The official Mortal Kombat widget available via Gamestop has been updated with a new Fatality Wallpaper for the God of Thunder, Raiden.

This particular wallpaper shows his opponent being electrified showing his internal skeletal structure set against a blue background. This also strongly hints that we will be seeing the Protector of Earthrealm very soon.

The wallpaper is the fifth in a series of silhouette themed wallpapers based on the original Shadows trailer released back in September [full story], featuring Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Mileena and Liu Kang, respectively.

If you do not have the Gamestop Widget installed, You can also access the wallpaper via the Facebook Widget on the official Mortal Kombat Facebook Page.

Mere days after the reveal of what can only be assumed to be Scorpion's trademark kunai spear -- live-action Mortal Kombat director, Kevin Tancharoen, has released another glimpse from the soon to be released series! The image marks the second production still released [full story].

Tracy Spiridakos is a twenty-something actress from Winnipeg, recognisable for her guest roles in Supernatural, Psych, Hellcats, and The L Word, as well as a recurring role as Becky Richards in TV's Majority Rules. She steps into a malestrom of speculation after referring to her mysterious role, via Twitter, as "Blue."

When sharing the new photo via the social networking device; the director made special note to debunk theories that Blue may be thinly veiled code for Edenian rebel, Princess Kitana.

Who or what "Blue" is remains to be seen, with some fans already speculating it may be an early appearnce for 2002 Lin Kuei addition, Frost. Might that be icey blue residue in the photograph, or something more inocuous? Mortal Kombat Online will be watching to find out!

Conversations on Twitter also appear to have revealed a big moment for Johnny Cage, assuming they weren't tongue-in-cheek. When one twitter user asked [Kevin] Tancharoen about his stuntman cousin suffering a blow to the groin, the director confirmed Matt Mullins will deliver the iconic Cage split punch!

"My cousin did some stuntwork for MK a few days ago and said Johnny Cage punched him in the junk. Can you confirm such an stunt?" ^[1] "I can confirm this" ^[2]

Mortal Kombat is expected to be released to coincide with the new game in April, through digital distribution channels such as iTunes. For full details on cast, crew, and online leaks, follow the complete rundown on MKO. You can also follow us via Twitter, @MK_Online.

Director Kevin Tancharoen has joined the Twitter revolution surrounding his project (@KTANCH), posting new photographs from the set of Mortal Kombat!

Tancharoen teases two of the most anticipated characters in his photos, seemingly alluding to series mascots, Sub-Zero and Scorpion. This storied tale of two bitter rivals has been one of the best known plotlines from the Mortal Kombat canon, telling of Scorpion's rise from the Netherrealm to seek revenge for his murder against mortal nemesis, Sub-Zero.

In the games, Scorpion was revealed to have been successful in exacting his revenge during the events of the original 1992 release. It remains to be seen if the live-action series will adhere to this well known established version, or reinterpret it for a new audience. For all available details from the series, follow the story on MKO.

Mortal Kombat is a live-action series to be released through digital distribution channels in April by Warner Premiere. The first official still from the series, featuring twittering superstar Jeri Ryan in peril as Sonya Blade, can be seen on MKO! Follow us on Twitter, @MK_Online.

NetherRealm Studios have released another modest round of screenshots showcasing some of the iconic characters returning in Mortal Kombat.

The first of the three screenshots features Lin Kuei cyborg, Cyrax, firing his green net against a defending Kitana in the Dead Pool stage. The second features native warrior Nightwolf summoning a lightning strike against Kitana, while Shang Tsung looks on in his throne room. Finally, Kung Lao delivers a jumping kick to Sektor in the Belltower stage, causing the cyborg to leak black oil.

These images come on the back of inadvertent leaks provided by the Australian Classification Board, who yesterday refused Mortal Kombat classification, effecting the new game's ban in the country [full story].

The screenshots provide new details about fatalities for Jade, Stryker, Quan Chi, Kabal, and Shao Kahn, lending credence to rumors suggesting Shao Kahn will be available as a playable character in the game. The review document also describes up to fifteen hours of gameplay in a robust new story mode, with a reported twenty-five characters in the game. This number may not, however, represent the final product. For a closer look at review documents, as well as full details on the ban, follow the story on MKO.

Earlier in the week, MKO reported on the release of previously embargoed images from print circulation, featuring the action exploits of Sonya Blade. Sonya also appears in the first scene leaked from the upcoming live-action series, which will enter digital distribution in Spring [full story and pic].

Mortal Kombat is expected to be released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in the United States (April 19) and Europe (April 21). MKO will continue to report the availability of games in various countries. Follow @MK_Online on Twitter to receive live updates.

February 24, 2011 -- IGN are currently reporting that Mortal Kombat will be refused classification in Australia. Their source, who wishes to remain anonymous, claims to have received an e-mail detailing the necessary return of pre-order funds and removal of all promotional materials from retailers, who have been promoting the game normally up to this point. The game had been expected to receive a simultaneous release with the United States, available locally April 20.

IGN are also reporting an official statement from current MK license holders and distributors, Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment:

The highly anticipated video game Mortal Kombat, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) in Australia, has been refused classification by the Australian Classification Board and will not release in Australia. We are extremely disappointed that Mortal Kombat, one of the world's oldest and most successful video games franchises, will not be available to mature Australian gamers.

WBIE would not market mature content where it is not appropriate for the audience. We understand that not all content is for every audience, but there is an audience for mature gaming content and it would make more sense to have the R18+ classification in Australia. As a member of the iGEA, WBIE is reviewing all options available at this time.

This refusal of classification is something Australian gamers have had to be aware of since the announcement that Mortal Kombat would return the series to it's graphic origins. This disappointing confirmation comes despite the fact a Mortal Kombat game has never gone unreleased in the country before, where MK has long been a popular and well selling franchise.

Mortal Kombat is, of course, no stranger to classification controversy.
The series' first installments are frequently cited as one of the key contributors to the formation of the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) in the United States. Formed in 1993 amidst congressional hearings regarding violence in video games, the ESRB helped to appropriately inform parents and consumers about video game content.

The controversy over Australia's lack of an adult rating for video games has been well publicized in recent years. The Australian Classification Board (ACB) has come under attack from a wide variety of sources, in and out of the country, garnering widespread support from public petitions, as well as major industry figures. EA President, Frank Gibeau, criticized the basic rights infringed by the classification in a release to media outlets in 2010:

"As the Australian government moves to participate in the economy of the global gaming market, policy makers should consider the environment they create for game makers. Governments that design policies hostile to game developers and their creative medium will struggle to attract investment from the global industry. The global gaming industry is robust and growing faster than any other entertainment medium. If Australia seeks to benefit from this tremendous creative and economic opportunity, its policies should reflect an understanding of the marketplace and a willingness to participate."

To date, Australia has equivalent adult ratings for most other major entertainment mediums, making the video game rating system a strange and specific aberration. In the past, classification has also been notably erratic, often seeing some games receive much lower ratings than International counterparts, due to the lack of an adult eighteen and over classification. Contributing causes for this inconsistency is said to vary, including the interests of contemporary governments, as well as the processes employed by the board themselves.

Figurehead of opposition to the adult rating and frequent road block, South Australian Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson; left his position in March of 2010. Despite this, opportunity for change has continued to go unfulfilled. After the release of a December 2009 "Discussion Paper" canvassed public opinion, subsequent review of the classification in December 2010 failed to produce a result, the decision delayed by the Standing Committee of Attorneys General for another year. The 2009 paper returned a 98.4% approval from public submissions, according to Espresso Communications. The site also quotes CEO of the Interactive Gaming & Entertainment Association (iGEA), who said:

"It’s disappointing to hear that an adult rating for video games will be delayed once again despite mass support from the Australian community, whether it is from adult gamers who want the right to play games that appeal to them or parents who want clear guidelines for their children."

While Mortal Kombat has been refused classification at this point, it is not unusual for a review to be submitted. The reported unanimous decision means an appeal cannot be lodged, but Warner Brothers Interactive will almost certainly add their considerable cache to mounting pressure on the ACB. Possibility of an edited release may also lie on the horizon, if an unedited release cannot be negotiated.

Update: Kotaku are reporting on the reasons for refusal of classification, which primarily revolve around Fatalities performed with a realistic graphics engine [document included below]. The list includes spoilers for yet to be revealed moves, including fatalities for Shao Kahn, Stryker and Kitana. The file also lends credence to recent reports that Shao Kahn will appear as a playable character.

- Stryker tasers his opponents and then explicitly shoots their head off with his gun. Blood and gore is noted.
- Shao Khan uses his hands to explicitly rip an opponent’s body vertically in two
- Kitana uses her ‘folding fan’ weapon to explicitly dismember then decapitate her opponent, with copious blood flow noted.

The game includes over 60 fatalities (some of which are noted above) which contain explicit depictions of dismemberment, decapitation, disembowelment and other brutal forms of slaughter. Despite the exaggerated conceptual nature of the fatalities and their context within a fighting game set in a fantasy realm, impact is heightened by the use of graphics which are realistically rendered and very detailed. In the opinion of the Board, the game contains violence that exceeds strong in impact and is unsuitable for a minor to see or play. The game should therefore be Refused Classification pursuant to item 1(d) of the computer games table of the National Classification Board.

Update Mar. 2: IGN are reporting updates on WBIE's intentions to appeal the ban on the adult rated game. In an official statement, Warner have expressed clear goals to avoid releasing censored versions of their game, intent on resubmitting an identical copy for review to the Austrailan Classification Board.

After careful consideration Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Australia have decided to appeal to the Australian Classification Review Board against the RC (Refused Classification) decision given to Mortal Kombat. After reviewing both the game play and the Board's original decision WBIE Australia believe the violence in the game is on par with numerous other titles readily available for sale in the Australian market. As such the company wants to exhaust all options to make the game available to Mortal Kombat fans in this country. An identical version of the game will be submitted for appeal.

Australian news outlet, News.com.au, have a full feature on the history of Mortal Kombat in Australia, which includes a similar history to that of the United States and it's formation of the ESRB. Discussed in the article is the symmetry of the MK-inspired March 1, 1995 Commonwealth Classification Act, which planted the seeds for a Refusal of Classification sixteen years later.

The article continues to look at unrest within the Australian gaming community, who project that Mortal Kombat will simultaneously become the most pirated and imported game in the region, should it fail to receive a retail release. The threat renews pubilc pressure on federal governments and difficult state Attorney-Generals who have allowed the problem to persist, despite overwhelming public outcry, and a new survey that reports a speculative 53.45% reduction of employees working in the Australian development industry [since 2007].

Mortal Kombat Online supports the freedoms and adult expectations of the R18+ rating for Australian gamers. We will continue to cover the story as it develops, and encourage users to post their support for change, and disappointment in the refusal, on our forums. If you are motivated to do so, you can contact the Classification Board online via their website. Be encouraged to express yourself clearly and intelligently, if you really want to help.

With many of it's principle actors wrapping their time on the Vancouver set, production stages of the newest live-action Mortal Kombat series are drawing to an end.

Mortal Kombat Online has covered the progress of the project extensively, from breaking rumors, to its official announcement, and all the most recent cast and crew details to leak online.

We took a special look at the Twitter revolution being led by starring actress, Jeri Ryan [full story], who provided unique insightabout her experiences in Vancouver, to and from the set, with photographs from behind the action. Given her involvement in promoting the series, it's fitting that we share in this exciting unveiling of the first official screen from the upcoming live-action Mortal Kombat series, which features Ryan's Sonya Blade in peril against an unidentifiable assailant.

That might just be the back of the head of Darren Shahlavi, recently announced actor who will step into the role of Black Dragon villain and arch-nemesis to Sonya, Kano [full story]. Or, failing that, it might be one of the other big baddies yet to be officially confirmed for the series.

The completion of work speaks to director Kevin Tancharoen's ability to get the most out of his budget and schedule, a feature that no doubt helped him secure the role on the back of his independently produced short, MK: Rebirth. With an expected release through digital distribution channels sometime in April, the wait to learn how one project relates to the other is nearly over. The series will coexist to promote the new Mortal Kombat game, released April 19.

Special thanks to the official Mortal Kombat game's twitter account, @MK_Mortal Kombat, for providing the image. You can also follow MKO on Twitter @MK_Online! To follow our full coverage of the live-action series, follow the story.

With the April 19 release of Mortal Kombat drawing nearer, screenshots previously exclusive to print media are being released to the masses. Fan-site, Mortal Kombat X'Tra, have posted a crop of five images that showcase November 2010 reveal, Sonya Blade, in some of the previously released arena backgrounds.

Sonya does battle with Mileena, Nightwolf, Kitana, Sektor and Scorpion, duking it out in The Temple, The Koliseum, The Deadpool, The Pit, and The Belltower; all updates based on counterparts from Mortal Kombat II (1993) and Mortal Kombat 3 (1995).

This is the second group of previously embargoed images released in February. 1C.ru revealed six images earlier in the month, featuring the first widely released glimpses of Sindel and Ermac in screenshots [full story].

While these resources are being made available now, the cross-media promotional campaign for the game continues. Host Geoff Keighly tweeted mere moments ago that another character will be revealed next week on GTTV when series co-creator and NetherRealm Studios creative director, Ed Boon, makes an appearance!

@noobde We can't mention them all . See you next week for the character reveal!

Mortal Kombat is coming to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 home consoles, available in regular and kollector's editions. Pre-Orders for the Tournament Edition with gaming stick are going fast, with some retailers reporting it sold out. Fans in Europe will have to wait until April 21, due to slight delays.

Thanks to forum user queve for forwarding information on the release of screenshots. If you think you have a scoop, we'd love to hear about it. You can also follow MKO on twitter, @MK_Online!

Coming Spring to digital distributors; Mortal Kombat is an anthology of ten live-action episodes, expected to run approximately seven to ten minutes each. They are the genesis of director Kevin Tancharoen's efforts to reinvigorate the celluloid image of the MK franchise, famously established on screen by Paul Anderson, with his 1995 feature release of the same name.

Kevin Tancharoen on the set with Jeri Ryan

Last month; [Kevin] Tancharoen [pictured above] told Gamasutra about working closely with Ed Boon, describing his "fanboy geek moment" at meeting the series' co-creator, who liked the director's popularly received test short and "... knows it took liberties with the universe of Mortal Kombat, but was okay with that."

The series owes much of it's origins to the demo reel that leaked accidentally to the internet in June [full story], featuring several actors who have since joined the official project, acting within a scenario very loosely inspired by the series. It remains to be seen if the ten episode shorts will adhere more faithfully to the iconic canon of the games, or veer into interpretive territory as it details the adapted escapades of MK's most popular characters.

Mortal Kombat and all associated licenses and trademarks were acquired by Warner Brothers, from the bankrupt Midway Games, in July, 2009 [full story]. WB progressed with a noted intent to exploit and embellish the series' cache value in multiple mediums it previously enjoyed success in. They will release the series through their home video division, Warner Premiere.

As reported extensively by MKO; a cavalcade of actors have joined location filming in Vancouver in recent weeks. As you would expect, most of the feature characters are present and accounted for, with a few surprise additions confirmed to round out the cast!

Mortal Kombat Cast & Crew:

... Maj. Jackson "Jax" Briggs
... Lt. Sonya Blade
... Scorpion
... Sub-Zero
... Kano
... Raiden
... Johnny Cage
... Kurtis Stryker
... Cyrax/Hydro
... Sektor
... "Blue"
... Queen Sindel
... Kitana
... Kana Hasashi
... Mileena
... Quan Chi
... Shao Kahn
... Ed Goodman
... Action Star

... Director/Writer
... Writer
... Writer
... Producer
... Director of Photography
... Stunt Coordinator
... Costume Designer
... Costume Builder
... Set DesignerMichael Jai White
Jeri Ryan
Ian Anthony Dale
Kevan Ohtsji
Darren Shahlavi
Ryan Robbins
Matt Mullins
Tahmoh Penikett
Shane Warren Jones
Peter Shinkoda
Tracy Spiridakos
Beatrice King
Sam Tjhia
Maurissa Tancharoen
Jolene Tran
Michael Rogers
Aleks Paunovic
Ed Boon
Erica Cerra

Kevin Tancharoen
Aaron Helbing
Todd Helbing
Tim Carter
C. Kim Miles
Larnell Stovall
Alissa Swanson
Leslie Cairns
Luca Carati

A second press release provided the first official announcement of actors, whilst Twitter has played a major role in promoting and revealing the majority of names attached. Much of the cast have revealed their involvement themselves, and shared enthusiasm for the project via the social networking device, communicating both with fans, and each other.

NOTE: MKO must clarify that Richard Dorton, who played Reptile in the "unofficial" Rebirth short, has not yet been confirmed to return in the digital series. We apologise to anyone who was misled by this mistaken information.

Update Feb. 20: Actress Tracy Spiridakos has seemingly deleted her Twitter account (@TracySpiridakos amidst speculation about the nature of her character, "Blue". Aleks Paunovic (@alekspaun) also looks poised to join the cast in the coming week [via Twitter].

Update Feb. 22: An unverified report by Twitter user @JadedKrystal claims Beatrice Ilg and Peter Shinkoda will apear as Sindel and Sektor, respectively. The poster's relationship to the shoot is currently unknown. There are no updates regarding returning members of the cast from the Rebirth short. @Shane Warren Jones (Cyrax) tweeted "Two Words MK Fans- "Larnell Stovall" google it lol." We cannot yet confirm that Stovall will be involved with MK as an actor or choreographer.

Update Feb. 24: Vancouver based set designer, Luca Carati, can be added to the list of crew working on the series. James Lew, who appeared in the Rebirth short as Shang Tsung, is widely rumored to be returning, but has so far playfully denied involvement. Peter Shinkoda is also rumored to be appearing as Sektor.

Update Feb. 27: Fresh from the Twitterverse; Director Kevin Tancharoen personally confirms Tracy Spiridakos' "Blue" is not Princess Kitana, with fairly compelling photographic evidence. Exactly who or what "Blue" is remains uncertain, as does the nature of the blue goop appearing in the image. An icey sign of things to come, or something completely new? @KTANCH also confirms the iconic punching of private parts, courtesy of Matt Mullins' Johnny Cage! ^{[1, 2]}

Update Feb. 28: The Vancouver Acting School has confirmed, via this Tweet, that actress Beatrice King will be playing the part of Queen Sindel! It remains to be seen whether she is truly on the side of evil, as the wife of Shao Kahn, or if she will turn on him and join the forces of good.

Update Mar. 2: Sam Tjhia has thrown her name into the ring, confirming involvement in the series via Twitter (@SamTjhia). Like many recent additions to the series, she isn't giving much away.

The wave was led by twitter enthusiast and series Sonya Blade, @JeriLRyan, who MKO featured after a string of messages and photos [full story]. @RyRobbins, who will appear as Earth's God of Thunder protector, Raiden, also shared some less revealing photographs from the set [below].

Update Mar. 23: Kevin Tancharoen has confirmed Sam Tjiha's role (@SamTjiha) to be the one and only Princess Kitana! No word yet on whether or not she will have a dual role as Kitana's malformed clone-sibling, Mileena, but an image of what might be the two assassins fighting was released March 15. For the purposes of filming, a stunt actor may be employed.

Photos from the Vancouver set of Mortal Kombat
[via @JeriLRyan, @RyRobbins, @Victor_Lucas, @ShaneWarrenJ, & @AirikahChaira]

"Mortal Kombat" is expected to be released through new media channels such as iTunes and Amazon, with other possibilities also likely to present themselves. Pricing for the digitally distribubted series is yet to be made known. Mortal Kombat Online will continue to report details on the story as they present themselves.

The live-action series is part of a massive cross-media campaign to coincide with the April 19 release of the new video game. April will also see the release of Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation on BluRay disc [full story], as well as a concept album, Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors [full story].

Kevin Tancharoen who directed and produced the popular, unofficial "Mortal Kombat: Rebirth" fan short (watch below) that garnered over 10 million views worldwide, is bringing the same immersive directing style to this live-action digital new media series. Fans will be able to delve deep into the history of the warriors they know and love including "Sub-Zero" and "Scorpion." Shooting for "Mortal Kombat" is currently underway in Vancouver.

"It's extremely gratifying to have such talented actors playing these iconic roles," said Kevin Tancharoen, Director, Producer and Co-Writer of "Mortal Kombat." "They will bring the essence of 'Mortal Kombat' to life and gamers will be deeply immersed into the game's universe."

Written by Kevin Tancharoen, Aaron Helbing and Todd Helbing, and available online this spring from Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, the "Mortal Kombat" digital new media series is an anthology of multiple live action shorts. Each episode will provide never-before-revealed insights into characters featured in the upcoming videogame as well as the game's universe.

"Mortal Kombat," the newest chapter of the award-winning videogame franchise, will be on store shelves starting April 19th, 2011. Marking a triumphant return to the series' mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2D fighting mechanic, "Mortal Kombat" will introduce a number of new game-play features including tag team, a deeper story mode and nostalgic online and offline arcade battles. Players will be able to choose from an extensive lineup of iconic warriors and challenge their friends in head-to-head competition as well as several new game modes.

Bloody Disgusting reports a series synopsis that confirms the on-going conflict between Earthrealm and Shao Kahn, which has remained fundamental to the plot in all it's various incarnations. The blurb lacks specifics to connect it to the games, or a new adaptation, maintaining the general representation seen in press releases to date.

"Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung are obsessed with reigning over various realms (parallel universes) and the winners of Mortal Kombat competitions are granted supreme control over these worlds. The Earthrealm (Earth) is an unconscious participant in this competition and only a few select humans understand the consequences of losing Mortal Kombat and what it will mean to Earth."

Related Media Stories on Mortal Kombat Online:

• 4/12/2015 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Streaming on Steam
• 1/20/2015 MK Legacy Star Darren Shahlavi Dead Age 42
• 8/16/2014 Feature: Could Hydro Appear in the Next Mortal Kombat?
• 3/28/2014 Mortal Kombat 3-Disc Blu Ray Set Coming May
• 12/11/2012 Komplete: Mortal Kombat Legacy Series 2 Casting Recap
• 12/9/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Now Available on Blu-Ray!
• 8/26/2011 Mortal Spotlight: MKO Q&A with Darren Shahlavi
• 8/10/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Koming to Blu-Ray November 8th
• 7/24/2011 MK: Legacy Cyrax & Sektor - Series Finale
• 7/22/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy at Comic-Con 2011!
• 7/18/2011 Mortal Spotlight: MKO Q&A with Shane Warren Jones!
• 6/30/2011 MK: Legacy Series to become available via iTunes, Xbox Live & PSN
• 6/7/2011 Legacy Finale to Debut July at Comic-Con International
• 6/3/2011 Legacy Final Episode Preview Teaser - Cyrax!
• 5/31/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #8
• 5/24/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #7
• 5/17/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #6
• 5/10/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #5
• 5/3/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #4
• 5/1/2011 Mileen Gets Animated in Legacy Teaser
• 4/26/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #3
• 4/19/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #2
• 4/15/2011 EXCLUSIVE: MK Online Mortal Kombat Blu-Ray Reviews & Sweepstakes!
• 4/15/2011 New York Times article reveals Baraka from MK Legacy!
• 4/15/2011 GameTrailers Exclusive MK Legacy Second Episode Preview
• 4/12/2011 Mortal Kombat: Legacy Episode #1
• 4/12/2011 Official Trailer for Mortal Kombat: Legacy debuts!
• 4/10/2011 Scorpion Teaser Image from Mortal Kombat: Legacy
• 4/8/2011 First Look at Sub-Zero in Mortal Kombat: Legacy!
• 4/7/2011 First Clip from Mortal Kombat: Legacy Digital Series Emerges!
• 4/5/2011 Mortal Kombat First Episode to Premiere on Machinima!
• 3/31/2011 MovieWeb Interviews Kevin Tancharoen!
• 3/20/2011 First Kano Frame From Live-Action Series
• 3/17/2011 Jeri Ryan Interview on G4TV!
• 3/15/2011 New Action Photo Teaser from Live-Action Director!
• 3/15/2011 Digital series director reveals photo of Baraka!
• 3/8/2011 New Jax Action Shot from Live-Action Series!
• 3/5/2011 IGN Exclusive Interview Reveals Digital Series Details
• 3/4/2011 New Live-Action Character Photo Released!
• 3/3/2011 Scorpion Revealed for Upcoming Mortal Kombat Digital Series!
• 2/27/2011 Director Releases First-Look 'Blue' from Live-Action Series
• 2/25/2011 Director Releases Pictures From Live-Action Series!
• 2/23/2011 First Official Shot from Live-Action MK Series!
• 2/14/2011 Warner Brothers Announce Digital Series Actors!
• 2/12/2011 Mortal Spotlight: Jeri Ryan on the Set of Mortal Kombat
• 1/31/2011 Mortal Kombat on BluRay - With Bonus DLC
• 1/24/2011 Mortal Kombat Digital Series Officially Announced
• 1/15/2011 Mortal Kombat Reborn as Ten Episode Web Series!
• 6/8/2010 Mortal Kombat Rebirth Pitch Debuts on YouTube
• 2/18/2010 Threshold Sues Warner Bros Over Rights to Third MK Film [Updated]

Mortal Kombat the game is released April 19 (April 21 in Europe) for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It is available for pre-order in regular and kollector's editions through most major outlets.

Follow Mortal Kombat Online on Twitter @MK_Online for updates on news and community activity. You can also connect with the cast and crew of the digital series; Kevin Tancharoen (@KTANCH), Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan), Michael Jai White (@MichaelJaiWhite), Ryan Robbins (@RyRobbins), Ian Anthony Dale (@IanAnthonyDale), Darren Shahlavi (@Shahlavi), Matt Mullins (@Sideswipematt), Shane Warren Jones (@ShaneWarrenJ), Tracy Spiridakos (@trspiridakos), C. Kim Miles (@VancouverDP), Maurissa Tancharoen (@MoTancharoen), Erica Cerra (@AirikahChaira), Allisa Swanson (@alissa_s), Leslie Cairns (@BuggyBag, and more!

The official Mortal Kombat widget available via Gamestop has been updated with a new Fatality Trailer for the Shaolin Monk, Liu Kang.

Featured during the video is a fight between the Champion of Mortal Kombat and the ruthless Black Dragon thug, Kano. Scattered throughout the video are special moves from Both Liu Kang and Kano including Kano's Knife Throw, Chokehold and his infamous Cannonball. Also of note, Kano now seems to have Scorpion's slash and stab Throw move, igniting speculation that it may now have been given to Kano in favour of giving Scorpion a new one alltogether.

Also present is the introduction of three new Arenas. The Courtyard returns from MK1 now complete with Shang Tsung's deadly Masked Guards who stalk the fighters as they engage in Kombat with Shang Tsung keeping watch in the distance. What appears to be an updated aesthetic for The Wastelands from MK2 now returns with numerous dead and impaled bodies strewn in the distance along with tattered Ships and burning buildings contrasted by a darkened, purple Sky. Kombat takes place directly on the shore, with water lapping at the players feet. Finally The Armory also from MK2 makes a faithful appearance featuring the iconic Dragon Logo being constructed and emerging from the molten lava alongside the arena being decorated with various weaponry.

To view this video you must have the Mortal Kombat Widget installed from Gamestop. You can download it over at Gamestop and to view the Uncensored Fatality from Liu Kang you must pre-order from Gamestop and enter the unique code you are given!

If you do not have the Gamestop Widget installed, You can also access the video via the Facebook Widget on the official Mortal Kombat Facebook Page.

After a short recess, titular star Liu Kang returns with another gameplay featurette showcasing his gameplay and combo prowess. This video features a number of interesting new elements including Liu Kang's X-ray move, what appears to be a story mode scene and an alternate costume for Johnny Cage, his recurring suit costume which has appeared in other MK games such as Mortal Kombat 4 and Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance.

• Liu Kang Epic Beatdown Trailer

During the story sequence Kang wears a costume different from his gameplay attire, and though the voice actor has not been confirmed it sounds very similar to the voice actor used from Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. His enhanced special moves seem to add the element of fire to his kick attacks, this includes his flying kick and trademark bicycle kick. Liu Kang's X-ray attack closes the video, as Liu Kang delivers a strong uppercut to the jaw followed back a sidekick to the head.

Watch above or click here to view on 1UP. Thanks to forum member for word on this story!

Exclusive pre-order bonuses have gained yet another merchant as the massive global warehouse retailer Wal-Mart has joined the fray! A few days ago we revealed a high definition render of Jade's classic costume [full story], which has been confirmed as bonus DLC material for purchasing the rereleases of the Mortal Kombat movies on Blu-ray. Wal-Mart's exclusive DLC costume is now confirmed to be the deadly vixen Mileena! It remains to be seen if Mileena will use a color palette swap of Jade's costume, but it is highly assumed to be the case given the male ninja costumes. We will continue to look out for any official images in regards to this story.

Wal-Mart joins Gamestop (Scorpion), Best Buy (Sub-Zero) and Amazon (Reptile) [full story]as retailers offering exclusive costumes for pre-ordering with their company. Logic suggests Mileena's sister Kitana will also receive the same treatment, though the retailer who will offer this promotion remains a mystery for now.

To place a pre-order with Wal-Mart for Mortal Kombat, click here. Ordering the official Prima strategy guide can be purchased as a combo with the game, and doing so will result in a 25% reduction of the guide's cost. Thanks to Twitter follower @kenps3 and forum member for alerting us to this story! If you would like to contribute news to MK Online, please use our newslead function or contact us on Twitter.

Steve Beran has been contributing to the Mortal Kombat series since 1995's MK3. As a Director of Art, Beran has been responsible for collaborating on some of the goriest moments in the series' long history, for NetherRealm Studios' latest installment in the long running series, Mortal Kombat.

In a new blog for PlayStation.com, Beran is taking fans inside the process with a special look at the conceptual gestation of a finishing move. It's a probing follow-up to similar material feature in January's IGN exclusive Inside the X-Ray featurette. [full story]

With an emphasis on redirecting the series toward it's graphically violent origins, Beran reveals the unprecedent priority fatalities have taken in the construction of Mortal Kombat, in 2011. The process has allowed the team maximum opportunity to create a guaranteed two fatalities per character, with ample opportunity to design and polish the finished product. Modern technologies mean fatalities are now an increasingly elaborate and graphic opportunity to punish and humiliate opponents -- a fact NetherRealm Studios has relished in the making of this game.

The blog describes the importance of every stage of the process, with scrutiny given to the ideas phase, right up to sound design. Included are pictures of Ed Boon's now famous stick figure storyboards, this time detailing Scorpion's sword fatality. Also featured is the plunging stage fatality famously associated with The Pit, as well as another look at Liu Kang's exploding fist fatality, which was featured in both wallpaper artwork, and the recent Liu Kang character vignette (performed on Shang Tsung).

You can find the exclusive blog, along with it's copyrighted pictures, on PlayStation.com. In the blog, Beran also promises the opportunity to glimpse a preview of more fatality action if you pre-order the game via Gamestop. Those who pre-order the game will be provided a code to enter into their MK widget, revealing more lethal finishers!

Mortal Kombat is available April 19 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, in regular and kollector's special editions. All versions of the PS3 game will include the exclusively playable bonus character, Kratos, from Sony's immensely popular God of War series [full story]. PS3 owners are also privy to free "classic" Jade costume DLC [full story], if they buy Mortal Kombat (1995) or Mortal Kombat: Annihilation, released on Blu-Ray April 19!

The folks at IGN have posted a video trailer unveiling the first official confirmation of Noob Saibot! The preview ends long running speculation about the nature of Sub-Zero's appearance in the game, which seemingly threatened to circumvent the creation of Noob Saibot, per recent developments in the story.

The elusive Noob Saibot debuted in Mortal Kombat II, where he appeared as one of three secret characters unlockable through a series of elaborate requirements. In 2005, the mysterious member of the Brotherhood of Shadow was revealed to be the resurrected form of Sub-Zero -- original arch-nemesis to Scorpion, who was successful in exacting his spectral revenge during the tournament of the first Mortal Kombat game (1992).

The trailer suggests this version of the story will see a more enlightened Noob, whose identity as the former Sub-Zero may be known much earlier, to he and others. The trailer includes brief glimpses of either custom intros, or story mode sequences. His "fear me" catchcry can also be heard during the course of the video.

Gameplay suggests Noob will be a high intensity character, boasting special attacks from both his first official playable appearance in Mortal Kombat Trilogy (and home versions of UMK3), and later tag team designs in Mortal Kombat: Deception. Oily shadow clones take the place of his Deception partner, Smoke, to execute a series of combo attacks, practical and stylish in their execution. The unique ability harkens back to his Trilogy Shadow Toss, which appears present alongside a modified version of the Teleport Slam, and his power nullifying "Fireball."

Of special note is Noob's brutal X-Ray attack, which sees a shadow clone tag team Jade in the video, delivering an abdomen sandwiching series of kicks that force the opponent to projectile vomit from the bone crushing impact. Incidentally, this is the first full glimpse of Jade in her playable form. She appeared suffering similar effects in IGN's Inside the X-Ray featurette.

In their release, NetherRealm Studios describe more details:

... Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios unveiling Noob Saibot, previously Sub Zero, a fallen warrior, resurrected by the Netherrealm sorcerer Quan Chi to fulfill a dark objective. A faithful servant and a recent addition to the Brotherhood of Shadow, he plays a key role in helping Shao Kahn in his acquisition of Earthrealm. This intense video focuses on Noob Saibot’s vicious fighting style as he steps closer to his own mysterious shadowy mission.

Mortal Kombat is the most brutal installment of the landmark fighting game to date for release on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in 2011. The game is being developed by the newly re-named NetherRealm Studios, led by Mortal Kombat creator and creative director Ed Boon.

You can find the original article on IGN.com. Thanks to MK Online user for the heads up on this video update, which is also available on YouTube. Be sure to follow MKO on Twitter (@MK_Online) to keep up to date with all the MK-related news! If you've got a newslead, be sure to let us know!

Mortal Kombat is available April 19 in regular and kollector's special editions. Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation will also be officially released on Blu-Ray the same day [full story], with a free "classic" Jade PS3 DLC costume available with the purchase. Get a closer look at the high quality render on MKO!

Mortal Kombat II's hidden beauty Jade was confirmed by Game Informer back in early January [full story] and the existence of a classic themed alternate was confirmed as a bonus for purchasing the re-release of the first two Mortal Kombat movies on Blu-ray [full story].

NetherRealm Studios have provided a a high quality glimpse of the retro Jade design:

The attire pays homage to Jade's first playable appearance in Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3, rather than her first appearance as a hidden fighter in MK2. This is in contrast to Ermac, who uses the MK1 model for his classic costume [full story] which raises the question whether or not fellow femme fatales Kitana and Mileena will employ a recoloring of this model rather than their MK2 models if they are also given retro DLC costumes.

Mortal Kombat and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation are officially released on Blu-Ray the same day as the new game, April 19. The Blu-Ray Jade "classic" DLC bonus is available exclusively for the PlayStation 3 version of the game. The costume is expected to be made available to all owners of the game, at a later date.

While Jeri Ryan has thoroughly confirmed her involvement (as Sonya Blade) through frequent activity on her Twitter account [full story], a full press release from Warner Premiere has reconfirmed the return of of Michael Jai White (Spawn, The Dark Knight) as Major Jackson "Jax" Briggs, along with English actor, Darren Shahlavi, in the upcoming digitally distributed series, Mortal Kombat.

WB's press release for the Mortal Kombat digital series project is featured in full below:

Warner Premiere today announced initial casting for their upcoming live-action digital new media series "Mortal Kombat" which is based on the iconic gaming franchise. Jeri Ryan, ("Star Trek: Voyager") will reprise her role as the headstrong "Lieutenant Sonya Blade” from the unofficial fan short. She is joined by Michael Jai White ("The Dark Knight") as "Major Jackson 'Jax' Briggs" and Darren Shahlavi ("300") as the sly and cunning "Kano."

Kevin Tancharoen who directed and produced the popular, unofficial "Mortal Kombat: Rebirth" fan short (watch below) that garnered over 10 million views worldwide, is bringing the same immersive directing style to this live-action digital new media series. Fans will be able to delve deep into the history of the warriors they know and love including "Sub-Zero" and "Scorpion." Shooting for "Mortal Kombat" is currently underway in Vancouver.

"It's extremely gratifying to have such talented actors playing these iconic roles," said Kevin Tancharoen, Director, Producer and Co-Writer of "Mortal Kombat." "They will bring the essence of 'Mortal Kombat' to life and gamers will be deeply immersed into the game's universe."

"Mortal Kombat" is one of the most celebrated videogame franchises of all time. Since its debut in 1992, it has spawned four arcade games, multiple console-based videogame titles, two movies ("Mortal Kombat" and "Mortal Kombat: Annihilation"), two television series and an animated prequel. Additionally, a new "Mortal Kombat" video game developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Ent. will be available April 19, 2011 on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

Written by Kevin Tancharoen, Aaron Helbing and Todd Helbing, and available online this spring from Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, the "Mortal Kombat" digital new media series is an anthology of multiple live action shorts. Each episode will provide never-before-revealed insights into characters featured in the upcoming videogame as well as the game's universe.

"Mortal Kombat," the newest chapter of the award-winning videogame franchise, will be on store shelves starting April 19th, 2011. Marking a triumphant return to the series' mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2D fighting mechanic, "Mortal Kombat" will introduce a number of new game-play features including tag team, a deeper story mode and nostalgic online and offline arcade battles. Players will be able to choose from an extensive lineup of iconic warriors and challenge their friends in head-to-head competition as well as several new game modes.

Darren Shahlavi, confirmed to star as longtime rival of Jax and Sonya, Kano, is an English actor featured in films such as 300 and Ip Man 2. In addition, he's no stranger to films video games, having appeared in both Alone in the Dark and BloodRayne, as well as providing motion capture for titles such as GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Dragon Age: Origins, and EA Sports MMA. Shahlavi's martial arts credentials follow up on the emphasis on action from many crew members, which include hints that the longtime rivalry between Kano and Sonya will continue in this project.

Darren Shahlavi in the 2010 Hong Kong feature, Ip Man 2

Update Feb. 14: Ian Anthony Dale, on break from filming TV series The Event, has joined the Twitter stampede. The actor will step into the covetted role of Hanzo Hasashi -- the ninja who, in the games, becomes Scorpion. On his transition, Dale notes:

After a week of awesome shooting on #theevent I am back to obsessing over my Japanese for #MortalKombat. Got to be perfect.

Update Feb. 14: A battle damaged Jeri Ryan appears with Vancouver TV personality, Victor Lucas, in the latest MK set photos from the Twittverse! Ryan herself also provides a great shot from the smokey set, kitted out for action as Sonya Blade!

Lucas [pictured above] is a host and co-producer for video game programme, The Electric Playground, making it reasonable to suspect the Vancouver Mortal Kombat shoot might get a feature on the show, in the near future. Jeri Ryan has shared several photos from the set during her time in Vancouver, as noted in a spotlight on MKO earlier in the week [full story].

Jeri Ryan, Michael Jai White and Darren Shahlavi can all be found on Twitter. Follow MK Online as we continue to cover this exciting story and keep up to date on the actors cast to play your favorite characters in this the first live action Mortal Kombat in over a decade.

Update Feb. 15: IGN is reporting that actor Tahmoh Penikett has joined the cast to play riot cop Kurtis Stryker. Penikett is perhaps most well known as Karl 'Helo' Agathon from the hit series Battlestar Galactica. He has also had roles in television series such as Dollhouse and Cold Squad. Penikett has a Twitter account, which can be accessed here, but it has not been used in some time.

Update Feb. 16: Twitter has once again been the bringer of news regarding Mortal Kombat casting! Ryan Robbins (@RyRobbins) arrived in Vancouver to join the shoot, with Stargate fan-site, GateWorld.net, reporting that he will play Raiden. This comes on the back of clandestine communications MKO had with project Director of Photography, C. Kim Miles, who noted the air in Vancouver will be "electric", with some localized [weather] anomolies expected ^[1].

Update Feb. 17: Twitter continues to be the source of confirmation as Johnny Cage Rebirth actor Matt Mullins confirms his involvement with the digital series!

@Sideswipematt Thanks Everyone! I start shooting my scenes in Mortal Kombat tomorrow!

Matt Mullins is a five time world martial arts champion and master of Shorei Ryu. His acting credits include starring roles in films such as Bloodfist 2050 and Adventures of Johnny Tao: Rock Around the Dragon. In addition, he was a motion capture artist for Nathan Drake in the acclaimed 2007 action video game Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. You can follow Matt on Twitter here.

Update Feb. 17 #2: Yet another actor participating in the project has confirmed via Twitter his involvment. Shane Warren Jones will be playing the part of the yellow Lin Kuei cyborg Cyrax in the upcoming 10-episode series. Jones is a Canadian actor who has worked on shows such as Attack of the Show!, Nip/Tuck and Deadliest Warrior in the past few years. You can follow him on Twitter at @ShaneWarrenJ.

Update Feb. 19: After initial reservations, actress Tracy Spiridakos revealed she had been cast to play a new character to the Mortal Kombat universe simply entitled "Blue". Whether or not this is truly a new character remains to be seen, but she did confirm her character would not be princess Kitana.

Spiridakos is perhaps best known in her starring role in the TV series Majority Rules!. Her other acting credits include The Boy She Met Online and appearances in popular series such as Psych and Supernatural. You can follow Tracy on Twitter @tracyspirdakos. Once more information is known on her mystery character, we will be sure to update you!

Thanks to forum members kyzon, queve and all our Twitter followers for their contribution of news sources this update! Mortal Kombat Online will continue to update details on the story, as they become available.

Jeri Ryan has been one busy actress...

With a career in film and television spanning twenty years; Ryan has acted in starring roles in many successful primetime dramas, including Dark Skies, Boston Public, Shark, The OC, and Law & Order: SVU. For some, she will be best remembered as the cult sci-fi heroine of more than one hundred episodes -- Seven of Nine, from TV's Star Trek: Voyager. An impressive body of work by any measure, but for fans of a certain conccurently running twenty-year video game franchise, about to pale in comparison to a ten episode, digitally distributed series!

Ryan's association with Mortal Kombat began in June, with the online leak of a high-quality production demo called Mortal Kombat: Rebirth [full story]. The eight minute clip, directed by Kevin Tancharoen (Fame, DanceLife), presented a stark reinterpretation of the MK mythos, with a bent toward over-the-top, gritty urban adaptation. Acting opposite action favourite, Michael Jai White (Spawn, Black Dynamite), during interrogation scenes led by his Jax ; Ryan completed the Special Forces duo as a file wielding, business suited Sonya Blade.

For fans concerned the former Miss Illinois will be a paper pushing wallflower version of the fighting Lieutenant, Jeri Ryan has provided pictorial documentation of her action packed role! Via Twitter, the actress promises "ass is being kicked," showing off battle scars from her kombat experience, which includes kicking the occasional door on the Vancouver location shoot, as well!

Photographs from the Vancouver Abandoned Asylum Set!

With Warner Premiere's official press release describing Rebirth as an "unofficial fan short" [full story], it remains to be seen if the digitally distributed series will relate to Tancharoen's job winning reel, or veer closer to the canon of the video game characters fans "know and love".

When Mortal Kombat Online asked Jeri Ryan if she could give us clues about the nature of her role and it's relation to the games, she said, "Can't tell [you] specifics, but it is BAD ASS."

It's one of several messages from the star, who seems very enthusiastic about the quality of the project and it's action -- which won't just boast kick ass martial arts, but also small munitions!

@JeriLRyan tweets from Mortal Kombat:
"BTW, just finished reading the whole script for Mortal Kombat. Holy crap... I think u might just love it. Get ready..."^[1] "I get to channel my inner action hero. ;-)"^[2] posted February 7.

"Don't have any info yet. Will let u guys know when I do"^[3] posted February 9.

"Def top secret right now. Not supposed to talk about it! :-|"^[4] posted February 10.

"... as I limp around & soak in Epsom salts baths. Being an action hero ain't easy...! ;-)..."^[5] "Ok - the temporary gag is (partially) off! I can start tweeting about Mortal Kombat. I will tell u this: Ass is being kicked."^[6] "Jeri Ryan returns to sci-fi to kick some ass in Mortal Kombat http://t.co/jhwm3k8 via @blastr"^[7] "My action face ;-) http://yfrog.com/h6v1rxj"^[8] "Just watched a crazy-awesome special fx shot! Just wait, gang...just wait. #mortalkombat #awesome"^[9] "Ok, off to bed now. Up early for more fun with Sonya Blade. ;-) ..."^[10] posted February 11.

"Ooooookay then...So, we're shooting in a mental institution which is apparently haunted. Had 5 separate crew members warn me already. Cool."^[11] "In other words, another day at the office."^[12] "So how's your day...? http://yfrog.com/h4unxmjj"^[13] "Wow. Another first. Never had fake pit-sweat added before. It's a glamorous life, folks."^[14] "Wrapped early tonight! Sadly, no ghost sightings, but I did get to kick a door in, so that made up for it. ;-) http://yfrog.com/h4rhrbvj"^[15] posted February 12.

Jeri Ryan isn't the only member of the Mortal Kombat crew posting their experiences on Twitter! Vancouver based Director of Photography, C. Kim Miles (@VancouverDP) adds a tantalizing tease about the series' action...

"Fight choreography is looking FANTASTIC! Mortal Kombat begins tomorrow!!!" "Rushing headlong into MK day 3. Gunfire, grenades, martial arts, Michael Jai White and Jeri Ryan. Oh yeah..."

We can report that Leslie Cairns (@BuggyBag), costume maker for the project, has also confirmed the inclusion of Sindel in the series! She made reference to constructing costumes for the "Queen" in one of her posts [based on designs by Alissa Swanson], clarifying the position in a later response. Does this confirm an Edenia similar to the one of the games? That information is yet to present itself.

Warner Premiere today announced development of a live-action digital series based on the best-selling Mortal Kombat videogame franchise. Directed by Kevin Tancharoen, known for his popular unofficial fan short Mortal Kombat: Rebirth which garnered over 10 million views online, and in conjunction with the upcoming Mortal Kombat videogame, this action-packed, digital series will take gamers deep into the history of warriors they know and love such as Scorpion, Johnny Cage and Liu Kang. Shooting for the digital series will take place in Vancouver starting in early February.

Available this spring through online digital retailers from Warner Bros. Digital Distribution, the Mortal Kombat digital series is an anthology of multiple live action shorts, each providing never-before-revealed insights into characters featured in the upcoming videogame as well as the game’s universe. Additional details, including casting, will be announced in the coming weeks.

Update Feb. 14: A battle damaged Jeri Ryan appears with Vancouver TV personality, Victor Lucas, in the latest MK set photo from the Twittverse. Lucas [pictured above] is a host and co-producer for video game programme, The Electric Playground, making it reasonable to suspect the Vancouver Mortal Kombat shoot might get a feature on the show, in the near future.

With a yet to be revealed title, the ten episode live-action series will be released digitally in April, to coincide with the release of the new game on April 19. Like Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors [full story], the series will likely be available through iTunes and Amazon.

To keep up to date with Mortal Kombat Online stories, follow us on Twitter, @MK_Online!
Features include the official announcement of the live-action series, recent online release of screenshots of Sindel, as well as the 2010 magazine reveal of Sonya Blade. MKO will continue to report details about the series, as they become available.

Update Feb. 13: Warner Premiere have released a second press release for the series, announcing Darren Shahlavi as Kano, along with an apparently adjectiveless working title of Mortal Kombat. Follow the full story on MKO for details.

It was in 1993, on the back of the success of the original Mortal Kombat, that two Belgian electronica artists set about creating a dance anthem inspired by the game. Techno Syndrome, in it's varied mixes, has gone on to be one of the most memorable novelty songs of it's time, popularized through use in the 1995 Mortal Kombat feature film [coming to BluRay in April], as well as television marketing for home console release of the games prior to the movie, and pop culture references following. It was even included as bonus material in Sega CD releases of the game.

Oliver Adams and Maurice Engelen (Praga Khan) -- who were well known at the time for their work as part of the Industrial Techno collective, Lords of Acid -- were tapped by Virgin Records America to produce a complete concept album as soundtrack to the game as The Immortals.

Mortal Kombat: The Album was released subsequently in 1994, featuring ten original tracks inspired by the game and it's seven playable characters. Shang Tsung was notably the only character to go without a song; the rest of the cast, (including famous sub-boss, Goro), benefitting from high energy dance tracks, with descriptive titles and lyrics based on characters' biographies. Original tracks, Techno Syndrome and Hypnotic House, even boast soundbytes from the Sega version of the game, said to have been provided for the album.

In 2011, Warner Brothers' WaterTower Music will team with Teenage Riot Records to continue this MK musical tradition, producing a soundtrack for a new generation and a new game -- Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors!

Executive produced by Teenage Riot co-founder, JFK (of MSTRKRFT); the album is set to provide a contemporary take on the soundtrack concept, providing a more subtle source of inspiration in the mix, drawing from various styles to deliver an album of tracks "Inspired by the Warriors".

A complete tracklisting is yet to be made available, but music from the album has already been featured in character vignettes for Mileena, and most recently, Liu Kang. These singles, performed by Tokimonsta and Congorock, have been made avaialble for pre-release download on Amazon ($0.99) and iTunes ($1.29), along with Sub-Zero's theme.

• Mileena's Theme by Tokimonsta (3:28) [Amazon/iTunes]
• Sub-Zero's Theme (Helado) by Harvard Bass (7:21) [Amazon/iTunes]
• Liu Kang's Theme by Congorock (3:42) [Amazon/iTunes]

Update: WaterTower Music have issued a press release for the new singles, confirming an album release date April 5. No additional information is provided concerning the complete tracklist.

WaterTower Music and Teenage Riot Records are excited to announce the upcoming album Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors. Set for release this spring, this all-new collection of music is executive produced by JFK (of the innovative DJ/production duo MSTRKRFT and Death From Above 1979) and is made up of songs inspired by the iconic warriors from the acclaimed fighting game Mortal Kombat. JFK has hand selected songs by some of electronic music’s most resonant names, and the resulting compilation plays as a cohesive album that adds an engaging element to the latest edition of the iconic video game.

Mortal Kombat Online will endeavor to bring you more details about the album, set for release in April, as information becomes available. Keep abreast of all the latest news and stories by following us on Twitter @MK_Online!

Gamespot have exclusively revealed the first-look at number four in a series of character vignettes, each designed to spotlight the backstory of classic fighters in the lead up to entering Mortal Kombat!

• Liu Kang Character Vignette

Liu Kang is featured this time, lamenting on his training as a child with Shaolin Monk, to his special mastery under the Outworld-born master, Bo' Rai Cho (introduced to the canon in Deadly Alliance). Referencing his relationship with Raiden, the vignette appears to retain the expectation of Liu Kang as Earthrealm's greatest warrior and eventual champion.

As a young orphan, Liu Kang was trained by monks, ultimately becoming a Shaolin expert under Master Bo' Rai Cho. Assisted by the God of Thunder; Liu Kang is Earthrealm's best hope for freedom -- and survival! Liu Kang is destined to reach the final challenge and become the champion of Mortal Kombat!

The debut of a Mortal Kombat 3 inspired Kano and a newly designed, youthful Shang Tsung, who most resembles his Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe incarnation, allows Liu Kang to showcase his many trademark moves. Kang's Dragon Flame, Bicycle Kick, and Teleport are all demonstrated on an MK3 inspired post-invasion Rooftop stage, along with what appears to be a new flaming fist chest plunge fatality, which also appeared in the recent Facebook Wallpaper.

Given that Shang Tsung appears disguised as Reptile during a cartoon reveal sequence in the vignette, it rekindles question about whether or not the sorcerer will regain his ability to morph into other characters. Shang lost this playable ability when the series made the transition to 3D graphics.

This is the first promotional material to end with the bookend commercial trailer, recently revealed on Mortal Kombat Online [full story]. You can also find the previous character vignettes on MKO: #1 Scorpion, #2 Sub-Zero, #3 Mileena.

Mortal Kombat will be relased April 19 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and is available in standard and kollector's editions [PAL]. The video also features a distinctly Chinese inspired audio track, likely to be featured on the upcoming concept album, Mortal Kombat: Songs Inspired by the Warriors. The album [full story] is also expected in April, from WaterTower Music.

Update: Liu Kang's theme, performed by Congorock, is now available for download on Amazon and iTunes. You can also find themes for Mileena and Sub-Zero. MKO will continue to follow the album story as it unfolds.

It was another scoop from our friends in Russia, this time a collection of screenshots previously exclusive to print domains. 1C.ru have six previously embargoed in-game screen grabs showcasing the lush background environments from the new game, as well as some of it's classic characters in not-yet seen classic poses!

These screenshots mark the first widely available viewing of Queen Sindel -- the Edenian royal who became Shao Kahn's bride and took her own life. Given the new games retro setting, we can be sure Sindel will be right in the heart of the action as the game revisits storylines leading up to and including Mortal Kombat 3!

Sindel's Banshee Scream is on display in the shots, along with classic special moves belonging to Sonya, Jax, Scorpion, and perhaps Ermac -- who is another of the returning characters yet to be showcased extensively.

Thanks to forum member for tipping us off. If you think you have news, we'd love to hear about it! You can also follow MKO on Twitter @MK_Online!

Mortal Kombat is the new game from NetherRealm Studios, to be released April 19 in the US for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in standard and kollectors editions. For International release information, follow this story.

Not much is being said about alternate game modes for the upcoming Mortal Kombat. That being recognized, there was a tweet on Ed Boon's Twitter page acknowledging that some "cool stuff" is involved, though nothing concrete has been said. With all this to consider, we thought it would be appropriate to debut the first Mortal Kombat Online video podcast, containing not only a retrospective on alternate game modes throughout MK's history, but also some speculation on what's to come.

You can watch the video feature in the window below:



To preview the video, we have supplied the following thumbnails: To view the video directly on YouTube, click here. Feedback from the community is always welcome – what minigames or alternate game modes would YOU like to see in future Mortal Kombat games?

The Kollector's Edition of the upcoming Mortal Kombat game [full story] features several bonuses, including exclusive DLC and a MK artbook. In addition to these two entities, a collectible statuette featuring series icons Scorpion and Sub-Zero will also be included. Today, Netherrealm Studios launched the promo video for the game's Kollector's Edition.

• Mortal Kombat Kollector's Edition Book End

The short features some action between Scorpion and Sub-Zero, ending with Scorpion impaling Sub-Zero with his trademark spear. This sequence is then frozen and captured by the figures, creating what is seen in the statues themselves, which are in the form of a bookend to support a book or games.

In addition to this, the artbook that accompanies that Kollector's Edition is open and partially reveals some of its contents. Shao Kahn's Throne Room is on the left while what appears to be an image of a Motaro-like creature is on the right. Upon close inspection of the text on the page, it appears this may be a new entity named Taigore a cat-like pet for Shao Kahn.

Download or stream the video above or click here to watch on our Youtube channel!

The official Mortal Kombat Facebook page has continued the Liu Kang theme began last week with his "Shadows" theme wallpaper [full story] by posting a detailed wallpaper featuring a Mortal Kombat background, similar in style to the Mileena wallpaper from a few weeks ago [full story] in that the victim is not as detailed and serves to be silhouette. The background used for Liu Kang is the Mortal Kombat II classic The Dead Pool.

This image seems to correspond with his Shadows wallpaper, as it appears to be the same fatality only in a different stage. Judging by what we've seen it seems to be a powerful punch through the chest, perhaps an homage to the one-inch punch which powerful monks have mastered through the centuries. Here, Liu Kang is drawing back after delivering this devastating finisher to his opponent. It remains to be seen if this is perhaps one of Liu Kang's in game fatalities.

In addition, Liu Kang's section on Facebook confirms the inclusion of his famous Dragon Morph fatality with a small description, which is accompanied by a small render of Kang which may either be an alternate costume or perhaps a second player costume.

"With one gruesome bite, the typically non-violent monk Liu Kang morphs into his dragon form and decapitates his enemies, leaving a river of blood behind."

It still remains to be seen if the fatality in the wallpaper is at all connected with the classic fatality from MKII.

For years, gamers on home systems have not had access to an arcade-style joystick that utilized the Mortal Kombat layout. More recently, hobbyists and sites like Arcade in a Box have provided gamers an option to have a Mortal Kombat style arcade stick. Today, MadCatz, well known as a third-party manufacturer for gamepads and arcade sticks, has confirmed that they have been working on the Combat FightStick Ultimate Edition Panel, designed for the Mortal Kombat games.

Some teaser images have been released over the last few days, with fans speculating that it might be a Mortal Kombat stick, competing of course with the officially licensed Mortal Kombat: Tournament Edition designed by Performance Designed Products [full story].

Here are the images:

More is also explained in this video:



Mark Julio, product manager for MadCatz, made this comment on his Twitter:

Please note, the Combat FightStick Ultimate Edition Panel is not an official Mortal Kombat product. It is by the fans for the fans. LOVE!

It is clarified that the product itself is not a complete standalone joystick, but is a replacement panel for existing sticks. The panel is curved as many Japanese sticks are, rather than flat, giving the panel a more ergonomic feel. He also went on to say that the product will be available for pre-order soon, and is expected to ship late February or early March.

Thanks to MK Online forum member for submitting the News Lead!

Update: – February 7, 2010 – Mark Julio from Mad Catz now had this this to say on his Twitter:

Forgot to mention... The Combat FightStick Ultimate Edition panel for TE Sticks will be very limited, less than 300.

However, this is just the initial run, as more will certainly be produced if the demand is there.

Additionally, MadCatz has released the following official images of their product:

As previously announced, four of the classic male ninjas in the upcoming Mortal Kombat will have special Klassic palette swap costumes based the early 2D games. These characters are Sub-Zero, Scorpion, Reptile and Ermac. These costumes are currently exclusive DLC content based on the location of your pre-order of the game. Amazon, Best Buy and Gamestop are all offering this deal. The army of Ermac comes as a bonus with any pre-order, while ordering from Amazon will grant Reptile, Best Buy will grant Sub-Zero and Gamestop will grant Scorpion. The team from NetheRЯealm Studios has sent out these high definition renders seen on the websites mentioned above in low or standard quality.

The retro costume is based on the original Mortal Kombat ninja attire. Ermac did not officially appear in the game, though the game did eventually result in his creation. These images should not be taken as confirmation of the exclusion of other palette swaps such as Smoke, Noob Saibot and Rain, as these costumes may only be released for the officially announced characters. Keep in mind that Ermac's costume was not revealed initially, and was only unveiled once the character himself was confirmed for the game just a few weeks ago. Either way, be sure to reserve your copy today for these classic attires!

If you've got a news story, be sure to submit a News Lead!

Those who have already downloaded the Official Mortal Kombat Desktop Widget [full story] will have noticed that a new trailer featuring Kitana vs. her evil twin clone, Mileena.

Several key special moves are highlighted, including classics like Kitana's Fan Lift and Square Wave Flight, as well as Mileena's Ground Roll attack. Newer moves, such as a Double Fan Throw and Sai Stab are featured, as is Mileena's Fatality (seen already in previous trailers). To download the trailer, you must have the Widget installed, which can be done by going here, or it can be downloaded directly from the server here.

A big thanks to MK Online forum member for the word on this update!

The folks over at G4 got their hands on a newer build (than what has been seen in game shows recently) of Mortal Kombat on their long-running preview and review show X-Play. Veteran Adam Sessler sits down with series co-creator and project lead Ed Boon to discuss some of the finer points of the gameplay.

Nothing new is revealed as Boon and Sessler discuss topics from Mortal Kombat's return to the 2D plane, guest-star Kratos [full story] and the game's super meter which grants access to enhanced special moves (which Boon stated that would compatible with every special in the game), combo breakers and the devastating X-ray moves which are original to each character. On this build of the game, Sonya and Jax were now both playable and the video's main feature showed off Sonya's never-before-seen X-ray move. Mortal Kombat's first heroine's X-ray is an homage to her neck break of arch-nemesis Kano in the first Mortal Kombat movie. She then continues through with her upwards bicycle kick before finally flipping her opponent over with a hurricanrana which smashes their skull into the ground.

Check out the video embedded above or over on G4.

Ed later posted on his Twitter account, challenging MK fans to "find the new character reveal" somewhere in the video. Is there something more hidden inside the frames of the gameplay? Be sure to let us know in this thread!

Gamespot have just released a new interview with the games Lead Designer, Paulo Garcia regarding the upcoming installment of Mortal Kombat as part of their Most Anticipated Games of 2011 feature.

Whilst the interview doesn't bring much light in terms of new information, Paulo does state they have tinkered with the idea of introducing non-original characters absent from the MK1-UMK3 era and says that players should expect a few suprises in relation to the roster.

Other tidbits scattered throughout include their plans regarding post-release balancing in terms of the characters special moves, talk about the process of creating the games fatalities and discussion is held over why Mortal Kombat has managed to remain a success. Paulo also cites that Sub-Zero's classic Ice Clone special returns thanks to returning back to a 2D fighting plane.

Accompanying the interview are a small batch of screenshots. The most interesting however is a screen of MK3 alumnist Stryker who was recently unveiled by IGN with the Inside the X-Ray video which can be viewed here. The remaining screenshots show Jax, Kung Lao, Cyrax, Kitana and Scorpion who is seen performing his Hellfire Kick special against Sektor.

To view the article in it's entirety, please click here.

Hot on the heels of his appearance in IGN's X-Ray mode preview [full story] and his addition to the official Mortal Kombat website [full story], today's Mortal Monday brings us yet another appearance of series hero Liu Kang!

The Shaolin monk uses his raw power to punch straight through this unfortunate opponent's chest, complete with vicious blood spatter.

Followers may note this is the fourth in the series of Shadows wallpapers, based on the Shadows trailer from several months ago. Liu Kang follows Scorpion, Sub-Zero and Mileena in the line of characters featured on such images in the last few months. This may be a sign that like the previously mentioned characters, the upcoming weeks may bring us more Liu Kang related media, such as a gameplay showcase or character vignette.

Thanks to forum member for bringing this story to our attention!