Warner Bros. Games and NetherRealm Studios has released a new Mortal Kombat 1 trailer revealing the first gameplay for upcoming downloadable content (DLC).

Guest fighter Peacemaker, features the voice and likeness of actor John Cena, and is based on DC’s The Suicide Squad film and Peacemaker series on Max. Peacemaker will join the Mortal Kombat 1 roster on Febuary 28 2024 as part of the early access period for Kombat Pack owners, followed by wide availability on March 6 2024.

Peacemaker, also known as Christopher Smith, cherishes peace with all his heart and will kill anyone and everyone necessary to get it. In the new video, Peacemaker is ready to challenge Liu Kang’s New Era of peace and is equipped with a formidable moveset incorporating the character’s expert gunslinging skills, signature helmet abilities, and loyal bald eagle sidekick, Eagly, all complemented by his legendary dance moves and brash humour.

The trailer also provides a first look at gameplay for Janet Cage, a new DLC Kameo Fighter and alternate reality version of Johnny Cage who can assist during matches with a range of support moves. Janet Cage will be available as part of the Kombat Pack and for standalone purchase in March 2024.

Additionally, Krossplay functionality will be added to Mortal Kombat 1 on February 28 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). The Krossplay feature will allow players to matchmake in 1 vs. 1 Kombat League and Kasual matches, invite friends for 1 vs. 1 private matches, and view leaderboard stats across all supported platforms.

A Mortal Kombat 1 Free Trial Weekend is set to take place from March 7 to 10 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam). The limited time Free Trial will include access to the base roster of main characters and Kameo Fighters, all online and local multiplayer modes, Towers, Story mode (Chapters 1 & 2 only), and Invasions (Johnny Cage’s Mansion only).

There’s also a Mortal Kombat 1 Kombat Pack which includes the Jean-Claude Van Damme character skin for Johnny Cage (available now); one-week early access to six playable DLC characters – Omni-Man (available now), Quan Chi (available now), Peacemaker (coming Feb. 28), Ermac, Homelander, and Takeda Takahashi; and five DLC Kameo Fighters (release dates for upcoming characters & Kameos still to be confirmed).

The Kombat Pack is available now as part of the Mortal Kombat 1 Premium Edition or can be purchased separately.

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Warner Bros. Games today revealed the first gameplay trailer for Mortal Kombat 1, the latest instalment in the franchise by NetherRealm Studios.

The video showcases the dynamic in-game action through a variety of characters and bone-krushing kombat, while also spotlighting the new Kameo Fighter system which brings a unique roster of characters into the mix to assist during matches – all set against the backdrop of an original track entitled “Fatal (Mortal Kombat 1)” by Grammy-nominated artist ZHU.

The trailer also provides a fresh look at several legendary fighters, along with narrative hints about their backgrounds that offer a glimpse into what the Mortal Kombat 1 story holds. Liu Kang has restarted history by crafting a New Era for the sake of peace, while Mileena, twin sister of Kitana and rightful heir to Outworld’s throne, has been infected by a dreaded and lethal disease. Lin Kuei warriors and brothers Scorpion and Sub-Zero fight for the future of the clan, while Earthrealm champions Raiden and Kung Lao fight for family and honour. Johnny Cage, who is more concerned with staying relevant in the eyes of his fans, fights for his own vanity. The main roster is also joined by Kenshi Takahashi, who is on a quest to retrieve the revered sword, Sento, and restore his family’s name.

Additionally, the video features various Kameo Fighters, such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Sonya Blade, Kano, Goro, Kung Lao, Stryker, and Jackson “Jax” Briggs. Each Kameo Fighter is based on a klassic version of the character pulled from over 30 years of Mortal Kombat history and are shown performing offensive and support-based moves, including devastating Fatal Blows, brutal Fatalities, and defensive Breakers.

Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) on September 19, 2023. All Mortal Kombat 1 pre-orders will receive Shang Tsung as an in-game playable character, and those who pre-order the game for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S will also receive access to the Mortal Kombat 1 Pre-Order Beta, which will be available in August 2023.

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Warner Bros. Games today announced Mortal Kombat 1, a brand-new title in the acclaimed Mortal Kombat videogame franchise that has sold more than 80 million units since its debut over 30 years ago.

Developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, the upcoming game will introduce a reborn Mortal Kombat Universe that has been created by the Fire God Liu Kang, featuring reimagined versions of iconic characters as they’ve never been seen before.

NetherRealm’s genre-defining Story Mode returns with an immersive cinematic narrative featuring unexpected twists on classic rivalries and original backstories for a wide-ranging cast of legendary fighters, including Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Kung Lao, Kitana, Mileena, Shang Tsung, Johnny Cage, and many others. Mortal Kombat 1 will also introduce Kameo Fighters, a unique roster of partner characters that can assist during matches, creating expanded gameplay possibilities for players.

“With Mortal Kombat 1 we are bringing a reimagined universe to the legendary franchise which has captivated gamers for more than 30 years and continues to top itself,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Games. “The talented team at NetherRealm Studios continues to push the series forward in bold ways that have consistently expanded the global audience, and we believe Mortal Kombat 1 will continue to attract new players as well as thrill our core fans.”

“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 Ed Boon, Chief Creative Officer, NetherRealm Studios and Co-Creator of Mortal Kombat. “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 showing this feature as well as more new elements of the game very soon.”

All Mortal Kombat 1 pre-orders will receive Shang Tsung as an in-game playable character, and those who pre-order the game for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S will also receive access to the Mortal Kombat 1 Beta, which will be available in August 2023.

Mortal Kombat 1 is scheduled to release on September 19, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

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Warner Bros. Games announced Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, a new collection role-playing game (RPG) launching globally in 2023 for mobile devices.

Developed and co-published by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will feature the first mobile-exclusive cinematic story experience for the franchise, where players must build a team of fighters from a vast roster of characters – and unleash them in massive real-time group battles to stop a dark and dangerous threat from wreaking havoc across the realms.

This title will be the newest mobile entry for the Mortal Kombat franchise since the release of Mortal Kombat Mobile, which has amassed more than 150 million installs and is one of the top five most downloaded fighting games on iOS and Android. Mortal Kombat is also celebrating a major milestone this month with their 30th anniversary – a testimony to the enduring popularity and critical acclaim of this legendary franchise.

“Mortal Kombat is a legendary franchise and pop culture phenomenon, and it continues to engage players and advance the fighting genre across multiple platforms,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Games. “Mortal Kombat: Onslaught is a testament to why Mortal Kombat has been a top gaming franchise for over 30 years, as the NetherRealm team continues to innovate and bring new gameplay to fans.”

“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, 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.”

Players can sign up now at the official website and be one of the first to hear more about Mortal Kombat: Onslaught.

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It’s fair to say that movies based on video games get a fairly bad rap, as they tend to be limited on narrative and rarely attract big name actors.

Although there are arguably exceptions to the rule such as Need for Speed, Tomb Raider and Resident Evil, critics rarely rate any such movie above 2.5 out of 5 stars.

However, much like the Oscars I believe that such reviewers often ignore one important factor and that is whether they meet the expectations of the target audience. Do fans of Need for Speed expect a deep meaningful story for surely if they did, how on earth did the movie franchise make over US$4B?

In the case of this reboot of the 1995 movie Mortal Kombat, I felt not only did it meet my expectations but absolutely exceeding them.

Lewis Tan (Wu Assassins and Into the Badlands) plays the main role as Cole Young, whilst Tadanobu Asano (Thor and Thor: Ragnorak) was Lord Raiden, Joe Taslim as Sub-zero, Chin Han as Shang Tsung and Hiroyuki Sanada as Hanzo Hasashi (47 Ronin and The Wolverine).

The movie started with the origin story of Hanzo Hasashi, I won’t say exactly who he is (if you don’t know already) as I don’t want to give spoilers but it was a great way to introduce some of the tension between the feuding sides.

For those that don’t know what Mortal Kombat is about, in basic terms – think multi-universes or realms where good and evil sides are fighting for supremacy over all, rather than all-out war the Gods decided to set rules in which the sides must choose their champions to fight in the ‘Mortal Kombat’ arena where the winner of the war is declared by winning ten complete tournaments.

Currently Earth-realm is being fought over and if the evil side wins one more time then it falls to darkness (so to speak). Hence we see fighting taking place on Earth where the champions are being assembled for the up and coming tournament.

So what was I expecting?

I movie packed with cinematic fight scenes reminiscent of the games with outstanding special effects, significant splattering’s of blood and gore topped with MK trademark quotes… oh and of course a somewhat token-gesture storyline to thread it all together, and with a bit of luck some actors who could actually act.

What I got was an action packed movie, with great visuals and excellent comedic relief, where I have to say that Josh Lawson as Kano stole the show, the Aussie actor absolutely put the boot in to every character he came across, cursing and insulting like only a true blue Aussie can.

The cinema audience appreciated the efforts as laughter could be heard resoundingly whenever he had almost anything to say. Not to say the movie was a comedy but it was great to see a mix of emotions from start to finish. Expect to see lots of references to the game franchise, often tongue-in-cheek laughs such as the spelling of Kombat, or fights where catch-phrases are used to good effect.

You will see some great Fatalities, finishing moves and Flawless Victories and hopefully enjoy it for what this movie is; an entertaining romp that requires you to do nothing more than sit back and enjoy.

It isn’t going to strain your brain with the storyline and sometimes that is just what the doctor ordered.

I don’t care what the other critics say, as you can tell I really enjoyed this one for delivering to the intended target audience.

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Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment announced to us here at STG news on Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, a new expansion for the hit videogame Mortal Kombat 11, the best-selling title in franchise history that was named Fighting Game of the Year at the 2019 D.I.C.E. Awards.

Set for a global release on digital first beginning May 26th, 2020 and developed by award-winning NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expands the critically acclaimed story campaign with an all-new, cinematic narrative centred around trust and deceit.

The epic saga continues in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath, as Fire God Liu Kang, the new keeper of time and protector of Earthrealm, must now enlist the help of unlikely allies and familiar foes to forge a new history as the fate of two worlds hang in the balance.

Adding to the growing roster of playable fighters, the new expansion features the triumphant return of Fujin, the God of Wind who serves as Earthrealm’s protector alongside his brother Raiden, and Sheeva, the four-armed, half-human and half-dragon queen of the ancient Shokan race. RoboCop, the iconic, highly advanced cybernetic police officer will make his first appearance in the franchise, continuing the pedigree of popular Mortal Kombat guest fighters.

RoboCop in Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath features the voice and likeness of actor Peter Weller, who portrayed the popular character in both the original “RoboCop” (1987) film and “RoboCop 2” (1990) sequel. Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath will also include three new character skin packs to be released over time.

Additionally, all Mortal Kombat 11 owners will have access to new Stages, including the return of the Klassic Dead Pool and Soul Chamber arenas, accompanied by Stage Fatalities, the fan-favourite finishing moves that use the environment to destroy opponents, and the popular Friendships feature from the ‘90s, which allows players to take down their adversaries with a hint of kindness. These features will be available as a free content update in conjunction with the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath release.

“Our fans have really enjoyed the story campaign in Mortal Kombat, and we’re happy to continue the narrative and add new characters to the roster with Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios. “In addition, Friendships and Stage Fatalities are being added as part of the free content update for all Mortal Kombat 11 players. Both are fan-favourite features that we’re excited to finally bring back to the franchise.”

New players can join the fight with the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Kollection, featuring all characters, story content and game modes in one ultimate package. This compilation includes Mortal Kombat 11 along with all content from Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath and the previously released Kombat Pack, containing six downloadable content (DLC) characters; Shang Tsung, Nightwolf, Sindel, Terminator T-800, The Joker and Spawn – plus 25 additional character skins.

The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Kollection can be pre-ordered now with digital preorders offering immediate access to Mortal Kombat 11 and the Kombat Pack upon purchase.

Those who have already purchased Mortal Kombat 11 can preorder the Mortal Kombat 11 Aftermath expansion now or the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath + Kombat Pack Bundle.

All preorders will receive the Eternal Klash Skin Pack at launch, featuring three new character skin variants – “Unbound Rage” Scorpion inspired by Mortal Kombat (2011), “Son of Arctika” Sub-Zero inspired by Mortal Kombat: Deception and “Kori Power” Frost, a Klassic version of the Lin Kuei warrior.

Mortal Kombat 11 is the latest instalment in the critically acclaimed franchise, providing a deeper and more personalized experience than ever before.

The best-selling title is packed to the brim with multiple features and modes for all players, including the Story mode, Custom Character Variation System, Towers of Time, Kombat League, The Krypt and the signature roster of returning and franchise-first fighters, all equipped with powerful Krushing Blows and unique Fatalities that display devastatingly brutal cinematic visuals.

The Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath expansion will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4 Pro, Xbox One, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, PC and Stadia.

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Just when fans thought that Mortal Kombat couldn’t get any better… SPAWN enters onto the scene of Mortal Kombat 11.

McFarlane Toys has teamed up with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios to bring SPAWN to the world-renowned Mortal Kombat franchise. For the first time, McFarlane Toys is REVEALING a SPAWN Mortal Kombat Action Figure.

The SPAWN Mortal Kombat Action figure is emulating his iconic look from the Mortal Kombat 11 videogame and SPAWN Comic series.

SPAWN will be available in the Mortal Kombat 11 game as part of the Kombat Pack downloadable content (DLC), with early access for Kombat Pack owner beginning on March 17th, 2020, followed by wide availability on March 24th.

The SPAWN Mortal Kombat action figure is an incredibly detailed 7″ scale figure designed with 22 points of ultra-articulation and can achieve full range posing. The figure would not be complete without a base and SPAWN Sword accessory.

The estimated release for the SPAWN Mortal Kombat action figure will be in March of 2020.

McFarlane Toys has created a line of figures around the release of Mortal Kombat 11. These 7″ figures feature 22 points of ultra-articulation and include two fan-favorite fighters including Johnny Cage, the brash action star and martial artist comes accessorized with sunglasses, a mini Johnny Cage action figure, and a movie award statue.

Raiden, the immortal God of Thunder, comes battle-ready with an alternate set of hands, two attachable lightning bolts, and a staff. Both of these figures are available at major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Amazon, GameStop, and Walgreens.

That’s not all folks…

Todd McFarlane (who recently broke the Guinness World Record with SPAWN for the “longest-running creator-owned superhero comic book series”) has been invited as a special guest to attend  Final Kombat 2020, the championship finale of the Mortal Kombat 11 Pro Kompetition esports series. This is where the top Mortal Kombat 11 players from around the world will compete on March 8 at Chicago’s historic Park West Theater for their share of the $100,000 prize pool.

The Final Kombat event programming will feature an exclusive first look of the Mortal Kombat 11 Official SPAWN Gameplay Trailer and an appearance by actor Keith David, who is the voice of Spawn in Mortal Kombat 11.

At Final Kombat, fans will have the opportunity to order the McFarlane Toys SPAWN Mortal Kombat Action Figure, as well as have their favorite figures and comics signed at a FREE-FAN SIGNING.

There will also be a SPAWN themed photo-booth for fans to take pictures commemorating their on-site experience.

Final Kombat will be livestreamed globally across all Mortal Kombat 11 channels, including Twitch (NetherRealm), YouTube (Mortal Kombat), Mixer (NetherRealm), Twitter (@MortalKombat), Facebook (@MortalKombat) and Steam (Mortal Kombat 11).

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FIGHT!

Mortal Kombat 11, from NetherRealm Studios and Warner Bros. Games is most definitely here with a ‘Mortal Kombat’ experience better than even what I was expecting.

The almost 30 year old franchise, first published by the long defunct Midway Games, (beginning in 1992), introduced melee gamers to an alternative and brutal Universe made up with a long reaching storyline and iconic characters such as Raiden, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, Sub-Zero and my always favourite, Scorpion and many, many more.

Now in its 11th iteration, Mortal Kombat has mostly retained its fluidity and consistency throughout the years with vast improvements on the carnage, gameplay and mechanics, albeit having been bought by Warner after the closure of Midway.

Mortal Kombat 11 is the Mortal Kombat we have been all been hanging out for. Straight away there are 24 fighters available from the select Menu including one that you can take as your own and fully customize. This does not include the vast amount of DLC’s available, and unlockables.

Game modes of course offer up online and offline play – including Konquer, Fight, Kustomize and Learn (Tutorials).

Each game mode is choca with additional sub-modes. Konquer has the Story play, Towers of Time (a twist on the classic towers from previous Mortal Kombat’s), Classic Towers (my personal and always favourite), and it is also here that you will find access to the Krypt – a free roam and exploration ‘safe zone’.

Styley fight moves and winning bouts not only nets you bonus in-game items, or rewards, you will also earn Koins. These are spent inside the Krypt – an expansive environment of caverns and caves that will have you will traipse around long abandoned temples unearthing chests, destroying environmental objects and reaping the loot. Each chest however has a price tag. Interestingly the deeper you go throughout the Krypt the currency (or ‘Kurrency’) level per chest still fluctuates.

It’s easy to find yourself hanging about in the Krypt – aiming to squeeze out the last of your Koins on that one elusive chest that has a lower cost once your Koin balance depletes.

The Krypt is a looters dream – providing you have the cash for it.

Fight mode has four options; Local, Tournament, Online and A.I. Battle.

Kustomize is exactly as you would imagine, it’s also here that you can view your Kollection (you’re getting the ‘K’ theme by now, right?), and Learn mode offers up Practice, Tutorials and even Fatality Training.

And the Story Mode takes you back to the dawn of Mortal Kombat time where the actions of Raiden, caused the events that have shaped present day… but Konika wants a future without Raiden, and there we have a clash of Mortal Kombat characters from the 90’s bought back in to the present day – as Special Forces struggles to keep the Immortals at bay in their Nether Realm.

But fighting, is of course where it’s at.

As we have experienced in the last couple of Mortal Kombats your 2.5D environments are not only loaded with hazards – but are also interactive and can be utilised to gain an advantage against your opponent.

Fighting bouts, against on or offline frenemies are really where the satisfaction of Mortal Kombat 11 (or most fighter games) is.

The slow-mo Fatalities have also returned. This pleasing horrifically graphic move requires two things in Mortal Kombat 11 to be able to perform. Your meter needs to be high enough in a singular fight – and the Fatalities move is reserved for when your health gets to a Critical level. (That’s not to say that you cannot perform a Fatality earlier on either, if you are skilled enough with the button mashing).

L2 and R2 will begin to flash near your embarrassingly diminishing Health Bar, but also time it right against your opponent so that they do not deflect you as you go in for the kill.

Mortal Kombat 11 has it all and is super choc loaded with playable content, collectibles and fatal fighting it’s going to satisfy all Mortal Kombat fans’ bloodlust.

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