There are a select few certainties in this life. Rating highest among them are death, taxes and fighting game guest characters.
The success of Freddy Krueger [pictured top] and Scorpion have all but ensured NetherRealm Studios will always entertain the idea of a guest fighter in their games. Why wouldn't they? According to Creative Director Ed Boon -- both characters went on to be the highest selling downloadable content (DLC) for their respective games [Mortal Kombat & Injustice: Gods Among Us].
During his Gamespot Stage Demo appearance at this year's E3 -- Boon also made it known there would indeed be considerations for a new guest character in Mortal Kombat X. He ruled out a return for 2011 Sony exclusive Kratos (God of War) via Twitter. So. Who will it be?...
Mad As Hell:MKX newcomer Ferra/Torr opposite Mad Max newcomer Tom Hardy.
Kratos wasn't the only Sony guest on the shortlist. Twisted Metal mascot Sweet Tooth was another character considered for the in-the-box console exclusive. If Sony's E3 Press Conference was anything to go by - Warner Bros' preferential relationship with the PlayStation will remain in tact. A PS4 exclusive seems very realistic, but we're looking for a guest character who will effect everyone -- for better or worse.
Scorpion's crossover appearance in a NetherRealm DC fighter was a bit of a no brainer, but Freddy Krueger stretched the realms of expectation a little further. Arguments can be made both ways about how much of a bond exists between the martial arts extremity of Mortal Kombat and the horror movie gore of A Nightmare on Elm Street. What's inescapable is the fact that Freddy Krueger -- specifically the 2010 remake version featured in Mortal Kombat -- was distributed by Warner Brothers.
With the likelihood of the long rumouredMortal Kombat movie evaporated -- and only a new series of Mortal Kombat: Legacy to cross-promote -- we've been wondering what other film franchise might make sense for guest DLC.
Only one movie was on everyone's lips upon the E3 reveal of new character(s) - Ferra/Torr. In fact - during Ed Boon's appearance on stage with IGN - they finally broached the apparent Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome comparison being made by fans online. The suggestion elicited a knowing, copyright compliant, wholly uninfringing chuckle from the Creative Director.
Road Warrior:Tom Hardy leaps into action in Mad Max: Fury Road. [via Entertainment Weekly]
Mad Max - for those who might not know it - is the title character and seminal 1979 Australian carpocalypse film that launched Mel Gibson to stardom. The international growth of the "Road Warrior" series in the 1980s made it a cult hit with fans of dystopic sci-fi. This landmark following has warranted a long coming 2015 reboot with original director George Miller, in Mad Max: Fury Road. The film is currently scheduled to be distributed theatrically in May by - you guessed it - Warner Brothers.
With Mortal Kombat X projecting the story up to twenty-five years into the future -- you've got to think dystopian herocop "Mad" Max Rockatansky would make about as much sense as guest characters ever do. He certainly fits in with the "MasterBlaster" [pictured right] inspired tandem of Ferra/Torr -- and would look at home in the Barter Town-esque Outworld Marketplace we saw in E3 gameplay demos [and screenshots].
A May 2015 theatrical release puts the movie right around expected dates for a home console release of Mortal Kombat X. The film also stars Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult & Zoe Kravitz.
Of course, Freddy Krueger didn't make his MK DLC debut until a year after that film was released. He wasn't the only cross-media tie-in we've seen in DLC, however. While they weren't guest characters, per se, Injustice: Gods Among Usdid welcome character skins based on the Man of Steel theatrical release: Superman & General Zod. The likeness and voice of Stephen Amell were also employed for TV-inspired Green Arrow DLC.
If "X" can mean "Next" can it also equal "Max"? How deep do the Mad Max references run? Register to tell us your thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
She represents the next generation of kombat - the daughter of Sonya Blade & Johnny Cage! We first met her during coverage of E3. Now get a closer look at the living sequel: Cassie Cage!
It seems Cassie has undergone some cosmetic changes since we last saw her in demo builds at E3. Of the new characters on show at the Expo, Cassie was the least prominent, absent from the explosive Sony Press Conference Trailer that kicked the show off. This suggests she may still be a work in progress, refining the right balance between the militancy of her mother, and the action hero style of her father.
The updates in this official render released by NetherRealm Studios certainly seems to capture the brash style of her father. A high undercut and bun are all the better to show-off her sunglasses (which she no doubt wears because her future is so bright).
Mortal Kombat X takes place over a 25 year time line; introducing a new generation of fighters on next gen consoles! MKX arrives in 2015, also available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 & PC. Register to find more news and share your thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
He made a splash debuting during the Sony E3 Press Conference drinking the blood of his opponent. Take a closer look at the Aztec inspired "Blood God" called Kotal Kahn!
Kotal Kahn is the latest loading screen released by NetherRealm Studios. Both in high quality render and E3 gameplay demos - he's an exciting new addition to the Mortal Kombat X cast! We aren't the only ones taken with the unique presence of this neon war god: Departed NetherRealm DeveloperHector Sanchez lamented the dream of this creation -- clearly the realization of a long held personal wish:
Teared up when ::aztec god:: was finally shown in #MKX. Been dreaming of him since 1993. Props @NetherRealm. Eternal props and love.
Mortal Kombat X is coming to Sony PlayStation, Microsoft Xbox & PC platforms some time in 2015. Know what to look for by checking out the final box art! Register to share your thoughts on all the new characters on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
The unveiling of Mortal Kombat X at this year's E3 revealed key details about its basic premise and new character line-up. We know the story takes place over a twenty-five year span - jumping forward from the aftermath of Mortal Kombat (2011), to the far flung future of a new generation.
MK2011 left many of the franchise icons deceased and under the control of Netherrealm necromancer: Quan Chi. We know to expect one or two grizzled veterans fighting into the future, but in an interview with vgBR.com, Art Director Steve Beran made one of the few direct connections between fan-favourite returns and the dead fighters.
The promise of "a tonne of new characters" -- the most of any new installment -- gave the character dead pool its greatest likelihood of staying full, but Mortal Kombat has a history of scoffing at the finality of death.
Creative Director Ed Boon teased many roster elements over the course of E3. While new additions like D'Vorah & Ferra/Torr have dominated initial demos -- Boon offers consistent guarantees there will be returning favourites. The game will include an MK4 character and cameos by various fighters from the past 20 years in a robust new story mode [full story]. In discussing gameplay mechanics, the game lead has also made allusions to Johnny Cage, Sonya Blade & Raiden.
Last month; Mortal Kombat Online listed the Top 10 Characters Read to Kontinue from the last game. By and large we avoided the dead. Could the likes of Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Princess Kitana & more be primed for a resurrection?
Mortal Kombat X will be released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 & PC. Fans in Brazil should keep a look out for PlayStation Magazine, which contains a Scorpion poster.
Special thanks to MKOmmunity User DivahMah for sharing the video link. Register to join all the speculation on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
They are the tandem fighting as one who made an explosive debut during the Sony E3 Press Conference! Take a closer look at the lady and the brute collectively known as: Ferra/Torr!
Ferra/Torr is one of the striking kombatants coming to Mortal Kombat X in 2015! The 2-in-1 fighter represents a range of new ideas, offering a combination of brute force, grappling and ruthless intent!
This is the second loading screen render released by NetherRealm Studios! Witness the "Brood Mother" D'Vorah in yesterday's release. See more high quality images in the first official screenshots (released during E3). You can also see Ferra/Torr in action in full match demos released by Gamespot!
Ferra/Torr is just one of the new additions making waves in the annual Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion voting tournament! Register to share your thoughts on the characters, images & match-ups on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
The announcement of Mortal Kombat X has already begun the promotion machine rolling -- kicking things off with a launch trailer soundtrack by tie-in artist Wiz Khalifa. The return of the smash hit games will once again bring live-action kombat to life with Mortal Kombat: Legacy gearing up for a third series!
We've heard rumblings of a possible return. After director Kevin Tancharoenannounced his departure in October 2013, he re-emerged in a late March 2014 article by Inquistr reporting his renewed interest. The article's unfortunate proximity to April 1st left many uncertain of its legitimacy.
Mortal Kombat: Legacy II ramped up the live-action web series production with name casting injections of Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Mark Dacascos & Casper Van Dien. It's the later who is the surprise source of our first decisive confirmation of Legacy III. The Johnny Cage actor tweeting out a photo to mark the beginning of his altitude training.
Mortal Kombat Online will be following progress on the project as information comes to light. You can watch the previous two series, and catch up on all the news as it happened, via our complete kompendiums for Season 1 & Season 2.
D'Vorah is a brand new insectoid fighter introduced in Mortal Kombat X! With attacks inspired by bees and wasps, she's sure to put a sting into kombat in 2015!
It was a massive E3 for Ed Boon! The NetherRealm Studios Creative Director and Mortal Kombat Co-Creator remained prolific throughout the three-day public shows, appearing on stage, on podcasts, and even simulcast on two online streams [Twitch & IGN]! Having logged an informative 11.5 mins with Giant Bomb on Day 2 -- he returned on Day 3 to be a mere guest on a packed LIVE show.
Things went much smoother than Ed's last live show appearance, but was no less rich in talking points!
Confirming previously reported doubts, he struck Kiefer Sutherland off the potential cast list. IGN reported a quote from the 24: Live Another Day star way back in February, but Ed assures someone got it wrong.
Responding to some of the initial backlash at the sound of a contemporary track over the MKX reveal trailer - he assured there'll be no pop music in the actual game. Fortunately, we learnt (during the week) that Dan "Toasty" Forden will be back to complete the MK music wishes of many.
During the infamous 2014 GDC Giant Bomb Live - Ed discussed aspects of the unrealized Mortal Kombat HD remake [Related Article: Lost Kontent: Mortal Kombat HD Behind-the-Scenes Photos] This time he looked back to 2005's cult-favourite Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. revealing the action-adventure variant originally began with as a demo starring Raiden! It was produced independently by Paradox Development (aka; Midway Los Angeles) and brought to the Chicago team, who collaborated with them.
More subject broached include: Kevin Tancharoen, Mortal Kombat: Legacy, Tattoo Assassins & more. We'll endeavour to off a more thorough analysis soon. Register to share your thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
Mortal Kombat X was on the floor at this year's E3 offering six playable characters in the first live demo build. Kommunity identity "Maximilian Dood" was able to procure two hours of play time at the event, and shared his experiences in extensive vlogs.
Despite being better known for hours logged in Killer Instinct -- we're assured Max is no fighting game slouch. His videos are just one of the many positive testimonies coming out of E3, full of very positive review material.
We saw MKX become a worldwide phenomenon when it was first announced. If E3 is anything to go by, it's sure to be a massive success, come its 2015 release!
Mortal Kombat X is running at 1080p and 60fps with a priority next gen build for PlayStation 4 & Xbox One. It will also be available for PC, PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360. Register to share your opinions on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Special thanks to MKOmmunity User DjangoDrag for introducing us to the vids.
With the first-look at Mortal Kombat X gameplay footage revealed at E3 -- impressions have been coming thick and fast! Two-time Mortal Kombat Evo World ChampionPerfectLegend has been no exception, taking to YouTube after the Day 1 demo to offer his thoughts in a vlog.
The tournament champ honed in on some of the advantages of the Character Variations introduced in this game -- offering commentary on Scorpion's styles.
Depth added by blockable Stage Interactions and Stamina Meter management have the champ expecting new strategies and character preferences. None of which is making his competitive aspirations any easier!
No, not that John Edwards. Not that one, either! NetherRealm Studios Lead Designer John Edwards was on the floor at E3 to talk Mortal Kombat X: the freshly revealed 2015 fighter coming to Sony & Microsoft platforms (and PC).
The Lead Designer tackled serious subjects in his chat with Gamespot, but after a long Expo, we welcome the levity of his short Q&A with A.V. Club!
Edwards played favorites for the light-hearted questioning, giving Kitana fans something to talk about -- even if the Edenian Princess doesn't find her way back to life in the new game. Whether it's a special one-button feature, or a high priced life-size statue, he's putting all his chips on blue!
The A.V. Club: If you had the power to add an extra button to the controller that served a single function specific to your game, what would it do? I think what I’d do is—Kitana’s my favorite character, so I’d have a “summon Kitana” button for any character I’m playing. Anytime I hit the button, Kitana comes in and decapitates the guy immediately. I win. Everything’s good.
On a more serious and interesting track: the MKX Lead Designer talked up the "net positive" of games being released in early access. On the benefits of getting the game in players' hands, he notes: "... It allows us to get early feedback, so we’re not designing something in a bubble."
Top ranking tournament players have already been a part of NetherRealm Studios' Mortal Kombat X development, continuing a strategy that helped maintain their Evo Championship status for a fourth consecutive year with Injustice: Gods Among Us [full story]. During an interview with fan-site TRMK; Creative Director Ed Boon noted the value of this high-level scrutiny, despite the relative minority of tournament fighting game players.
When it comes to solving glitches in the game -- beta testing isn't always necessary. A.V. Club asked Edwards about the "most fun" glitch to arise from the development cycle, learning fatalities were briefly available in-game in one of the easy problems to solve. We know there's a new "-ality" in the game [via Gamespot], but NetherRealm Producer Shaun Himmerick queried Mortal Kombat Online with this tantalizing doubt, "[W]ho said it was a finisher?" Could the glitch have inspired something new?
I think we had a glitch early where you could do a fatality in the middle of the match, so you don’t have to wait for the “Finish Him” to come up. So if you could pull that off, there was an immediate, “Okay, ‘Round 1, fight.’ Oh, you’re dead, immediately. Well, I guess we’re done. Round two. Oh, you’re dead immediately.”
Half Day?An early glitch had fatalities finishing matches early.
Do you like fun? Would you like some more? Read the full interview on AV Club! Check out Funny or Die's parody coverage of 17 new MKX features! Register to find and comment on all the serious matters in the Mortal Kombat X forum! E3 may be over, but coverage of the gaming extravaganza continues!
This year's E3 was dominated by developments in the newly revealed Mortal Kombat X! Though the Expo may be over, the highlights continue! Back safe from the trip to LA, long running Mortal Kombat fan-site TRMK has posted an interview conducted with NetherRealm Studios Creative Director Ed Boon -- and it contains some compelling new details!
With only six of a projected twenty-plus characters revealed at E3 - much fan speculation centres around the prospects of returning characters. Telling a story that will take the game up to 25 years into the post Mortal Kombat future -- new characters are plentiful! All of that MK4 centric speculation won't be for naught, however! Ed told TRMK, "You will definitely see a Mortal Kombat 4 character,"
Better still - the returning playable characters won't end at MK4! "You will also see some of the later game' fighters." adds the series co-creator; who led development on three core instalments in the generation after MK4: Deadly Alliance (2002), Deception (2004) & Armageddon (2006). The series also crossed over with DC Comics on PS3 & 360 in 2008, before being rebooted in Mortal Kombat (2011).
There will also be cameos in the new story mode, "Some really fun ones." Don't expect the notoriously relegated centaur Motaro to make a triumphant comeback any time soon, though. Ed nixed the horse-bodied sub-bosses prospects whilst describing the barriers that keep bosses unplayable. Where MKX is concerned, he says, "I guess [I] can only speak for myself but I definitely want the bosses to be playable in some way." Shao Kahn was notably unplayable in MK2011, but Ed looks at "unlock" options as one of the ways bosses could be put in the hands of players.
Cryomancers in the Sea:The Lin Kuei has "a sea" of options for their mascot fighter.
As he noted during the Gamespot Stage Demo; the identity of the featured Sub-Zerowill be addressed in the game's story mode. The history of the kori master's generational mantle is noted indirectly during the interview, "The thing about Sub-Zero is that there have been many Sub-Zeroes over the years. So the Sub-Zero that you see can be anybody because the Lin Kuei has a sea of Sub-Zeroes."
Updated gameplay has been a major focus of the Mortal Kombat X reveal. Over the course of E3, we learned many suspicions about the announce trailer were true! What we didn't know - at that time - is that MKX will be available for both the new generation hardware and its predecessors. Fans concerned about the weighted drag of previous tech needn't worry, though. Boon tells TRMK, "NetherRealm is only doing the PS4 and Xbox One Versions. We may be doing the PC version as well, but the consoles are the priority."
NetherRealm will be involved in "the solution" for porting the game to PlayStation 3 & Xbox 360 - but that next gen priority means implementation will be outsourced. Sony's cross-gen online play (PS3 v PS4) is unlikely, but up for consideration. Likewise, a Vita version of the game is not currently in production, but still well within the window of decision making that game us the robust portable version of Mortal Kombat: Komplete Edition.
The Hot Tag:Tag modes may be out, but Ferra & Torr are a tag team fighting as one.
Mortal Kombat (2011) enjoyed three exciting years in the Evo World Championship line-up - a reflection of the series' long awaited arrival as a fighting game with high calibre, balanced mechanics. Although the hardcore tournament crowd represent a percentage minority, Boon notes they will still be striving to satisfy those high-end concerns. "There are another six million who don't see that effort. But it's important to us."
This attention will see the studio continue to support the game long after release, taking advantage of the download Hotfix system they introduced in Mortal Kombat (2011) and refined with Injustice: Gods Among Us [NetherRealm's hugely successful DC superhero fighter - in case you missed it!]. The most recent Injustice hotfix was just last month!
Dedication to solving niggling interruptions and strong tournament calibre gameplay won't strip the series of its identity, though. We learned through different outlets during E3 that the series will continue to utilize a dedicated block button -- reserving the back to block standard of other series for Injustice . The well implemented but ultimately unpopular Tag Team Mode may not be so lucky, though. "It's not completely off the table, but it wasn't one of the most used things."
Mortal Kombat X will be released at an as yet undetermined date in 2015! Visit TRMK to read the full interview with more detailed Q&A.;
Find more developer chats in our extensive Interview Archive. Register to find and comment on all the videos, images & recaps from E3 on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
They adorned the convention halls of the 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo -- now the battle weathered images of Scorpion can be scrutinized in greater detail!
Mortal Kombat X was one of the star attractions of this year's E3 and we've been treated to some terrific coverage because of it! Gamespot got more than their pound of flesh with a live Day 3 stage demo, interview with John Edwards and these complete match videos that show off the E3 build!
Choose Your Destiny:Select other matches below to load them in the player.
This is one of the most complete previews we've seen from the expo demo build! New characters Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, Ferra/Torr & D'Vorah feature alongside returning versions of mascot stalwarts: Scorpion & Sub-Zero.
You can watch the full seven feature matches above by changing your selections from the playlist, or enjoy the entire 23 minute Gamespot stage demo. During the demo, Ed Boon answered questions, clarifying various details.
Characters will have multiple Fatality moves, but they won't be tied to the new Character Variation system. Neither will X-Ray attacks. There will likely be Stage Fatalities. There will be a new "-ality". We can likely expect more "ninja" characters in the final cast. The story will harken back to Mortal Kombat (2011) and its characters, but will make large leaps ahead in time. Konquest mode does not return, but a robust Story Mode with professional actors will tell the stories of characters. The identity of this games' Sub-Zero will be revealed through the story. He also notes a new guest character will be considered [Not Kratos].
Mortal Kombat X runs at 1080p and 60FPS on a highly customized version of the Unreal Engine 3. Coming 2015; MKX will be available for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 & PC. E3 demos were on the PS4.
Register to keep up with the latest news, previews and speculation. You can join in on all the hot topics in the web's most visited dedicated Mortal Kombat X forum! Help spread the word by liking & sharing stories via @MK_Online & Facebook.
If you can't get enough of Mortal Kombat X at E3 - you're in luck! Series co-creator and MKX Creative Director Ed Boon revealed his ability to simulcast himself across two separate "live" streams -- appearing on Twitch.TV and IGN back-to-back! If you missed the later IGN demo, check out the archive below:
With so many outlets covering the same six-character demo build, we've seen a lot of what Mortal Kombat X has to offer (thus far). IGN's savvy references were able to give them a little edge in the coverage arms race. If you were one of the many identifying Ferra/Torr as a Mad Max inspired riff [see; Master Blaster] -- then this is the stream for you!
Along with many of the new tricks we've seen in the past two days; Boon elaborates further on the character variations and the impact those choices have. Not only will character attacks and basic style change -- but so will their appearance! Eagle-eyed players who noticed Sub-Zero's glowing mask, Scorpion's swords & hellfire, or Cassie Cage's glowing green hands will have identified the tell-tale signs of different variation modes!
"Unbreakable" Sub-Zero demonstrates one of the more stark changes in a character we've seen. Not only does he have a slightly peculiar bright, glowing mask, but his playstyle shows off a variety of "kori" based defensive techniques including an all-new ice shield!
Mortal Kombat X will appear in another live stream today (June 12)! Check the stream schedule for details. Register to share the entire live experience on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
Gameplay has been the top order since Mortal Kombat X launched its E3 campaign during the preview day Sony Press Event. For all the stream monsters, Twitch.TV's E3Live stream offers a fresh glimpse at all the playable new characters - including Cassie Cage, Ferra/Torr & Kotal Kahn!
The streaming demo is now archived [embedded above]. Fans looking to get straight to the Mortal Kombat X action will want to skip approximately to the 4hrs 51mins mark in the video. It's there that Creative Director Ed Boon defied time and space to appear live on the stream with NetherRealm's Paulo Garcia & Tyler Lansdown!
The demo shows of Cassie Cage's unique combination of Sonya inspired Special Forces attacks (guns, airstrike), as well as the enhanced shadow moves of her pop Johnny Cage. The young fighter brings levity to the gruesome fatality finishers, rubbing bubblegum in her opponent's wound for a blood-filled bubble burst.
Kotal Kahn shows off his Aztec inspired god fighting, as well. His style has an emphasis on powerful grappling, with variations offering different energy attacks or sword options. His fatality made a splash during the Sony Press Conference trailer - a sacrificial style removal of the heart, from which Kahn drinks. Mmm, toasty.
Mortal Kombat X has been a feature of this year's E3! Everybody wants to talk MKX and Gamespot found NetherRealm Lead Designer John Edwards to talk a little about his role, the new characters & the new game!
With his hands deep in the game mechanic creation process, Edwards talks about the teams' goal to maintain core trademark elements whilst developing the new game. Balancing and incorporating new characters is clearly a priority for NetherRealm as they follow-up their massive tournament breakthrough with Mortal Kombat (2011).
Gamespot are set to feature Mortal Kombat X again in a live demonstration today (June 12). The live stream is currently scheduled for 11:40am (PDT).
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Ed Boon is leading the charge for Mortal Kombat X at this year's E3 - and the results have been impressive! The Creative Director hosted an illuminating demo during the PlayStation Live Cast (yesterday), but it was a more sedate affair when he was a guest on Giant Bomb: The casual atmosphere not only made for a human conversation, but also dripped a couple more interesting details out of the project head:
The meaning of the X continues to stew in dubious analogies, but its pronounced status as "Ex" remains in tact. What's also in tact -- in some fashion -- is the new Mortal Kombat timeline.
Ed revealed the new game will continue the story some time after the end of Mortal Kombat (2011), before making large leaps in time across the already confirmed twenty-five year timespan. It won't begin immediately at the conclusion of the last story mode, but it also will not be a completely linear affair. To us, that sounds like revelatory flashbacks and other story-dependent deliveries of information.
This hyper-extended timeline is obviously the reason we'll seeing dramatic new developments, like the introduction of Cassie Cage -- daughter of Mortal Kombat originals Johnny Cage & Sonya Blade! Ed notes the light hearted predicament of allowing fatalities on family members -- a possible clue to the inclusion of mom & pop?
Choose Your Destiny:Scorpion faces D'Vorah in the E3 select screen.
As for the twenty-four silhouettes on the character select screen -- don't count those chickens just yet! As has been the case in previous years, that E3 select screen isn't final! Think you recognize some of the shapes? You probably do, but those too aren't to be trusted! There are hints of truth, but Ed makes no bones about the misleading shapes. "We just wanted to mess with people's heads."
Further emphasis has been placed on separating the stage interactions from Injustice: Gods Among Us, as well. Just as in the PlayStation Live Cast - Ed highlights the ability to garner leverage from interactive elements like walls and other location based influences. He also notes the conceptual scaling, keeping MK's interactions more low key than the bombastic super-human feats of the DC fighter.
Stamina meter management is also further discussed, with the reveal that there's no run button! Dashing to run is on the agenda, but obviously that will be subject to meter status.
The mysterious new online mode (revealed in the press release) is described as a 'persistent meta game'. That's certainly in keeping with existing interpretations of the mystery mode.
Mortal Kombat X is at E3 for the next two days! Check the live stream schedule for updates. Register to join in and immortalize your reactions on the forum! Be sure to support the site by liking & sharing stories via @MK_Online & Facebook, as well!
Mortal Kombat X has invaded E3 and its done it with three all new playable characters leading the charge! You saw them introduced during the Sony Press Conference, and learned more during a PlayStation Live Cast demo hosted by Ed Boon! Now scrutinize them in great detail in the first official screenshots:
Scorpion & Sub-Zero provide familiarity alongside new additions: Kotal Kahn, Ferra-Tor & D'Vorah!
The brood mother D'Vorah is the first new character to be featured in our annual Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion tournament! She faces Sindel in a battle of the queen bees! Register to join the debate and share your thoughts on all the top stories on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
If Day 1 of E3 left us with questions, Day 2 was all about answers! Sony's Press Conference gave us the first Mortal Kombat X gameplay trailer and introduced three mystery characters [full story]. Those characters were finally given names during Ed Boon's appearance on the PlayStation Live Cast:
The Mortal Kombat X Creative Director revealed a plot that will take the story up to twenty-five years in the future! This lapse in time means we can expect plenty of wild new characters, returning characters in new guises, and some unexpected twists on the familiar staples!
The three mysterious characters introduced yesterday have been identified as: Ferra-Torr (midget & brute), D'Vorah (wasp woman) & Kotal Kahn (Aztec warrior). Joining them in the Live Cast demo was another surprising new addition - Cassie Cage: daughter of original chosen warriors Johnny Cage & Sonya Blade!
The first three characters were featured in a live demonstration, along with Scorpion & Sub-Zero. The reinvention of kombat is evident in every aspect of the game, from the selection of three variations of every character, to the interactive elements in stages!
Scorpion's fighting variations include: Ninjutsu, Hellfire & Inferno. Each variation will alter the gameplay functionality, but is seemingly built around basic high concepts. Boon explains Ninjutsu incorporates swords into his style, while Hellfire allows the ninja spectre to manipulate hellish flames, and Inferno (a popular reference from Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks) features demon summoning.
Choose Your Destiny:Scorpion faces D'Vorah in the E3 select screen.
Many theories and assumptions based on the first trailer are playing out! Meter based special attacks like X-Ray & Enhanced moves return from Mortal Kombat. Arena interactions look set to have an interesting influence on the series, adapting ideas developed by NetherRealm Studios in their over-the-top superhero fighter: Injustice: Gods Among Us!
Interactions with arena geography will allow players to reposition themselves in fights, while interactive weaponry adds fun and opportunity based leverage. Dead bodies washing up in a churning surf are just one example of inconsistent interactive elements -- a little old woman affectionately dubbed Blanche - another weaponized fixture. Ed describes stage interaction as offering "more tools" -- something helped with the return of the block button, which can be employed against offensive stage elements.
New arenas showed off include The Kove -- a grim jetty with a turbulent ocean setting, and gnarly pirate-type ships in the background. Outworld Marketplace offers some welcome world building, with an apocalyptic/ancient take on commerce that features exactly what it promises. The bustling market is littered with interesting characters, going even further with character depth and activity than the last game!
When asked who the big villain of the game will be - Ed was cagey: 'It's gonna be a fun surprise returning character.' If you immediately thought you knew who that meant, Boon throws a little doubt into the mix: "Not a lot of people will see it coming."
We can expect to see a few more familiar faces in the future, with aged kombatants a distinct option. Scorpion is, of course, a returning icon, but it's too soon to assume the same is true of Sub-Zero -- a character whose backstory includes a lineage of seven generations of kori warriors with that same name.
Mortal Kombat Online will be talking a whole lot more about the new game in the coming days, weeks & months! Response to E3 coverage has been tremendous! Be sure to share every step of the experience on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Support the site by liking & sharing stories via @MK_Online and Facebook.
We were promised new characters in Mortal Kombat X - and it was during the E3 Sony Press Conference that we were given our first glimpse! Three never before seen characters topped the details coming out of a trailer that revealed hard hitting gameplay, grim 'n' gritty designs, and a whole new direction from the classic franchise!
The preview package answered questions and confirmed suspicions raised by the initial, all CG MKX reveal trailer. Not all of the game's mysteries have been uncovered just yet, however. Creative Director Ed Boon assures there's more to come from the E3 build! We can expect more gameplay & character reveals in the following days! Yay!
Commenting on & illuminating the preview via Twitter (@noobde): Boon revealed the finished game will include multiple interaction dialogues between every character, the MK mainstay of a block button & "lots more stuff coming".
E3 coverage continues tomorrow, with the expo floor open and more Mortal Kombat X coverage coming! Keep your eyes on the Mortal Kombat X forum for more!
The 2014 Electronic Entertainment Expo is officially upon us! The annual gaming expo begins with the roll out of live press conferences today (June 9), before the floor opens to one of the world's biggest preview and demonstration conventions in the world Tuesday (June 10-12)!
Announced June 2nd with a brutal reveal trailer: Mortal Kombat X has already adorned the streets and convention centre with giant size banners featuring Scorpion and the Who's Next? tagline. MKX will be on the floor for the full three days, being covered by the world's major enthusiast press! Several outlets will be streaming live preview coverage, with the MKX schedule shaping up like so:
As we gear up for next week's E3: the leading topic of speculation remains the next playable roster! Mortal Kombat X will be at the annual gaming mecca to reveal at least 2 more playable characters -- "brand new", or so we're told. We expect to see plenty of familiar faces to go along with them, but not everyone character can make the cut.
Project Lead Ed Boon has spent the last few days setting expectations for E3. Amongst his various clues, allusions & titbits -- the kibosh for some of the more obscure characters fans have requested. With speculation running wild, it's time to spin the wheel of broken dreams and reflect upon Ed's Kharacter Deadpool!
Jade [Feb. 12, 2015 Update]
It was just a matter of time. For many of us, the elimination of original trilogy characters was an expectation thought to be met far sooner. We got first whiff in a recent report from IGN. Just two months out from the release of Mortal Kombat X (April 14th) -- the latest Kombat Kast has confirmed Jade will not be coming back.
Hidden behind a question mark on the arcade battle plan, and seen peeking out from behind a tree in the Living Forest stage (with Smoke); Jade memorably made her debut as an unlockable opponent in Mortal Kombat II. She developed into a fully realized character in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, adopting her trademark fighting staff for the first time, which remained with her in infrequent appearances up to her most successful outing in Mortal Kombat. Jade will be represented in MKX by her weapon of choice, carried in Kitana's Mournful fighting variation as tribute to the apparently fallen warrior.
An Edenian assassin taken in by Shao Kahn - Jade was originally charged with hunting Kitana during UMK3. Instead, the green clad assassin would become loyal to the princess and her realm of origin. In terms of fiction, this typically rendered Jade a subordinate afterthought to her palette swap counterpart, but the cult of design and gameplay easily makes Jade the most notable omission, thus far.
Bolstered by a zealous (and dubiously represented) collection of fans, Jade eliminated Reiko, Nightwolf & Quan Chi during last year's Supreme Champion fan vote, narrowly losing out to Shang Tsung in the Quarter Final.
Mavado Introduced in Deadly Alliance -- Mavado was a brand new addition in the exciting 2002 reboot of the franchise. He essentially took the place of Kabal, borrowing the MK3 fighter's trademark hookswords with an off-screen rivalry established in text dialogue. The rivalry would not be played out in-game until 2006's Armageddon, which packed in most of the playable characters from the entire series' lifespan.
Mavado was anchored by the introduction of the Red Dragon Clan - ancient counterpart to Kabal's better known Black Dragon, and nemesis of the Special Forces. Their number would only grow to three in the MKDA era, with Red Dragon founder Daegon one of the two new characters introduced in Armageddon. Mavado was introduced alongside infamous teammate Hsu Hao.
To go with his stolen hookswords, Mavado possessed a curious gimmick of elastic roped grapple hooks. His alternate design offered up an interesting armored look, but the primary design left little impression, with perhaps the exception of bewilderment at the sight of vinyl-spandex long johns. Absence did not make the heart grow fonder. After Boon's tweet, Mavado mustered a meagre 20.7% in his Supreme Champion fan vote against Cyrax.
RT @The_MK_Freak@noobde You guys thought about adding Drahmin in the newest game? I would love 2C him again! EB: Kinda unlikely, sorry.
Drahmin "The Oni Tormentor" Drahmin is another 2002 introduction who failed to sustain a role. His skinned body and bright mask announced a stylistic change for the Deadly Alliance franchise relaunch, but any excitement he might have inspired dissipated as the character struggled to live up to expectations. As the playable buddy to a monster sub-boss, he looked a little weak. Street Fighter style rising uppercuts and buzzing flies tapped into an interesting concept, but failed to give it the hard hitting grunt of a feared demon.
With our pre-game anticipation based on the assumptions of an MK4 do-over, we thought Drahmin would be a good compliment to Shinnok's infamously unpopulated Netherrealm forces [Top 10 Comebacks]. With those assumptions quickly fading, the reasons for a return start to diminish. Appearing in our Supreme Champion fan vote, he managed a win with 59.4% of the vote against hard sell Kira.
"We don't have Motaro in the game, but if [we] had the big centaur half horse guy that filled half the screen it would not work. I don't think people think it through and just say "I want to play as Motaro!" You really don't!" - Ed Boon [via TRMK]
Motaro [Jun. 15, 2014 Update]
Introduced as a dramatic new sub-boss in Mortal Kombat 3 -- the Centaur warrior Motaro is something of a rare sight these days. As MK's first quadruped, he poses technical and logistic limitations that seem unlikely to be challenged any time soon. He was nixed in an E3 interview with TRMK -- but this was confirmation of a largely expected fact.
MK3 Motaro took advantage of the same stop-motion techniques first used to create Goro & Kintaro in the first games [read more]. Using digitized sprites based on maquette photography meant the unreal character could be created through arduous, but relatively simple sessions. Even so, the character appeared with logical limitations, unable to suffer the same toppling or fatal damage as other characters in the three MK3 versions.
In 2006, Motaro was a very late addition to Armageddon despite its fundamental, all-in roster concept. To avoid limiting the character or having to build new assets, the team redesigned him as a bipedal minotaur. Motaro was unceremoniously killed off during MK3-inspired portions of Mortal Kombat (2011)'s story mode. Despite maintaining a cult following, Motaro was eliminated from the Supreme Champion fan vote by newly revealed Ferra/Torr. He earned 45.6% of the vote.
We'd still kinda like to see the guy back in his full glory, but understand as the series boasts increasing levels of complexity in its internal body structures and play mechanics -- Motaro is more trouble than he's worth. We think concessions for an unplayable boss could be made, but we get it. He lives on in the hearts of long time fans, in the glue used by Outworld children, and in the meals served at some Ikea stores.
RT @Yonderage@noobde Name one Mortal Kombat character that won't be playable in Mortal Kombat, go! EB: Hsu Hao
Hsu Hao [Jun. 26, 2014 Update]
Oh, Hsu Hao... Will there ever be a rainbow? It almost seems inconceivable that this burly Mongolian grappler was once the subject of intense, enthusiastic speculation. It was part of the lead up to Deadly Alliance -- the 2002 reboot of the series that saw his debut. At that stage, he was known simply as "[Kublai] Khan" - a name that had a lot of people questioning his true identity and significance.
Having made a name for himself as a short-lived double-agent within the Outerworld Investigation Agency - he was unceremoniously killed off by Jax in an MKDA ending that became canon. As we know all too well, however, death has a way of being temporary. When 2006's Armageddon called for an all-in mega game, Hsu Hao was briefly resurrected. It soon became apparent nobody at [Midway] was too chuffed about his return and he gained an endorsed reputation as a widely despised character.
Like most Kombatants, Hsu Hao isn't without his uses. It was nice to see the criminal fraternities expanded upon having had only a few Black Dragon fighters to go by. His Red Dragon expanded in significance in Armageddon and if the games ever go back there - there's fertile mythology to expand upon! When it comes to side-to-side fights, we kinda think leaning into Hsu Hao's death(s) and disdain is the way to go. Like Kenny in South Park, there could be some morbid fun to be had with Hsu Hao as a character who dies each game. A cyborg from day one, he has the size and look to become MK's resident Frankenstein patchwork man -- an archetype as yet unexplored. Who wouldn't want to lurch around the screen as a mad grappling "FrankenHao"?!
Ed may have ruled Hsu Hao out as a playable character in the next game, but that doesn't mean he won't be one of the "fun" cameos arriving in the story mode. And when we say "fun" - we mean to the miniscule mean 13.6% who've voted for him in previous years of our Supreme Champion fan tournament.
Khameleon & Chameleon [Feb. 10, 2015 Update]
Hey! Just whose deadpool is this?! Horning in on the "unreveals" in February is Executive Producer Shaun Himmerick [above]. The lover of tacos took an elimination axe to two oft requested, but rarely seen fighters in Khameleon & Chameleon.
The jury's still out on the exact nature of Chameleon, but the female variant was treated to a full story in her Nintendo outings, making her a female Zaterran survivor in search of Reptile. Given the chance, they might've repopulated the nigh extinct refugee species, but it seems of all the fighters baring offspring, they won't be among them!
The ultimate male and female palette swaps debuted in respective versions of Mortal Kombat Trilogy, possessing all the powers of their multi-coloured counterparts. This made them #8 on Mortal Kombat Online's Top 10 hidden & unlockable characters, but has always split broad reaction. Pushback against the ills of the digitized era has never done them favours, but in spite of this, the pair have each maintained a fiercely loyal cult following. The potential for reinvention remains strong with a few ideas peppered between them, possibly as a duo of hidden rainbow warriors -- something sorely missing from modern Kombat.
Meat & Mokap [Feb. 10, 2015 Update]
A little less naturally paired together than Chameleon & Khameleon -- Meat & Mokap are never the less stuck together like two pieces of forgotten, freezer burnt beef. The price of being Mortal Kombat comedy characters.
Meat was introduced in Mortal Kombat 4 as a playable hidden character. The ultimate embodiment of Mortal Kombat's economic asset management - he was really just the composite flesh and muscle rendered for kombat's first 3D fatalities. Armageddon made him the product of Shang Tsung's flesh pits, and there was some reference to being a "fun character who assists Shinnok". Expectations of an MK4 do-over may have given Meat the slimmest of chances, but revelations about the "Netherrealm War" [spoilers] lessened that reasoning before it was pulped and packed into a soft tortilla shell.
Mokap debuted in Deadly Alliance as a loving, unlockable tribute to MK actor turned motion capture artist Carlos Pesina. Alas; trivia ties and a surprisingly enjoyable array of borrowed moves failed to earn Mokap the love some may feel for his real-life inspiration. Mokap ever so barely found relevance to the plot of the games, but his greatest achievements revolve around testicular puns. Not that there's anything wrong with that. We're still holding our breath for the Mokap/Stuntman Mortalmania dream match, but for now, it's bye bye balls.
RT @RalfGone@noobde ed boon is kratos coming on Mortal Kombat X EB: Not likely. He was awesome in MK9 but we dont wanna repeat.
Kratos The God of War mascot came as a bit of a shock when revealed at the 2010 VGAs! Nobody was quite anticipating guest characters in Mortal Kombat just yet, but with a bad ass trailer unleashing the might of the godslayer, a new era was ushered in.
Guest characters are still a sore point for many-a-die hard fan -- even as they top DLC sales stats. Eliminating Kratos will probably come as a relief for many, but we won't hold any parades just yet. Lines blur when a guest character makes repeat visits. If we're to be subjected to a crossover in Mortal Kombat X, we'd probably expected somebody new - and we know others have been considered! No love lost.
"I'd be hard-pressed to have a DC character as a downloadable character in Mortal Kombat X. The main reason is, I have no desire to cut Batman's head off. I have no desire to kill Superman." - Ed Boon [via Polygon]
DC Universe [Jul. 16, 2014 Update]
Just when you thought Ed Boon was a Lex Luthor-type villain, mercilessly toying with the lives of your favourite Kombatants - he reveals a heart! Speaking to Polygon at Evo 2014, the Creative Director eliminated the prospects of Injustice guest character DLC in Mortal Kombat X. No small detail, given the existing link between series' that was epitomized by Scorpion's inclusion in Injustice: Gods Among Us!
Batman would make particular sense, given the commercial guarantee the character elicits. Few superheroes have the demographic spread of The Dark Knight, who in 2014 is celebrating his 75th anniversary. While the purity of that event may lean away from Mortal Kombat - we cannot forget that MK has now been a small part of The Batman's long legacy. There was the 2008 crossover Mortal Kombat Versus DC Universe: announced on Mortal Kombat Online with a face-off between Bats and Sub-Zero. Then there was the already noted crossover in Injustice - which included "downloading" Scorpion into the troubled alternate DC Universe. Such events diminished efforts to talk up the separation between series - but keeping DC out of MKX helps sell that (even as Injustice gimmicks find their way into MKX gameplay).
Regime Superman -- left defeated at the close of Gods Among Us, but only imprisoned -- might have been another viable option. His brutality added an MK edge to The Man of Steel. For an even more natural fit, we couldn't eliminate Dark Kahn - the MKvsDC fusion of franchise bosses Darkseid & Shao Kahn.
RT @ErikVanDjismie@noobde How many #ArtLean requests do you get? EB: Kounting you? That would be uh.. (carry the 7) um.... ONE.
Art Lean Adapting Mortal Kombat for the big screen posed challenges to filmmakers in the mid nineties. Remaining more faithful to the source than most of their peers (Super Mario Bros., Double Dragon), the 1995 feature had the difficulty of representing the iconic franchise fighters and the popular fatality-laden battles. The solution was invariably to invent expendable characters. Enter: Art Lean!
Portrayed by Kenneth Edwards - Art Lean was a sympathetic martial arts champion who befriended Johnny Cage in an early scene that set him up as the consummate nice guy. Overwhelmed in the tournament, he was unceremoniously finished by Goro, prompting melodrama and heroic overtures by the Earthrealm heroes. His time was brief, but box office success meant his impact was made. He's long stayed in the minds of fans who were initiated by the film, but as an original creation from the movie, crossover appearances have been unlikely. Sorry, Art.
Deadpool If you've made it this far, you probably aren't one of the dozens afflicted with the confusion that comes from not reading articles. You're probably handsome and attractive and don't expect to see Marvel's "Merc' with a Mouth" Deadpool. Logical - given NetherRealm Studios' status as a Warner Brothers owned developer who've worked with their DC Comics subsidiary in multiple avenues.
If you have reached this section and still don't quite understand what's going on: A "dead pool" (or deadpool) is a game based around predicting when a person or persons will die. The Dead Pool was the name of a 1989 Dirty Harry movie, called such for the aforementioned game. It's also where the Marvel character takes his name, and the wordplay behind one of Mortal Kombat II's most memorable arenas: The Dead Pool.
If you saw a picture of Ed Boon smiling maniacally in the Dead Pool with the words "MKX Character Deadpool" in front of it and expected a Rob Liefeld comic book character -- consider yourself better informed! If teacher gives you guff for reading up on MK, tell them you're learning! [Okay, but what are Deadpool's chances of being in MKX?] Quiet you.
Fret not! It hasn't been all doom and gloom! Characters dismissed have ultimately been the minority. For every fighter rebuked, several favourites have been... not rebuked. That is to say - don't expect any explicit character confirmations from the man in charge. Ed Boon is keeping mom! He has, however, shared some character tweets that we think could point toward the positive.
Ed Boon Kharacter Tweet Kount (From June 2nd to E3 2014):
Who's next? Register to share your speculation with us on the Mortal Kombat X forum! There are already loads of topics, including the Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion - where you decide who's next! We'll be covering the next character reveals as MKX invades E3.
Before anyone gets too excited - we're just gonna come right out with it: We don't think this is concept art for the in-production Mortal Kombat X. That said - it doesn't mean we can't still call attention to this amazing piece of Ermac "fan art" by Bernard Beneteau!
"Here is a concept I have been working on during my spare time. This is a fan art piece of Mortal Kombat's Ermac. Sculpted a maquette in ZBrush, rendered in Keyshot and textures/paintovers in Photoshop." [Bernard Beneteau via ZBrushCentral]
If the name Bernard Beneteau seems familiar to you - bravo! It should. He's been featured on Mortal Kombat Online several times in his capacity as Senior Character Artist for several NetherRealm Studios games.
Beneteau started with the team back at Midway Entertainment, contributing to Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe! That practise clearly came in handy as he then continued in his role through Mortal Kombat & Injustice: Gods Among Us.
Calling any of this "fan art" is probably a bit rich, but in the case of the Ermac images featured - it comes from the horses mouth (or file name)!
The top image was retweeted by Ed Boon just a couple of days ago, when it was sent to him by a fan. This says to us it almost certainly won't be included in Mortal Kombat X -- but it could very well be a nod to the character's ultimate inclusion. Ed calls it "mean looking" -- we call it an interesting, almost Scarecrow-esque take on the patchwork warrior!
Mortal Kombat X will be featured at the upcoming E3 event in LA [full preview], where the first gameplay and new characters are set to be revealed! So far it's only been Scorpion & Sub-Zero starring in reveal trailer and promo art. Could Ermac be right around the corner?
Register to keep up to date and comment on all the top stories on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Special thanks to Rockchalk5477 for drawing our attention! Check out more Ermac fan-art in our AprilArt of Kombat feature. Support the site by liking & sharing stories like these via @MK_Online & Facebook!
With the reveal of the first trailer for the next game - Mortal Kombat was thrust back into the spotlight! Mortal Kombat X became an instant worldwide trend just one week ahead of its debut at E3 [Expo Preview]. The influx of interest was fuelled by a canny teaser campaign in May, but the pre-release interest hasn't been going all one way!
Gamespot report May PlayStation Network sales saw Mortal Kombat (2011) finish #4 in the top PS3 sellers! It did not chart among the Top 20 in April.
Project Lead Ed Boon revealed the Mortal Kombat X original story will "sort of" be a sequel to the 2011 smash hit, but it's "hard [to] explain." [read more] Register to join the speculation on the Mortal Kombat X forums! Thanks to MKOmmunity User McDaniel for tipping us off!
Mortal Kombat X may have been an instant global phenomenon, but Rome wasn't built in a day! A lot of hard work goes into making these games and it looks like the team at NetherRealm Studios have been burning the midnight oil!
Project Lead Ed Boon tweeted out a couple of pics last night: one of them the clock reading 2:50AM! That's either a seriously cryptic clue, or some serious dedication! He also shared an image of the office after dark -- and its that image that really has our attention!
We saw this clock/office combo eighteen months ago during hype for NetherRealm's last AAA fighting game: Injustice: Gods Among Us. Back then, it was all part of the teasers, revealing two of the final games' cameo background characters.
We'll leave the zoom, clean-up and reflection flipping to all you CSI-eyed Runners out there. With banners from most previous instalments in the Mortal Kombat series visible - we're wondering if the clues aren't hiding in plain sight.
The announce trailer shifted the tone of expectation to something more disconnected from Mortal Kombat (2011) and its lethal consequences. A press release promise for multiple playable versions of characters had us bandying around an internal speculative shorthand of "Greatest Hits" to describe what we think might be coming.
Interestingly enough, that same term has showed up on screenshots shared by @NetherRealm [enlarge thumbnails above]. Maybe it's just a playful reference to the hard hits of the trailer. Maybe we're barking up the wrong tree all together. Or, just maybe, the philosophy of Mortal Kombat X is already on show for all to see.
If you've been anywhere on the internet the last couple of days - chances are you've run into Mortal Kombat X! The announcement trailer reveal was an instant worldwide phenomenon, entrenching MK firmly back in the mind of gaming and pop culture outlets!
Not wanting to be left behind: Comedy website Funny or Die have launched their own coverage for the 2015 fighter, and they've uncovered some incredible revelations! Their 17 Features of the New 'Mortal Kombat X' Game illuminates details we didn't even consider in our extensive reveal trailer breakdown -- check out some of our favourites below:
Now when you hear “FINISH HIM,” your opponent’s family enters so you can look them all in the eye first.
Due to global warming, Sub-Zero now just hurls lukewarm water at people.
New “Blogalities” let you finish off an opponent with a strongly worded Tumblr post.
Uptempo bossa nova score.
New characters include Spyke, a demon trapped in a cyborg body, and Gary, a terrified, sobbing man begging for mercy.
An empathetic Scorpion demands heartbroken players “Get Over Her.”
Cutscene after cutscene of characters recalling the time they met Batman.
Johnny Cage is now Johnathan Cage. He’s an adult now.
Extra-gruesome “football mode” lets characters join the NFL then tracks their cognitive degeneration over the next few decades.
After 22 years, someone finally catches that typo in the title.
FOD: Little known fact - Sabrina once defeated Shang Tsung in a tournament final.
Mortal Kombat X will be at next week's E3 where we expect to learn real new details. Check out our E3 MKX Preview with new details leaked by Creative Director Ed Boon! Register to join the fun on the new Mortal Kombat X forum! Like & share stories via @MK_Online & Facebook.
This year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3, to the cool kids) is one week away, and anticipation for Mortal Kombat X is already topping everybody's lists! The cross-gen 2015 fighter will be at the annual expo and we can expect a few new things coming our way when it is! Creative Director Ed Boon has continued his role as hype beast letting some key details about the new game out:
RT @Y21__@noobde are we going to see new fighters in the MK X? EB: YES! Two of my new favoriates will be at E3 !!
With the announcement trailer sticking to the mascot standards for a simple introduction to Mortal Kombat X -- we'll be very pleased to see new characters when the game is shown at E3. The accompanying MKX press release gave us good indication there'll be new characters, but we won't know how new is new until we see for ourselves.
RT @darkgio6@noobde are you showing gameplay of MKX at E3? EB: YES! You might also see gameplay in a "surprise" game injustry event ! #MKX
Pre-E3 reveal trailers for Mortal Kombat and Injustice: Gods Among Us gave us demonstrations of six or more playable characters. The full CG treatment for MKX may have been a little disappointing, but the wait for gameplay won't be long. We look forward to getting our first glimpse of a game that's promising variant versions of playable characters and new game modes [read more].
RT @timbo869@noobde will the story in mortal kombat X Kontinue from mk9 or be a new original story EB: Sort of BOTH.. hard 2 explain.
The story of Mortal Kombat X is shaping up to be one of the big mysteries heading into E3. In the above tweet, Ed alludes to another kink in the saga that won't necessarily be a direct continuation of Mortal Kombat (2011) and its time bending tangents.
That's something we speculated about in our reveal trailer breakdown. Will we see multiple timelines? Multiple universes? A return to the original timeline circa the all important Armageddon? In the trailer - the new Dragon Logo cracks into four pieces. Is it possible we see four disparate influences on the story? We hope to learn answers during E3!
RT @topherous86@noobde so the 'X' has multiple meanings, right? #MKX EB: Yea. X can be used in a number of ways. That worked out nicely.
For those wondering, it's supposed to be said aloud like the letter - "Ex". As noted in the tweet, however, there's a double entendre for anyone counting Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe as game number eight. The question is - what's the intended meaning of the X to make 10 the double meaning? In our reveal trailer breakdown we speculated the multiple universe theory could mean MK "cross" MK (ala; Street Fighter x Tekken). We hope to get a clearer answer come E3.
RT @JackRansom97@noobde will fatalities be as gory and good as mk9's? #MortalKombatX EB: When UC Scorpion's 2nd, you will flip your shit !
We'll be hoping to flip our 'proverbial' with gameplay demonstrations from E3, but there's more to read here than just hype for Scorpion's finishing moves! Sure, we take for granted that there'll be plenty of content in these games, but in times past fatalities have paid the price of higher priorities. 2002 series reboot Deadly Alliance only included 1 finisher per character. 2006 battle royal Armageddon replaced the old favourites for the slightly generic Kreate-A-Fatality.
The above tweet seems to guarantee multiple playable versions of characters won't come at the expense of their trademark fatality finishers! Better yet, it even sounds like the second option could be even better than the first!
Update (Jun. 4): There's still a week to go until E3. That's a lot of time to kill and plenty of twitter teasers to tweet till Tuesday! Here are some fresh morsels to keep you salivating in the countdown to the next reveal:
The official NetherRealm Studios account chirped in to challenge fans to pick a side between the trailer's mascot kombatants. A little fun competition between classic rivals -- or an allusion to the new online mode touched on by the press release?
RT @Insider2000@noobde Will we get Story information at E3, or not so soon? EB: A little, yes. I think you will like the premise for MKX !
Following up on earlier speculation - we will learn something more about the mysterious storyline of the new game. In more shocking news: Boon thinks @Insider2000 -- or the fanbase at large -- will like the premise. Bold words, sir. Bold words!
It looks as if Mavado fans are probably fresh out of luck! The Red Dragon clansman was introduced in 2002's Deadly Alliance as a rival-cum-substitute for his hooksword wielding Black Dragon counterpart -- Kabal.
Absent from the follow-up, he was a largely forgettable addition once Kabal made his return. Ed may be no stranger to a little subterfuge, but with character dismissals like this, he's more often than not a straight shooter. Couple this with a game high concept that seems to be opening the door to the iconic cast, and the odds look grim for the pseudo-Spaniard. You'll be able to show your support (or disdain) for Mavado later in the next Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion tournament update!
RT @RainyMirror@noobde Are you really Ed Boon tweeting, or are you his assistant? EB: I don't have an assistant.
Today we learned Boon is a hard working sunnuva gun who's just Eddie from the block. Furthermore: long term fans know Meat is "a fun character who assists Shinnok". So you can consider this confirmation Ed Boon is not, in fact, the devil... Probably.
Update (Jun. 5): Today's tweets from the master of Mortals featured a lot of topics, including simple fan arts and a very late night at the office. We'll be covering some of those in an upcoming feature, but we'll grab one tweet of interest -- a promise of big things for MKX!
RT @BurningBlitz@noobde Is their going to be a New feature in the Mortal Kombat X? EB: Much more than one new feature!
Update (June. 6): Leading today's Tweet Like Its News update, Boon does his best Jimmy Olsen, [creating a dangerous traffic hazard] whilst snapping an exciting first-look at the Warner Brothers poster campaign that lines the streets of Los Angeles:
Mortal Kombat X will be on show all three days at the annual expo! Naturally, if you can't get there yourself, be with us on the forums to revel in all the developments!
RT @DreamCorridor@noobde Are you guys using Unreal Engine 3 or 4? EB: Using our highly self-customized version of Unreal 3. 60fps 1080p!
As we reported in an update to our original reveal trailer story: MKX will be running on a NetherRealm modified Unreal Engine 3 -- not 4, as some have misreported. The Big B elaborated, noting a continued standard for 60fps and 1080p.
The man who voiced the character for a Guinness Record holding 20+ years also copped some flack for the persistent promo push for Scorpion. The first step is admitting you have a problem. We're here for you, buddy. We're gonna get through this together, Ed. Starting at E3 with 2 brand new characters! Woo!
Mortal Kombat X doesn't have any time booked for the Twitch E3 Live Stream -- but there are two unaccounted for times booked for Warner Brothers Interactive Ent. titles: 2:30PM [PT] Wednesday (June 11) & 1:20PM [PT] Thursday (June 12)!
Mortal Kombat Online will be working to keep you up-to-date with all the developments coming out of E3 2014! Register to share the experience and find more on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Help support the site and keep MK a global phenomenon by liking & sharing stories via @MK_Online & Facebook.
June 2nd is a day we won't soon forget! Mortal Kombat Online was with you in the wee hours, counting down the final moments of a month-long build-up to Mortal Kombat X!
The Twitter-centric live event was a huge success -- attracting tens of thousands to Mortal Kombat Online, and launching "Mortal Kombat X" into the Worldwide Trending topics on the micro blogging social network [pictured right].
The excitement and global significance hasn't stopped there. Mortal Kombat is well and truly restored as a pop culture phenomenon -- leading stories across all the major gaming sites, and attracting an audience of millions to YouTube! On June 2nd alone, the Mortal Kombat X Announce Trailer received in excess of 2 million views!
That's a number that continues to rise steadily, already at the 3 million mark just 12 hours later!
This instant global impact bodes well for the online high concept pitch described by an accompanying press release: "Mortal Kombat X combines cinematic presentation with all new gameplay to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever, offering a new fully-connected experience that launches players into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy."
Mortal Kombat Online has been proud to be a part of this moment in the series' history! We'll be watching closely as the game unfolds, with the next big reveal expected at E3 [preview pending]. Register to join the discussion on the newly launched Mortal Kombat X
It has begun! Mortal Kombat X was finally revealed in an updating frenzy that kicked off a massive Mortal Monday! If you haven't seen it by now, you're going to want to check out the MKX launch trailer before we continue!
The 1 minute 57 second clip is all CG fury, featuring no actual gameplay, but littered with allusions to past and present playstyles that we're very interested in! It wasn't the all-out reveal of the last game, which gave us much more in its first outing. In the scheme of things, that might mean the most decisive step forward from the last decade of Mortal Kombat! If you're up for getting dirty, stick with us as we break down the epic trailer into minute, fastidious detail that raises as many questions as it does answers!
Be sure to join us on the Mortal Kombat X forum to immortalize your thoughts!
Mortal Kombat x Mortal Kombat In the build to the big launch - there was a lot of concern about what that X meant, and whether or not we could see another crossover in the vein of MKvsDC. Mortal Kombat X seems to have eliminated any total franchise overlap, but that doesn't eliminate the possibility of worlds colliding. The new Dragon Logo shatters at the end of the trailer to create a stylized X -- and with the press release revealing a new engine featuring multiple playable versions of characters -- we're wondering if this new plot won't involve parallel universes. We see this as a cake-and-eat-it-too scenario for the gamemakers who killed off a majority of their icons in the last game.
FINISH HIM! The mortality of fighters is on our minds in more ways than one! Sure, there were those extensive deaths to fan-favourites in Mortal Kombat (2011) -- but what about the next game? Sub-Zero suffers a decapitation fatality by the end of the trailer. Hardly an indication of his status in-game, but a wanton attitude to life and death that begs the question: Could that parallel universe be the easy solution to restoring characters and having another bloodbath? We'll be watching this space very closely!
What's it all Four? Most pre-launch speculation has hinged on the 2011 cliff hanger for a rebooted Mortal Kombat 4 do-over. We've got very little to confirm or deny that right now, but the absence of anything MK4 certainly makes us wonder. The press release calls Mortal Kombat X an "original story" that promises to feature many of the memorable fighting cast and "new" characters, as well.
Choose Your Destiny We didn't get any characters or story beats from Mortal Kombat 4 - but fans of the original "3D" installment will recognize some MK4-style grapple attacks! This may or may not mean much to the story, but it does raise questions about the multiple playable versions of characters announced in the press release! Could this be an indication of an Ultra Street Fighter IV-style incorporation of previous games' play styles? Or could we even be looking at he return of counter-attack breakers? The video also starts the action with the kind of kombat running introduced in MK3 and continued into MK4.
Weapon of Choice The MK4 references continue with a certain amount of emphasis on weaponry in the trailer. Weapons were integrated as compliment to standard gameplay and combos in the last game, but the trailer shows a real-time conceit for weapons that is much more reminiscent of MK4's attempts and the weapon styles of Deadly Alliance & Deception. Sub-Zero wields his kori blade on and off throughout the match. Look closely and just like MK4 & MKDA -- the ice sword is planted in the snow from the very beginning of the trailer. Which brings us to another note...
Live at the Improv Deadly Alliance and its sequels featured arena-specific weapons that could be acquired mid-battle to deal extra drama. You have to go back to Mortal Kombat 4 for a more environmental focus on weaponry, however -- something explored further in NetherRealm's last fighter: Injustice: Gods Among Us! During the trailer, Sub-Zero improvises a weapon when he's sent hurtling into a tree and snaps off a branch for an improvised ice club! A nice choreographed moment in a sizzle trailer -- or a sign of things to come?
Learn to Mind Your Surroundings Kombat gets positively acrobatic when Sub-Zero takes advantage of an overhanging tree branch to up his revs! This kind of stage interaction feels very reminiscent of the naturalistic flourishes employed in Injustice. Mortal Kombat as a series may be notorious for constantly introducing and reinventing new gameplay elements, but Injustice was arguably the biggest departure from the established principles of MK. This time in 2012 the developers were insisting their new DC Comics fighter was a complete departure from the better known franchise, but time has told that's not really true. There can be much speculation about how much of the lessons learned in Injustice will carry over to MK -- especially when there are multiple versions of characters available!
Cinematic Super Stylin' Speaking of tricks learnt from Injustice -- the press release for MKX talks up the cinematic quality of the new fighting engine. That's certainly the focus of this CG trailer, which clearly takes some license with the reality of the fighting mechanics it incorporates. The question of how cinematic the moves will get - particularly with those variant playstyles to utilize - should be interesting. Much of the over-the-top action featured in Injustice's super-moves could just as easily be utilized by the iconic Mortal Kombat fighters, if they were so inclined. Moves like X-Rays already played with the virtual camera in the last game, much as "Test Your Might" did in MKvsDC.
Game of Bones Speaking of which: The X-Ray gimmick introduced in 2011 looks set to return in some updated fashion. The trailer shows the same bone snapping internal view as the deadly charge move, sans the black & white obscuring of a traditional scan. In a game where internal organs and fluids are on show for all, we're not sure this will make a big difference. Realistic, high impact violence like this led to an R18+ classification after the previous game was originally banned in Australia. The system down under - lacking the halfway of MA15+ - has arguably normalized the top end adult rating. Could Warner Brothers be looking to push the boundaries of violence with new abandon? The press release calls this one "the most brutal Kombat experience ever".
Location, Location, Location One of the absolute triumphs of the previous game was its arenas! A variety of classic stages were reinvented with a level of depth and activity that dared the player to take his eye off the fight! It's probably not a good idea to take the launch trailer too literally, but if this is any indication of the quality of the brand new stages we might be seeing - color us intrigued! This one errs on the side of simplicity, but has some interesting details, ala; stone archways. It's obviously a more Lin Kuei friendly forest, with its liberal coating of snow. Whether it's the literal outskirts of their land - we shall see!
The Whole World in His Hands As noted: We don't know where in the world this particular forest stage is. We're not sure it really matters. What does matter is the big talk of an all new online esxperience. Improved net code to sustain better connections between players is a must, but the press release is making it sound like there's much more going on in the way of social experience. They're talking "global battle for supremacy" which makes us think some sort of regional stat building. If there are parallel universe or realms in play, we could be seeing an analagous meta-game and that excites us. Of course, they could just be talking about better international servers, as well.
Who's Next? The last game's launch trailer revealed 7 playable characters and 2 in cut scenes. We only got the two mascots this time, leaving us asking the promotional tagline - Who's next? E3 is right around the corner and Mortal Kombat X is going to be there. We hope to get a glimpse of at least a few more characters, returning, continuing, or otherwise.
Ol' Blue Eyes The conceit of glowing or stylized eyes is a well known trope of fantasy fiction. It's equal parts looks cool and the of that the eyes being a window to the soul. What do Sub-Zero's icey blue eyes tell us about him? At the end of the last game, Bi-Han was Noob Saibot and Kuai Liang was a Lin Kuei cyborg phantom starting his afterlife in the Netherrealm. At the end of the trailer - Sub-Zero's eyes fade out. Is that the extinguishing life of a powerful cryomancer -- or has the power been severed to a new look Cyber Sub?... [Can a human head be encased in that much... leather?]
Damage Control Mortal Kombat's development into a "3D" rendered fighter has brought with it a variety of evolving improvements. Realistic, real-time damage to characters has been a consistent interest from game to game. 2002's Deadly Alliance began a tradition of beaten and bruised kombatants, evolving into increasingly complex layers of understructure in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe and most prominently in Mortal Kombat (2011). In the MKX launch trailer, Sub-Zero sustains repeated damage that exposes his face and blood in ways that would be reminiscent of the last game, but a step closer to realism.
CAN'T BE STOPPED Love or hate it, the Warner Brothers machine is completely behind Mortal Kombat as a franchise and that means cross-promotion. Just as Depeche Mode featured with a song for Injustice: Gods Among Us -- the launch trailer of Mortal Kombat X has given us an unofficial anthem for this game, too. Reportedly "inspired by the intense combat of Scorpion and Sub-Zero as they battle for the ultimate win" -- the song is by Rostrum/Atlantic recording artist Wiz Khalifa. Our verdict: The track lends some nice drama to the trailer, with the added hook of contemporary appeal.
Snoop Lion (nee Dogg) may have found his way into Tekken, but it's no time to start panicking about the sanctity of MK just yet! The series is no stranger to accompanying tie-in tracks. Belgian duo The Immortals most famously created Techno Syndrome (Theme to Mortal Kombat), released on their "Mortal Kombat: The Album" concept record in 1994. Skrillex garnered similar mainstream recognition with his song Reptile from the 2011 album Songs Inspired by the Warriors.
Mortal Kombat X will be on the floor at this year's E3 (June 10-12). Mortal Kombat Online will be covering all the developments, probably in a slightly less speculative fashion. Got your own theories & thoughts? Register to share them in the Mortal Kombat X forum! Help support the site by liking & sharing stories via @MK_Online & Facebook.
Mortal Kombat X has officially launched! The 2015 fighter was unveiled via Twitter this morning with a launch trailer and press release combo. Thanks to Warner Brothers & NetherRealm Studios - we've also received what is purportedly the first look at box art!
Final Box Art:June 16 Update Confirms the Final Look Coming to Shelves.
No word on whether this is the final art, or just one of multiple versions that will eventuate come the 2015 release. Click to enlarge the cover and take a closer look at the details of Scorpion's new design!
Update (Jun. 16): The word is out - this is indeed the final box art. New image released above. No update on alternate editions at this stage.
Mortal Kombat X is coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 & PC. The game will be featured at next week's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Register to join the discussion & speculation on the new MKX forum!
Mortal Kombat X is officially upon us! After an explosive reveal trailer reveal, new details are emerging via the newly reclaimed MortalKombat.com and press release!
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced Mortal Kombat X, NetherRealm Studios’ next highly anticipated installment in its legendary, critically acclaimed fighting game franchise that propels the iconic franchise into a new generation. Mortal Kombat X is scheduled for release in 2015 for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Xbox 360 games and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. Mortal Kombat X will make its first public appearance at Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) 2014 in Los Angeles.
“Mortal Kombat is our acclaimed, world-renowned franchise and we are now advancing the fighting genre with Mortal Kombat X,” said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “NetherRealm Studios is best in class at delivering games fans love and they are taking their iconic brand to the next level with Mortal Kombat X."
“Mortal Kombat has always been about over-the-top, visceral fighting and with Mortal Kombat X we wanted to utilize the power of new-gen consoles to give players our most intense game yet,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios. “The team has worked hard to make sure Mortal Kombat X delivers everything fans expect along with new characters, new game modes and an all new graphics engine.”
Mortal Kombat X combines cinematic presentation with all new gameplay to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever, offering a new fully-connected experience that launches players into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy. For the first time, Mortal Kombat X gives players the ability to choose from multiple variations of each character impacting both strategy and fighting style. Players step into an original story showcasing some of the game’s most prolific characters including Scorpion and Sub-Zero, while introducing new challengers that represent the forces of good and evil and tie the tale together.
After the reboot showcase of the last game, new characters are sure to be a welcome addition to the series. Of course, with multiple versions of characters on offer, we'll still be hoping to see some absentees make a comeback.
Be sure to check out the reveal trailer & recap for more details! Mortal Kombat X will be on the floor at next week's E3, where we hope to learn more about the 2015 instalment! Register to share your thoughts about all of these details on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
After a month of counting down the rumor and speculation can finally come to an end! Mortal Kombat X is officially here - revealed with a stunning new reveal trailer!
Mortal Kombat X Reveal Trailer
In a return to a reduced reveal trailer, Sub-Zero and Scorpion take centre stage for a winters forest showdown! The brutal exchange looks decidedly cinematic, but follows the lines of a two-dimensional kombat axis successfully restored in the last game!
Both characters obviously have new looks. Sub-Zero is notably without the bulky metallic exterior of the Lin Kuei cyborg he became in the last game's story mode; while Scorpion dwells stylistically somewhere between the hooded Injustice design by Jim Lee, and more traditional ninja looks.
The visuals obviously reflect the next evolution for the series, but it's the subtle interactions between the mascot fighters that have us paying attention. Through the course of the fight we see what could be interpreted as signs of stage interaction, adaptable weapons, and a return of X-Ray moves.
Update: Players can look forward to multiple versions of characters offering different strategies and play styles! Reminiscent of the nostalgia gimmick employed in Ultra Street Fighter IV - it is as yet unknown what the multiple versions will reflect. New info reveals other lofty plans for the next game, including online modes:
Fueled by next-gen technology, Mortal Kombat X combines unparalleled, cinematic presentation with all new gameplay to deliver the most brutal Kombat experience ever. For the first time ever, Mortal Kombat X gives players the ability to choose from multiple variations of each character impacting both strategy and fighting style. And with a new fully-connected gameplay experience, players are launched into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy.
As noted by yesterday's pre-sale links by Amazon: The game will receive a cross platform release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 & PC. Warner Brothers UK have confirmed an expected nebulous 2015 release.
Mortal Kombat X announced for 2015 on PS3, PS4, X360, XBone &PC! First public appearance at E3 in LA next week - http://t.co/D70R5ykFVr#MKX
As to the reveal itself: It was the culmination of a teaser campaign primarily run via Ed Boon's twitter. While the previously revealed #WHOSNEXT hashtag didn't crack the global trends - the twitter event did see Mortal Kombat X rank among the top topics being discussed in the United States!
Mortal Kombat Online (@MK_Online) was live to share the final hours with many great MK fans! The fun and games were replaced by a simmering tension when the Project Lead revealed the game title. Five minutes later, the promise of more than just a mere title. Then, eighteen minutes after the initial tweet - what we were all waiting for. Another great moment in fan history we're pleased to have been a big part of, especially with everyone in the MKOmmunity and on the forums!
Update: Information has continued to trickle out throughout the day. Since the 8AM CDT campaign launch, we've learned two key details about the trailer. Emmy award winning effects house Digital Dimension revealed their role in creating the trailer - and that it is indeed purely CG and not comprised of any actual gameplay. Joe Kreiner of Unreal Engine also made it known the game is running Unreal Engine 3.
Just one day from our 8AM (CDT) Mortal Monday reveal -- Amazon.co.uk has multiple alert listings for "Mortal Kombat X"!
With the cat let out of the bag over the past few days, we already know to be on the look out for a brand new instalment of Mortal Kombat (tomorrow). What's new is that Amazon list the game for all major, current platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 & PC. [Sorry, Wii U!]
While this is no doubt encouraging -- particularly for Xbox One owners who missed out NetherRealms' "next gen" upgrade to Injustice: Gods Among Us -- it must be taken with a grain of salt. The five pages - each with a December 2015 release date - are placeholders for the anticipated game. The exact value of their information cannot be determined at this point. Update (Jun. 2): All listings for "Mortal Kombat X" have since been removed.
Of course, if you're on board for our 2014 Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion fan tournament - you know Mortal Kombat Online is hedging its bets on a 2015 release, as well.
From the Palace Gates of Shang Tsung's Island, to the invaded streets of metropolitan Earthrealm: The more things have changed, the more they've stayed the same! The tournament called Mortal Kombat has raged for over 20 years -- and for the first time since that momentous anniversary -- the game is about to change!
June 2nd will reveal the long awaited next instalment of Mortal Kombat! As the month of May winds to a close, we have been asked a simple question in promotional anticipation: Who's Next?
We asked a very similar question this time last year! In 2013, it was Smoke who emerged from the months of debate and thousands of votes as a controversial victor! Like the warrior himself - the conclusion was enshrouded in a fog of doubt and uncertainty. With the new game mere days from launch - and new measures in place - nothing can be taken as fact! True champions must defend their title, and we must ask the question eternal: Who is the Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion?
The ultimate fan voting tournament has become an annual tradition on Mortal Kombat Online - summoning the entire fanbase to agree on a single champion from sixty-four fighters! In 2014: the event will reflect the promotional cycle of a brand new game - introducing newly revealed elements as the tournament unfolds! Read on to learn more about what it all means and how you can join in!
As noted; we will once again bring together sixty-four kombatants in a single elimination tournament bracket. Each result will be determined one fight at a time by regularly unlocked updates to the MK Online User Poll [located top left]. This means it's up to you to determine which character will defeat his opponents to emerge Supreme Champion!
The two previous winners have been seeded at the top and bottom positions of our bracket, but in 2014, we're keeping ourselves open to take inspiration from the new game! As First Round battles are unlocked; we will be incorporating newly revealed characters into the bracket where available! Criteria for voting is completely up to you, but we recommend taking into account the most recent versions of characters, either from the conclusion of MK2011, or reveals for the upcoming new game! [Note: We always suggest voting for characters, rather than against.]
Voting is key to the process, but we want to know your opinions as well! We're encouraging everyone to get creative in their support of a favourite character by adopting custom forum signatures and avatars! You can edit our signature example template to include your favourite character [below], or come up with your own tournament-winning slogan to convince fellow users of a character's superiority! Upload an avatar, or choose one from the MKO User Icon Library in your Settings.
Edit in a character's image & name to show your support on the forums! [FAQ]
To be eligible to vote, you must be a registered member of Mortal Kombat Online. Users must adhere to forum and account rules and a basic code of conduct. Users found registering multiple accounts, or attempting to ballot stuff, will be disqualified and banned indefinitely. New accounts may face voting restrictions but should be encouraged to share their thoughts on the forums to unlock voting privileges.
Mortal Kombat has always been and will always be! Throughout the ages there has always been a Mortal Kombat Champion -- a fighting warrior ready to defend their title, or die trying. In 2014 we gather sixty-four characters to once again ask the question: Who is the Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion? Five gruelling rounds have brought us to an answer - and them ore things change, the more they stay the same! It's a rematch of the 20th anniversary finale! A chance to rewrite history with a new outcome!
Sub-Zero: A beleaguered former champion whose mascot status has equally made him a tournament favourite and targeted headliner! His 2012 title made him the #1 seed, but his return to the final was surprising after a punishing 2013! Lingering contemporary visions of a cryomancer turned cyborg did not slow him down. The confirmation of a mystery Sub-Zero for Mortal Kombat X buoyed his relevance. Is this enough to declare Sub-Zero the 2014 Grand Champion? His path through the tournament saw the elimination of: Meat (R1), Drahmin (R2), Cyrax (R3), Kitana (QF) & Noob Saibot (SF).
Ermac: A composite being forged from the souls of defeated warriors! Once the stuff of rumor and legend, Ermac has grown to become one of the most popular characters in the series! His progression from red palette swap came late, but has seen a steady development of an intriguing and unique character. He loomed large as a powerhouse in the recent game, bolstering his cult status to legitimate stardom. He has been the most consistent fighter, but never Grand Champion. Will the #4 seed win the 2012 rematch? His path through the 2014 tournament saw the elimination of: Jax (R1), Nitara (R2), Rain (R3), Fujin (QF) & Shang Tsung (SF).
From the top of the Pyramid of Argus, to the ruined metropolis of an Earthrealm Street besieged in a twisted new timeline. Only one of these kombatants can be proclaimed the Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion! Now is the time to vote for the greatest of two. Look deep within your soul and choose with honor as ask once again. Who will reign supreme?... FIGHT!
To be eligible to vote, make sure you've registered to Mortal Kombat Online and visit regularly to stay up-to-date with the latest poll battle. You can discuss all the tournament match-ups and voting on the forums. We want this to be a massive event, with every self-respecting MK fan having their say in the overall tally! Follow us @MK_Online and like us on Facebook to help spread the word to the entire fanbase! There can only be one Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion - only the strongest will survive!
There are a select few certainties in this life. Rating highest among them are death, taxes and fighting game guest characters.
From the Palace Gates of Shang Tsung's Island, to the invaded streets of metropolitan Earthrealm: The more things have changed, the more they've stayed the same! The tournament called Mortal Kombat has raged for over 20 years -- and for the first time since that momentous anniversary -- the game is about to change!
