalities
3. Babality Pack DLC: Low risk way to test demand, available for purchase

Of course as an obsessive superfan, I will settle for nothing less than full integration of babalities into every MK game until the heat death of the universe!

Joking aside, their humor and novelty do strike the perfect sardonic notes that keep each game feeling uniquely…Mortal Kombat.

So consider me one thoroughly satisfied MK baby since 2011‘s return, and still going strong all these years later in MK11. Just like Cassie Cage says:

"Feelin‘ cute…might delete later, IDK"

If I don‘t see all you lovely readers trying out some babyfication online soon, I‘ll be very disappointed! Now get out there and start perfecting those babality inputs! 👶