Okay, Boon said 26 characters will be classic MK characters from Mortal Kombat 1, 2, and 3. He didn't say that the game would have new character, but he also never said it wouldn't. But he worded it like all 26 characters would be classics.
So let's break it down. . .

Confirmed:
1. Johnny Cage
2. Raiden
3. Scorpion
4. Sub-Zero
5. Kung Lao
6. Reptile
7. Mileena
8. Shao Kahn
9. Nightwolf
10. Sektor

Remaining:
Kano
Lui Kang
Sonya
Shang Tsung
Goro
Kitana
Jax
Baraka
Kintaro
Sindel
Stryker
Cyrax
Kabal
Sheeva
Smoke
Motaro
Jade
Rain
Ermac
Noob


So. . . theoretically. FOUR of the remaining characters should not make it in! Only FOUR!!
Motaro is a confident rule out, so three of those unlucky buggers may be sitting on the sidelines. As of right now, I suddenly feel confident that I may see Sindel once again.

I love where the story is going, Ed Boon is the Man! going Back to the future style.

I can only image the possibilities. Sector and Cyrax capture old Sub-zero & turn him into a cyborg before Scorpion can kill him. It would effectively remove Noob Saibot from existence.

Eh, just because he'd be turned into a cyberninja, doesn't mean he can't die and eventually become Noob Saibot. In fact, that could help explain why he has such an affinity for Smoke later on in the series.

I have to admit, Ed Boon isn't really disappointing this time around. Not common since Deception.

Wow, this is looking great! I am SO glad that it is a sequel to MKA, well pretty much, even if it takes place in the past. I really like the idea though. Hopefully things wont change for the worst.

Just wondering, what do you think is going to happen in MK10. Because I mean if they wanted to they could completely re-write MK4-MKA era. Really excited to see how this all turns out.

Not sure about Sub-Zero becoming a cyber-ninja as some have mentioned..no, no, no thank you.

Ok so basically they are turning Mortal Kombat into Street Fighter with the Power Bar crap, and they are using the time travel excuse so they don't have to take the time to reboot 1-3 and tell the stories in such a way that they are not full of holes and perhaps give some relevance to side kick characters like Baraka. So much for that 85 I was hoping for on metacritic lol

The whole point in going back in time and changing things, is to get a different end result. So I think MK10 will just continue along the storyline, picking up right after this. So It would essentially it would be in place of MK4 and on, but it won't be the same as what we've seen. Likely, MK:D and MK:A won't even happen because they were really what started the downward spiral that led to all the downfall and crap.

I like that you were hoping for such a specific score. And that somehow a reboot is going to make it not happen.

Your ideas interest me and I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Damn man. This new MK is tearing at me in a good way. Can't wait! I have high hope for Stryker!

well this is not a reboot for one, it's essentially Boon saying "oops I fucked up, time to erase part of the new games but throw in some excuse so I dont have to completely revamp it from head to toe". The power bar thing isn't MK and doesn't really belong there. This has the potential to get up there with the old school quality of the games. Its better to redo something and give it a more solid foundation than to put a band-aid on it and walk away. And yes, a more universally acclaimed MK would be great, better than the C level stuff we've been getting for awhile.

I disagree. MK has added new features from game to game. The run button, dial-a-combos, the 'aggressor' meter, throwable objects, weapons, combo breakers, close kombat, etc. This is just the next in that tradition.

Well running is one thing, and breakers are relatively unique but having a power meter that beefs up moves or allows for super combos is something that SF has been doing for a long time. I suppose I shouldn't really complain about it but I'm worried if wont work out so great or it will end up being a direct copy of the power up system of the SF games. Also, I really think the dial a combos need to go. it was great in MK3 but then it just became the memory game in a lot of cases.

Even in MK3 they were obsolete, Killer Instinct had one fuckup, and that was using dial-a-combo's.

I saw some of your posts on the Pitch movie thread I think, you seem to be pretty on the level with what would make a good game or movie out of this stuff. I forgot about KI but you are right. I understand fighting games using some moves that make natural combos, 3 kicks, twisting elbow attacks and such, but the rest was generally up to the player. I want that skill based stuff back in MK. hopefully they could do it without letting any 100% combo strings sneak in the games.

Nice Sub-Zero cover on the next EGM magazine.

http://www.egmmediagroup.com/sites/default/files/u29/EGM%20COVER%20239%20-%20FULL%20%28SMALL%29.jpg
EDIT oops didnæt see the thread, my bad.

So, Jack Tretton just announced that by March 2011 we will have 20 'Native 3D' PS3 games. One of the games on that list was Mortal Kombat. Thoughts on this?

ok so a head ripped spine gets shoved in the players face. perfect. flawless victory even.

There's a great Mk discussion in the new day1 wrapup podcast/ video over at www.giantbomb.com. It starts around the 1.22 mark
You can tell Jeff and Brad are really excited for the game. Brought a smile to my face :)

MK vs DC didn't have dial-ups, so that would indicate those arnt returning in this game.

nice bit of info, thnx! I'm glad the sweep is back, and it seems that every one has their uppercut. The button config. sounds good..still like to see some more of that in a regular fight demo.

I'm still kinda thinking there won't be any more gameplay footage from the game at E3 sadly, because of the game only being shown behind closed doors.
But I'm still hoping.

small clip showing Sektor doing his flamethrower move and the end of a combo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2aCD50GIpI

Thanks JRF! the gameplay is looking great.



Yeah I know thats the point. But it will be cool seeing how everything will turn out differently you know. I mean will MK4 happen? and the Deadly Alliance, what characters from MK4+ will return etc. Will be fun to see how it all resolves next few games after this one.

I am really liking this so far, my one wish right now is that we can finally play with the old Shang Tsung. his throne room was pictured in the trailer and he looked intense. I hope this could be true.

Also I love how they are not goign overboard with the ninja outfits again, its simple like it should have always been.

Great Job so far Boon and Co.