With Mortal Kombat just weeks away, NetherRealm Studios have provided fans with another intimate look at Tag Team gameplay action! The latest clip, released via Italian gaming site, multiplayer.it, spotlights the fighting prowess of mother and daughter team, Sindel and Kitana, with Jade and Mileena in support roles!
Fought on the previously revealed MK3-inspired Cathedral stage, the entirety of the battle shows off all of the usual trademark attacks, along with a first-look spotlight on Jade's staff X-Ray special that punishes the groin and spine of anyone unlucky enough to receive it!
Queen Sindel -- a character previously intrinsic to Mortal Kombat 3 plotlines -- also has a spotlight feature in the trailer, including the first glimpse of her graceful entry into combat. Find the video embedded above, or at its home on multiplayer.it.
Mortal Kombat is right around the corner, released April 19 (US) and April 21 (EU) for the PlayStation and Xbox 360. Italian players will compete against the best in Europe in official tournaments over the next month, culminating in a continent final in the UK, where there can be only one champion [full story].
As April approaches, the debut of the long-awaited Mortal Kombat digital series draws ever nearer. Director Kevin Tancharoen debuted the original Mortal Kombat Rebirth project back in June, and since that time Warner Brothers took an official interest in the short film, wishing to develop a series with the cast and crew. Recently, the director sat down with MovieWeb to answer a few questions regarding how the series came to be, specifics on a few of the episodes and an expected release date of the first episode.
Of interest, details about the Scorpion and Sub-Zero themed episode was revealed. Unlike in the Rebirth short, this version of the iconic ninjas stories will most likely follow the games more closely. Earlier in the month, we were treated to a teaser featuring Ian Anthony Dale as the ninja spectre [full story].
We're going to do an episode with Scorpion and Sub-Zero, but it takes place in ancient Japan. The whole episode is in Japanese and you see the depth of Scorpion's family and clan and how they got murdered, etc. That one is going to be very epic, because of the iconic characters.
Shane Warren Jones and Peter Shinkoda will play the parts of Cyrax and Sektor, respectively and the episode featuring them is one Tancharoen is most fond of. He confirms the story will show them both as human and cyborg, and it seems the two will be in opposition of one another as a fight sequence between them was mentioned.
They talk when they're in human form. Then they get changed to robots, and there's a pretty epic fight scene when they're robots. We did full motion-capture for that and we're starting to put the layers on it now, and texturing and shading it and all that good stuff, to make it look photo-real and make it look like it's gigantic. That's one of the most intense visual effects episodes, because it's robots on robots. There's a certain level of expectations you have with fighting robots, because the material is out there already. We're just trying to make them as polished as possible.
He mentions that if there is enough demand, a DVD and/or Blu-ray release, with extras, may be eminent once the series completes it's run. The expected release date was not conclusively mentioned, but a WB rep that phoned in during the interview said the goal was early April, with an episode planned to follow each week after one debuts. Tancharoen notes that at least one episode will take place before the April 19th release of Mortal Kombat (the game).
To read the remainder of this interview, please click here.
For more information on the Mortal Kombat digital series, check out our comprehensive coverage detailing the known cast and crew of the project, including the active Twitter accounts of many. Don't forget to follow @KTANCH on Twitter to see more of his Twitpic teasers in the new future. @MK_Online will continue to report on all things involving the digital series as well!
In December of last year it was revealed that two special editions of Mortal Kombat would be available for devoted fans of the series [full story]. One of these editions carries an exclusive fight stick created by PDPgaming, limited to only 20,000 copies across all retailers in North America. PDP will also be holding a live tournament with a $21,000 prize pool.
Taking place in Las Vegas, NV at the Ballys Hotel and Casino the inaugural Mortal Kombat 9 Gamers Tourney will feature a $10,000 cash grand prize to the winner. Presumably, the remaining $11,000 will be split amongst other participants who place highly. This event is scheduled to take place during the weekend of May 14th and 15th, a Saturday and Sunday respectively. Official rules and registration will be made available soon through the official PDP Twitter. Mortal Kombat Online will also have updates as they're available.
Edit: Registration is now open at PDPTournaments.com. Registration requires name, location, and online details, as well as an entry fee of $30, to be paid between the dates of March 7th through May 8th. This tournament does require use of PDP's fight stick on the Xbox 360 platform. You may bring your own PDP fight stick or make use of one on site, which will be provided free of charge.
Share your $10K story with MKO by posting your journey to the PDP tournament on the forums. Also; don't miss tournament action as it unfolds across Europe, with official tournaments already under way in the building search for a European champion!
Joystiq.com are reporting claims that Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment are likely to adopt a new online "pass token" system that will effect the coming release of Mortal Kombat.
The system -- designed to curb piracy and the growing second-hand market -- will allegedly not be promoted in any aspect by Warner Brothers themselves, who have reportedly sent information packages to retailers via e-mail, with the intention of marketting tokens for independent sale in stores.
In an excerpt published by Joystiq, a price point of $9.99 is made clear, with players able to access a two-day free trial before being forced into a code purchase. The scheme does not seem likely to effect new copies, which come packaged with the required token.
Mortal Kombat, available on April 19 for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, includes a one-time-use registration code that gives players access to all online modes in the game. Players who do not have a code will get a free two-day trial of the online play and then be able to purchase the online modes for 800 Microsoft Points on Xbox LIVE Marketplace and $9.99 on the PlayStation Network.
Competitive online play has been a major feature promoted in the build-up of Mortal Kombat. With brand new purchases expected to contain the required online token, the effect of the new system will likely be minimal as the industry adapts to control its market. Similar systems have already been adopted by EA and THQ.
Despite negative reaction online; EA Chief Financial Officier, Eric Brown, told a 2010 Deutsche Bank 2010 Technology Conference that backlash had not been significant for their sports titles [via gamasutra]. The system, in it's infancy, was credited with extending revenue in the secondary market. WB is expected to utilize the online pass in a variety of upcoming titles, in different capacities.
The original report is available on Joystiq.com. Thanks to for forwarding the article. If you have news, let Mortal Kombat Online know about it via the submissions form. You can also follow MKO on twitter, @MK_Online.
After wrapping up the Raiden promotional coverage last week, this week begins a look in on the sixth character to be featured on the official Mortal Kombat Facebook. Despite earlier notions it would be none other than emperor Shao Kahn himself, it now appears that that shifty sorcerer Shang Tsung has taken his place!
With all Shadow themed wallpapers, this feature is a silhouette of what has always ended up being one of the character's in game fatalities. The green aura of the image plays off the sorcerer's soul stealing powers, a trick he seems to be performing on his victim. Given the lack of details on the character in this teaser image, we're unable to tell conclusively what age Shang Tsung is at this juncture, as he has appeared both in his older Mortal Kombat 1 look in stages as well as a younger, Mortal Kombat 3 inspired look in standard gameplay. This is more than likely the former however given the facial hair and what is seemingly a robe attire.
Shang Tsung is the 6th character to receive this treatment. The others include Raiden, Liu Kang, Mileena, Sub-Zero and Scorpion. Stay tuned as these wallpapers usually indicated a series of features on the character, including character vignettes and gameplay trailers!
US gaming magazine Gamepro has obtained information regarding the first batch of Downloadable Content for the upcoming Mortal Kombat. In their May 2011 issue, they claim to have information on the first three characters available. These characters are Kintaro, the Lady in Red and Kenshi. A day following this breaking news, gaming website CVG posted an article with an interview of developer Hans Lo that speaks about the DLC content upcoming for this game [full article here].
Following the break of this story, Netherrealm Studios team members Shaun Himmerick and Hector Sanchez denied the validity of the article's details, with the latter hinting that Kintaro would not be part of any paid DLC package, saying, "#tigerbloodisnotforsale", a hint at Kintaro's tiger-Shokan lineage. With these claims, it seems likely that Gamepro and CVG have partially bad information regarding Kintaro's status as a playable DLC character. Gamepro does however have a render in the upcoming issue, which is very reminiscent of Kintaro's design in MK: Armageddon.
The mysterious Lady in Red, who was possibly partially unveiled by Ed Boon on Twitter back in September during the Gamespot Villain battle has been the subject of much debate for several months, appearing with a variety of other MK females chained in Kahn's Coliseum. Hector Sanchez confirmed on Twitter that this character currently has no official name beyond "Lady in Red". Gamepro specifically mentions the name "Skarlett" and Hans Lo identifies that "Scarlet" is a fan created name. Whether either version of this name sticks remains to be seen. This character's render in Gamepro showcases her blood red attire along with noting that she makes use of throwing knives and wears a mask instead of a veil like Kitana or Mileena (note that the spelling errors below are CVG's).
"Anyone who knows the history of Mortal Kombat will tell you that back in the days of the arcade - when they did just palette swap characters to come up with multiple fighters in the game - there was a glitch in one of the old arcade machines that caused the Jade/Katana/Milena female ninja to glitch and turn red.
"People always thought it was a hidden unlockable character and it wasn't, it was purely a programming glitch. They've always speculated and in fact it was the fans who named her Scarlet to begin with. She's no longer a glitch - she's an actual character, and she'll be coming pretty soon post-launch."
Kenshi is a fighter from Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance that will be making an appearance in this translation due to his popularity. The blind swordsman was tricked by the sorcerer Shang Tsung and began his quest for retribution before the chronological start of the first Mortal Kombat game. He missed the boat the first time, perhaps in this timeline he will locate the sorcerer sooner rather than later. His render is faithful to his original look in Deadly Alliance, with slight changes to his hair and armor.
Hans further notes to CVG that these DLC characters will be treated with the same care that the in game characters have been, complete with everything necessary to be a full, original combatant for the upcoming game.
"They won't be copy and pasted from characters already in the game - they're going to have their own unique fighting styles, moves, fatalities and x-rays - all the good stuff," producer Hans Lo told CVG.
Series co-creator and project lead Ed Boon assures the MK faithful that Mortal Kombat DLC characters are not present on the game disc and will not simply be unlocked with a code. Mortal Kombat Online will continue to provide ongoing updates and the latest information on this developing story as information becomes available. At this time, it appears that the Lady in Red and Kenshi are DLC characters with Kintaro either being an unplayable boss or in the game at launch as a hidden unlockable fighter. The release date of any DLC packages is currently unknown.
The battle rages through three different stages, with Raiden performing one of his signature special moves as the location changes, including The Pit and Shao Kahn's Throne Room. Raiden wins the battle and as a display of power finishes off his opponent. The full uncensored version of this fatality is currently available to customers who have placed pre-orders with Gamestop [which also includes a custom Scorpion skin and fatality, recently advertised] via the Widget.
Thanks to forum member for bringing this story to our attention. If you have a news lead for MK Online, please send in a newslead or contact us on Twitter!
He may be known as the tempestuous protagonist of Sony's popular God of War franchise, but when it came to including Kratos as a PlayStation exclusive in Mortal Kombat, all parties were in peaceful agreement that the match-up was a natural.
"We kind of felt it was meant to happen," says Ed Boon, in a sitdown blog for Playstation.com. Discussing the collaboration alongside God of War III director, Stig Asmussen; Boon reveals an intense attention to detail that saw scrutiny in all stages of the process from Sony Santa Monica Studios -- the studio responsible for the God of War series. The crossover was a work of mutual respect, though.
While both sides had to adapt to the unique situation Kratos presents in Mortal Kombat, the end result gets the thumbs up from both directors. Even though his character will be subject to dismemberment and brutality the likes of which has never been seen before, Asmussen gives the game the olympian stamp of approval:
“I will say that I’ve never seen his skull before this game,” “But [...] you guys really pulled through. I’m proud of that game
With regards to the working complexities of such compromises, the blog provides answers. Kratos will have an arcade ending in the game, which Boon describes as more elaborate than previous incarnations, but adds that, "From the start, we decided we wouldn’t put him into the story and have him interacting with Scorpion or things like that." Kratos also won't be taking part in Test Your Might mini-games, or [as yet unconfirmed] comedic Friendship finishers, as an apparent mark of respect for the character, "There’s just no humorous side to Kratos.”
Fans can also look forward to a stage fatality on the God of War III end-game inspired stage, which takes elements from Kratos' epic battle against Zeus in the Chamber of Flame. Kratos will also possess his trademark arsenal, bringing the Bow, Cestus, Blade of Olympus, Icarus Wings, Helios head and the Blade of Chaos to the fight, in an unprecedented array of weapon attacks. The literal translation ends there, however, as the team remains dedicated to keeping Kratos balanced. His group-fighting techniques, with penchant for long range melee, will be toned down to suit the one on one expectations of Mortal Kombat.
This isn't the first time Kratos has made the transition to traditional fighting games, of course. In 2009, the God of War guest starred in PSP weapon fighter, Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny.
Kratos will appear in Mortal Kombat when the game hits US shelves April 19 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with Europe just a couple of days behind.
Kratos appears exclusively on the PlayStation 3 version, which also includes stereoscopic 3D, as previewed in the recent March PlayStation Network demo [full story]. For a closer look at the God of War in action, don't miss the new Kratos Gameplay trailer!
Eurogamer has acquired some exclusive gameplay footage featuring the upcoming Mortal Kombat's new Tag Team mode. In this bout, entitled Tag Team Ninja Throwdown, iconic ninjas Scorpion and Sub-Zero team up to do battle against a pair of former ninja, cyborg assassins Cyrax and Sektor.
This fight takes place on the revamped Rooftop stage from Mortal Kombat 3. Much like in that game, this arena is connected by location to other stages such as The Bridge, which was unveiled during this year's GDC. As seen in that video, a large dragon creature is terrorizing the city. After attacking a barge on the Bridge stage, here on the Rooftop it is being pursued by a military helicopter as the combat takes place below.
The fight shows off tag team gameplay mechanics as well as individual mechanics for the four aforementioned characters. Check it out above or click here to visit Eurogamer.
Following months of speculation, God of War's famed hero Kratos was confirmed as a guest character for the Playstation 3 version of Mortal Kombat at the 2010 VGAs. A few months later, we are now treated to the first high quality footage of this anti-hero in action.
Gamespot has released a gameplay trailer showcasing many of Kratos' special moves and general gameplay style. True to rumors, Kratos possesses a large variety of weapons harkening his days from the God of War series. Unlike other characters in the game, he fights with a weapon out at all times as he holds his dual Blades of Exile during general combat. He is seen using them for some jabs into Ermac's (who seems to be in an alternate costume) ribs before hurling him across the arena floor. Kratos also makes use of the Bow of Apollo, firing several flaming arrows. He still has the decapitated Head of Helios which he uses to temporarily stun enemies to gain a free hit. He also has a fiery dash move that slides under the opponent.
Kratos also seems to have a unique gameplay mechanic borrowed from his home series, as he uses a QTE (quick time event) which calls for players to press buttons within a certain time limit to further perform maneuvers, presumably resulting in higher damage if successfully executed. His X-ray move is shown to be a combination of weapon strikes beginning with a hooking slide, continuing with a blow to the ribs with his blades before a powerful strike to the skull with his Nemean Cestus. Only a portion of his fatality was shown, as he was jabbing his blades into Sindel.
Check out the trailer embedded above or click here to visit it directly on Gamespot. Thanks to forum member for sending in the newslead on this story!
The official website for the developers behind Mortal Kombat, Netherrealm Studios has just launched!
Most noticeable however are a few new screenshots in the 'Mortal Kombat' section of the website, featuring kombatants like Jax, Baraka, Jade and Stryker.
Below are a select bunch of pictures showing off the Studio, it's 'Hall of Fame' and it's Motion Capture room amongst a couple miscellaneous pictures!
Also present are some Career oppurtunities and there are currently some vacancies to work with the developers themselves!
The first TV Spot for the upcoming Mortal Kombat has just been unveiled on prominent gaming website, Gamespot. Showing off an array of gameplay between various characters laced with character Intro's and footage from the Kratos reveal trailer released previously [full story].
Featured during this 30-second advertisement are a few never seen before tidbits. Firstly, The Tower from MK2 makes it's return on the Arena roster along with our first look at an Old Shang Tsung alternate costume! Another not yet seen Arena is Shao Kahn's Throne Room complete with his pet beast Taigore.The TV spot concludes with Jax smashing Sektor into the floor and goes to take a football kick to decapitate the former Lin Kuei Cyborg resulting in a Fatality!
You can catch this trailer embedded above or view it over on Gamespot!
Keep up to date with all things Mortal Kombat related by following us over on Twitter at @MK_Online or by liking us over on our Facebook Page.
As the realm of pre-order bonuses widens, Gamestop has launched an ad campaign to attract fans to their offer of Scorpion's classic costume.
Scorpion, along with Mileena [full story on where to obtain her retro outfit] battle in their classically inspired costumes on The Pit stage. Some playful banter and fighting ensues where Scorpion entices Mileena with a kiss, only to remove his mask revealing his skull. Mileena shrieks as the ninja spectre delivers his trademark flame breath. Both the Toasty fatality and his MK1 inspired costume are unlocked by purchasing the game from Gamestop with a pre-order for either PS3 or Xbox 360.
Keep your eyes peeled for Gamestop's ad and place your pre-order with them before April 19th to receive this exclusive costume and fatality for Mortal Kombat!
Back in December, it was revealed that the upcoming Mortal Kombat would carry two distinctly different special versions of the game. One of these editions was referred to as the Tournament Edition and came with a portable fight stick packaged with the game. This edition is limited to only 20,000 copies in North America and carries a price tag of $149.99 USD.
Features:
-High quality, authentic Suzo Happ arcade parts
-Classic Mortal Kombat ergonomic button layout
-Flip open lid for easy arcade part customization, access and stage.
-Memory foam underside for comfortable lap use
With recent sellouts on both Amazon and Gamestop, the rarity of this version of the game and accompanying fight stick is increasing. PDP, the designing company of the fight stick, is now offering pre-order of the fight stick by itself. The cost remains the same at $150 and the website currently only lists the Xbox 360 version as being available for pre-order. To place an order, click here.This fight stick will ship five days before the April 19th release of Mortal Kombat itself.
Another classic palette swap character has found it's exclusive DLC home as global toy store chain Toys "R" Us joins the fray in offering the Edenian princess 's Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 inspired costume for placing a pre-order with their store.
To place a pre-order for Mortal Kombat on Playstation 3 click here. If you are a Xbox 360 user, click here to go to your order page.
Kitana joins fellow female "ninja" characters Mileena and Jade as pre-order bonus. Jade is available exclusively through purchase of the re-issue of the first two Mortal Kombat movies on Blu-ray while Wal-Mart is currently offering up Mileena. Male ninja characters are available as bonuses as well from various merchant chains, MK Online has full coverage to help you decide which choice you plan to make before the April 19th release of Mortal Kombat on PS3 and Xbox 360. Get your pre-order in today!
Darren Shahlavi features in the lastest photographic first-look from the upcoming live-action Mortal Kombat series. The English actor; notable for his villainous role as a British boxer "Twister" Milos in Ip Man 2; stars opposite Jeri Ryan and Michael Jai White as the subject of their pursuit, Kano.
Director Kevin Tancharoen addressed the obvious in his Twitter release of this first official frame of the Black Dragon baddy, noting certain visual discrepancies: "He has two eyes... for now."
Shahlavi appeared briefly in G4TV's on-set visit with Jeri Ryan, rehearsing for the scene teased very early on in photographic form, where Ryan's Sonya Blade will find herself chained and at the mercy of her arch-nemesis! Warner Brothers press releases from around the same time confirm the early perspective of the events told in the series.
Fans will be able to delve deep into the history of the warriors they know and love including "Sub-Zero" and "Scorpion." [...] Each episode will provide never-before-revealed insights into characters featured in the upcoming videogame as well as the game's universe.
Kano is traditionally a ranking member of the Black Dragon clan, whose past fatal clashes with members of the Special Forces has earned him a vendetta from Sonya Blade, who seeks reprisal for the murder of her partner. Feuding with Jax along the way after the first game tournament, Kano has been a stalwart of the video game series, using his cunning and skills with weapons to bargain his way into roles with the likes of Shao Kahn. Kano famously took on an Australian bent, inspired by the performance of another Englishman, 1995's cinematic Kano, Trevor Goddard.
Mortal Kombat is currently slated for an April release through digital distributors. For a compendium of credible sources, cast and crew info, and links to all the photos released thus far, follow the full round-up on Mortal Kombat Online.
An article on gaming site Attack of the Fanboy states that NetherRealm Studios has announced that the PS3 version of Mortal Kombat will take advantage of the now widely-used Custom Soundtrack feature! Gamers who want to play Mortal Kombat with their own playlists and pull off fatalities with their own background music can do so. Furthermore, this feature is now included in the PS3 demo, so you can get a taste of both the developer music and whatever you choose so that you can decide which you like better before the April 19th release.
No word yet on whether or not the XBOX360 version will receive the same feature, but we will update when that information becomes available.
NetherRealm Studios have released the next in their line of official character gameplay montages, this time featuring the newly enlightened God of Thunder, Raiden!
Raiden's signature control over lightning play a prominent role as he electrifies the likes of Shang Tsung, Baraka and Sindel with his Torpedo, Lightning Shock, Teleport and the return of his backwards Lightning Bolt amongst others. Also showing some of the enhanced variations. His gameplay showreel finishes with his palm-striking X-Ray. Also notable within the video is a nighttime version of the recently revealed Courtyard arena which makes it's return from Mortal Kombat 1.
You can view this video over on Youtube, courtesy of Geeks of Gaming via their Youtube channel which can be found right here. The gameplay video was initially exclusive to Eurogamer, and can be viewed at full size in HD on their website.
Don't forget, you keep up to date with all things Mortal Kombat by following us on Twitter at @MK_Online.
Thanks go to forum user for word on this video. Think you've got a news story? Send your submissions to our MKO Newslead.
Mortal Kombat 3's Kabal was the reveal, showed off complete with classically inspired attire and weaponry. Known to have been severely injured to the point of artificial respiration, it's more than Kabal's face that appears scarred in this iteration, as noticeable scars are present on his arms and chest as well. Kabal demonstrates several of his classic specials including his Plasma Blast, Dash Spin and Ground Saw. Using the Super Meter to enhance it, Kabal threw a set of two ground blades instead of one during the maneuver. Kabal's standard gameplay makes heavy use of his trademark hookswords, which also make an appearance in his X-Ray attack. Kabal combines his dash spin to disorient his opponent while breaking their shins before dashing behind them, raking their shoulders with his hookswords before throwing the victim across the screen.
Ed mentioned that Kabal had a particularly gruesome fatality which caused even the development team to pause and ponder it's inclusion. In the video, we are shown a vertical split fatality in which Kabal kicks the victim high in the air before slicing them vertically through the groin as they fall. The head is hooked by the edge of his blade, which he proudly displays towards the camera.
Also present is the return of The Soul Chamber from Mortal Kombat 3. It's been given quite an overhaul now featuring Shadow Priests in black attires and what appears to be tentacles quivering around in the background.
Note: GTTV is currently experience technical issues; we will update our embed if necessary as a HD version becomes available.
Don't forgot to keep up to date with all things Mortal Kombat by following us on Twitter at @MK_Online.
Recently, Andy Allo of G4TV caught up with Jeri Ryan to talk to her about her role as Sonya Blade in the Kevin Tancharoen directed digial series based on Mortal Kombat.
Recently, we've seen still shots of various characters and scenes from the series featuring Jax, Baraka, as well as an action frame of a currently unknown sequence.
In the interview, Jeri Ryan details her role as Sonya and it's physical demands. She also comments on the violent nature of the games and acknowledges that the digital series will be far more reserved and grounded in reality, distancing itself from the much adored tongue-in-cheek fatalities of the Mortal Kombat video games.
Directed by Kevin Tancharoen, the live-action Mortal Kombat series will be released as digital episodes in April. Jeri Ryan stars opposite Michael Jai White and Darren Shahlavi as Jax and Kano, with many more actors appearing across the series [full cast and crew]. For more Jeri Ryan, check out Mortal Kombat Online's previous spotlight on the newest actress to embody the first-lady of kickass.
Humorist Jack Handey once said of the pugilistic arts, "To me, boxing is like a ballet - except there's no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other." It probably isn't all that surprising, then, that Warner Brothers would tap Kevin Tancharoen to direct their live-action reinvention of the Mortal Kombat franchise.
Until recently, Tancharoen was best known for his work in the dance world, having choreographed acts as significant as Madonna and Britney Spears. He co-created the MTV reality series, DanceLife, before directing the 2009 remake of musical classic, Fame. These might not sound like the credentials of an MK director, but if his well known proof of concept proved nothing else, he is ready to inject the series with the martial arts choreography it deserves.
This time around, @KTANCH has delivered a first look at the action of his upcoming Mortal Kombat live-actiong series.
Described simply via Twitter as "Girl fight!", the subject of the image might just be our first glimpse of fighting femme fatales, Kitana and Mileena. The pair have an association dating back to Mortal Kombat II, where the former Edenian Princess and her sinister pseudo-sibling were first introduced as assassins for series antagonist, Shao Kahn. The pair return in the new video game [render art], which reprises and alters their original plotlines.
If the high flying fighters pictured are indeed warriors of Edenia and Outworld, it's a reassuring follow-up to yesterday's Tarkatan image, also released by the director [full story]. Supernatural content in the adaptation has been a hot topic, but Warner Brothers and the series director remain tight lipped about how the story from the games plays into the show, expected to be released through digital channels in April.
The series stars Michael Jai White, Jeri Ryan, Ryan Robbins, Ian Anthony Daleand more [full story]. For more Mortal Kombat updates, follow MKO on Twitter, @MK_Online.
Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors is the second concept album set to emanate from within the blood soaked arenas of the successful fighting franchise -- the first to be co-initiated by Warner Brothers' WaterTower Music and Teenage Riot Records.
Hitting digital and physical proprietors April 5; the album delivers a combo of twelve compilation tracks inspired by iconic fighters from the series, with mixes from; Laidback Luke, Skrillex, Wolfgang Gartner, 9th Wonder, and album produer, JFK (MSTRKRFT). The producer, who recently spoke toIGN, clearly has high hopes for the album's potential to mirror the genre entry point of original MK dance anthem, Techno Syndryome.
Everyone knows the original Mortal Kombat theme and I know for some people that was an introduction to electronic music. I think with this new and somewhat classic version of the game, it makes sense to try to do that again, but updated for today. Some of the artists on the soundtrack are very well known in the dance world, but I'm sure this soundtrack will be an introduction for many people.
A complete tracklisting has been released by BestBuy.com, boasting the album's classic focus on fighters from the first two games:
1. Scorpion by JFK
2. Sub-Zero by Harvard Bass
3. Liu Kang by Congo RocK
4. Johnny Cage by Wolfgang Gartner
5. Mileena by Tokimonsta
6. Raiden by 9th Wonder
7. Goro by Bird Peterson
8. Reptile by Skrillex
9. Baraka by Run DMT
10. Kung Lao by Felix Cartal
11. Shao Kahn by Huarotron
12. Kitana by Laidback Luke
Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors will be released April 5, somewhere in the vicinity of $14.89. The album is available for pre-order on Amazon.com, along with other reputable sites. No listing for iTunes yet, but you can find download details for pre-release singles in the original story.
Following the original report from February 24th; Mortal Kombat has again been officially refused classification in Australia. An unaltered version of the game was resubmitted by Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment in an effort to subvert a new decision, but the appeal proved unsuccessful, rejected under the original assessment concerning the games realistic violence and gore.
The decision reached by the Australian Classification Board comes amidst on-going pressures to resolve the nation's lack of an adult R18+ rating for video games, which forces the refusal and effective ban of games deemed unsuitable for an MA15+ audience. The flaw, unique to video games, has seen the controversial ban of many popular titles before Mortal Kombat, including widely publicized bans of Grand Theft Auto III, Left 4 Dead 2, and Alien vs Predator, the latter being an example of a successful appeals process, ultimately released with an MA15+ warning of "strong science-fiction violence."
Unlike the United States' self-regulating Electronic Software Rating Board (ESRB); the ACB is a statutory classification body with government powers. GameSpot AU reports Australian gamers intending to circumvent the ban with international imports can expect tough penalties, with fines ranging from $300 to over $100,000. When asked by the site, a representative of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service [website] confirmed they would be on alert for illegally imported games.
Customs and Border Protection works closely with Attorney General’s Department to identify imported games that are banned in Australia. This includes games purchased over the Internet from foreign websites. Attorney General’s Department regularly updates Customs and Border Protection about classification decisions on publications, films, and computer games, including the reclassification of material, and about different versions of computer games (some of which may be refused classification), and how to identify those versions at the border. This information is then used to assist in identifying and seizing banned versions of games.
Any copies of the games detected at the border, including via international mail, will be seized.
Austraila's harsh penalties are a contrast to German law, which prohibits the sale of banned items, but allows private possession of said goods. In the nineties, Germany banned Mortal Kombat as well as it's two sequels [MKII (1993), MK3 (1995)], with rumors now circulating the 2011 release will be added to the list. No confirmation of a ban has been reported yet by reputable sources, but Mortal Kombat Online is following the story.
Update:ABC Newsare reporting quotes from Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor, who laments the necessity to resolve Australia's video game ratings situation. His comments suggest a pressure situation building between lagging State Attorney-Generals and the Federal Government, who will intervene in the reevaluation of the ratings system if needed. Minister O'Connor stresses a hope to see a consensus reached by July, but appears to be anticipating an increased involvement in the issue.
We're becoming the laughing stock of the developed world, where we're the only country that doesn't have an R18 classification level for video games.
I foreshadow that if there is not a consensus around this issue, the Commonwealth will certainly be considering other options because we cannot continue to have an outdated classification system that's actually, in my view, causing harm to young people.
I'm not going to let this matter end because it's too important to allow one or two jurisdictions to stop the majority of jurisdictions in this country moving on an important reform. But can I say my very strong preference is to have consensus around the table in July.
Overdue action will come too late to see Mortal Kombat receive it's intended release in the country, but will be a welcome change for gamers who have seen the issue becoming increasingly prevelant over recent years.
For a complete account of the original Australian ban with images of leaked documents, follow the story on MKO. For the United States, Mortal Kombat is released April 19 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, with an April 21 date for Europe. To articulate your disappointment intelligently, you can contact the ACB using feedback features on their website.
Kevin Tancharoen, director of the upcoming live action Mortal Kombat digital series, has just revealed a photo of Baraka via his Twitter account:
At first, Kevin playfully teased, "Hmmm. TeppanYaki chef?", but then acknowledged that another user who had guessed "Tarkatan?" was actually correct.
There are some noticeable visual differences between this interpretation of Baraka and the one shown in the trailer. For instance, the blades have a rusty red appearance to them. It is unknown at this moment if Baraka's storyline will resemble the one from the games, in which he comes from a nomadic race of human/demon hybrids known as Tarkatans, or if it will follow what was shown to us in the Rebirth trailer [full story], in which the mad Dr. Allen Zane filed his teeth and implanted blades into his own arms. It is also unknown at this point if Lateef Crowder, who played Baraka in the Rebirth trailer, will be reprising his role in the digital series.
A big thanks to Joe-Von-Zombie for the word on this update. Keep following Mortal Kombat Online here or on Twitter @MK_Online for the latest details on the digital series and all things Mortal Kombat-related!
But before delving into that little debacle, allow me to put PAX East in perspective. The Mortal Kombat area of the show floor was constantly busy and the kiosks were perpetually full with a nearly 30 minute wait.
And while no photograph or video recording could do it justice, the 3D effect, The Playstation 3 exclusive feature demonstrated at the event, is flawless. While wearing the glasses, there are no shadows or double image problems which should relieve fears that the 3D would be headache inducing or otherwise visually uncomfortable.
In fact, the 3D is effective in its subtlety. It is fully possible for a person to watch the 3D mode without glasses and not miss any of the action or suffer eye strain. I honestly did not even notice the 3D mode was on screen until I put on the glasses and saw the effect firsthand.
PAX East itself was a massive event and it took some time to get acclimated to the airport-esque venue. Aside from the main convention hall, the hallways were filled with individual rooms, each door acting as a passageway into another subset of gaming culture. My favorite by far was the classic arcade room housing real arcade machines set to Free Play. There were even big projectors attached to the Dragon's Lair and Space Ace machines so everybody could watch the action.
Words alone cannot demonstrate the size of the event. Pictures tell it best.
And without further ado, TonyTheTiger's "Footage of Shame"! Brian LeBaron, designer of Mortal Kombat, (insert self-depreciating remark here) took time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for the community. As you'll see from the video, Brian LeBaron is a class act and navigated my less than spectacular, slightly over rehearsed, and possibly beer induced interview with style and grace.
Once again, I want to thank Brian LeBaron for taking time (the most precious resource of all at an event like PAX East) to talk to us. I also want to thank the entire WB Games staff on hand for making the Mortal Kombat booth one of the most efficiently run at the entire convention.
P.S.: Turns out riding that giant Pikachu like Falcor is frowned upon.
UK based gaming retailer GAME now have the Mortal Kombat Kollector's Edition available for pre-order. The date of release is the same as the standard editions of the game being Thursday 21st April 2011.
The content's of the European Mortal Kombat Kollector's Edition are as follows:
* The Game
* A Figurine
* An exclusive SteelBook™
* A collectible 110+ Art book
* DLCs including an exclusive Ermac retro classic costume skin and various avatar costumes.
Retailing for £49.99 GBP ($80.84 USD), the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 versions are now ready for pre-ordering over on GAME's website.
Whilst the Official Mortal Kombat website lists another two UK-based retailers Amazon UK and Gamestation as being retailers for the Kollector's Editions, Amazon UK and Gamestation have not yet updated their databases with the ability to pre-order the Kollector's Edition's. Once they do however, we shall endeavour to deliver the news!
Don't forgot to keep up to date with all things Mortal Kombat by following us on Twitter at @MK_Online.
During PAX East weekend, a new Environment Bio has surfaced featuring the classic MKII stage Kahn's Coliseum. The warlord's brutal, Roman-like theater of pain has been serving the denizens of Outworld with bloody carnage at the combatants expense for years and will make another return in next month's Mortal Kombat.
To entertain the denizens of Outworld--and remind them of his brutality--Shao Kahn presides over fighting exhibitions in this enormous Coliseum. The emperor’s throne is positioned at the very center of the structure: the ideal vantage point from which to savor the blood and fear of the kombatants. For these tournaments are no mere sport. Enemies of the empire are routinely cast into the arena to fight for their very lives. The victors are celebrated; the victims have their remains scattered among the spectators, who show their displeasure by hurling the severed heads to the arena floor.
Featuring intermingled gameplay from Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat Armageddon and Mortal Kombat (2011), this video showcases the brutality of the deadly environment. In this incarnation, Shao Kahn shackles female subjects around his throne while a gigantic beast is only somewhat appeased in the far side of the arena floor.
This video is the fourth in the Environment Bio line. Be sure to check out the other three on MK Online by clicking on them below.
On Wednesday, MK Online reported that legendary actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa would be embarking on a Mortal Kombat related project entitled Shang's Army. Today, we are happy to bring you the official press release!
PRESS RELEASE: Shang Tsung is looking for a FEW GOOD MEN & WOMEN to join his Warrior Army of Souls. Today, Fatality Friday, ShangsArmy.com unveils the world of Shang through his alter ego, actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa. Cary-Hiroyuki introduces his evolutionary physical training system called Chuu Shin Innercizes through Shang’s Army. 300 Athletes, 300 Martial Artists, and 300 Gamers will comprise the first members of Shang’s Army. Each member will receive personalized training from Shang himself via Skype, podcasts, and member forums. Chuu Shin Innercizes represent the first Gamer physical training system in the Earth Realm. Concentration, focus, endurance training will bring Gamers to their Peak Performance levels never before seen in the gaming world. The effect of Chuu Shin Innercizes will effect Athletes and Martial Artists in the same fashion; Peak Performance through Breathing, Gravity and Centrifugal Force Exercises and Innercizes. Membership is limited to the first 900 to register. Join now. http://www.ShangsArmy.com or become a Shang FATALITY!!!
Be sure to visit the also follow Cary Tagawa on Twitter at @CHTagawa!
In one of the final stops for Mortal Kombat before the release on the game on April 19th (21st UK), MK Online will be in attendance for the event to bring you hands-on coverage and impressions! PAX East, located in Boston, will host the most complete build of the game yet. The popular expo which also hosts a west coast version of itself in Seattle during the summer [MK Online's coverage of PAX Summer '10] will feature the largest playable character roster on a publicly playable build of the game to date. During Ed Boon's recent sit-down with GDC, we saw a 16 character select screen available. We imagine this may be the build used for the event.
A four character demo was released to Playstation Plus subscribers on Tuesday and will be available in the PSN store for all PS3 players March 15th. This build of the game features four characters and somewhat outdated gameplay mechanics and currently mirrors the build on the Mortal Kombat truck tour.The build at PAX should give us a better idea just what to expect when the final version of the game ships next month.
We will bring you impressions from the event over this coming weekend, so stay tuned to MK Online for the latest!
Mortal Kombat is set to take Europe by storm with an official tournament set to commence next week! Smaller tournaments held in Italy, Belgium, and Holland in the lead-up to the final!
Taking place at the UK’s largest consumer electronics show, The Gadget Show, the final competition will be held in front of thousands of gamers at Mortal Kombat’s spectacular ‘Fight Arena’ stage in the Over 18 Gaming Zone. The ‘Fight Arena’ stage is set to be a huge draw at the event, allowing visitors to experience the bone-crushing, blood-spilling action on a massive HD projection screen. Even those who have not qualified for the final will be able to win spot prizes throughout the show as they do battle in the arena. Winners in Belgium and Holland will receive custom made gaming sticks from Shadaloo Xtreme Fightsticks [pictured below]!
The winner of the Tournament will recieve a full size Mortal Kombat Arcade Machine, containing a PlayStation 3 console. The Final held on Sunday 17th April will be hosted by GameFace TV presenter, Julia Hardy. Players can enter by participating in qualifying rounds taking place form March 14th through April 4th at various GameStation and GAME stores throughout the UK.
Qualifying heat locations are as follows (chronological order):
Belgian Qualifier: The Bulldogs Antwerpen (March 12) Bredabaan 210 2170 Merksem (3pm - 7pm)
Belgian Qualifier: Queensbury Gym (March 19) Rue Stephenson 78a 1000 Bruxelles (2pm - 6pm)
Belgian Finals: La Rocca (April 7) Antwerpsesteenweg 384 Lier (8pm - 11:30pm)
Mortal Kombat Online's very own , will be in attendance at the Norwich GAME store on March 18th. Be sure to follow us on Twitter for updates, @MK_Online, for live updates. Stay tuned to the Official Mortal Kombat Facebook UK Tournament Page as well.
Following the releases of Shadows and Belltower wallpapers, another in the line of character vignettes has been posted at Gamespot. The Thunder God, Raiden, finally appears in all his glory after being first seen back in June when the debut trailer of Mortal Kombat struck [full story].
The Elder Gods, mythical figures in the MK timeline who have never been truly seen before are shown in more detail than ever before. Raiden appears small next to these massive, warrior-like figures as the protector of Earthrealm pleads with them to create the Mortal Kombat tournament for the protection of Earthrealm. In addition, the first glimpse of Mortal Kombat 3 character Sheeva is also present in this video, as she stands on the side of Shang Tsung during one portion of the video.
Raiden's gameplay is on show for the first time since the game's announcement, and it appears to be a quick mix of martial arts with a large amount of his trademark control over the element of lightning embedded into it. He performs signature attacks such as his flying torpedo and teleport in addition to his X-ray attack, which also makes use of his teleportation skills. Raiden lands vicious strikes on both sides of his opponent, splitting them up with a quick teleport from back to front.
As we mentioned during our last wallpaper story, the fatality occurring there would likely be one of his in-game fatalities and that logic turned out to be true. Here we see the fatality in more detail, as he not only severs the arms from his victim but the legs as well, before throwing what remains of his victim overhead, smashing into the ground below.
It is unknown whether or not a combo montage, which some characters such as Liu Kang have received following a vignette will be available for Raiden. Stay tuned to @MK_Online on Twitter to keep up with the latest on this story!
Veteran actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, best remembered by Mortal Kombat fans as the shape-shifting sorcerer Shang Tsung from the first Mortal Kombat movie in 1995, is planning to unveil a project of interest to Mortal Kombat fans later this week.
"Shang's Army" is scheduled to be unveiled in more detail on 3/11/11 exclusively on MK Online. The project is rumored to be a chance for fans to interact with Mr. Tagawa on a unique level and gain possible access to exclusive memorabilia from his outing in the first movie. You can currently follow him on Twitter @CHTagawa.
Mortal Kombat Online will bring you the latest as it is available to us, stay tuned!
Our friends at NetherRealm Studios have officially released new high quality render poses of MK's two most iconic hat wearers, Kung Lao and Raiden!
The heroes of Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat II return in the new game, joining forces once more to quash the threat of Shao Kahn and the forces of Outworld! These renders follow the recent release of a dynamic Raiden wallpaper art, via the official MK Facebook. The Kung Lao render appeared previously with the announcement of an Italian tournament announced by cartoomics.it [full story].
Mortal Kombat is on the home stretch, released April 19 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Fans unable to wait that long can download a PlayStation Network exclusive demo, which includes Stereoscopic 3D elements and four playable characters, as well as an extensive preview trailer for those who defeat it's challenges!
The demo -- already available to PlayStation Plus subscribers -- will be available March 15! Those unable to download the preview can seek it out on the Mortal Kombat Truck Tour, currently touring the United States until the release of the game. MKO has pictures and reports from the first stop, as well as fully updated times and locations.
It's the first official look at Michael Jai White as he enters the world of Mortal Kombat in the latest photographic offering from live-action series director, Kevin Tancharoen!
Using Twitter; Tancharoen delivers a Jax fully decked out for action, wearing matching gear that recalls previously released shots of Jeri Ryan, who appears as Jax' iconic partner, Sonya Blade.
The image comes almost as a response to IGN's interview from the set, which featured brief bytes with the Jax actor, dressed in less vivid attire. It shows that Jax will be more than ready to kick butt when he and Sonya clash with Kano, played in their chapters of the anthology by Darren Shahlavi.
In the games; Jax famously joined Sonya in combatting the forces of Kano's Black Dragon clan, as members of the Special Forces. Together they would be founding members of the Outer World Investigation Agency (O.I.A) -- a government organization formed to police threats from potentially hostile realms, like Outworld.
For more information about Mortal Kombat, coming April to digital outlets, follow MKO's full live-action series recap. Included are links to all the previously released shots, and cast and crew information. Follow us on Twitter, @MK_Online.
A week ago a "shadows" theme wallpaper teasing the God of Thunder, Raiden, was released [full story]. True to form, a week later a detailed stage wallpaper featuring the same character was released. The official Mortal Kombat Facebook as well as the Gamestop widget have updated with a new wallpaper featuring one of the first seen characters of the game, Raiden himself.
An electrifying piece, Lord Raiden harnesses his trademark powers of the storm to destroy his opponent. As with other wallpapers released for the game, the opponent lacks detail outside of skeletal parts, blood and shadows. This victim was electrocuted with enough intensity to sever his arms from his chest, blowing them outward while sending blood spray into the air. This devastating fatality is performed in the classic stage, one of many retooled stages from the classic games appearing in the soon to be released game. If we can trust the trend of these wallpapers, this is likely one of Raiden's in game fatalities being demonstrated. Liu Kang's similar set of wallpapers revealed last month showed the shaolin warrior punching through the chest of a victim, a fatality we later confirmed as one in his arsenal.
If you missed other character wallpapers, be sure to check them out here on MK Online.
NetherRealm Studios revealed a new render of Kung Lao, Liu Kang's trusted companion and hero of Earthrealm, as well as one of the first characters revealed way back at E3 2010, in connection with the Mortal Kombat European Tournament.
We have seen Kung Lao in many screenshots and videos and this render, chest out, brow furrowed, standing strong in front of a blood splatter, depicts the fan favorite Shaolin Monk as the steadfast warrior his in-game persona suggests.
The Official Italian Mortal Kombat Tournament will be held at Ludica 2011 with the winner earning the honor of representing Italy at the grand finals, held in Birmingham in April. All participants at Ludica will receive a free gadget while the top three winners will earn a trophy as well as the Kollector's Edition of the game.
You can find a full translation of the article here.
Mortal Kombat launches April 19 for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles.
Last week, IGN released a comprehensive preview of Mortal Kombat's Challenge Tower mode [full story], detailing several of the exciting new single player missions available to fans. Today, they have conducted a follow-up interview with series co-creator and project lead Ed Boon and hit on various facets of the game including Story mode and the aforementioned Challenge Tower.
A goal for the team was to create a game with a strong single player experience, since in the genre of fighting games the strongest element is a multi-player experience. This was the goal of the 300 mission Challenge Tower mode, to serve as a complementary piece to the game's story mode. Offering a variety of challenges, from mini-games such as Test Your Sight to tossing grenades to fighting upside down, the mode will test players for several hours and provide a unique single-player experience for a fighting game.
The story mode, which has been quietly elaborated on since it's announcement is touted by Ed to be the best plot of any Mortal Kombat released thus far. He again hints that some things players expect to happen in the story may not take place, and those that take place instead will be surprising but that at its heart it is still a Mortal Kombat story.
Ed speaks about striking a balance between showing off what's in the game and keeping some things secret so players can discover as they play. Though difficult in the digital age, he suggests there are many undocumented fatalities that will never be revealed in interviews or media hype packages, intended to invoke the nostalgic feeling of discovery from the classic Mortal Kombat II and Mortal Kombat 3 days.
Check the video embedded above or click here to view it on IGN.
Mortal Kombat is on the road again with their six week demo Truck Tour and they're officially taking the MK invasion across international borders!
In an update of details shared on the MK Facebook; reports from the tour reveal the trucks will include additional stops in Seattle and Vancouver! It will be the second time the Canadian city has played host to MK, having already been the primary shooting location for the live-action Mortal Kombat series, which will debut around the same time as the tour [full story].
Updated tour listings now look like:
Austin, TX (March 11 - March 12)
South by South West Music Festival
3/11 (2pm - 6pm)
3/12 (12pm - 6pm)
3/13 (12pm - 6pm)
Dallas, TX (March 19 - March 20)
3/19 (11am - 4pm) Best Buy #202 2800 N. Central Expressway Plano, TX 75074 3/20 (11am - 4pm) Best Buy #256 4255 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy Farmer's Branch, TX 75244
San Francisco, CA (March 25 - March 26)
3/25 (4pm - 9pm) Best Buy #187 1717 Harrison St. San Francisco, CA 94103 3/26 (11am - 4pm) Best Buy #187 1717 Harrison St. San Francisco, CA 94103
Oakland, CA (March 28)
3/28 (11am - 4pm) Best Buy #499 3700 Mandela Pkwy Oakland, CA 94608
Vancouver, BC, Canada (Dates TBA)
To Be Advised
Minneapolis, MN (April 8 - April 10)
4/8 (6pm - 9pm) Best Buy #4 13513 Ridgedale Dr. Minnetonka, MN 55305 4/9 (11am - 4pm) Best Buy #4 13513 Ridgedale Dr. Minnetonka, MN 55305 4/10 (11am - 4pm) Best Buy #1055 1235 Town Centre Dr. Eagan, MN 55123
Chicago, IL (April 16 - April 19)
Best Buy #311 7600 S. Cicero Ave Burbank Town Center Burbank, IL 60459
4/16 (11am - 4pm)
4/17 (11am - 4pm)
Seattle, WA (Dates TBA)
To Be Advised
Dates and address locations for each stop on the tour are as yet unavailable. Mortal Kombat Online will endeavor to stay abreast of updates and changes. Follow us on Twitter, @MK_Online, for live updates. Stay tuned to the official Mortal Kombat Facebook, as well.
As reported earlier in the week, fans can receive a range of goodies for attending Tour stops. Proof of pre-order will get you a Mortal Kombat Truck Tour t-shirt, while three free downloads from the upcoming Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors album are offered to everyone.
Images of these bonuses and the event trucks can be found in the original story, and in a new live video report from Mahalo.com [embedded above], conducted by MKO forum user, !
Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Johnny Cage, and Mileena are all playable in the tour demo, which will also be made available exclusively for download on the PlayStation NetworkMarch 15, March 8 for members of PlayStation Plus. For a complete account of the demo, with details about brand new fatality footage, follow the story. Mortal Kombat is released April 19 for PS3 and Xbox 360.
Continuing the busy week of news, Xbox360Achievements.org has revealed a list of achievements unlockable for the upcoming Mortal Kombat. As is typical, the achievement points add up to 1000 total and currently number 50 in total.
The achievements vary in nature but seem to cover all modes of the game. There are several achievements for winning a certain number of matches online, as well as completing the Challenge Tower and Story modes. Several mini-game related achievements also exist, asking players to complete challenges with Test Your Might, Test Your Sight, Test Your Strike and Test Your Luck. Straight gameplay achievements also exist, requiring that you complete throws, X-ray attacks and fatalities. Of note, a specific achievement regarding Cyrax and Sektor is mentioned called "Robots Rule". This could lead to rumors about yet-to-be-seen character Smoke and whether he too is robotic or human in this game.
There are 10 "secret achievements" which we assume are being kept under wraps to protect many of the game's reported hidden gems. Six of these achievements are listed with the 10 point award while the remaining four are listed with 20 points.
To view the complete list of achievements, click here. We assume PS3's Trophies will be similar if not identical. Thanks to forum member and #mortalkombat IRC Network chatter Mimik for bringing these to our attention.
The latest webcast episode of IGN Weekly 'Wood features interview bytes from two members of the upcoming Mortal Kombat digital series cast and crew. Series star, Michael Jai White, and producer, Tim Carter, elaborate on the serialized format of the show and attempt to articulate what to expect from its content.
Michael Jai White, who stars opposite Jeri Ryan (Sonya Blade) as Jax, describes their portion of the series as within "the domain of reality" adding, "... with maybe 15% supernatural." The quote addresses concerns about how original plotlines from the Mortal Kombat canon would be adapted into the live-action series. Carter elaborates further with consideration for the material.
"... Each package of episodes will address different characters and different pieces of the game. For instance, Sonya/Jax/Kano is very close to what was in the short - it's a gritty police story. When we pick up the other game characters, they exist in a fantasy world, so we're going to that fantasy world together."
For full details, including an up-to-date roster of confirmed cast and crew members, follow the story on MKO. Also recently released; first-look of a mysterious new character from the show [full story]. Thanks go to Joe-Von-Zombie for the word on this update! Find the original video on IGN.com.
On the heels of their on-hands interview with Ed Boon yesterday, Gamespot continues their coverage of this year's Game Developers Conference by releasing a set of new gameplay videos. Totaling 10 today, the videos feature the likes of Mileena, Johnny Cage, Reptile, Kano, Jax, Sonya, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Cyrax and Sektor.
Of note in these videos include the recently unveiled re-imaging of MK3's The Bridge, which now features a colossal being attacking buildings while being combated by military forces and a fire-breathing dragon bringing its wrath to a boat below. All aforementioned characters are shown completely, round intros, mid round taunts and end round celebrations included.
You can find a convenient listing of Gamespot's Mortal Kombat video uploads by clicking here.
Thanks to Twitter, the stream of teases and factoids from the cast and crew of April's live-action Mortal Kombat digital series have come thick and fast! Series director, Kevin Tancharoen, has delivered yet another tantalizing message, mere days after sharing images of what appear to be Scorpion and the results of a Spine Rip Fatality!
This latest image comes with the quizzical message, "Who do you guys think this is?"
Fans on Twitter have been quick to speculate everywhere from Kano, to Sub-Zero (Kuai Liang), to an uncharacteristically fleshy looking Meat. If we aren't mistaken, however, that's Ryan Robbin -- actor previously confirmed to play what appears to be a decidedly shabby looking Raiden!
The Thunder God has a long history with assuming a mortal form, doing so within the storyline of the games, as well as the character's iconic introduction as a beggar in the 1995 film, Mortal Kombat.
It wouldn't be a Mortal Kombat tease without rampant speculation. Be sure to sign-up to the forum to share your thoughts on who this disheveled individual might be! You can also follow MKO on Twitter @MK_Online. For more details about the live-action series, refer to our full recap.
With less than two months remaining before the release of Mortal Kombat worldwide* -- the team from NetherRealm Studios are taking their game on tour for a six week hands-on invasion of the United States!
The 2011 Mortal Kombat Truck Tour marks the return of the series to America's roads, which were first assaulted by the games' brutal fatalities and 3D rendered fighting in 1997 with Mortal Kombat 4! It's one of many details surrounding the games that have made this a nostalgic experience, as much as it is the beginning of a new era.
It was in July, 2009 that courts approved the sale of all intellectual properties owned by bankrupt publisher, Midway Games, as part of a multi-million dollar deal that saw Warner Brothers acquire the lucrative Mortal Kombat license [full story]. In response, MK co-creator and on-going series Creative Director, Ed Boon, could only remark at the time, "[L]ooking forward to the focus being on the games, making them better and less on the noise surrounding us."
It would be untrue to say that there hasn't been a lot of noise surrounding Mortal Kombat in 2011, but it's all in service to a game that is coming together very nicely!
The MK Truck Tour is only the latest move in the cross-media assault by WB designed to fully capitalize on and restore the power of the MK license! Trucks adorned with the Scorpion and Sub-Zero game coverart wil be on the road from now until the official realse of the game (April 19), which will see the trucks make their final stop back in MK's spiritual home of Chicago!
Photographs from the first stop in the tour, Burbank, give fans the opportunity to peek inside the demo station that allows eight players to enter kombat at a time!
The tour will remain in Los Angeles until March 5, before moving on to Austin, Texas.
Complete details will be made available as they become known via the official Mortal Kombat Facebook. Current dates are listed as:
Los Angeles, CA (March 3 - March 5)
Best Buy #109 @ 11301 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90064 (3rd & 4th)
Best Buy #1198 @ 2375 N. Tustin, St. Orange, CA 92865 (5th)
Austin, TX (March 11 - March 12)
Dallas, TX (March 19 - March 20)
San Francisco, CA (March 25 - March 27)
Minneapolis, MN (April 8 - April 10)
Chicago, IL (April 16 - April 19)
Update Mar. 8: An updated list of times, dates, and addresses can be found in our full update.
Update: As reported by MKO user , participants were shown BluRay copies of the soon-to-be rereleased films [full story], while they waited, and were treated to free download cards for tracks from the upcoming concept album, Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors [full story]. The download provided the first listen of Baraka's theme, performed by Run DMT, along with previously released Liu Kang and Mileena tracks.
The playable demo featured Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Johnny Cage, and Mileena, who were pitted against each other in an improptu tournament. MKO congratulates longstanding users on winning the tournament! He received a shirt, headband, interview, and will be e-mailed unspecified DLC content. Thanks to drpvfx for also providing photographs from the event:
The same playable demo will be exclusively available to the PlayStation 3March 15th, with a timed exclusive for Playstation Plus users March 8 [full story]. The demo is unlikely to include materials from the recently revealed Challenge Tower -- a new incentive mode revealed recently via IGN [full story].
* Mortal Kombat will be released in PAL regions April 21. The game is currently Refused Classification in Australia, but will be appealed when WBIE resubmit the game for reclassification. Mortal Kombat Online is following the story closely. For more updates, follow @MK_Online!
The video begins with Ed introducing the recently unveiled Challenge Tower mode [full story] and we receive a short demo of some of the missions. This includes a showcase of Sonya's special moves, which currently total five and include her trademark kiss and an Arc Kick, an anti-aerial type maneuver. We also get our first dose of Baraka in action, fighting in one of the challenges against Sonya with some of his trademark blade attacks.
A gray cyborg character's mugshot was present on one of the challenges, but whether or not this is Smoke remains to be seen. Ed did seemingly confirm once and for all that UMK3 character Rain would not be in the game, but left the possibility that he would later be available as a DLC addition to the roster. A "new" character was also unveiled simply named "Stunt Man" as he takes on Johnny Cage in one of the challenges.
The first appearance of Kano in action also comes in this video as he fights against Jax, performing his signature specials such as his knife toss and cannonball. In addition he performs his X-Ray attack, in which he stabs each of his opponent's thighs with his knives before delivering a straight kick to the face with his boot. With his end round taunt, he spits on the downed victim before stepping back. His classic heart rip fatality ends the match, with Kano reaching through the back of the opponent and ripping out the organ viciously.
Ermac also makes an appearance battling against Liu Kang, and a plethora of telekinetic specials are showcased. He has multiple versions of his slam, the classic in addition to other more elaborate ones. He retains his projectile and levitation slam abilities introduced in MK: Deception. He also talks up PS3 exclusive character Kratos. Though no footage was shown of him in action, he speaks of the amount of weapons Kratos will have at his disposal and that God of War fans should be pleased with his representation in the game as he'll carry many of his signature weapons from his home series.
Check out the video embedded above to watch the interview. The first 24 minutes contains the Ed Boon interview. You can also click here to visit Gamespot. Thanks to our many forum members who brought us this story!
Director of the upcoming Mortal Kombat digital series Kevin Tancharoen (@KTANCH on Twitter) has posted the first full photograph of Scorpion, portrayed by Ian Anthony Dale [full cast list].
As can be seen from the above photograph, the look of his costume is very similar to his look in the early games as well as the movies. This is to say it is strikingly different from what we saw in the Rebirth trailer [full story], in which we only saw him sporting a prison jumpsuit. This shot of Scorpion in a snowy forest could imply a meeting with rival Sub-Zero during the feature episode for the ninja spectre.
Update: The director has shared yet another photo from MK's snowy Vancouver location, this time of the behind-the-scenes variety. It seems the promise of brutal action in the live-action series will be met with the graphic vigor that made Mortal Kombat famous! So in touch with the games, @KTANCH playfully asks (complete with Sub-Zero style snowman), "Friendship or Fatality? Which do you prefer?" Just whose spine is it lying in the snow? We'll have to wait and see!
Thanks go to user MINION for word on this update. As always, keep checking Mortal Kombat Online for coverage on all Mortal Kombat-related news items, as well as @MK_Online on Twitter!
Playstation.blog is reporting that a demo for the upcoming Mortal Kombat will be available to subscribers of Playstation Plus on Tuesday March 8, 2011. It will be available for all PS3 users via the PSN store one week later on March 15.
The demo includes four playable characters: Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Johnny Cage and Mileena. The characters will be equipped with their complete arsenal from what we can tell. Classic arenas The Living Forest and The Pit will be available as stages. Modes available will be limited to single player and one-on-one versus modes. The recently unveiled Challenge Tower mode will not be part of this demo [full story] nor will the Story Mode. The PS3's exclusive 3D support will also be included.
XBL users will receive a similar demo "soon", though an official date has not been set. It's also currently unknown if these demos will have support for online play. Stay tuned to this story as more information surfaces!
Update Mar. 4:PlayStation Blog has posted a brief look at the demo, which has also been featured extensively in LA the last few days as part of the Mortal Kombat Truck Tour [full story].
The demo includes the PlayStation exclusive Stereoscopic 3D feature, which is said to be tastefully implemented to effect gameplay very little, whilst creating a visual pop to fighters on the screen. Ed Boon tells PS.Blog, "We didn’t want 3D to change the basic mechanics or complicate things needlessly." The Blog account reports that 3D is such that it can still be viewed without glasses, with minimal blurring of the background.
The demo also includes an exciting new preview clip for those who complete it's brief arcade tour! Forum member , who attended and won a Truck Tour tournament, reports that the clip provides first-look glimpses of Stage Fatalities for the Living Forest, City Bridge, and Armory levels, where opponents are eaten, runover, and dunked in lava. X-Ray and Fatality moves are also featured for Stryker, Baraka, Jade, and Sindel, who use trademark moves and weapons to brutalize their victims in a parade of decapitation, mutilation, and grenades! [What was it the Australians were upset about?]
Fans can also look forward to the return of Dan "Toasty" Forden, according to the PlayStation Blog report. Forden was a staple of the series, appearing occasionally in Mortal Kombat II, Mortal Kombat 3, and Mortal Kombat 4, to exclaim "Toasty!" when the odd uppercut was executed. Oh, yeah. He made some music, too.
Mortal Kombat Online will continue to report on an Xbox 360 demo as information becomes available. Mortal Kombat arrives April 19, for both consoles. For more on the demo truck tour, follow the story on MKO. Follow @MK_Online for further updates on these stories.
Gaming site IGN has released an exciting new video featuring the up until now only slightly mentioned Challenge Tower. Narrated by Senior Product Mike Burkhead and Lead Software Engineer Jay Biondo, this in depth video shows off the massive game mode that is the Challenge Tower.
The Challenge Tower is a 300 mission tower where players will complete a variety of challenges both new and old. Classic MK mini-games such as Test Your Might and Test Your Sight return, along with new games Test Your Strength and Test Your Luck. Test Your Luck is described as a slot machine, where slots determine your opponent and a various number of handicaps. Handicaps seem to be very large in number, ranging from flaming floors, jump disabling and first hit kills. In addition, a number of vanity modes seem to be present as well such as Zombie Mode, Headless Mode and Armless Mode. We also get our first look at the retro ninja costumes in action as Scorpion takes on Sub-Zero. Both are currently exclusive DLC via Gamespot and Amazon, respectively [full story].
Specific challenges such as "Orange You Glad I Came" are described. This particular challenge, a favorite of some team members, featuring a tag battle with Sub-Zero and Scorpion vs. a boss character in which the boss changes colors from orange to blue, only taking damage from the character that corresponds to those colors. Another features a "shooting gallery" type set up where characters use their projectiles to knock back a stream of zombies, featured in the video were Johnny Cage and Stryker but the team revealed that up to 6 characters may be used. The final challenge titled "End Game" offers up a "great reward" that was not revealed in the video and should keep players busy for many hours working towards this ultimate goal.
Check out the video embedded above or on IGN by clicking here.
