PS2 IGN is reporting on the much rumoured limited editions of Midway's upcoming fighting game, Mortal Kombat: Deception! From the article:

In an announcement out of Chicago this evening, Midway Games has officially announced something that anxious gamers who have been pre-ordering may have already noticed -- that a special edition of Mortal Kombat: Deception is definitely on the way. In fact, there are several of them.

Officially known as Mortal Kombat: Deception Premium Pack, and Mortal Kombat: Deception Kollector's Edition, the special sets will ship on the same day as the regular editions (October 4), only with the benefit of extra features. The Xbox-only versions of the game, known as MK: Deception Kollector's Edition, features four distinctive packaging options that star Baraka, Mileena, Raiden, and Scorpion. The PlayStation 2-only Premium Pack, on the other hand, boasts a specialized cover with the legendary Sub-Zero.

Each limited edition game will retail for $59.95 and will include an arcade-perfect version of the original Mortal Kombat. In addition, there will also be more than 40 minutes of bonus DVD video content which incorporates a "History of Mortal Kombat short film and exclusive biographical videos for all 25 playable characters. As an added bonus, each of the five different MK: Deception limited edition sets will also contain a serialized and embossed metal Kollector's Card created exclusively for that copy of the game.

The article also provides box art for the limited edition versions of MK: Deception. To read the article in its entirety, click here.

A visit to EB Games and a search for Mortal Kombat: Deception will wield some interesting results. For starters, there's the standard X-Box and PS2 versions of MKD. You can also pre-order the strategy guide from BradyGames. Finally, there is the MKD Kollector's Edition (for X-Box) and MKD Premium Pack (for PS2). Though they have different names, the only real difference is the console, as they have the same features. Those features were mentioned before, but they're worth repeeating:

• Special Edition Packaging
• An "arcade perfect" version of Mortal Kombat 1
• Comprehensive "The History of Mortal Kombat" from inception through MK: Deception
• Additional 15 character video bios (25 total)
• Serialized limited edition trading card

It should be noted that the PS2 page says it will be a "Serialized Limited Edition Sub-Zero metal trading card". Also something worth mentioning: The release date on every product is October 4.

Very exciting news for those who were worried about whether the PS2/X-Box consoles would receive equal treatment. Hopefully this will put many concerns to rest. Pull up the search results here. More on this as events unfold, and thanks to mortalkombat247 for the tip!

GameSpot has released a new trailer that not only satisfies (if just temporarily) the craving of every MK fan anticipating this title, but gives us the first gameplay shots of the Dragon King himself! In one scene, the Dragon King is shown grabbing his opponent, taking him high into the air and slamming him to the ground. In another, he kicks an opponent into spikes that line the entire edge of a never before seen arena. This just may be the boss we've all been waiting for! Other points of interest include several new Death Traps; One opponent is crushed by a falling Buddha statue, a second is knocked into the surf, only to find themselves being mauled to death by piranhas, while a third is shown falling into a vast bed of spikes that somewhat resembles the Pit from MK1. More insight regarding Konquest mode is shown, giving us brief glimpses of Tanya, Reptile, Kitana and various other new Konquest footage. As far as gameplay footage goes, Kabal, Shujinko and Kira are all seen in action for the first time, including one of Kira's fatalities where she pins the opponent's feet to the floor with her knives then proceeds to rip off their torso, and Baraka performing a Hari Kiri, cutting off his own head. This is definitely one of the most exciting videos we've seen in a while.

A hi-res Quicktime version is available to both GameSpot Complete members and to those with a Basic Membership (via the delivery plug-in), as well as a free low-res streaming Windows Media version to non-members by clicking here.

Special thanks go to Shinnokxz and Drje for the heads up!

PS2 IGN has just updated with nine new gameplay videos from Midway's upcoming Mortal Kombat: Deception! The first video features Scorpion facing Sub-Zero in a battle for a square in Chess Kombat. Two more videos give a look into Chess Kombat gameplay on the board itself. Another video features a mirror match with Baraka. Two other videos offer the biggest surprise: Baraka faces off against Raiden! It appears that Raiden does not escape the events involved mentioned in his profile; while his costume is the same as it was in Deadly Alliance, it is charred and torn, and his entire blackened appearance brings Noob Saibot to mind. However, this does lay to rest any question whether he will be a playable character in Deception. Three more videos feature Puzzle Kombat gameplay as Sindel and Baraka have it out.

The videos are available in Quicktime format for IGN Insider members, and Windows Media format for non-members. To see the nine videos in their entirety, click here.

Our thanks to forum member TomTaz for the heads up on this news story!

UPDATE: It appears IGN has since removed the gameplay videos involving Raiden. All of the other gameplay videos discussed are still posted, however. We'll keep you updated as we learn more.

GameSpot is reporting that Midway Games posted another loss this quarter, but that there may be some "light at the end of the tunnel". From the article:

Beleaguered game publisher Midway today released financial figures for the first half of 2004. The company lost $25.7 million over the six month period ending June 30, losing $10.7 million in the April-June period. Expecting to release only three games in the next six months, Midway predicts that overall losses for 2004 to be $20 million, $2 million more than it had previously stated.

The news is not all bad, however. Today's numbers show a marked improvement over last year, when Midway lost $65.3 million during the first half. Furthermore, sales were also up this year, rising $16.6 million to $67.4 million during the first half. During the second quarter, the company released three rather well received games, MLB SlugFest: Loaded, NBA Ballers, and Psi-Ops, which helped support sales during the period.

There may be light at the end of the tunnel for Midway-- at least next year. What was once the company's big game for the holiday season will instead add its sales to 2005's financial figures. The Xbox and PlayStation 2 shooter Area 51 has been pushed back to early 2005, where Midway hopes there will be "much more attention in a launch period with comparatively less crowding." Midway will use the time to "add extra features and improve gameplay," Zucker said.

Given that the company also acquired the publishing rights for three new Unreal games, including Unreal Championship 2, due February 2005, the first quarter of next year does not look so bleak to Midway execs and investors.

While no mention was made of Mortal Kombat: Deception, it's safe to say the game is on schedule and will also help Midway's revenues. As this story develops, we'll report on it here.

To read the story in its entirety, click here.

Our thanks to forum/chat member ShingoEX for the heads-up on this news story!

UPDATE (by M4C): In related news, GameSpot has announced that Midway has been chosen by Epic Games to publish the future Unreal titles, both for consoles and PC. This will certainly give Midway's financial report a needed shot in the arm, but could it also mean that Midway is interested in bringing other titles to the PC? Specifically one with the initials MK? Only the future will tell ... To read the full story, click HERE.