Mortal Kombat on Blu-Ray - with Bonus DLC!
We're fighting for the fate of the world -- on BluRay!

In 1995, Mortal Kombat was released to theatres worldwide, grossing a respectable $23 million dollars in it's opening weekend in the United States. An American launching pad for British director, Paul Anderson (Resident Evil, Event Horizon), the film was also a watershed moment for the licensing of video game properties in Hollywood, which to that point, had resulted in critical and financial failure in the box office.

The movie was the culmination of a licensing agreement between major players of the time, then MK-owners Midway Games, and production studio, Threshold Entertainment. The deal would go on to produce a film sequel; animated series, Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm; live-action television show, Mortal Kombat: Conquest; and interactive live-action web series, Federation of Martial Arts.

In 2011, the original Mortal Kombat movie remains among the most popular and successful films to be based on video games. With the aquisition of the brand by Warner Brothers, both the original movie and it's 1997 sequel, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, will get a new lease on life in the Blu-Ray format with a re-release targetted for April 19.

Complete details remain unknown, but IGN.com report that the Blu-Ray release will come with special features lacking from the existing DVD. Both movies contain a theatrical trailer, HD Mortal Kombat video game trailer, and digital copy of the movies, while Mortal Kombat boasts Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins -- a 1995 direct-to-video animated feature.

Bigger news for gamers: the movies come packed with an exclusive downloadable "classic skin" costume for Jade! The DLC bonus is exclusively available for the PlayStation 3 version of Mortal Kombat -- the new game released on the same day as the movies, April 19, on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Fans keen for new live-action material will also be able to get their hands on a brand new upcoming digital series, to be released around the same time [full story].

Update Feb. 3: Jade's bonus "classic" costume can been seen in the latest advertisement for the Blu-Ray releases [accessible below]. The design pays homage to Jade's debut as a playable character in the Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 style. All bonus costumes are expected to be made available for both consoles at a later date.

Update Feb. 6: The more things change, the more they stay the same. Blu-Ray.com has hi-resolution cover artwork from the new releases, which are essentially identical to their previous home DVD releases. You can get a closer look at the covers front and back, with updated blurbs for 2011, above (in the story).

Mortal Kombat Action Figures Coming Soon
Press Play -- Jazwares to Unveil New Series of MK Action Figures!

Since assuming ownership of Midway's intellectual properties in July of 2010 [full story], Warner Brothers have shown clear intent to capitalize on the Mortal Kombat brand in all of it's potential licensing and merchandising mediums.

To accompany the release of the upcoming game in April, a series of licensing deals have already been formed by WB and it's subsidiaries, to produce: an Official Strategy Guide with Prima Games; a custom game stick by PDP [Performance Designed Products]; an as yet untitled digitally released live-action series; and a concept music album with Teenage Riot Records, Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors.

In Spring, their massive merchandising line-up will be joined by a series of new action figures released by Jazwares. The deal is a return of the MK license to the toy manufacturer, who created three series of action figures inspired by Mortal Kombat: Deception and Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, from 2005 to 2007.


Jazwares Series 1 Mortal Kombat: Deception Action Figures (2005).

In an interview with aNb media earlier in the month; Jazwares Executive Vice-President of Sales, Laura Zebersky, confirmed the renewel of their Mortal Kombat licensing agreement in a vague reference to their Spring plans.

In addition to the all-important fourth quarter, Jazwares focuses on events surrounding our licenses such as game releases and TV events. We release new product to coincide with video game releases. At the time of the Sonic & Sega All Stars Racing game release this past spring, we launched a new line of vehicles, which were shown in the game. We have the same plan in place for the scheduled release of the new Mortal Kombat game this spring.

JazWares' previous releases included two versions of Scorpion and Sub-Zero, alongside 6' figures for Raiden, Baraka, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Kano, Johnny Cage, Noob Saibot, and Reptile, who are all expected to be present in the current game. Limited Goro and Kintaro figures were also designed.

How previous releases will effect selection for the new series of action figures remains to be seen. No certain details are available regarding the new toy line-up, but Italian gaming site, Multiplayer.com, has an order page featuring render images of Raiden, Johnny Cage, Scorpion, and Sub-Zero in their present form, not all widely available. The reliability of this information is presently unverified, but French site, Sikozu, is also featuring the same artwork resources, with a listed release date of March 25.


Update Feb. 14: Jazwares is expected to unveil their complete range of MK and Street Fighter action figures at the upcoming 108th Annual American International Toy Fair. In the Toy Fair line-up are the previously reported 6" figures based on current designs for Raiden, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Johnny Cage.

In conjunction with the 6" feature releases, there will be a series of 3.75" repaint figures based on the Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 palette swap ninja design. Available in yellow, blue, green, and grey they are Scorpion, "Classic" Sub-Zero, Reptile, and "Human" Smoke. Complimenting these is a three-pack Lin Kuei cyborg set, featuring; Smoke, Sektor, and Cyrax.

Toy Fair 2011 begins February 14, running for four days until Wednesday, February 18. Images of the Jazwares display plan have leaked on the internet, despite a clear no photography embargo. Mortal Kombat Online will continue to follow the story as it develops.

Update Feb. 22: Toy Fair 2011 produced only the afforementioned teaser display, with no glimpses of the Jazwares action figures themselves. Toy News International featured pictures of the display [pictured above], with many more shots from the show floor in their expanded gallery. MKO will continue to monitor the story.

Thanks to Inside Mortal Kombat for forwarding the Italian site lead. If you think you have a newslead, let MKO know about it. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter, @MK_Online!

Liu Kang Confirmed by Official Website!

He made a surprise appearance in yesterday's IGN Inside the X-Ray behind-the-scenes featurette [full story], but today, it's official: Liu Kang is back!

Described on the Official Mortal Kombat website as "The Returning Champion" -- MK's iconic four-time big hero is a surprisingly late entrant into the new game. He's looking much healthier, though, after suffering a lethal broken neck in the opening scene from Deadly Alliance, before being resurrected as a zombie for Deception and Armageddon.

The time travel premise of Mortal Kombat means Liu Kang is, theoretically, in his element, enjoying the success that comes from entering and winning the Mortal Kombat tournament. There can be no guarantees, however, that Liu is still the chosen champion to represent the Shaolin order and all of humanity. A recently revealed blurb from the Official Mortal Kombat Strategy Guide gave us a strong indication that the existing canon could possibly expect some lasting changes.

Fortunately, much like his spinal column, Liu Kang's history remains in tact. The Official website offers a brief blurb alluding to his extensive training as a Shaolin fighting monk, including recognition from Raiden and his special training with Bo' Rai Cho.

Orphaned at a very young age, Liu Kang was raised by Shaolin monks, who taught him the way of the spiritual warrior. They soon recognized his potential as a contender for the Mortal Kombat tournament and rigorously trained him for this task. Raiden, too, understood that Liu Kang was Earthrealm's best hope for freedom and introduced him to Master Bo' Rai Cho to further his development. Once fully trained, Liu Kang bested all challengers and earned the high honor of representing the Shaolin in the Mortal Kombat tournament. He and Raiden then embarked on their fateful journey to Shang Tsung's island to compete in this pivotal kontest.

The update also includes a new Dead Pool site background.
You can find it, as well as the official Kombat Chat message boards, on TheMortalKombat.com. To learn more about Liu Kang, be sure to join the message board and get talking. Discussion supports character rankings, and has already seen a blockbuster release of Mileena materials!

Mortal Kombat has a release date of April 19 and will be available in standard and kollector's special editions. For more on PAL versions, be sure to follow that story. You can also get a first-hand glimpse of some of Liu Kang's spectacular kung fu by watching Inside the X-Ray!

IGN: Inside the X-Ray Special Feature!
Liu Kang Confirmed! (Goro, Ermac, Jade, Stryker also came along for the ride)

IGN have launched a special featurette taking players inside the practical and stylistic development of Mortal Kombat's exciting new special feature, X-Ray attacks!

The featurette includes sitdown talking heads from inside NetherRealm Studios, with first-hand discussion about the inspiration and intent behind the new attacks from Lead Designer, John Edwards; Director of Art, Steve Beran; and Art Designer, Carlos Pesina. They take us inside the development process, from conceptual stages, to the practicalities of CG model building, motion capture, animation, and the finished product.

Amongst the bone breaking, internal organ bursting mayhem are glimpses of various characters confirmed, but yet to be seen: CG resources reveal skeletal components for Baraka and Goro, the latter seen administering his X-Ray special along with previous confirmation, Ermac, in a previously unseen stage. Also seen for the first time in 2011 form, Mortal Kombat's traditional champion, Liu Kang. Appearing as a victim in some sequences, MK3 alumnist, Stryker. Also glimpsed by eagle-eyed viewers, Jade!

The video demonstrates some of the variation available during X-Ray attacks, as discussed in the Official UK Xbox Magazine's recent preview of the game, which praised the multi-faceted special system for it's potential complexity. The demonstrated X-Ray attacks show off a variety of hand and kick strikes, chops, grapple slams, weapon attacks, combo segues, and variations on specials.

Highlights include: Kitana's fans driven into an opponent's skull or eye sockets; Scorpion stomping on a fallen opponent; Goro lifting an opponent with one set of arms, while the other set crushes their skull, before flicking them in the air for a slam that smashes their head on the floor and cracks the skull further. Ermac features a similar motion, using telekinesis to raise his oppoent in the air, and drive them head-first into the ground, following into an elbow drop. Cyrax opts for an aerial fixed piledriver, for another devastating skull blow.

Each act of violence strikes with the certainty of a game leaving behind it's brush with PG [in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe], to return to the smashmouth, hyperstylized Kombat fans want, know, and love.

You can find the full video embedded above, or at IGN.com. The article also lists the US April 19 release date along with April 30 for the UK, and December 31 for Germany and Australia. The latter may simply be a place holder for an undetermined 2011 date. For more information about the PAL European release, which includes exclusive Ermac DLC, follow our story.

Official UK Xbox Magazine Preview and Pictures

January 26, 2011 -- The Official UK Xbox Magazine has a brand new Mortal Kombat preview online, featuring six unseen screenshots that show-off both fighters' dynamic move stances, as well as the material repercussions delt to their state of dress!

The preview, free to read at OXM.co.uk, makes cultural note of some of the proportionate peculiarities of of MK's fighting femme fatales, but is mostly generous in it's assessment of the series' latest installment. Of particular interest, the specials bar that controls players' access to upgraded special moves, combo breakers, and the already trademark X-Ray attacks, which show more complexity than a mere brute force body blow.

More interesting is what happens at the second stage. Hit the trigger at that point while you're being wailed on and you'll be able to stop any offensive combination dead. Given that the combo system is more accessible and flexible than it was in previous games, this is likely to come in handy.

Finally, once it's topped up, you get access to those miniature fatalities that are the X-Ray moves. While they won't finish your opponent off, they're satisfying, showstopper attacks that look like they cause genuine, medically accurate harm.

They're by no means an instant win button, though. X-Ray moves come in different flavours. Some must be pulled off while in close proximity to your opponent while others, such as Sektor's rocket attack, are projectiles that can connect from a distance.

This glowing emphasis on Mortal Kombat's revised fighting engine comes on the back of announcement that the game will be included in the line-up of the 2011 Evo Championship!
A feat rarely glimpsed by the long running American franchise; including in the pro Evo tournament circuit indicates the ultimate compliment to NetherRealm Studios' efforts to inject depth into the mechanics of the game.

OXM don't appear to be any more clued in to the mysterious time warping storyline of the game, which was connected to an unfortunate turn of events at the end of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, during early announcements by NetherRealm Studios. The recent reveal of the Official Prima Strategy Guide [full story] did, however, reiterate Raiden's intent to meddle in events set during the first tournament and beyond, with suggestion the series canon may incur permanent changes.

There has been no word about the inclusion of a Microsoft system exclusive, which would play counterpart to Sony's inclusion of Kratos as a bonus character [full story]. Read the full Xbox preview article at OXM.co.uk. Mortal Kombat will be released April 19 for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Both consoles offer standard and kollector's special editions of the game.

Thanks to for word on this preview. If you think you have MK news for Mortal Kombat Online, be sure to let us know using the submission form. You can also follow MKO on Twitter for updates direct to your person, @MK_Online!

Mortal Kombat Confirmed For Evo 2011!
ENTER THE ARENA!

Despite it's long and successful history, one achievement has eluded the Mortal Kombat series; a truly tournament-viable game for players to enjoy for years. Despite the nostalgia associated with classics such as Mortal Kombat II and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, the series was only ever to maintain itself on the tournament scene with sporadic appearances at less known events. Today, the drought officially ends and the upcoming Mortal Kombat, which has promised to breath new life into the series, has been added to the Evo 2011 lineup!

During E3, we heard the first rumblings of a game designed with high level gameplay in mind. Series co-creator and project lead Ed Boon stated that while Mortal Kombat has always appealed to the casual player and would continue to do so, the team for the first time was taking aim at a different audience; high level players. Throughout the months since, the community has been witness to some of the most impressive looking Mortal Kombat footage in its history. Fully abandoning the polarizing dial-up combo system, the game features everything required of a true masterpiece in the genre. Special attention has been paid to the engine this time around, from the team answering questions in-depth on the and promising patches post-release if any problems exist.

The Evo Championship Series is perhaps the world's best known fighting game competition and the game's inclusion in it assures of it in many others as well. We would like to congratulate the Mortal Kombat team for this achievement! Shoryuken's live podcast Wakeup SRK featuring Mr. Wizard, Evo organizer, confirmed the list as follows:

Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Super Street Fighter IV
Tekken 6
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift
Mortal Kombat 9

As it stands, Mortal Kombat will feature only the single player mode. PS3 exclusive character Kratos will likely not be allowed. In addition, when asked about censoring Mortal Kombat's gore and fatalities, it was revealed that would likely be done.

Mortal Kombat making the lineup this year is a great victory for Netherrealm Studios, as a goal of the development team was to reach out to hardcore fighting game players more than they ever had before. However, this victory is only one in what will need to be a long battle. Mortal Kombat will need a tournament following to maintain its place on the Evo lineup in the years to come, and the Mortal Kombat community will need to step up and prove that we can support a tournament-viable game by attending this tournament. The more that show up specifically for Mortal Kombat, the higher the chance the game and its sequels return for Evo each year as other series, such as Street Figther and Tekken, do. So don't take this lightly; support Mortal Kombat by attending tournament events if possible and spread the word Mortal Kombat has arrived on the scene!

Official Mortal Kombat Strategy Guide Pre-Order Details
There is No Knowledge That is Not Power -- Prima Deliver Bonus Kontent!

As reported in a previous story; gaming retailer GameStop have updated their listings to include the upcoming April 1st release of the Official Mortal Kombat Strategy Guide. Available in two editions, the guide is published by Prima Games, a division of Random House known for the quality of their work on thousands of well known strategy books, including guides for many of the majority of previous MK titles.

You can currently pre-order standard and collector's editions of the guide through GameStop's online store, at a price of $19.99 and $29.99, respectively. Details about the contents of the guide, and what separates the two versions, remains largely unspecified. Descriptions for the game, however, do make interesting references to the nature of Mortal Kombat and it's plot, implying the canon of the games may be in store for some changes.

After centuries of Mortal Kombat, Emperor Shao Kahn has finally defeated Raiden and his allies. Faced with extinction, Raiden has one last chance. To undo the Emperor's victory, he must strike Shao Kahn where he is vulnerable...The Past.

  • Making a big return to mature presentation and classic 2D fighting engine
  • Captivating storyline that rewrites the history of the Mortal Kombat Tournament
  • State-of-the art technology showcasing stunning 3D environments and characters
  • Re-invigorating the franchise with new multiplayer components
  • First fighting game to be displayed in Stereoscopic 3D
  • Update Feb. 15: An updated listing on Amazon.com elaborates on the contents of Kollector's Edition versions of the guide, promising a variety of enticing bonuses pertaining to cross-media items, including behind the scenes spotlights, and a track from the Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors album [full story].

    • All content from regular edition book
    • Exclusive theme song from Teenage Riot Records
    • Behind the Music - Exclusive interviews with the theme song artists
    • Tournament caliber strategy for the serious tournament players
    • Inside NetherRealm Studio feature
    • Massive concept art section
    • Laminated move reference cards for all characters
    • Character histories with Fatality gallery and warrior evolution
    • Embossed Hardcover with special foil logo

    Mortal Kombat will be available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. with an expected US release date of April 19. You can already pre-order the game in standard and kollector's editions through most major retailers, including GameStop, who are offering an exclusive pre-order bonus of "Klassic" Scorpion outfit and fatality [full story].

    Thanks to and for the word on the strategy guide!

    Netherrealm Studios Reveals Sektor and Cyrax Artwork!

    Netherrealm Studios has sent out flattened renders (artwork) from the original cyborg assassin tandem of Sektor and Cyrax for January 24's Mortal Monday weekly event!

    Mustard and Ketchup, as they were known during the development of Mortal Kombat 3, stand ready for battle. Sektor takes a martial art stance while Cyrax reveals his chest cavity, which is known to contain all manner of bomb, saw and claw.

    In addition, a face many MK fans know was also included in this Mortal Monday. 1995's Mortal Kombat was one of the most praised video game movie translations of its day and remains among the prestigious group of praised video game based movies. The animatronic head of Prince Goro was recently sold at a prop auction by Amalgamated Dynamics Inc, but thankfully Netherrealm Studios themselves were able to pick up this prize before a private collector could and have provided us with an image of the lifelike monster voiced by Kevin Michael Richardson in the cult classic.

    Mortal Kombat Digital Series Officially Announced

    Warner Premiere has today issued an official press release to announce their upcoming ten episode, live-action digital series based on Mortal Kombat. A formality to confirm what was already widely reported January 15th; the release reiterates Kevin Tancharoen's role as director of the shorts, with filming set to start in Vancouver this February.

    In reference to Tancharoen's work on the well known Mortal Kombat: Rebirth viral video [full story], the press release makes deliberate note of it's status as an "unofficial fan short." The ten episodes are also described as revealing unseen history regarding the characters fans "know and love", suggesting the digital series may have much closer ties to the video game canon than the urbanized versions seen in Rebirth.

    No casting was revealed in the press release, but Michael Jai White has already made it known he will return to reprise his Rebirth role as Jax, appearing alongside confirmed characters; Scorpion, Johnny Cage, and Liu Kang.

    Update Jan. 25: When asked if she would appear in the new project, actress Jeri Ryan, who appeared in Rebirth, confirmed via Twitter that she has been offered the role of Sonya and is in negotiations. Ian Anthony Dale offered similar confirmation on the 15th, regarding his return as Scorpion.

    Update Feb. 6: Jeri Ryan has confirmed via Twitter that she has accepted the role of Sonya Blade. She will leave for Vancouver tomorrow, where the series is set to be filmed. Ryan notes her enthusiasm for her chapter, "BTW, just finished reading the whole script for Mortal Kombat. Holy crap... I think u might just love it. Get ready..."

    If the digital shorts do indeed elaborate on the history of the icons of the franchise, they will be part of a noted effort to explore the characters and their stories, adding to animated vignettes that have already been released to reveal more about Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Mileena in the lead-up to the game.

    Warner Premiere today announced development of a live-action digital series based on the best-selling Mortal Kombat videogame franchise. Directed by Kevin Tancharoen, known for his popular unofficial fan short Mortal Kombat: Rebirth which garnered over 10 million views online, and in conjunction with the upcoming Mortal Kombat videogame, this action-packed, digital series will take gamers deep into the history of warriors they know and love such as Scorpion, Johnny Cage and Liu Kang. Shooting for the digital series will take place in Vancouver starting in early February.

    Mortal Kombat is one of the most celebrated videogame franchises of all time. Since its debut in 1992, it has spawned four arcade games, 10 console-based videogame titles, two movies (Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation), two televisions series (Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm and Mortal Kombat: Conquest) and an animated prequel Mortal Kombat: The Journey Begins. Additionally, a new Mortal Kombat game will be coming out April 19, 2011 on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

    Available this spring through online digital retailers from Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, the Mortal Kombat digital series is an anthology of multiple live action shorts, each providing never-before-revealed insights into characters featured in the upcoming videogame as well as the game’s universe. Additional details, including casting, will be announced in the coming weeks.

    The ten episode "digital series" will be made available this Spring, likely through avenues such as iTunes and Amazon. You can already find MK releases through these services: the first of WaterTower Music's Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors collaborations with Teenage Riot Records has been made available as a pre-release [iTunes/Amazon].

    Mortal Kombat, the new video game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, will be released April 19 in standard and special editions. Mortal Kombat Online will report on confirmed details for international versions as information is made available.

    Apr. 19 Release Date Announced, Box Art Released
    Today, Warner Bros. Games has officially announced the release date of April 19 for Mortal Kombat (2011).

    In addition, they have released the box art for the new game on both systems

    Finally, the Mileena gameplay trailer from yesterday [full story] is no longer a European exclusive and has been released to gaming entities in all nations.
    Mileena Gameplay Trailer: Looking for a New Playmate?

    NetherRealm Studios have released the next in their line of official character gameplay montages, this time featuring the malicious moves of man-eater, Mileena!

    To download the videos yourself, you can use these links:

    Mileena's trademark sai weapons play a prominent role as a classic projectile, along with other favourite moves from previous appearances, her telerport kick, rolling thunder, and a smoothly integrated leaping bite, among the highlights. The video shows off the improved fluidity of Mortal Kombat's new fighting engine, boasting seamless tag team assists, as well as bone crushing X-Ray specials!

    Also included: dialogue between Mileena and an unseen character, whose voice was previously attributed to MK3 alumnist, Stryker, in a series of leaked audio files. It remains unclear if this is part of a seemingly interactive pre-fight intro sequence, or a brief snippet of the games confirmed story mode, which will operate similarly to the mode seen in 2008's Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe.

    More intriguing, perhaps, is the appearance of a new background character. Over the course of previews, Shao Kahn's Coliseum has played host to a small handful of chained women in reference to the Mortal Kombat II appearance of Sonya and Kano.

    Were you listening to me, or were you looking at the woman in red?

    This new character, an unindentified woman in red, may yet have ties to a teaser image posted to Twitter by Ed Boon in September, last year. Revealed as belonging to an unrevealed character in part of an incentive campaign to earn votes in a Gamespot competition [full story], the leg has been speculated to belong to Sareena, Sindel, or a long rumored fake character known as Skarlett.

    If the very deliberate manner with which the trailer focuses action around the woman in red's section of the arena didn't convince you, then perhaps a playful message from the official Mortal Kombat Twitter feed will help:

    A lot of tactical legwork went into today's Mileena trailer, too bad didn't reveal any characters. #OrDidWe

    The gameplay video is currently exclusive to Eurogamer, and can be viewed at full size on their website. The video comes as response to massive support shown for Mileena on the official Mortal Kombat website. You can help unlock more materials by joining the official message boards. For more Mileena, be sure to check out the barrage of materials released in January, including; fully rendered artwork, an animated backstory vignette, and design renders of both Mileena, and Kitana. Also available on iTunes and Amazon, the first track from Mortal Kombat: Songs inspired by the Warriors!

    Mortal Kombat is expected to be released in April for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, available in standard and special editions. Information about international versions of kollectors extras is expected to be made known soon. Stay tuned to Mortal Kombat Online for updates.

    Thanks to forum member for noticing our mysterious lady in red.
    You can follow conversation and speculation about the character on the MKO forums. If you think you've spotted something special, or have a newslead, let us known!

    PAL Kollectors Edition of Mortal Kombat Revealed!

    The previously announced Kollector's Edition of Mortal Kombat showcased what NTSC players could expect, but what about PAL players in European regions? The wait is over as today merchant site Take 2 has revealed the contents of this package. From the website:

    CONTENT of the Mortal Kombat Kollector's Edition: (note subject to change without prior notice)

    * The Game
    * A Figurine
    * An exclusive SteelBook
    * A collectible Art book
    * DLCs including an exclusive Mortal Kombat classic costume skin and avatar costumes.

    The newest chapter of the iconic fight franchise marks a triumphant return to the series' mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2D fighting mechanic. Driven by an all new graphics engine, the fan favorite Fatality is back and presented in more gory detail than ever before. In addition, Mortal Kombat introduces a number of new game-play features including tag team and the deepest story mode of any fighting game. Players can choose from an extensive lineup of the game's iconic warriors and challenge their friends in traditional 1 vs. 1 matches, or take on several new game modes.

    The included figure is unique to the ones offered for NTSC Kollector's Edition games. Instead of separate Scorpion and Sub-Zero figures, this figure is a statuette featuring Scorpion using his iconic spear on his nemesis, complete with generous amounts of blood.

    Whether or not the every skin will be available from the NTSC region or just a specific one remains to be seen, we will update this story with more information once it is known.

    Thanks to forum member for word on this story!

    Update: 1/27/11 - We have added a high quality image to the story which shows off the features of this set better. In addition to the previously announced classic attires for Sub-Zero, Scorpion and Reptile European players will be treated to a palette swap of a different color: Ermac! The official Mortal Kombat Twitter has confirmed that the classic Ermac will be available in North America as well as Europe!

    Mortal Kombat Reborn as Ten Episode Web Series!

    June last year, seven minutes and forty-nine seconds of video had the entire gaming internet and MK fan kommunity buzzing [full story]. Mortal Kombat: Rebirth was ultimately the work of Kevin Tancharoen: a director looking to develop a radical reimagining of the Mortal Kombat universe and its characters. To accompany this twisted new vision, noteworthy actors Michael Jai White (The Dark Knight, Black Dynamite, Spawn), Jeri Ryan (Star Trek: Voyager, Boston Public, Shark), and Ian Anthoy Dale (The Event, Tekken) lent their time and talents to a modest cast of extras, in what was otherwise a very well produced, high budget demo reel for online consumption. Or so it seemed...

    Bloody-Disgusting.com is reporting that the video, witnessed by millions upon its release online, has earned Tancharoen the opportunity to produce an official series of ten short webisodes for Warner Brothers; current proprietors of the Mortal Kombat license and trademarks.

    Tancharoen, who made his feature directorial debut in 2009 with the remake of Fame, had originally been aiming for an R-rated feature "reboot" of the franchise. On moving forward from the premise of the Rebirth demo, the director told Collider.com:

    So with all that mysticism, I want to infuse it. But I also want to infuse it with a little bit more of a demonic presence, as opposed to an Asian mysticism presence, so that it feels a little bit more evil. That’s the thing about Mortal Kombat. I love that it was all the bad things. It was evil, it was bloody. It was your way of being twelve and rebelling. “I’m not gonna play Sonic the Hedgehog — I’m gonna play Mortal Kombat.” I definitely want to incorporate all of that stuff, but I want to incorporate it in a very tasteful way. Not in an over the top, campy way, where everyone one is just throwing fireballs, and throwing electricity, and having an unlimited supply of special moves. Because then, if you do that, to me they’re not special anymore at all. And I want to incorporate all of the very iconic things that have made Mortal Kombat so special.

    Filming for the online series is reported to begin in Vancouver in February, with Michael Jai White returning in the lead role of Mortal Kombat II alumnist, Major Jackson "Jax" Briggs. The plot, reportedly written by [Kevin] Tancharoen, Todd Helbing, and Aaron Helbing, will presumably reside within the urbanized setting of Rebirth's grimey "Deacon City", developing an alternate take on the Mortal Kombat tournament that will be featured in April in the new game. This is not explicitly described in the original story, however.

    Rebirth's greatest strength was arguably its willingness to take the Mortal Kombat franchise seriously, emphasising credible martial arts amidst the bloody cinematic battles. If your tastes veer closer to the official canon, however, be sure to check out recently released official materials from the game, including a character vignette delving into the beautiful and lethal origins of abominable clone, Mileena! Also just released this Fatality Friday: Kitana and Mileena renders, and a closer look at the history of The Dead Pool!

    Mortal Kombat is expected to be released in April for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the first game since the formation of NetherRealm Studios. To coincide with the release, a new concept album, Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors, will also be released through Warner Brothers' WaterTower Music.

    Thanks to forum member ProfesserAhnka for first word on this story and others who submitted as well. If you think you have a lead, submit it to MKO!

    Mortal Kombat Environment Bio #03 - The Dead Pool!

    A very active Friday has brought us much new media, and it includes the third in the series of Environment Bios!

    The Dead Pool, one of Mortal Kombat II's signature stages and stage fatalities makes yet another appearance in this installment of the series. An uppercut into the green acid used to be virtually all we knew of the stage, but over the years we learned more about this barbaric structure. Created by the sorcerer Shang Tsung, it is virtually a wasteland featuring the remains from his flesh pits, of which characters such as Mileena and Meat originate. The desecrated corpses and bare skeletons reflect the environment's close ties with death and suffering, of which the player can be directly exposed with by a very popular returning stage fatality.

    Kitana and Mileena Renders and Music Released!

    Introduced as pallette swaps in Mortal Kombat II, they've gone on to remain two of the most enduring female figures in the MK canon. Hot on the heels of the release of a character vignette and feature artwork, NetherRealm Studios have delivered yet another special treat for fans keen to get a closer look at Shao Kahn's sibling assassins, Mileena and Kitana!

    The images, previously exclusive to magazine publications, reveal the new designs for each character in intimate detail. They reference earlier generations of the basic swimsuit, redesigned for this retelling of the story with a greater reflection of individuality in both. Fashionably fitting, given the fierce rivalry the two are famously known to have.

    Kitana and Mileena will also have to fight over their dead pool playlist when WaterTower Music and Teenage Riot Records team-up to release, Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors!

    Executive produced by JFK of MSTRKRFT; the album will feature tracks inspired by the characters of Mortal Kombat, including the theme performed by Tokimonsta in Mileena's vignette. The album is officially released in April around the same time as the game, but you can get an early taste of the action by visiting iTunes or Amazon to purchase Mileena's theme.

    Mortal Kombat is the first release for NetherRealm Studios since the sale of Midway, and will be available for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in standard and special editions.

    Character Biography Vignette #3: Mileena!
    GameSpot has posted an exclusive vignette of Mileena that delves into her origin:
    Mileena was created by Shang Tsung in his foul flesh pits. Twisted and mad, she's equally beauty and beast. Devoid of a conscience, she has the rage of a wild animal. Only the evil lord Shao Kahn possesses the will to control her. Determined to destroy her rival Kitana, Mileena entered the Mortal Kombat tournament, ready to butcher anyone and everyone who gets in her way.


    The vignette also mentions that the games' soundtrack is coming to stores in April 2011. Thanks go to user for the word on this update!

    Update: The official Mortal Kombat Community Manager posted a longer preview of Mileena's theme song here.
    Mileena Render Released on Official Facebook!

    The official Mortal Kombat Facebook unloaded a new image for Mortal Monday today, a high-res render of the terrifying temptress Mileena!

    The render continues along with the "shadows" them silhouette of the victim involved in the grizzly attack. Here Mileena decapitates an unfortunate soul with her bare hands on the game's redone Pit background. Though the face is obscured, judging by the hairstyle of the victim this could very well be the head of the yet to be seen Liu Kang.

    Mileena is the most popular character over on the official website, so we expect to see more of the vixen should Netherrealm Studios follow a similar path they took with Scorpion and Sub-Zero.

    Best Buy Reveals Exclusive Classic Sub-Zero Skin!
    Best Buy has posted a (small) render of Sub-Zero’s classic render, the third and final retailer exclusive for pre-ordering. With this, Sub-Zero has joined the ranks of Scorpion and Reptile, whose classic costumes were revealed in earlier updates.
    To see the Best Buy ordering page, click here. Thanks to our Twitter follower Kenps3 for the word on this update. Remember, you too can follow us on Twitter at MK_Online.
    Game Informer Confirms Jade and Goro!

    As promised recently, Game Informer did indeed reveal two new characters in the latest edition of the popular magazine. These two characters are original Mortal Kombat sub-boss Goro and hidden Mortal Kombat 2 fighter Jade!

    Ed calls Goro a boss character and there isn't currently a plan to enact his playability and his appearance is the standard Goro fare. Along with this, he is shown firing a projectile and his signature Goro's Lair stage is shown along with him. The remake of this classic background is dark and grizzly, featuring bodies hanging from the ceiling along with a Throne for the Shokan warrior. Jade is a mix of her UMK3 and MKD outfits whilst sporting a new hairstyle and shows off her trademark boomerang projectile reminiscent of it's MKD variant.

    In addition, Ed also remarks on their plans for a possible XBox 360 exclusive character to mirror the PS3's Kratos, saying that there is no character planned at the present time. He did however once again mention DLC when this topic was brought up, so it's possible more guest characters could wind up on the roster as DLC bonuses.

    Alongside Krato's inclusion in the PS3 version comes an exclusive arena for him. Boon stated that the stage falality for his enviroment is probably the most elaborate stage fatality to ever emerge from the Mortal Kombat franchise. Finishing this statement by saying "it's gonna be something special".

    The magazine is currently only available to subscribers. If you subscribe to Game Informer and have not received this issue you most likely will this coming Monday or Tuesday. The magazine will be available in stores at a later date. As we uncover more information about the feature we will update this story to be as thorough as possible.

    Thanks to forum member for word on this story and a summary of the magazine contents!

    Fatality Friday - A Night Out With Mileena!

    Much like the previous Johnny Cage video, this Fatality Friday gives some insight into what several staff members at Netherrealm Studios think about Mileena. Specifically, they share some thoughts on where they would take her on a date if given the opportunity.

    Given Mileena's "unique" features, the comments range from amusing to very cautious. Some members choose to take full advantage of Mileena's pugilistic tendencies to get the most out of the night while others wish to avoid the mouth area at all costs with a select few going a step further hoping to seek help from professional orthodontists.

    The video is also peppered with gameplay footage of Mileena wreaking havoc on her opponents with her signature moves as well as showing off her pre-battle taunt and victory pose.

    Thanks to forum member Casselman for word on this story!

    Gamestop Reveals Exclusive Classic Scorpion Skin!

    Last month we learned of a number of special pre-order bonuses from various gaming outlets for the upcoming Mortal Kombat. In particular, placing your order with the largest gaming specialization merchant, Gamestop, gives one access to Scorpion's classic fatality as well as a classic ninja attire, inspired by the classic Mortal Kombat games from the early 90's. Gamestop has now revealed exactly what this costume will look like with a high quality render placed on their site.

    The look is nearly identical to an earlier revealed Reptile costume from Amazon. Scorpion's eyes were changed to fit his character but otherwise it is a true palette swap right down to the pose. These costumes should please fans who remember Mortal Kombat as the series featuring several deadly, multi-color ninja-type combatants. All that remains to be seen is Best Buy's exclusive character, Sub-Zero, who we must assume will be a blue costume swap of Scorpion with altered eyes.

    If you would like to place a pre-order for the game on Gamestop to receive your exclusive content, please click here.

    Thanks to forum member Casselman for word on this story!

    Mortal Kombat Casting Director Killed in Hit-and-Run

    There is sad news to report out of Los Angeles this week in the realm of video games. Brigitte Burdine, a casting director with a body of work dating back to 2000 was fatally wounded in a hit-and-run vehicular accident. The LA Weekly reports that Burdine was struck by a yet unknown assailant while walking home from a date with her boyfriend. We at Mortal Kombat Online extend our condolences to her family, friends and loved ones.

    Brigitte Burdine worked on Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe as the casting director and is credited with casting the upcoming Mortal Kombat (2011) as well. Her decade long career includes other hit titles such as World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King and Tales of Symphonia. If you happen to have any information about the dark sedan reportedly involved in the accident, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department.


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