Mortal Kombat 1 has a hell of a DLC lineup on the way. Today's Omni-Man gameplay trailer showcases why he may just be the m?ost badass of the bunch when he arriv??es this month.

Just as in the Invincible animated Amazon series, Omni-Man is voiced by the ridiculously awesome J.K. Simmons. Throughout the trailer, NetherRealm Stu??dios shows off the actor's skills as he relentlessly mocks?? Liu Kang and his allies prior to beating the hell out of them.

We've seen what Omni-Man is capable of in a previous Mortal Kombat 1 trailer. But today's video puts the Viltrumite's ful??l abilities on display. He's brutal, nimble, and of course, deadly. You don't need a subwa?y train to showcase that.

A new kameo fighter is also on the way alongside Omni-Man's debut next week. Tremor, who originally debuted in 2000's Mortal Kombat: Special Forces, is a ninja like Sub-Zero and Scorpion but with earth powers. He pairs nicely as a kameo higher alongside Omni-Man. While the Invincible villain is pulling meteor??s from the atmosphere and smashing opponents with them, Tremor is doing the same with giant boulders right here from Earth.

Both combatants will join the fray on No?vember 9 for those with the Kombat Pack. They ??are available a week later for everyone else as standalone DLC.

Following that, there's plenty more DLC in the pipeline. Quan-Chi and DC's Peacemaker are slated for sometime in the winter. Ermac and The Boys' Homelander are planned for spring. The apprentice of Scorpion himself, Takeda Takahashi, should be out as a playable fighter next summer?. And Ferra, Janet Cage?, Khameleon, and Mavado are all in the works as additional kameo fighters.

If you haven't given Mortal Kombat 1 a try, perhaps you should. In Destructoid's review, we thought it was great.

The post Omni-Ma??n joins the M??ortal Kombat 1 roster on November 9 appeared first on Destructoid.

Last week we got an early peak at Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, a real-time collection RPG autobattler set in the MK universe that is exclusively on mobile. Developed by NetherRealm Studios, the features its own story centered around Shinnok's quest for destruction. Players must work together to aid Raiden and build a team of classic Mortal Kombat fighters to level up and progress through the story. Those interested in checking out this unique twist on Mortal Kombat can do so today on both iOS and Android.

"In Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, players will be able to unleash total mayhem in strategic, fast-paced battles with up to ten characters at once. Mortal Kombat: Onslaught ??introduces a new level of strategic gameplay and we’re excited to see how play?ers build their teams to overcome various opponents and challenges."

- Ed Boon, CCO of NetherRealm Studios and Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat

Test Your Might

During our preview, we got to see an overview of how Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will play. Lead Designer Mike Lee showed us the real-time combat and gameplay. Players will grow their arsenal of Mortal Kombat fighters such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Liu Kang. As they progress they will level up their fighters. Along the way, you will also earn and enhance gear, equip powerful Relic items, and upgrade your Kom??bos and Special Abilitie?s. Each fighter will fill the role of Assassin, Warrior, Sniper, or Defender. Each role has special abilities to excel at its specific role, and battles will require specific setups.

I have to admit, the gameplay actually looked pretty good for a mobile title. Players can deploy their fighters in an ideal formation to make use of their roles. Once the combat starts, players act?ively use their Special Abilities to change the tides of battle. You will have to grind a bit to level your character and increase their power to take on harder missions.

According to Lee, players will get a handful of characters via progression through the story. However, after ?that, Kombatants are acquired via a ??Gacha system. I asked Lee what we could expect in terms of microtransactions and he stated that as a F2P game there are certainly microtransactions, but that he felt NetherRealm was very generous with the MTX.

Khronicles

There are a variety of game modes in Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, including Boss Towers, Chasm Modes, and ev?en Arena to engage in PvP. In Arena, players will challenge each other in real-time matches to climb leaderboards and earn unique rewards.

Onslaught will also feature Khronicles, which will progress the story as well as introduce new fighters. The first Khronicle will feature the MK11-specific version of Scorpion. Players who partake in the Khronicle will get?? to try out the fighter as well as unlock them for free by successfully completing the event.

Mortal Kombat: Onslaught releases today on iOS and Android.

The post Mortal Kombat: Onslaught is a mobile RPG a??utobattler that releases today appeared first on Destructoid.

NetherRealm Studios has decided it's time again to reboot the Mortal Kombat franchise with the release of Mortal Kombat 1. But this latest iteration doesn't just set the number back to one. Until now, the series' storyline had grown a bit convoluted and full of inconsistencies. Mortal Kombat 1 keeps most of the traditional gameplay and s??tory elements the franchise is known for while pushing it ??into new territory.

I'm no fighting game expert. Don't get me wrong, I love playing them, but I'm just no good. In fact, most of my fighting game experience came when I was younger, button-mashing my way through matches with friends. Ironically, this typically happened in older Mortal Kombat titles more than anything. So, going into MK1, I expected more of the same. I? figured I'd jump in, play through the story, and check out the Invasion and Tower modes. From there, I'd probably dip my toes into some quick Online Versus, get my ass kicked a few times, and call it a successful endeavor.

But that's not what happened. Mortal Kombat 1 is quite a ride, and even when I was on the receiving end of a beatdown, I had a blast. Overall, the combat feels a little slower than, say, Street Fighter 6 or even recent MK titles like Mortal Kombat 11. Not too slow; it's just the right pace that gives me enough time to actually grasp what is happening and really learn. After a few hours, I ?was pulling off flashy combos and felt like a pro �something I've never felt before as a fighting game casual. Obviously, my opponents brought me back down to Earth in my next match. But still, my point stands.

Mortal Kombat 1 (PC, PS5[Reviewed], Xbox Series X|S, Switch)
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Released: September 19, 2023
MSRP: $69.99

A visit to Outworld

NetherRealm really upped its game with the Story Mode in Mortal Kombat 1. It's definitely the best tale the studio has told yet, both cinematically and narratively. The story slots itself in after Liu Kang's ending in Mortal Kombat 11, with him restarting time via the power of the Hourglass. After creating th??e universe, separating it into realms, and fi?lling them with life, he begins a New Era with the goal of finding peace. Of course, that part's up to the mortals.

Story Mode is comprised of 15 chapters across four acts, with each chapter focusing on a specific iconic Mortal Kombat character. You'll pummel through each chapter as its respective character, experiencing several?? cut-scenes along the way a??nd a few fights. Typically, you'll challenge four opponents in total, progressing the story while learning that character's moves. By the end of the Story Mode, I had a pretty good understanding of how most of the roster played.

In terms of the actual narrative, it's a fun ride. Mixed with the flashy cutscenes, the game felt like a Mortal Kombat movie but with more substance. In a few previous entries, Story Mode and its cutscenes played like tacked-on speedruns of the roster. But that's not the case here. MK1 takes its time telling the ?story, and it packs interesting twists along the way.

My only gripe with the story is how soon it ended. In total, the campaign took me about five hours to complete. Since this is one of my biggest draws to fighters, I, of course, wish there was more, but I understand this is pretty par for the course for a fighting game not called Street Fighter 6.

Not quite how I envisioned Invasions

Going into MK1, I was very excited about Invasion Mode. It was touted as the feature that would keep those who finished the game's brief campaign playing for quite a while longer. Essentially Invasion Mode allows players to navigate a Mario Party-style game board, completing challenges, encountering opponents, and unlocking rewards. A handful of the rewards are permanent cosmetics, such as gear, taunts, finishers, and more. But some of the rewards are specifically for Invasion mode, like Talismans, which grant battle buffs. There's also skill points to increase the health, damage, and other stats of your character. In theory, it adds ??a bit of an RPG mechanic.

However, it feels a bit half-baked and poorly executed. ?Oftentimes I never even realized the effect of Talismans or ??other rewards. Honestly, Invasion Mode plays more like a mobile game. The path forward was often linear, and the mode, in general, was just repetitive and boring. In the end, it felt like a grind to unlock rewards, but it wasn't a fun grind.

Thankfully fans of Towers will be happy to see that mode has returned in MK1. It's the same classic Towers mode we've seen time and time again, w??hich isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Overall for a reboot, I'd hoped for more fleshed-out challenges, both new and old. Instead, the modes feel rather barebones and ??lack the true depth to be a worthwhile experience.

Beautifully Brutal

As for the sights and sounds of Mortal Kombat, NetherRealm's focus on the current generation exclusively paid off. MK1 is absolutely gorgeous. The character models are the best they've been. Characters like Mileena and Baraka have always looked more fantasy than realistic, but here, they look more real than ever. The stages are detailed and immersive. It's great seeing the Story Mode transition from a cutscene to a fight. It's practically seamless due to the high lev??el of detail within each stage.

As I said before, I'm casual when it comes to fighting games. But the Kombos and move lists in MK1 feel great. The iconic X-Ray Fatal Blows make a return which is definitely a good thing. Speaking of which, MK1 has some of the most brutal—yet entertaining—Brutalities and Fatalities we have seen yet. Overall the Kombat feels extremely fluid, and I'm looking forward to tryi?ng even more characters and trying to hammer down their playstyle. Sorry??, Raiden and Ashrah, I gotta spread the love!

I only spent a few hours in the Online Modes, but didn't encounter any sort of lag or desync in any of my matches except for one. In that instance, there was a little bit of a stutter, but it seemed to be the case for the other player as well. I think it was more of a fluke than anything, as I never encountered it again. For now, it doesn't seem like there are many Online Modes, just Ranked, Casu??al, and Private Rooms. I imagine that's what is most important for those who dive ??deep into competitive online play, but I would have liked to see a little more variety.

Not without its faults

While most of my experience with MK1 is positive, there are definitely some issues. Most importantly, I think the lack of meaningful or fun modes stops MK1 from reaching its full potential. As a primarily single-player ??fighting game fan, I'm disappointed Invasion Mode isn't the engrossing addition solo players need. Hopefully, that changes next time.

Another big issue for me is the microtransactions. I know it's become the norm lately, but I still don't like it, and I'll continue to voice my displeasure. Though it's not as bad as it could be, this is a fully-priced $70 title. You'll earn Kredits and Koins for playing MK1. Kredits reset each season and are used specifically on cosmetics for that season. Koins, on the other hand, persist and are used for unlocking rewards and cosmetics via the Shrine. However, there's a third currency called Dragon Krystals. You get a very small amount by grinding out gameplay, but the int??ent is for you to purchase more using cold, hard cash. Of course, the coolest cosmetics are obtained via Dragon Krystals. I just don't like this practice. I'm all for DLC and future paid content, but this style of microtransactions never sits well with me.

Even though Mortal Kombat 1 is no Flawless Victory, it still feels like a step forward for the franchise. The core gameplay is the best it's ever been, which I think is the most important thing for the genre. It's a great entry point for newcomers to fighting games and even fellow casual players like myself looking to delve a little deeper than usual. The Story Mode is peak cinematic Mortal Kombat which alone is a worthwhile adventure for those interested. Despite a lackluster lineup of modes with an unnecessary grind for cosmetics, Mortal Kombat 1 is still ??fun to play. Ultimately, it's a brilliant reboot, and I'm on board for wherever the universe?? takes us next.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Mortal Kombat 1 appeared first on Destructoid.

Mortal Kombat 1 is available now to those who want to buy in early, and alongside the Xbox Series, PS5, and PC, it's also on Nintendo Switch.. Recently released footage shows the Switch version has something more gruesome than horrific fatalities: downgraded visuals.

Mortal Kombat 1's visuals on Switch are many steps below its counterparts, but it's a shock how bad it is. Posts have been floating around Reddit and X (Twitter) showing screenshots comparing the different versions, and the differences ar?e nigh??tmarish.

The downgraded textures are comparable to older console generations, but the worst part is the eyes. Reptile here has a thousand-yard stare only belonging to a man who journeyed to hell and back. It's as if every si??ngle fatality he's been forced to endure suddenly came back to him all at once.

Memes are already cropping up to further ridicule how bad the disparity?? is, and it's easy to see why. Comparing the PS5 and Switch versions almost feels like comparing different games, but one thing similar is the price.

Mortal Kombat 1 costs $70 on every platform. This includes the Switch version in its current state. The saddest part is that Mortal Kombat 1 is somewhat playable on the system.

SwitchUp's performance and tech review show about 10 minutes of gameplay where it mostly says at its 60fps target. Framerate dips and visual glitches are noticeable, but it's p?ossible to sit down and enjoy this versi??on if your eyes don't bleed from the visuals.

If Mortal Kombat 1 on Switch didn't cost $70, the visuals would have been somewhat easier to swallow. It's commendable that the game can run on Nintendo's handheld, but there's a po??int where the compromise for portability is too much.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 on Switch is creating some nightmare ??fuel appeared first on Destructoid.

Perhaps most noteworthy for its depiction of extreme gore, Mortal Kombat has gone down as one of the best fighting series in all of gaming. But it must be tough to watch all that violence and take it seriou?sly, especially if you're a trained professional.

In a recent video over on Doctor ER's YouTube channel, the titular doc (real name Dr. Jordan Wagner, DO) analyzes some of the most brutal moments in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 1.

Over th?e course of just nine minutes, Wagner gives their insight into some of the fatal ??moves pulled off in the game. Much of it leaves them shockingly amused but also inquisitive about how these violent acts would go down in the real world.

Not known for their realism, admittedly

Of course, there's nothing to say that Wagner is criticizing any sense of realism that Mortal Kombat 1 is displaying. However, there is room for some medical questioning, such as how long a heart would beat for after being ripped out of a chest, or what to do if you need to bring a severed limb to the hospi??tal.

It's pretty interesting to see how someone in the medical profession reacts to all this guts and gore action. Wagner, who's been working as an ER doctor for several years, according to their website, often gives their take on violence in media, whether it's video games, animation?, or real-life injuries.

In any case, it doesn't detract from the mindless violence of the game. If anything, it only adds to it. And if you are interested, Mortal Kombat 1 releases fully on September 19.

The post Here’s a doctor reacting to some of Mortal Kombat 1’s most gruesome moves appeared first on Destructoid.

Mortal Kombat 1 cro??ssplay will not be coming to the game during its launch. WB Games has confirmed Wednesday over Twitter that it will arrive later via a pat?ch.

"Launch is just around the corner and we can’t wait for everyone to sink their teeth into Mortal Kombat 1," says the official Mortal Kombat Twitter account. "Regarding Kross-Play, it will not be available at launch, but know we ?are hard at work at implementing the feature into the game and it will be koming post launch."

So, to put it all in one sentence: you won't be able to play Mortal Kombat 1 with fig?hters on platforms other than your?? own on day one.

Neither WB Games nor the developer NetherRealm has provided a release date or window for Mortal Kombat 1 crossplay.

Other replies ask if the game will support cross-save between PC and consoles. There has been no response from W?B Games or the developer.

WB Games has confirmed that rollback netcode is used in Mortal Kombat 1. It's a popular connection tool that lets play??ers have more stable matches.

Mortal Kombat 1 is releasing on September 19 for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. You'll be able to preload the game a few days ea?rly. You can also get Shang Tsung as a playable preorder character bonus.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 won’t have crossplay at launch appeared first on Destructoid.

The release of Mortal Kombat 1 is nearly upon us! And, just in time for that, the official launch trailer has �well, launched! Included in this most recent trailer is a special focus on historic fighters Reiko (who was introduced in Mortal Kombat 4) in addition to Shang Tsung, who is, interestingly, a pre-order bonus.

As the trailer begins, we hear narration from presumably Liu Kang, who has replaced Raiden as a god of the new timeline. He then utters the most ironic phrase I have ever heard in a game trailer, explaining that he “was free to craft a new era o??f peace,�followed by about three minutes and forty-fi??ve seconds of pure, unbridled evisceration.

In the trailer, we are shown a preview of the carnage that Reiko can dish out. Taking advantage of the new Kameo Fighters system, he takes a step back while the Kameo Fighter dishes out a boatload of pain. Then, only after brutally shattering the enemy fighter’s leg, Reiko re-enters the fray by sending a giant spear through their chest, pulling it out, only to send it right into their skull. Era of peace? Riiight.

Shang Tsung, on the other hand, seems just as lethal â€?if not moreso. In addition to showing off his devastating combos against Liu Kang, the trailer seems to suggest he’s up to his usual shenanigans and will be a significant force against the characters of this franchise-wise universe reset. To reiterate, it’d seem despite his presence in the game’s story, Shang Tsung will only be playable for those who pre-order Mortal Kombat 1, which releases on September 14 for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo ?Switch. 

The post Mortal Kombat 1 launch trailer spotl?ights Reiko a?nd Shang Tsung appeared first on Destructoid.

Everything comes full circle as Jean-Claude Van Damme prepares to join the lineup of Mortal Kombat 1. The inspiration for Johnny Cage is now a skin for the character, and he's on display in a new trailer. Van Damme provided his likeness and voice for the skin, which lets him fire off quips with the klassic kast. 

After trading blows that make Bloodsport seem tame, Van Damme closes out the clip with a brutal finisher. It's only appropriate that said finisher is delivered to Johnny Cage. Quite the gruesome price to pay for a life in the copycat spotlight. The video is age-restricted on YouTube, so you'll need to click through to watch. 

[caption id="attachment_403105" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot via NetherRealm Studios[/caption]

Splits Decision

The very existence of the Mortal Kombat series can be traced back to JCVD. Co-creator Ed Boon wanted a fighter with Van Damme at the center of it, but the action film star declined. Thus, the notoriously gory, original fighter that still h??as us all double-checking our spelling of combat was born.

The Jean-Claude Van Damme character skin for Johnny Cage will be available as part of the Kombat Pack. As previously detailed, you can get that pack in the Premium Edition and Kollector's Edition versions. Van Damme will be released alongside six new early access DLC characters, including Quan Chi, Ermac, Takeda Takahashi, Peacemaker, Omni-Man, and Homelander. There will also be five new Kameo Fighters, all of which will be available post-launch. The Van Damme ??skin will be usable at launch, so start ??practicing your splits now.

Mortal Kombat 1 hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on September 14, 2023.  

The post Jean-Claude Van Damme enters the ring in ??Mortal Kombat 1 trailer appeared first on Destructoid.

NetherRealm's Mortal Kombat 1 is just a few weeks away, and players are slowly learning about what's in store. GamesHub's Edmond Tran recently revealed an interesting detail that suggests the upcoming game may feature some nifty accessibility options. After losing in the Mortal Kombat 1 beta, he did a little sleuthing and discovered that he was playing what he believes to be a blind gamer. This led to him learning that the fighting game features a de?scriptive audio option for Fatalities.

//twitter.com/EdmondTran/status/1??693244537651785899

The example Tran posts has a narrator describing how Li Mei yanks out her victim's guts and decapitates them with a kick. The gruesome descriptions should serve as a great aid for visually impaired gamers hoping to immerse themselves in Mortal Kombat's gory world. That said, they're nauseatingly vivid enough to use for the awesome ??factor alone.

[caption id="attachment_393384" align="alignnone" width="640"] Image via NetherRealm.[/caption]

Mortal Kombat 1 blends the old with the new

The closed beta test r??an from August 18 until August 21, and several players have been showing off the upcoming game's slick visuals and bloody Fatalities. Johnny Cage has received quite a bit of attention, with many players enjoying his moves.

//twitter.com/JockyRhonson/sta?tus/1692629225444970702

Fatalities are a key focus of Mortal Kombat 1. These are of course joined by Quitalities, which will make a return. This finishing move will activate when the loser of a match quits before the end of the round, causing th?eir character to suffer a spectacularly violent death. The game will also introduce Kameo Fighters to provide you assistance during matches. Kameo Fighters revealed include classic franchise characters such as Ferra, Khameleon, Mavado, and Tremor.

Mortal Kombat 1 will be making an appearance at Gamescom 2023, though it won't be the only fighting game available. Tekken 8 is also scheduled to show up, and it'll be playable at Bandai Namco's booth.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 has a de??scriptive audio option for Fatalities appeared first on Destructoid.

With about a month and a half to launch, NetherRealm is keeping its foot on the gas pedal when it comes to revealing characters for Mortal Kombat 1. Less than 10 days after announcing the return of Tanya, Li Mei, and Baraka, the developer is back with a new trailer. But this one is focused on just one fighter: Geras. This time manipulator is the first character from Mortal Kombat 11 to be confirmed for MK1, bringing along some new moves that look?? slow but are sure ?to be powerful.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=72okJYRJWDI

I'm still not totally on board with the Kameo system, but ??watching him swing Darrius around sure looks fun.

I didn't expect any of the three new fighters from MK11 to show up in Mortal Kombat 1, but it's nice to see the team isn't limiting itself to picking from the old games only. There are still a few weeks between now and launch, which means there is still plenty of time for Meat and Mokap to get redemption. Three of my favorites are already confirmed (Smoke, Rain, Kenshi), but there are a few fighters who made their debut in Mortal Kombat X that I'd love to see make the cut too. Surely I'm not the only one w??ho wants Erron Black back.

Mortal Kombat 1 is set to release on September 19 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and PC. As a reminder, the first Kombat Pack for the game has been revealed and will include returning Komba??tants, as well as Peacemaker, Homelander, and Omni-Man.

The post Geras gears up for Mortal Kombat 1 appeared first on Destructoid.

NetherRealm's Mortal Kombat franchise will be receiving a reboot with the upcoming title, Mortal Kombat 1. It is set to hit shelves on September 19 on PC and current-gen consoles, and in th??e lead-up, some of the characters and gameplay have be??en revealed.

The roster will feature plenty of classic characters such as Liu Kang and Johnny Cage, as well as cameos from DC heroes, including Omni-Man who will be voiced by J.K. Simmons.

[caption id="attachment_393385" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Mortal Kombat 1's Kombat Pack

Like other games in the franchise, Mortal Kombat 1 will be receiving post-launch content, and the first DLC pack will add comic book characters such as The Boys' Homelander and DC's Peacemaker, and Omni-Man. This should be good news for Omni-Man fans, as Invincible's second season is set to premiere on November 3. In an interview that took place during this year's San Diego Comic-Con, NetherRealm's Ed Boon revealed that Omni-Man will be voiced by Simmons, who also voices the character in the Amazon Prime animated series Invincible.

It isn't the first time Simmons has lent his voice-acting talents to video games, and he has also voiced Cave Johnson in Portal 2, as well as J. Jonah Jameson in Spider-Man 2: The Video Game and Spider-Man 3: The Video Game, to name a few of his roles.

Other confirmed voice actors include Andrew Bowen who is voicing Johnny Cage, Kari Wahlgreen who voices Kitana, and Sunil Malhotra who is the voi?ce behin??d Kung Lao.

[caption id="attachment_393384" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid.[/caption]

Mortal Kombat 1 is on the way

Plenty of features from past titles in the series will be making a comeback. This includes Quitalities to annoy players who try to spare themselves the shame of a Fatality. The Air Kombos from Mortal Kombat: Armageddon will?? also be ma?king a return, though they have been refined.

Though Mortal Kombat 1 will contain plenty of features from the franchise'?s past, it will also be introducing new elements. This includes t??he Kameo Fighters feature, which will allow characters to assist in fights. Confirmed Kameo Fighters include Sonya Blade and Kano.

If you're interested in sprucing up your roster, keep your eyes on the Premium Edition which includes the base game along with the Kombat Pack, 1250 Dragon Krystals (the in-game currency), and early access from September 15. Alternatively, consider the Kollector's Edition which features all the Premium Edition's content as well as a steel book, three exclusive art print?s, an inspired Liu Kang in-game character skin, a total of 2700 Dragon Krystals, and a 16.5-inch Liu Kang sculpture designed by COARSE.

The post Mortal Kombat 1’s Omni-Man will be voiced by J.K. Simmons appeared first on Destructoid.

Someone old, someone new, someone licensed, and someone who kinda blew

I've been playing Mortal Kombat off and on since the early 90s, and while I have a good grasp of the breadth of the cast, there are still names and faces that slip through the cracks. Names like Li Mei. I don't remember her from any of the games, so I shot over to the awful Mortal Kombat Fandom wiki to get a refresher on this fighter I'?d completely forgotten.

Even after reading her bio, I still don't remember her. But I guess we'll be reacquainted later this year as a new trailer from NetherRealm today confirmed she's coming to Mortal Kombat 1 alongside Tanya, who I do remember from Mortal Kombat X. Both fighters feature heavily in the spot, as doe??s Ba??raka, who is back as a playable character.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sLJ-xyjMQo

With the game still several weeks from launch, NetherRealm decided now is as good a time as any to confirm all the DLC rumors that have been s??wirling since it was revealed. In a second trailer released on Friday, the developer confirmed the kombatants of what will likely be the first Kombat Pack. Included are:

• Omni-Man (Invincible)
• Homelander (The Boys)
• Peacemaker (Peacemaker, Suicide Squad)
• Quan Chi (Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm)
• Ermac (Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3)
• Takeda (Mortal Kombat X)

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=eT-3vhCl6N4

Mortal Kombat 1 releases on September 14 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Switch. Pricing and a release schedule for the Kombat Pack haven't been revealed yet, but you can secure the six fighters above if you purchase the Premium or Kollector's Edition.

The post Li ?Mei, Tanya, Omni-Man, and Homelander will draw blood in ?Mortal Kombat 1 appeared first on Destructoid.

Where there's Smoke...

A fan-favorite is confirmed to be returning to the Mortal Kombat grinder. Today's new trailer for Mortal Kombat 1 reveals bo?th Rain?? and Smoke will appear in the new entry.

Smoke is a well-liked member of the Lin K?uei, who finally gets a human re-debut in Liu Kang's new era. Here, Smoke is a fellow member of the Lin Kuei who joins with Scorpion and Sub-Zero to defend Earthrealm.

Also arriving is Rain, a? High Mage of Outworld who ?wields water magic. He's looking a bit more robed and wizard-like, compared to his original palette-swapped appearance.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=66opZ1Go_ZA

Some Kameo fighters also make an appearance h??ere, too. Scorpion pops up, of course. But the cyborg side of the Lin Kuei appears, too; Sektor and Cyrax are in as Kameos, as well as a human version of Frost.

For our two main roster fighters, both look pretty excellent. Smoke is obviously a highlight. His teleportatio?n and quick jabs look fantastic, and that knife looks devastating in the X-ray attacks. Rain, meanwhile, is like a Waterbender that gets to actually do some damage with their aquatic magic. I really dig the big lightn??ing ball attack that he can call down from a raincloud.

Kombat history

The Kameo fighters bring their own flavor too, and it's nice to see the cyborgs appear. I was curio??us about whether they would. With a new era and re-envisioned versions of characters, having the robo-fighters reappear or not felt up in the air.

After playing it at SGF 2023, though, it definitely seemed like Kameos are NetherRealm's way of including more fan-favorites from its ever-expanding universe without having to make them fully fledged fighters right away. If it keeps up the nostalgia and klassic references, I could see this being a really enjoyable experience for long-time MK fans.

Mortal Kombat 1 arrives on September 19, 2023.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 trailer unleashes Smo?ke, Rain, and more ??Kameos appeared first on Destructoid.

It Has (Pre)Begun

[Update: While invites to the lucky parties invited to this week's "Stress Test" should have been received yesterday, NetherRealm Studios has konfirmed that the invites are delayed, and?? are to ?arrive later than expected.]

Life in the world of Mortal Kombat 1 sure moves fast �It was only a few weeks back that NetherRealm Studios revealed the latest release in t?he gory fighting franchise, and already we're entering the playable beta stages,? with the game launching on PC and console platforms just three months from now.

And if the recent gameplay footage from Summer Game Fest whet your bloodthirsty appetite, you monster, then you could get the opportunity to play Mortal Kombat 1 for yourself next week, with the koming of a new "Online Stress Test", de??signed to put pressure on the new sequel-prequel's servers ahead of the launch period. The testing period will run from June 23-26 and will offer up one-on-one online action and li??mited Klassic Tower battles, obviously with something of an abridged roster.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV175rgyH0k

If you want to throw your name in Kung Lao's razor hat, then head on over to the official website and register today. Interested parties will need a Warner Bros. gaming account, (you can register at the time if necessary), and the Mortal Kombat 1 Stress Test is only open to PS5 and Xbox Series X users in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Brazi?l. Lucky Kombatants will then receive access kodes to download the beta client at some point next week, ahead of the head-ripping khaos.

Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 14 on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platforms. Our own Eric van Allen has already played a build of the exciting-looking scrapper, and you can read his thoughts right here.

The post (Update) Mortal Kombat 1 ‘stress test’ to take place this weekend appeared first on Destructoid.

Welcome to the new era

NetherRealm Studios is rebooting the Mortal Kombat universe again with Mortal Kombat 1. The slightly confusingly named MK takes everything back to its origins, and then twists it. The characters a?nd combat that have become enshrined in pop culture history are still here, but with adjustments both big and small.

This feeling of old nostalgia blending into new ideas kept coming to my mind while playing Mortal Kombat 1. I got a chance to play some matches of MK1 as part of Summer Game Fest 2023, climbing the classic towers with each of the characters available. And while MK is looking ?ahead to a new future??, there's still a piece of it that loves to honor the past.

[caption id="attachment_386534" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Here comes a Kameo

The biggest, most obvious addition to Mortal Kombat 1 is its Kameo Fighter??s. Rather than duking it out one-on-one, each player selects a main fighter—the one they'll primarily play as—and a tag-in Kameo Fighter. These characters can be called in to perform special attack every so often, with a cooldown in-between uses.

To be clear, Mortal Kombat 1 is not becoming a tag fighter. These fighters don't have he??alth bars, and can't be ful?ly subbed in. In my playtime, I had Sub-Zero, Liu Kang, Kenshi, and Kitana available as main characters. For Kameos, I could choose Kano, Sonya, or Jax.

[caption id="attachment_386535" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Calling in Kameos is easy enough. Hit R1, and they'll hop in to do an assist move. Additionally, different directions and inputs can change things up, like holding R1 to have Sonya charge up her energy ?projectile. Some can even have effects on both players, like Jax slamming the ground.

These Kameo fighters offer an interesting twist to the usual cadence of Kombat. Picking a certain fighter can help shore up another's weakn?esses. Or, you can lean heavy into their strengths. A pairing like Sub-Zero and Sonya can get cooking fast, or a Kitana / Kano du??o can be a real pain to approach.

Differences like these help, as Mortal Kombat 1 is still an MK game at its core. I don't pretend to be particularly talented at Mortal Kombat; its story and characters are the draw for me, but I don't really dive deep into the competitive side of things. From that perspective, Mortal Kombat 1 feels a bit odd at first. It's a familiar-feeling?? game w??ith sudden jolts of difference, thanks to its Kameos.

[caption id="attachment_386538" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Fire god walk with me

This strange sense feels thematically appropriate for Mortal Kombat 1, which takes place in Liu Kang's new era. If you didn't check out Mortal Kombat 11 or its DLC Aftermath (you really should), the st?ory of NetherRealm's time-travel shenanigans sees Liu Kang? become a new god and reboot the universe.

It is the same universe, so many familiar faces return. But because of the shift, some things have changed. The most notable is the shift in dynamics betwee??n characters; Liu Kang i?s a Raiden-like figure, who seems to be maintaining order in his new world.

The recent SGF trailer hints at other changes. Kitana seems to be attendant to Mileena, and Kung Lao is filling Liu Kang's shoes as Earthrealm's fighter. And Raiden is... just some dude with lightning powers, I guess? I'm c??urious to see where all of this goes.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnVTPkCWzcI

Aside from shifting those roles, though, my gameplay at SGF showed that Mortal Kombat 1 still has some nostalgia for its roots. Sonya, Kano, and Jax all appear in throwback outfits, in what feels like an homage to the actual first Mortal Kombat. It's also worth mention that MK1 is absolutely gorgeous. Everything, from the character models and backgroun??ds to the brutal Fatalities (and the one Brutality I got by accident) look fantastic.

I will say, the Fatalities I saw didn't do too much for me. The almost-cartoonish, Itchy and Scratchy ones are more my style, and the ones I saw didn't quite hit that mark, outside of maybe Liu Kang's. There is, apparently, one where Jax?? grows to massive proportions and sto?mps on someone. So that's pretty neat.

[caption id="attachment_386536" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

More-tal Kombat

My gameplay session largely consisted of seeing how the new Kameo fighters played. And for intense, competitive fans of MK, ?it does seem like the assist options could open up some interesting combo routes and options. It certainly felt great when everything clicked for me, and I got a smooth combo with both my main and Kameo fighter rolling.

For "kasual" fans, I think the appeal will be where it's been for those who like to dip in and out of NetherRealm's titles: the world of Mortal Kombat. The stud??io is starting from an interesting posi??tion, trying to play around with the established canon while building a new one. And that could be a pretty interesting universe to explore in gruesome, gory detail.

Mortal Kombat 1 will hit PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch on Septemb??er 19.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 is a new era, but still loves it?s legacy appeared first on Destructoid.

Body and Soul... and bits

During Summer Game Fest, NetherRealm Studios released the first gameplay footage for its upcoming fighter Mortal Kombat 1. The sequel is coming to PlayStation, PC, a??nd Xbox platforms this September.

The trailer gave us our first look at both the chaotic one-on-one action, as well as an all-new chapter in the long-running MK lore, (which, this time around, is another hit on the good ol' reset button??). Additionally, we got konfirmation that the "Kameo Fighters," previously referenced on the official website, is, as expected, an assist system. This will allow players to mix up their roster by calling in playable and NPC kombatants from past and present.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV175rgyH0k

In the trailer, we se veterans such as Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Johnny Cage, Liu Kang, Mileena, Raiden, and Kitana with assists supplied by Kameo fighters Sonya, Kano, Kenshi, and Jax, among others. Of course, we also saw some miserably gory, body-severing fatalities, along with what seems to be a return of the Mortal Kombat (2011) X-Ray mechanic, or at least some form of hard-hitting revenge system?. While the?? game really isn't looking a whole lot different from its predecessor, this was a positive appearance.

Mortal Kombat 1 launches September 19 on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switc??h.

The post Here is the first ??Mortal Kombat 1 gameplay i?n all of its gory glory appeared first on Destructoid.

Time for Kombat!

Fans will be able to get a headstart on the gory glory with NetherRealm's Mortal Kombat 1 Stress Test ?soon. However, it won't b??e available to all-komers, nor will you won't be able to download it straight away.

How to gain access to the Mortal Kombat 1 Stress Test

[caption id="attachment_382319" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

Interested parties cannot sign up for the Stress Test via their PlayStation or Xbox consoles. Instead, you'll need to go to WB Games' website on your P?C to perform this ta??sk. Log in to your WB Games Account or create a new one. After signing in, you'll be given the opportunity to select an Xbox Series X/S or PS5 code. If you're selected, a code should be emailed to you.

Yes, the beta will not be available on PC or th??e Nintendo Switch. It makes sense as both ??of these versions are being developed by separate studios QLOC, Shiver Entertainment, and Saber Interactive. Thankfully, you won't need a PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription in order to take part in the test.

Is the Mortal Kombat 1 Stress Test a beta?

Publisher WB Games has said this stress test shouldn't be considered a beta. "The purpose is to deliberately stress our online infrastructure and identify potential issues ahead of the game’s launch," said WB Games in an official Q&A. "The test is also unrelated to the Mortal Kombat 1 Pre-Order Beta that ??has been announced for Au??gust 2023."

If you don't want to play Mortal Kombat 1 until it's fully released, you'll have to wait until September 19. You can test your might on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store). A PS4 and Xbox One release is not currently scheduled. If you want to get back into Mortal Kombat earlier than that, the prior entry is available on Xbox Game Pass

The post How to sign up for Mortal Kombat 1 Stress Test appeared first on Destructoid.

Kasting Kall

New Line continues to drip-feed kasting news for its upcoming movie sequel Mortal Kombat 2, announcing that Britis??h-Hong Kong actor Adeline Rudolph has ba??gged one of the film's most koveted roles, that of the Edenian princess, Kitana.

As noted in The Hollywood Reporter, Rudolph �who TV fans will recognize from streaming series such as Resident Evil, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Riverdale �will don the mask and gather the fans of the hugely popular Mortal Kombat hero, daughter of Sindel and sister to the wicked Mileena. The casting sees Rudolph reunited with fellow Sabrina alumni Tati Gabrielle, who is expected to receive the role of Kitana's best friend and confidant, Jade. Rudolph seems a solid choice for Kitana, carrying the sly grace, strong presence, and timeless beauty of the deadly-but-hon?orable, noblewoman.

The success of New Line's original Mortal Kombat movie, directed by Simon McQuoid and starring martial arts actors Joe Taslim and Hiroyuki Sanada, has clearly allowed the new production to produce a sequel with a little more ambition and star power. The Boys' Karl Urban is tipped to play Tinseltown star Johnny Cage, and there are still all manner of potential roles to be filled, ahead of preliminary shooting this summer. McQuoid will return to direct, given his continued enthusiasm for the brand and p??roject.

Mortal Kombat 2 is not to be confused with Mortal Kombat II. Nor is it the sequel to upcoming video game Mortal Kombat 1, nor the original 1995 Mortal Kombat movie.

Adeline Rudolph to Play Kitana in Ne?w Line’s Mortal Kombat 2 [The Hollywood Reporter]

The post Sabrina’s Adeline Rudolph bags koveted Kitana role in Mortal Kombat 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Not to be confused with Mortal Kombat 1

Pre-production continues on New Line's incoming sequel to its surprisingly well-received adaptation Mortal Kombat �The sequel to the 2021 movie is currently in the casting process, with recent reports suggesting ?Tat??i Gabrielle is in final talks to pick up the mantle of the Edenian assassin, Jade.

TV and fantasy fans will recognize Gabrielle from her recurring roles in various TV series. Gabrielle played Prudence of The Weird Sisters in Netflix' The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, as well as librarian Marienne Bellamy in the acclaimed psychological thriller series You. For video game fans, Gabrielle may be most recognizable from her turn as the villainous mercenary Jo Braddock, who made life difficult for Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg in Sony Pictures' Uncharted.

Gabrielle is a great fit for Jade, who made her debut in 1993's Mortal Kombat II as a hidden character, before becoming a roster mainstay. One of the most popular of the kult kharacters, Jade is typified by her love and lo??yalty of Princess Kitana, whom she is charged with bodyguarding, and utilizes a mythic Bojutsu staff and boomerang in battle. A master of stealth and assassination, Jade is able to move swiftly in the shadows, practically unseen, before striking with deadly efficiency.

Mortal Kombat 2 is expected to commence shooting this summer. Seeing somewhat more recognizable names such as Gabrielle and Karl Urban show up in casting is perha??ps a testament to the original film's financial success, clearly allowi?ng New Line to throw a little more cash at this sequel and take a few more gambles on its theatrical success.

Mortal Kombat 2 is not to be confused with Mortal Kombat II. Nor is it the sequel to upcoming video game Mortal Kombat 1, nor the original 1995 Mortal Kombat movie.

Tati?? Gabrielle in Final ?Talks to Play Jade in Mortal Kombat 2 [The Hollywood Reporter]

The post Uncharted’s Tati Gabrielle in talks for Jade in Mortal Kombat 2 appeared first on Destructoid.

Time for some American Disco Dancing

Following the exciting reveal of Mortal Kombat 1 this morning, Warner Bros. Interactive and NetherRealm Studios has released details of the three pre-order editio?ns that will be made?? available for purchase from tomorrow, May 19.

Mortal Kombat 1 will be made available in three formats, as detailed below. All pre-orders include Shang Tsung as ?a playable kombatant.

• Mortal Kombat 1 Standard Editi?on will be available physically and digitally for $69.99 (USD) on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, including Steam a?nd Epic Games Store.

• Mortal Kombat 1 Premium Edition will be available physically and digitally for $109.99 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam/EGS) and will include the first Kombat Pack, early access to the game beginning Sept. 14, and 1,250 Dragon Krystals (in-game currency). The Kombat Pack will feature a Johnny Cage character skin with the likeness of famed actor and martial artist, Jean-Claude Van Damme (usable at launch), early access to six DLC characters (available post-launch), and five new Kam??eo Fighters (available post-launch).

• Mortal Kombat 1 Kollector’s Edition will be available physically at select retailers for $249.99 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S only and will include all Premium Edition content, and early access, along with a 16.5-inch Liu Kang sculpture designed by COARSE and a similarly inspired?? Liu Kang in-game character skin. Also included are three exclusive art prints, steel casing,? and a total of 2,700 Dragon Krystals.

As dedicated MK fans will know, Jean Claude Van Damme was the original inspiration for Johnny Cage, given that Midway had initially imagined Mortal Kombat as a fighting game that would actually star the Muscles from Brussels (as we all called him back then). These listings all give our first confirmation of post-release DLC characters, additional Kamoe Fighters for MK1's assist system, and, of course, in-game currency. Let's just keep it to one form of currency this time around, if we can.

Mortal Kombat 1 la??unches September 19 on ?PS5, PC, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 Premium ?Editions include Jean Claude Van Damme skin appeared first on Destructoid.

It's in Our Blood.

NetherRealm Studios has revealed the next title in its legendary fighting game series, Mortal Kombat �As teased in recent weeks, the now officially titled Mortal Kombat 1 will launch September 19, 2023.

A reveal trailer, which follows on from the events of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, sees the newly designated Fire God Liu Kang reshaping the universe in a time of glory, peace, and prosperity. But, as we all know, the best-laid plans of mice and men do not always come to pass �And the interdimensio??nal return of the nefarious sorcerer, Shang Tsung, brin??gs about the chaos of war to this seemingly pleasant, and hugely prosperous new era.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ6eFEjFfJ0

Amidst a typically dramatic and highly-adrenalized cinematic sequence. We get to see appearances from Liu Kang, Kitana, Mileena, Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and, of course, Shang Tsung himself. (Raiden and Johnny Cage have also been konfirmed). We also see what appears to be real-time gameplay footage, focusing on some utterly devastating fatalities, which threaten to take the goo 'n' gore levels that are a trademark ??of the franchise to legitimately unprecedented levels.

"Mortal Kombat 1 marks a new beginning for the franchise and we couldn’t be more excited to share this original storyline and fresh take on classic characters with our fans," said NetherRealm Studios CCO and Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat, Ed B??oon. "We’re also introducing our Kameo Fighter system which brings a unique roster of partner characters into the mix, and we are looking forward to showin??g this feature as well as more new elements of the game very soon."

A new website teases another immersive story mode, the promise of new game modes and mechanics, as well as a new feature titled, "Kameo Fighters", which sounds like an in-battle assist system of sorts �Think Marvel of KoF '99 �perhaps calling upon the franchise's?? legitimately huge universe of fighters. This is purely speculation on my part.

Mortal Kombat 1 launches on PS5, PC, Xbox Series X, and *checks notes* Nintendo Switch on September 19. Pre-orders? open tomorrow, May 19. Pre-order customers will unlock Shang Tsung as a playable kombatant and will receive access to a new beta scheduled for August.

The post Mortal Kombat 1 revealed, launches September 19 appeared first on Destructoid.

Tomorrow is a New Dawn

[Update: The official Mortal Kombat Twitter account has cryptically revealed that something will be happening tomorrow, May 18, at 06:00 PT / 09:00 ET / 14:00 BST. One can only assume that NetherRealm Studios is ready to reveal the next title in the Mortal Kombat franchise, rumored to be titled Mortal Kombat 1. The ticking clock teaser was updated to sh??ow the face ?cracking.

We will bri?ng you all of the gory glory tomorrow, right here on Destructoid.]

//twitter.com/MortalKombat/stat??us/1658880057195233281?s=20

Netherrealm Studios continues to tease the reveal of the next title in its ultra-gory fighter series Mortal Kombat �Following on from the "grain of sand" anniversary video, a new teaser seems to suggest that the unveili??ng of NRS' latest is pretty much imminent.

A short video tracks the second hand of a clock, as it ominously ticks down toward 12, (which is, numerically, the next title in the series), however, the hand ultimately skips past 12 and jumps straight to 1. Additionally, while the clock is relatively standard-looking, the reflection in the glass shows a galaxy of grains, which is in keeping with the hourglass owned by the franchise's time-warping villain,?? Kronika.

//twitter.com/MortalKombat/status/16563?43687352426497?s=20

While there are many possible readings of the symbolism on display here, some fans suggest that skipping 12 represents a resetting of the timeline, which makes sense given the climax of Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath. Others have opined that the clock is telling us that the new game is not Mortal Kombat 12 at all, and is either a standalone release or a non-numerical sequel/spin-off. This labyrinth of possibilities is only further complicated by a new leak from prominent spoiler bill-bilkun, who claim the new title is in development for PC and Gen 9 consoles under the title Mortal Kombat 1.

But, despite all this speculation, one thing's for sure: Netherrealm is getting ready to lift the lid on its next project soon. As I have previously noted, while the most recent MK timeline was certainly ambitious and even successful in the early going, the studio quickly painted itself into a corner? with its interminable "Revenants vs. PMC" storyline. And, as such a slap of the big red reset button might be just what the franchise need??s.

It Has Begun... Again?

The post New Mortal Kombat reveal koming tomorrow morning appeared first on Destructoid.

Winding back the clock?

NetherRealm Studios has released a video thanking its fans for three decades of devotion to the Mortal Kombat series �The video ends with a cryptic image that appears to be the first tease for a brand new title, presumably Mortal Kombat 12.

Backed by the awesome "Subway" theme from Mortal Kombat 3, the video sees various members of the NetherRealm team offer the community their thanks for sticking by the super-gory fight franchise since its inception way back in 1992. On deck are a plethora of studio names new and old, including graphics dude John Vogel, audio director Dan "Toasty" Forden, designer Derek Kirtzic, art director Stev??e Beran and, of course, co-creator and NetherRealm director Ed Boon.

//w?ww.youtube.com/watch?v=CsX8jGhBHgo&ab_channel=MortalKombat

The video then ends with a cryptic clip, featuring a torrent of sand trickling from the hourglass of the time-twisting boss of Mortal Kombat 11, Kronika. After the final grain leaves the hourglass, its shatters into endless grains, which would perhaps suggest a full restart of the timeline, or even a shakeup into multiple timelines. While Mortal Kombat's reboot, which began in 2011, definitely redefined storytelling in the fighting game genre, there's no denying that the timeline very quickly painted itself into a corner, struggling through the events of MKX and really hitting the wall in MK11.

MK11's visuals, characters, action, motion capture, and vocal performances were stellar, (for the most part), but there was a definite struggle to reconvene the interminable "Revenant" angle, which ended up becoming an anchor around the narrative's neck. A new start �however the studio wishes to implement it ?�would definitely be welcomed by many.

And this time around, let's have way, way fewer guns and PMCs, ah'm beggin' ya.

Exciting news for MK fans in general and the fighting game community as a whole. We will, of course, keep yo??u fully informed when NRS has more exciting news to reveal.

The post Mortal Kombat 30th anniversary vide?o appears to tease MK 12 appeared first on Destructoid.

Bloody Pockets

So, we're getting a new Street Fighter, and we're getting a new Tekken �Time to complete the unholy trinity, right? Well, here you go, a brand new Mortal Kombat! (mobile game). Currently in development at NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will launch on iOS and Android in 2023.

This brand new RPG, set within the hyper-violent world of MK, will allow players to build up a team of their favorite kombatants, and embark upon a brand new, original storyline �a first for MK's mobile gaming releases. Described as a collection (or "kollection"?) RPG, it sounds like Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will feature an abundance of goodies?? to gather, or likely �being a WB Games joint �buy.

"We are pushing the boundaries of Mortal Kombat to allow players to experience the franchise in new ways, while still staying true to its core visceral nature," said Ed Boon, Chief Creative Officer of NetherRealm Studios. “With Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, we reimagined Mortal Kombat into a strategic team-based collection RPG with fast-paced, group melee combat that both new and existing fans can ??enjoy."

NRS did not release any trailer or screens from the new project, aside from some key splash art depicting MK legends such as R?aiden, Baraka, Jade, and, of course, Sub-Zero and Scorpion, battling it out in the plains of Outworld. I'm sure that NetherRealm and WB Games will be sure to ply us with more details and information as development continues.

Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will launch on iOS and Android platforms in 2023. Interested Outworlders can sign up for more info over at the official website.

The post Mort??al Kombat: Onslaught, a kollection mobile RPG, is koming in 2023 appeared first on Destructoid.

Hot ninja tag-team action

Warner Bros. has released a new trailer for the next installment in its animated movie series Mortal Kombat Legends. Headed to Blu-ray and streaming services at some point in the future, Snow Blind is the third film in the series, following 2020's Scorpion's Revenge and 2021's Battle of the Realms.

Snow Blind will focus on one of MK's most noble heroes, the blind swordsman Kenshi, presenting the origins of the martial arts master's journey to be one of the most feared and most formidable foes to anybody on a Wi-Fi connection. We will learn of Kenshi's sight loss, and see his rigorous training to hone the mysterious? and supernatural skills harnessed within him. Kenshi will then sally forth against an oppressive alliance of Black Dragon villains, led by the self-appointed King Kano.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvqx3-1G9Rw&t

The film will chart Kenshi's rise to martial arts mastery, and see him unleash his newfound powers on a bevy of MK villains, including Black Dragon members Kabal, Kira, Erron Black, and even the poor-man's-Ken, Kobra. The odds are against him, but it seems Kenshi isn't alone, with a particularly icy ally waiting in the wings. Snow Blind will feature all of the melodrama and R-rated, blood-gushing action of the previous films, and it's cool to see some?? of the more forgotten '00s characters get some time in the spotlight.

Mortal Kombat Legends: Snow Blind will premiere on Blu-ray and streaming services in the future. The two previous films �Scorpion's Revenge and Battle of the Realms �are both available now.

The post Snow Blind is the next installment in the Mort?al Kombat Legends series appeared first on Destructoid.

Fatality performed on kommunity rumors

NetherRealm Studios' creative director Ed Boon has shut down online rumors that the studio is preparing to reveal a brand new entry in the Mortal Kombat series at this weekend's Evol??ution Championship Series (Evo) tournament.

As is always the case with MK, the rumors of the reveal came about because someone decided that they existed. Social media quickly started turning up the volume on whispers that Warner Bros. Games and NRS were preparing to reveal Mortal Kombat 12 during this week's Evo festivities. Speaking on Twitter yesterday, however, the usually enigmatic Boon chose? to be more direct, openly squashing the reveal talk.

After IGN noted that several fighting game brands would be in attendance at Evo, including Mortal Kombat, Boon retweeted IGN's comments, succinctly adding "...except Mortal Kombat. Sorry." Boon would then follow this response up with his own tweet, stating "It's time for Street Fighter and other gr??eat fighting games to be in the sun! Let's enj?oy that!"

//twitter.com/noobde/s?tatus/1554289??885397278721?s=20&t=nvRPhgW2yrcGA-wphPTcUw

NetherRealm Studios ended support for Mortal Kombat 11 back in 2021, almost immediately after the release of the gory sequel's final DLC update. Despite earlier plans for MK11 to be the longest supported and most kompetitive MK title ever, it seems that the NRS team was instead pushed quickly onto their next project once the DLC had hit the market. It should be noted that the persistent circulation of Warner Bros. Games s?ales r??umors, as well as t?he disruption of the tournament scene due to COVID-19, has probably thrown m??ore than a few roped spears into NRS' fragile calendar.

Nevertheless, Netherealm Studios is currently working on its next release, and no doubt we'll be hearing more about it when the time is right. With Street Fighter 6 scheduled for launch in early 2023, and the Capcom marketing machine in full gear, I would be very surprised if we heard/saw any official reveal for a Mortal Kombat 12 (or any other NRS?? title) during the remainder of 2022.

Of course... This doesn't exclude any possibility of seeing the krew in MultiVersus before then...

Evo 2022 takes place August 5-7 at the Las Vegas Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.

The post Ed Boon s?huts down ta?lk of new Mortal Kombat reveal at Evo 2022 appeared first on Destructoid.

The 2021 movie's director could be returning to the chair

The sequel to Mortal Kombat (2021) could be seeing a familiar face at the helm. Deadline reports that Simon McQuoid is set to return to the Mortal Kombat follow-up.

McQuoid made his feature film directorial debut on Mortal Kombat, which hit both theaters and HBO Max last year.

We got confirmation in January that New Line Cinema had reportedly greenlit the sequel. Deadline also reports that Moon Knight writer Jeremy Slater is writing the screenplay for the Mortal Kombat sequel.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBa_aHwCbC4

No other details are known about the follow-?up just ??yet.

A new tournament

It's little surprise we're seeing a follow-up. Mortal Kombat did pretty well, especially cons??idering its simultaneous streaming and theater debut.

The 2021 film even left off on a cliffhanger, with Raiden saying he wanted to train up a new roster of fighters. Film charac??ter Cole is seen setting off for Los Angeles, possibly in search of a certain movie star with some martial arts prowess.

While it certainly had some high points and some dips, I overall enjoyed my time with the new Mortal Kombat. It had some good action and fight scenes. ??The Scorpion vs. Sub Zero fight scene was worth admission on its own.

Meanwhile, the video game adaptation train carries on at full speed. The HBO Last of Us production looks set for next year, and Sonic the Hedgehog continues to break the box office with even more in the works. Heck, even Duke Nukem might be getting in on the silver scree?n bandwago?n.

Considering that Mortal Kombat turned out pretty okay compared to other video game adaptations, I'm game to see a new one and find out where Cole's story goes from here. Though hopefully it doesn't fall down the same animal-shaped potholes that Mortal Kombat: Annihilation did.

The post Mortal Kombat movie sequel will reportedly bring back first film’s director appeared first on Destructoid.

The champ is feeling Jaded

This past weekend saw promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW) host its AEW Revolution 2022 pay-per-view, emanating from the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. By all accounts, it was a great show, featuring the long-awaited showdown between MJF and C.M. Punk, as well as a barn burner between Chris Jericho and everybody's dad, Eddie Ki??ngston.

For video game fans, however, (of which AEW has many), the biggest headturner of the night was perhaps the appearance of stellar AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill, who was scheduled to defend her?? title against judoka ass-kicker and number one conten?der Tay Conti.

When the time came for the wrestlers to make their entrance, Cargill rocked up in a stunning green ensemble, faithfully stylized after Cargill's Mortal Kombat namesake: Edenian assassin Jade. Accompanied by a live guitar solo from Grammy award-winning artist Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, the Flordia-born champion made her way to the ??ring to do battle. How'd it go? Spoilers, pal.

//twitte??r.com/AEW/status/1500658201540415488?s=20&t=j8_-gsp2kl1yxqestd-paA

Of course, Jade Cargill's dazzling look was not the first time Mortal Kombat has made its presence known in a pro-wrestling ring. Back in 2020, WWE star Zelina Vega pulled off this awesome look for the Royal Rumble, arriving in gear matching that of Edenian turncoat queen Sindel. And way back in 2011, AJ Lee turned up to a Halloween Battle Royal as Princess Kitana, (complete with amusing "Fan Lift").

Video game cosplay and pro-wrestling have been in close proximity for some time, and given that AEW is full of fuckin' nerds, that relationship looks set to be solidified in the future. Oh, and in unrelated news, here's some brand new action figures which see AEW stars Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks as Street Fighter's Akuma, Ryu, and Ken. Complete with tasselb??oots??. Lordy.

//twitter.com/JeremyCom/status/1500223416661471233?s=20&t=3pGM70e5CajrfACXi??Pe_Ew

The post AEW’s Jade Cargill rocks awesome Mortal Kombat cosplay appeared first on Destructoid.

The most recent silver screen production of Mortal Kombat is getting a sequel

New Line's Mortal Kombat is reportedly greenlit for a follow-up. Deadline reports that a Mortal Kombat sequel is in the works with Moon Knight head writer Jeremy Slater on to write.

Further details on the f?ollow-up are scarc?e. Deadline reports that no other deals for the sequel are locked at this point.

Mortal Kombat did pretty well in its box office opening, as it also premiered on HBO Max. And it was, for the most part, a pretty solid martial arts action flick. It used newcomer Cole Young to explore the world of Mortal Kombat and the conflict between Earthre?alm and Outworld.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBa_aHwCbC4

Still, while introducing some movie-exclusive elements in one hand, it also kept faithful to the series' legacy with the other. I was a big fan of its portrayal of characters like Jax and Hanzo Hasashi, a.k.a. Scorpion. The fight scene between Scorpion and Sub-Zero was pretty dang inc??redible.

For a new film, there's definitely still some lore left to use. It could move into an actual full-blown tournament, or go the Mortal Kombat: Annihilation route and mix elements of the first few games together. Hopefully without any Animalities, that is. Plus, the stinger at the end teased Cole headed off to ??Los Angeles to find?? the one and only Johnny Cage.

However far off a new installment is, it's nice to at least have some decently high hopes. I won't turn down an excuse to see another Mortal Kombat movie, and video game adaptations have been steadily improving over the years. Hopefully New Line ??can overcome the sequel slump with this on?e.

The post Mortal Kombat movie has a sequel in the works appeared first on Destructoid.

This is not just a signal... It's a warning

In an hour from now, DC Comics will kick off its DC FanDome 2021 live stream, offering up several hours of info pertaining to the compa?ny's upcoming movies, TV shows, video games, comic events, and more. The show kicks off at 10:00 PT / 13:00 ET / 18:00 BST / 19:00 CEST and is expected to run around four hours in total.

Fans tuning in can expect a glut of updates and info and most of the DC Comics/Warner Bros. properties. Scheduled to make an appearance are updates on Warner Bros. Montreal's Gotham Knights, and the first gameplay footage of Rocksteady's anticipated Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Ed Boon is also scheduled to make an appearance, though it is uncertain whethe??r the NetherRealm Studios' director is planning to reveal any new film or video game projects.

Speaking of film, audiences wait with bated breath for a new trailer for The Batman, which will see Robert Pattinson take up the mantle of The Dark Knight. More info is also expected on the cinematic adventures of Dwayne Johnson's Black Adam as well as sequels for Shazam! and Aquaman.  On smaller screens, fans can expect updates on an array of TV shows including Batwoman, Harley Quinn, Supergirl, and The Flash, as well as debuting shows Peacemaker, and Superman & Lois. These titles represent a small selection of the DC Comics brands a?nd panels expected to appear this ??afternoon.

You can watch the entire event below, or tune in via the official DC FanDome website. Have fun!

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=RADmFACrWWQ

The post DC FanDome 2021 starts s?oon, with update?s on Gotham Knights, Suicide Squad, and more appeared first on Destructoid.