As the name implies, Tri-Borg is a Lin Kuei cyborg possessing three variations based on Kombat's best known cyber-assassins: Sektor, Cyrax and Smoke -- or so we thought! Eagle eyed viewers of last week's Kombat Kast got the drop on a fourth Cyber Sub-Zero variation, pictured below:
The scourge of Cyber Sub-Zero was first introduced as part of the rebooted, retold, rewritten original trilogy story of Mortal Kombat (2011). Converted by the Lin Kuei in place of Smoke; Sub-Zero became the third featured cyborg playable in the reboot game. Killed during Sindel's decimation of Earth's fighters; Sub-Zero was remade human in the Netherrealm by Quan Chi -- as told in DC Comics' Mortal Kombat X #6. Allowing him to begin the latest game as a revenant, before being resurrected by Raiden in story mode.
Tri-Borg is said to be a new character with his own identity, which may not survive to be canon in future games [full story]. He reportedly has "a few interesting things" to say to Sub-Zero, and with the inclusion of a fourth Cyber Sub-Zero variation - that makes a lot of sense!
Does this new Sub-Zero variation invalidate the already hokey name of "Tri-Borg"? Does this variation tell us more about who he is? Could he be a reborn Bi-Han (formerly Noob Saibot), or a fallen Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei? Many, many questions. Register to share your answers with fans on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
Klassic Kombat arena The Pit will return in Mortal Kombat X when players are asked to download a compatibility pack for Mortal Kombat XL -- the complete edition upgrade.
Baring striking resemblance to the 2011 version of the Mortal Kombat II incarnation; The Pit will bring a smile to fans with its inclusion of a bridge stage fatality!
A little less pleasing: Mortal Kombat XL and Kombat Pack 2 are not expected to come to PC versions of the game. Which may very well mean no Pit for PC players.
Crystal Steltenpohl, MA, Psychology, College of Science & Health of DePaul University is conducting a survey of gamers who identify as part of the Fighting Game Community. The specific intent of the study is undisclosed, but transparently quizzes gamers on social aspects of gaming, user interaction, and gaming specifics.
What is the purpose of this research? We are asking you to be in a research study because we are trying to learn more about fighting game communities. This study is being conducted by Crystal Steltenpohl, a graduate student at DePaul University, as a requirement to obtain her PhD. This research is being supervised by her faculty advisor, Dr. Christopher Keys. There may be other people on the research team assisting with the study. We hope to include up to 2000 people in the research.
What is involved in being in the research study? If you agree to be in this study, being in the research involves filling out a survey about your experiences within the fighting game community as a whole and within game-specific communities you may be a part of. We will ask questions about your perceptions of others’ understanding of the community, your sense of community within the game-specific community you identify with most, and what makes a good/bad player, as well as some general demographic information, such as age, where you live, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability status, among others. This study is not an experiment but rather a survey of your own honest experiences within the fighting game community.
The survey is estimated to take around 20-30 minutes and asks players to offer informative written responses. Participants who disclose their details will enter a draw to win one of five $20 Amazon vouchers for taking part. Steltenpohl hopes to receive 2000 submissions. Click here to learn more and take the survey.
Did you take the survey? Want to poke and prod Mortal Kombat Online users to find out what the heck is going on with them? Tell us about your study! We really want answers.
The ever elusive third Mortal Kombat webseries has seemingly granted its most revealing look yet with a trio characters photographed on set and in costume. Recently confirmed Erron Black actor [full story] Ray Park features sans mask in the image below:
The picture was originally uploaded to actor Ron Yuan's IMDB page in October of last year. It shows the actor in costume as Scorpion, with Park and Boo Boo Stewart, who reportedly appears in all black as Takahashi Takeda.
IMDB is notoriously inconsistent when it comes to pre-release accuracy, but much of what's come out through the publicly moderated site has been accurate. The description for the photograph, however, may contain one very suspect gaming reference: "Boo Boo Stewart, Ron Yuan, Ray Park on the set of untitled Warner Bros/Sega project."
Although completed last year, there's still no concrete release date for the series unofficially titled Mortal Kombat X: Generations. It is expected sometime early this year.
Mortal Kombat XL is bringing the komplete experience to home consoles in March! Hot on the heels of the announce trailer, Amazon released cover art and pre-order options.
Fans can now pre-order Mortal Kombat XL for PlayStation 4 & Xbox One. Featuring all previously released downloadable content, MKXL features a cover with iconic mascot Sub-Zero and DLC bonus fighters:Goro, Tri-Borg, Alien, Predator, Jason Voorhees and Leatherface.
If you were reading Mortal Kombat Online last week, you saw the signs. Now the official announcement: Mortal Kombat XL bringing the komplete MKX experience to players, March 2016!
Mortal Kombat XL super-sizes the best selling 2015 fighting game with all the downloadable content from the first wave Kombat Pack and upcoming Kombat Pack 2! That means all 8 downloadable fighters, The Pit and a plethora of previously released bonus costumes!
Is there a chance MKXL will deliver unique content? Klassic palette swap skins for Jacqui Briggs and Cassie Cage and more raise questions about just what's in store - or digitally downloadable - when the komplete edition arrives March 1st!
The March release also raises questions about upgraded online experiences, leaving very little time for Enhanced Online Beta testing. This may mean a truncated test phase, or additional download support beyond MKXL.
Will you super-size your Kombat and go XL? Register to share your thoughts about the new edition on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Spread the word by sharing via @MK_Online and Facebook!
Fans voted him the most anticipated new character of Kombat Pack 2! Now Tri-Borg is ready to be the first downloadable character to get out of the rank! Fans can tune in for a special sneak peak from NetherRealm Studios this Royal Rumble Sunday, January 24th!
Fans got their first taste of the new downloadable characters in action in a gameplay trailer, earlier this month. To see more all you have to do is tune in to watch the live Twitch stream right here on Mortal Kombat Online!
The newest Kombat Kast will emanate from the ESL headquarters in Burbank. Be watching for the latest word on NetherRealm's Online Beta, too!
Register to immortalize your reactions while you watch the stream live on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Support the community and spread the word by liking & sharing news via @MK_Online & Facebook!
A major update is coming to Mortal Kombat X in 2016! By popular demand; NetherRealm Studios will invite fans to participate in a closed beta test for an announced enhanced overhaul of the online experience! Accepting submissions next week; the beta will introduce an all new model for online play with emphasis on reducing discernible lag.
NetherRealm will get away from their much derided dynamic input latency model to simulate something similar to the GGPO rollback method popular with die hard, online gamers. This simulate forward model aims to preserve the tactile sensation of offline play with consistent input response and a diminished impression of lag during play.
The GGPO rollback method has been popularly applied to online play for versions of Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike, Divekick, and licensed for Skullgirls and Killer Instinct. Abbreviating "Good Game Peace Out", the middleware method was created by fighting game enthusiast Tony Cannon -- co-founder of the Evo World Championship.
Fans with at least 1 hour of online play will be eligible to sign-up for the Mortal Kombat X Beta. Those successful in their application to closed sessions will be able to offer feedback through questionnaires and social channels.
Test Your Might:Four characters will be playable in initial Beta sessions.
MKX Beta will initially feature Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Jacqui Briggs & Johnny Cage. More characters will be introduced at a later date, with more players invited to join testing.
The Beta sign-up website isn't scheduled to launch until Tuesday, January 19th. Make sure you don't miss it!
Mortal Kombat Online wants to know your thoughts, as well! Register to keep a journal of your experiences and thoughts in the dedicated Gameplay & Matchmaking forum! While there you can also co-ordinate beta and klassic sessions and discuss hardcore tactics!
Creative Director Ed Boon has dropped an enticing message for Mortal Kombat X fans on Twitter. The slightly cryptic note: a promise of much more good news beyond the imminent, controversial Kombat Pack 2.
So much more GOOD news on the horizon for the Mortal Kombat X GAME beyond Kombat Pack 2. Stay tuned, and PEACE OUT! pic.twitter.com/DYRuMFW37J
While on the surface the message seems to be a positive guarantee of more to come - it may not be quite what fans hope. The capitalized words 'Good Game, Peace Out' appear to tell a different story about what's on the horizon for Mortal Kombat X - an effective end?
To date, all NetherRealm Studios fighting games have followed their initial release year with a subsequent re-issued complete edition. A new disc replete with all of Mortal Kombat X's extensive downloadable content may be the next logical step as the developer moves on to their next project.
Unlike previous editions, will Mortal Kombat X Komplete include new material as a last hurrah? Story mode non-playable charactersRain, Baraka & Sindel remain popular requests. Fujin is another story mode presence omitted from the playable roster to the point of defiance. With The Pit so similar to its 2011 incarnation, why stop at just one klassic arena?
A new printing could be the answer to the much hounded online netcode. 'Good Game, Peace Out' may also be a reference to GGPO - middlewear designed by Evo World Championship founder Tony Cannon to create latency reduction in online fighting games. Post-patched compatibility may also be an option.
Kombat Pack 2 takes downloadable content further than any NetherRealm Studios game before it, but has surprised fans by only offering a single new pack of character skins to go with its four new characters.
The first Kombat Pack offered fifteen total skins - three alongside each character release. KP2 includes The Pit arena and three Apocalypse Skins [read more], but falls down with previously sold content. Cosplay packs (Brazil and Kold War) and pre-order characterGoro are a challenging offer to fans who've already paid a premium, or opted out.
What's next for Mortal Kombat? Register to share your thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
Mortal Kombat X is still awaiting the imminent release of 2016 Kombat Pack 2 DLC, but it seems NetherRealm Studios may already be making preparations for their next big project!
The former three openings were posted earlier this month (January 6th), and are all significant roles in the development process. This seems to suggest something major in the pipeline from the Warner Brothers owned studio. This may fuel fans already clamouring for more Mortal Kombat -- especially in the realm of genre spin-offs like Shaolin Monks -- but the signs seem to be pointing in another familiar direction.
What's Next?Are NetherRealm Studios Job Listings a Forecast for Injustice?
NetherRealm's careers page uses black and white screenshots from Batman: Arkham City as backgrounds for each job listing. Completion for consoles was partially farmed out to the studio, while mobile development at NRS was established with Arkham City Lockdown. More prominently: NetherRealm branched out into their own DC Comics franchise with 2013 fighting game - Injustice: Gods Among Us.
Injustice featured various heroes and villains from the DC Universe, led in two opposing factions by Batman and Superman. This March, Warner Brothers brings the two characters back to the big screen in their first cinematic showdown - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The film is set to launch the Justice League into opposition with Marvel's successful Avengers franchise.
The entire NetherRealm website makes use of images from Mortal Kombat and Injustice, but these aren't the only circumstances that seem to lend themselves toward a much speculated Injustice sequel.
Kombat Pack 2 subverted expectations by offering reissued 2015 downloadable content as part of its purchase with four new playable characters [full story]. The pack extended new content support further than any NetherRealm game to date -- eight additional characters in total -- but may be a signal for the end for the Mortal Kombat X cycle.
Since being purchased by Warner Brothers, NetherRealm Studios have released a fighting game in April every two years: Mortal Kombat (2011), Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013), Mortal Kombat X (2015). Regularly selling copies in the multi-millions has ensured Warner's 2010 investment has both paid for itself, and become an alternate profit source amidst misfires at the box office.
With the rate of success at the studio, it's unsurprising the Senior Producer job includes a raft of demanding responsibilities surrounding: management, development, motivational and communication skills. The position summary offers a basic insight into the trials of a producer's role:
NetherRealm Studios, a division of WB Games Inc, and developers of Mortal Kombat and Injustice, seeks a Senior Producer to be responsible for overseeing the development team on one or more AAA projects. This position supports the leads, producers and assists the team by managing and executing a variety of tasks to support the teams in developing AAA video games. This position should be the pivotal person for information on the projects, and when something needs to get done they should know how to navigate the waters to achieve results.
The ideal candidate has previously led an internal, games development team, has shipped successful games on Console, and has also worked in the Mobile space.
What's next for NetherRealm Studios? Register to share your thoughts and hopes on the forum. Support the kommunity by liking & sharing this story via @MK_Online and Facebook.
The last direct descendent of Earthrealm's greatest champion is dead. His neck snapped by Shao Kahn, the Revenant Kung Lao is a corrupt plaything for new infernal masters. Now you can play him too if you beat the Mortal Kombat X Mobile free-to-play challenge!
Unlocking Revenant Kung Lao meant answering five new year tiers of evil! Each tier consists of 12 battles, with the exception of the final 15-fight challenge! Tier 1 is a lightning round of all Bronze Kards, Tiers 2 & 3 promote you to Bronze & Silver kards. You'll need a group of the best female fighter kards in your Tier 4 team, before Tier 5 demands the gifted aura of Earthrealm defender Cassie Cage to take Revenant Kung Lao down!
Are you tough enough to face down a once great hero? Register to share your exploits on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Support the kommunity by liking & sharing via @MK_Online, Facebook & YouTube!
Kombat Pack 2 is coming soon to Mortal Kombat X! As promised, the first look at a raft of new downloadable content is here in a gameplay trailer showcasing the four new characters!
The trailer shows off moves for Bo' Rai Cho, Tri-Borg, Alien & Leatherface. Plus: klassic arena The Pit returns in a version very closely resembling 2011's update to the Mortal Kombat II Outworld stage.
Fans who purchased Kombat Pack 2 will receive a new Apocalypse skin pack featuring Takeda, D'Vorah & Erron Black, while also getting free access to past DLC: Brazil Skins, Kold War Skins, Kold War Scorpion Skin & Goro.
What do you think about Kombat Pack 2 now? Register to share your thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
It's a brand new year and that means brand new Mortal Kombat X DLC is getting closer! Fans can look forward to their first look at new content in action later day with the release of the first Kombat Pack 2 gameplay trailer!
Ed Boon announced the video at the end of last week, and dropped the first action shot of Tri-Borg [above] in an update!
Will there be new clues to the identity of newcomer Tri-Borg? Will the three other playable characters be featured? Stay tuned!
Have you ever wondered where kombatants get their wonderful toys? AWE.me series Man At Arms: Reforged has investigated the real work that goes into making Kitana's killer kombat fans.
Recreating the fan design from Mortal Kombat X takes a variety of skills. In the clip, the Man At Arms team take you through the entire process - from shaping the metal, to stitching the blue silk that holds it all together. If you aren't convinced by the aesthetics of their work, be wowed by a deadly demonstration!
Which Mortal Kombat weapon should they tackle next? Share your thoughts on their work on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Special thanks to chat user xort for originally submitting the lead. Found something new & interesting? Let us know!
If you weren't distracted by holiday cheer in December, you may have noticed actor Ray Park confirming a role in this year's Mortal Kombat webseries!
The Scottish born martial arts actor has played starring parts in X-Men, G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra and The King of Fighters, but is best remembered for his portrayal of dual lightsaber wielding Sith Lord Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
According to tweets to fans, he donned the hat and twin pistols of sensational Mortal Kombat X newcomer Erron Black for this year's live-action webseries!
@IAMRayPark will you be in new TV-series Mortal Kombat X Generations as Erron Black? :)
The news appears to confirm long held, unverified rumors started through user moderated sites like IMDB. When asked how his "cowboy accent" is, the actor responded: "Hopefully ok!" His voice was notably redubbed for Darth Maul by British comedian and voice talent Peter Serafinowicz.
It's worth noting Ray Park's account is not verified on Twitter, but has been linked with the official Star Wars account in recent past. The Mortal Kombat live-action webseries doesn't have an official release date, but is expected sometime soon.
Happy new year! Fans who logged into Mortal Kombat X over the holiday break were treated to seasons beatings from their favourite fighting game via two new seasonal Premier Towers!
The snowman heads and presents were flying in December's short-lived Christmas Tower, while New Year's delivered a shower of balloons and blood. All part of the fun of celebrating the holidays with Mortal Kombat! Did you take the challenge? If you did, you may have unlocked some seasonally appropriate new background kards featuring Sub-Zero and old acquaintances we never forgot: The Red Dragon Clan!
Are you a tower taskmaster? Register to boast about your holiday bounty, or just share your thoughts on Premier Towers so far on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
If you weren't distracted by 