Boon's Klues: Mortal Kombat 11 Hints at Serious Sixness
But what is Number Six?

Legend has it "Rule Number Six" is 'don't take yourself so damned seriously', but Ed Boon is getting very serious with his latest Mortal Kombat 11 clue! This time Dr. Boon is prescribing a cryptic number teaser that's got everyone figuring their favourite cult character -- but what does it all mean? Read on for more details and theories:

Previous clues recruited Queen and Freddy Krueger, but this time there were no accompanying video clips to cause further confusion. Just a simple, straight forward statement that alliteratively alludes to something significant: "Seriously #6".

This might be Boon's most puzzling clue yet -- and with good reason: According to another tweet earlier in the week, the Creative Director ran a different teaser past NetherRealm Studios staff that was deemed "too easy to solve". In a reply tweet, he also revealed that the first two clues were successfully decyphered: "Some people have figured them out. We just didn’t acknowledge it".

Earlier tweets might provide speculative fuel for the latest clue, as well. During the mad dash for Xbox Series X console pre-orders, Boon regailed followers with his method of refreshing six browser tabs for different online stores. The clue could be read as a follow-up statement to that fact.

It might be a bit of a stretch to search for meaning in tab number six, but two tweets by @Xbox -- including a Mortal Kombat 11 gif labelled "gifsyoucanhear_seeyousoon.gif" -- have some theorists wondering if Microsoft's reported interest in WarnerMedia led to an acquisition.

Xbox announced the purchase of ZeniMax Media during the week, acquiring Bethesda Softworks and properties such as Doom and Elder Scrolls. Business insiders previously reported Warner had reversed its decision to sell game assets.

The first two clues had us thinking about Reptile, and in yet another recent Twitter interaction, Boon shared a Reptile cosplayer's photo. The latest clue doesn't obviously apply to the stalwart character, but he may be conspicuous by omission. Sixth game Mortal Kombat: Deception was one of the few to omit the stalwart fighter.

Game number six introduced a variety of new characters, including final boss Onaga, and the serious Seidan guardsman Hotaru. It also created an expansive, realm-spanning adventure in Konquest mode, which continues to be remembered fondly by fans. Mortal Kombat 11's Krypt goes some way to recapturing the experience by recreating portions of Shang Tsung's Island.

[Related Article: Purple Rain: Mortal Kombat's Living Prince Tribute]

Interestingly, the Alter K label released a 2013 compilation album called Seriously, Eric? #6. We don't suppose the mysterious Eric, or sixth track Amerika, means much in this context, but pondering Ed Boon's music taste draws an interesting line through all three clues. Look up to the sky and you might see Rain, who was inspired by Prince's sixth album Purple Rain - released the same year as A Nightmare on Elm Street.

We know somebody cracked the code. Think it's you? Share your thoughts about the latest clue in the comments below and include the reason behind your latest deductions. Jump into the Mortal Kombat 11 forum to find more clues and discussion, while you're here!

Boon's Klues: Second Mortal Kombat 11 Hint is a Nightmare
But it isn't Freddy!

Something is coming to Mortal Kombat 11, but figuring out exactly what to expect is a grand ol' guessing game. Ed Boon is back to his old tricks, starting the speculation with a Queen of a clue. His next one is a tip of the hat to a horror movie icon, but don't expect Freddy Krueger back any time soon. Read on for all the gory details:

It's been quite a while since Boon has been this ambiguous, and he's avoiding excess confusion by labelling his posts #ActualKlue. He's also putting us on the right track by specifying where to look in a follow-up tweet: "Hint 2.5 = Its related to the title".

The clue [embedded below] is a link to the trailer for A Nightmare on Elm Street. The 1984 franchise starter also sometimes carries director Wes Craven's name, but what is in a name? The title is what we're looking at, and it's worth noting the YouTube video does include Craven and Johnny Depp's names in the title. We can think of a few other ideas, though.

Boon helpfully rules out a return of 2011 guest character Freddy Krueger in his original tweet, and has also put the kibosh on the much discussed, troubled movie crossover Ash Williams. He's also cast doubt on fan guesses for Ermac, Smoke, and Street Fighter guests.

Remembering that Boon's first clue told us to look to the sky, and this second one relates to some aspect of the film title, it might be something as simple as directing us to the night sky. The klassic clue of "look to la luna" was already on our minds after Bohemian Rhapsody, and Reptile would certainly be a welcome return after his cameo in The Krypt.

Of course, we don't know if these clues actually even point to a next wave of downloadable characters, or an unforseen in-game event. Both clues refer to aspects of perception: Nightmares, as in the film title, and the song lyric "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?" Make of that what you will.

Elm Street takes its name from the deciduous tree, and while we aren't certain of the genus of Dead Woods on Shang Tsung's island, The Krypt certainly contains plenty of spooky flora for a nightmare. Earlier thinking could also lead to The Pit stage, which presently only exists as part of The Krypt mode, and as a projection on the Retrocade stage.

In the past Boon has loved a word game, and we'd be remiss if we didn't at least note the initials of the two works used as clues: B, R, A, N, o, E, S. That doesn't appear to spell anything yet, but we'll at least be keeping an open eye on it.

Right now your guess is as good as ours! Drop your wildest theories in the comments below and stay awake on the Mortal Kombat 11 forum for the next clues!

Ed Boon Starts Mortal Kombat 11 Guessing Game With New Clue
Is this just fantasy?

Right from the start Mortal Kombat 11 has promised big things from post-release support. The All Hallow's Eve skin pack is right around the corner, but Creative Director Ed "Doctor" Boon has opened our eyes to what's next with the first cryptic clue in quite some time. Check it out:

Boon chose evergreen rockers Queen to deliver his coded message, embedding the iconic 1975 banger that more recently doubled for the title of the band's Oscar nominated biopic: Bohemian Rhapsody.

In a follow-up tweet he more specifically isolated a particular phrase from the first stanza: "Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see".

Speculation can invite a dangerous game of disappointments, and as is customary for Mortal Kombat ambiguity, the tweet has invited a flood of wild and varied guesses. Most have centered around prospective DLC fighters, but it's worth noting that the Creative Director never even specifies it will be downloadable content.

Boon does very specifically confirm his tweet is a clue, while also labelling it as the first in a series, which means it's smart not to cling too closely to any guesses or theories. As the song says, easy come, easy go.

The next line of the song describes a "poor boy" who needs no sympathy, which could suggest street thief turned Earthrealm hero Kung Jin, who was one of two next generation heroes who didn't make the MK11 cut. Takahashi Takeda was the other notable absentee -- a popular choice for downloadable content.

If we take Boon at his word: looking to the sky might recall another famous clue from the Mortal Kombat canon. "Look to La Luna" started the search for the original secret character and could suggest Reptile will leave his hiding place in The Krypt. Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei looked to the moon (la luna) in the 17th century as the "father of observational astronomy", and his name is chanted later in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Bohemian Rhapsody is rich with symbolism and imagery. What do you think Boon's clue is pointing us towards? Share your theories in the comments below and fandango your way to the Mortal Kombat 11 forum for a devil set aside just for you!

PS5 PlayStation Plus Collection To Include Mortal Kombat X
MKX returns on PS5!

Sony has officially unveiled the launch price and starting lineup for the PlayStation 5 and there's a familiar title in the mix! Mortal Kombat X will be available to next generation console players who subscribe to PS Plus! Watch the trailer:


Watch: PS Plus Collection Trailer | PlayStation 5 Showcase | MKX Launch Trailer | MKX Story Trailer | MKX Next Trailer

Mortal Kombat X will be one of the future-retro perks of subscribing to PlayStation Plus on the next gen console. The 2015 MK sequel was one of the highest selling installments of the franchise, and continues to be a favourite among modern kombat enthusiasts. It's included in the PlayStation Plus Collection as one of PS4's defining fighting titles and will be available to download & play at launch.

PlayStation 5 will launch with a standard version with 4K Blu Ray disc drive for $499.99US, and a discless Digital Edition for $399.99 starting November 12th in the US, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. There will be a one week delay for the rest of the world.

MKX joins a huge lineup of generation-defining contemporary games, including: God of War, The Last of Us: Remastered, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Battlefield 1, Monster Hunter World, Fallout 4, Final Fantasy XV, The Last Guardian, Ratchet & Clank, , Day Gone, Bloodborne, Detroit: Become Human, Batman: Arkham Knight, Persona 5, Until Dawn, and Resident Evil!

PlayStation continues to be a favourite console for the fighting game genre. Will you be checking out Mortal Kombat X on the PlayStation 5? Tell us what you think in the comments below and get back into the MKX mindset in the Mortal Kombat X forum! Who's next?

DC FanDome Panel Revisits Injustice With Ed Boon & More
From MKvsDC to Injustice 3?

Over the weekend Geoff Keighley entered the DC FanDome to host a virtual panel revisiting the world of Injustice. The all-star creator lineup included NetherRealm Studios' Ed Boon & Dominic Cianciolo, and DC Publisher Jim Lee, to look back on the genesis of the fighting franchise and its ever expanding legacy. Catch up on the archived stream right here:

There weren't a lot of revelations for fans who've followed the franchise from its launch with Injustice: Gods Among Us to the video game sequel Injustice 2.

On the subject of a third installment, the NetherRealm Studios head laid it out very clear: 'We have nothing to say at the moment about Injustice 3. I wish we could talk, but at the moment we have nothing to announce. But we appreciate the desire to see one.'

Ed Boon paid homage to the inception of the series with the 2008 crossover Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, which the Creative DIrector credits with inspiring the team to work on a dedicated DC fighting game that emphasized the grand scake of superhero conflict.

The inward focus of this DC only fighter fed the desire to create a scenario that would put heroes like Batman and Superman at odds. The unfolding plot may seem shallow compared with other incarnations of the DC multiverse, but Story Director Dominic Gianciolo assures the battlelines were drawn with consideration for Superman's fall to totalitarianism, and the headlining World's Finest rift, while also satisfying mandated match-ups between popular characters.

Jim Lee further acknowledged the 2013 release as a compliment to DC's linewide reboot, The New 52, which scrapped established canon to redesign and revamp DC's iconic characters with a modern edge. Injustice incorporated various elements from those comic books, even going so far as to design moves inspired by specific cover art. The influence of Injustice can also be seen in DC's Extended Universe cinematic offerings, such as Justice League.

Comic book writer Tom Taylor highlighted the challenges of building the world of Injustice and its compromised Superman. He worked from the game script to create the best selling digital-first series, using its cues to shift a massive cast of icons with mind for their roles in the game. The incorporation of additional characters later created challenges for Injustice 2, as the game developers attempted to honor the tie-in. The series recently returned with a prequel: Injustice: Year Zero.

The FanDome stream also touched on the inclusion of The Joker as a guest character in Mortal Kombat 11. Ed Boon revealed the role of Joaquin Phoenix's starring R-rated role in emboldening them to approach DC for the character. Character & Story Director Dominic Cianciolo revealed their version drew inspiration from another cinematic reference - Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange.

[Related Article: Joker Laughs Last In Mortal Kombat 11 Gameplay Trailer]

Would you like to see more Injustice or another MK/DC crossover in the future? Jump into the comments to tell us what you thought of the FanDome panel and discuss more in the DC Universe Injustice forum!

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