Prediction: variations are back but in a different way. youll pick a single character and build meter toward a transformation, kinda like overwatch ultimates. once you get it you can do 1 of multiple specials that will armor you up based on which transformation you choose (trailer looks like batman had both green lantern and red hood armor ups), so you can mid match make the call, im winning and wanna zone, im behind and need extra damage, i need more mobility ect.
I expect that tapping into the armored up form will be an even more drastic difference between each than MKX variants. there will be no reptile. so youll basically be learning a few characters when you learn 1. i dont think any of them will be simple additional special moves. lots of strings should be changing or added. if the transform also uses super meter then managing meter will be even more in depth, with some characters that can do well without transforming potentially wanting to save it