I've posted this before, but now that there is a little more credibility given that MK(6) will be online and/or feature a massive single-player mode, I am curious as to what new thoughts might be established on this topic.
I've heard many people ask for a "create-a-character" feature to be included with MK:DA, as well as several other fighting games. For the most part, I think this is foolishness, particularly in Mortal Kombat (which is rich in storyline). However, I did think of one way I think "create-a-character" would be interesting:
Rather than a completely open system that would simply allow you to drag-and-drop character attributes to a blank slate, I think a development/training system would be much better, and much more rewarding. It definitely borrows elements from an RPG, but if MK6 goes online ... this feature could give MK the replayability most fighters lack.
The concept is this:
In the beginning, you select three things: The "race" of your character (human, nomad, zaterrian, etc. etc.), the gender of your character, and the name. With this selection, you are given an empty character body. This character is completely useable, but lacks any defining attributes and is able to throw only simple punches/kicks (much like every character in MK1-4). With this in place, you select a fighting style to train in (from a list of available fighting/weapon/magic styles). Much like Konquest, you train in these style. However, training is not only through prompts (like Konquest mode), but also through real battles. The more you fight, the more points you earn in certain areas (7 successfully connected kicks will earn you 7 points in the Kick Status, etc.) As you earn more points, your character will not only be awarded with more "moves" in that fighting style, but the character will visibly change from the weak, bland character to one with more muscle mass, greater age, etc. As you fight different opponents (and this is where things get almost like Mega Man), you have the option of acquiring their "goods"; outfit pieces, weapons, magic items). By picking and choosing what pieces you wish to aquire, you not only contribute to an actual storyline for your character (picking up a magic item may result in a shifting of your alignment, or come at the cost of your family's life, etc. etc.), but you also aquire that item's benefits. Additionally, if you choose to KILL your opponent (via a fatality, also earned through training) you may affect your character's storyline (killing a certain player may cause the Black Dragon to hate you; or killing Raiden may cause lighting to stike you, altering your appearance, etc.).
The beauty of this system is that it is very non-linear. However, it is very extensive, and allows the storyline to be prodded in the direction the MK Team would desire. It also is very beneficial if players wish to duke it out online. Obviously, certain items would be harder to aquire, and defeating an online or a 2-player memory card opponent would give you the option of acquiring more items.
What do you think?