Midway, strapped for cash and after a decision to cut a couple of titles it was developing, really needs Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe to be a hit with players and generate big sales. In an effort to get the game to appeal to as big an audience as possible, the company is pushing really hard to get a T-rating for the game.

Of course, the Electronic Software Ratings Board is not ready to give that rating if the violence present in the game, a staple of the Mortal Kombat series which at certain points features hearts ripped out of chests while still beating, is not toned down in a rather significant way. Game creator Ed Boon has recently stated that three versions of the game reached the ratings board in order to make sure that at least one gets the green light. There are two Fatalities which have been modified to make them less bloody.

The Joker, Batman enemy and crazy comedian, has a Fatality in which he shoots his defeated opponent with a gun, only to have a flag with “Bang!” inscribed on it come out of the barrel. Of course, it does not stop there. While laughing, the Joker pulls out a new gun with which he really shoots his opponent in the face. The ESRB did not like the last part, so it seems that now you will not see the Joker shooting anyone as the screen fades to black and only the sound of the gunshot can be heard.

Kitana, which usually uses her fan for deadly effect, has a Fatality which involved ripping the guts out of the enemy with her weapon. One fan went to the forehead of the opponent while the other hit the torso. It seems that in order to get a T rating from the ESRB, no foreheads can be targeted with deadly fans.

Well, if these are the sacrifices required to get the game out and allow me to gut Superman while playing with Scorpion, then so be it. The game should be out in December.