You know what they say about a fighter's shoe... It's a clue as to who they are! These boots are made for fighting and they're the latest Twitter tease from Mortal Kombat X Creative Director @noobde [aka; Ed Boon]. Note: Scroll to the bottom for new developments in the case!

The color-obscured fan bait came just in time, as a modest showing at PAX Prime stoked the fires of desire in a hungry audience. More footage of recent additions Raiden & Kano continued to promote the 2015 fighter, which featured the latest instalment in its reveal cycle earlier in the month at Gamescom.

Click To Enlarge: What's black and white and has six feet?...

With Mortal Kombat X promising the biggest cast of new playable characters -- the feet pictured may be clues to an unsolvable puzzle. That hasn't stopped fans trying to guess who the feet belong to, however, with design traits pointing the way to a shortlist of speculative stalwarts and requested returns.

We've entertained many potential theories and compared each boot to dozens of recent and past character designs. We haven't been able to rule out themes like second generation fighters, or never before seen fighters. These are just some of the notes being passed around the Mortal Kombat Online staff room:

Exhibit A (Quan Chi)
Footprint Matches: Scorpion, Baraka
Kommunity Picks: Quan Chi, Havik, Reiko

Skulls are the type of macabre motif that can show up on just about any malevolent MK character! Scorpion has most identifiably worn skulls on his knees (or boots) throughout the previous generation. It started with the abstract skulls of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, and continued with designs more similar to Exhibit A in both his primary and secondary 2011 looks. Also wearing this style in 2011 was Baraka, whose boot design included a very similar skull on the knee guard.

Reiko has never worn skulls, but his arguably definitive Armageddon design used that MK4 ending to fashion him in homage to Emperor Shao Kahn. Kahn is famous for his skull-faced helmet, and with the Outworld throne a subject MKX will tackle, a skull laden Reiko may be ripe for an all-new tribute tour!

Exhibit B (Erron Black)
Footprint Matches: Scorpion, Jax
Kommunity Picks: Quan Chi, Kabal

Is it a coat hem, cape, or just indistinguishable background? The dark patch at the top of Exhibit B is potentially its most distinct feature. We couldn't match the strapped sturdy boot to any character in particular, but it does share traits in common -- notably the location of the straps -- with MKX's buckle frenzied Scorpion. Exhibit B appears more understated, however, diminishing that significance.

Kabal has been a popular fan pick, no doubt inspired by the impression of a long coat and the modern simplicity of the boot. Quan Chi possessed strapping in his 2011 foot attire, which was otherwise a simple leather pull on. The heft of Exhibit B calls back to Chi's Deadly Alliance look, but we see this as a non-specific.

Exhibit C (Liu Kang)
Footprint Matches: Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Ashrah, Shujinko
Kommunity Picks: Fujin, Kai

The distinct binding and slipper of Exhibit C immediately conjures images of the fighting Shaolin Monks. Liu Kang has worn variations on the style throughout his existence, becoming more Shaolin and less Bruce Lee with his later appearances. Kung Lao shared the strapped Shaolin slipper in his 2011 alt. Their popularly requested MK4 allies - Kai & Fujin -- both have reasons to share this aesthetic, but haven't to date appeared in anything exactly like this.

The impression of scale has been a talking point for Mortal Kombat Online staff and fans alike. This foot certainly appears smaller in size. A young and/or female character are popular points of speculation that fit the generational themes of MKX's 25 year storyline. The bloodline of "The Great" Kung Lao introduced one of the first generational ideas through Liu Kang (and Kung Lao) in the original games. We haven't seen reincarnation as much as you might expect from a series constantly killing and resurrecting its characters. Liu Kang & Kung Lao both died in 2011 without any news of procreation. Being reborn could be an interesting possible twist.

Exhibit D (Kitana)
Footprint Matches: Sheeva
Kommunity Picks: Tanya, Mileena

Split-toed footwear and a two-toed being are both distinct possibilities here. We've struggled to definitively say, one way or the other. The simple anklet speaks directly to Sheeva, whose designs universally leave her Shokan foot exposed with only shin/ankle guarding. The slight nature of Exhibit D most specifically harkens back to the original MK3 Sheeva, who wore modest silver anklets. A new Shokan daughter - perhaps of Goro or Sheeva - is a distinct possibility, but Sheeva never had the bulk of her male counterparts, so we're not jumping to conclusions based on scale.

In the event the tabi toe is built into a sock - we like a lot of the kommunity suggestions. The simple elegance of metal accoutrement on legging may fit a revamped design for much-requested Edenian ambassador's daughter Tanya. Other ninja-esque women like Kitana or Skarlet would also look at home in such attire.

Exhibit E (Jax)
Footprint Matches: Jax, Quan Chi
Kommunity Picks: Kano, Tremor

There's an obvious military sensibility about the boot with spat and steel toe. Jax wore something similar in his 2011 alternate costume. The Special Forces Major is a natural for this type of gear, but he did suffer an untimely demise with many other heroes in the last game. Resurrections aren't out of the question, but like other picks, this could very well be a second generation or brand new fighter, rather than the obvious returning options.

Kano wears commando boots in his revealed MKX design. This could be a very suitable alternate costume. In the future of 25 years later, who knows what fashions have overtaken. Perhaps former cops or Earthrealm survivors have taken to wearing protecting boots. Tremor is an inescapable fan request whose Black Dragon ties could apply. The boot also bears some resemblance to Quan Chi in his unreleased MKvsDC design.

Exhibit F (Kung Jin)
Footprint Matches: Chameleon, Scorpion
Kommunity Picks: Shinnok, Ermac

Despite the agonizing sense we've seen these shin guards before, no specific reference came to us at the time of this writing. The strapped-on look of rigid guards recalls MK4's ninja designs, and the simple orientation of what appears to be an emblem is vaguely reminiscent of Armageddon's retro-inspired Chameleon. A similar design was worn on the knees by Khameleon in her Nintendo exclusive 2006 appearance. We're really grasping at straws with that one, though.

The vague appearance of the logo raises suggestions of Ermac's recent designs, or even Sheeva's MK2011 Draco medallion - give or take an appendage. The popular choice of the community has been Shinnok, but we can't say there's any specific reference to the fallen Elder God in anything picture here.

The presence of something very close to the leg -- another warrior's leg, or an obscured weapon -- is of little help. We can't confidently identify what it is, suggesting perhaps a trick of perspective and another warrior back to back, or beside the foreground subject. Someone with a female ally, perhaps? We don't know!

Update Sep. 17: Are these new characters or are they old? The big man has revealed the six characters featured are a mixture of old and new! This confirms many suspicions, but only broadens the speculation!

"@peteyy360 @noobde any of these returning Kombatants or all new?? pic.twitter.com/Ci4rdEBBBf EB: MIxture!

— Ed Boon (@noobde) September 17, 2014

Got theories about who each boot belongs to? Register to join the footprint analysis on the forum! Get a taste for how it was done by flashing back to another leg teaser - from 2010! Then dive head-first into all the top stories and speculation on the Mortal Kombat X forum!

We're just hours away from this year's PAX Prime -- next calendar gaming gathering, hosted by Seattle, Washington from August 29th - September 1st!

Mortal Kombat X is pencilled in for a modest appearance, following up their Gamescom demo from just two weeks ago. NetherRealm Studios told Mortal Kombat Online the 2015 fighter is to have the stage just once, for a Twitch streamed half hour presentation: Friday, 3:30pm.

At Gamescom Creative Director Ed Boon teased the next reveal will be a bad guy, but with Cologne already playing host to an August unveiling [Kano] -- we aren't advising anybody get their hopes too high for another. That doesn't mean there won't be any morsels of info to come, however. Much of the game's specifics remain enshrouded in mystery.

In 2010; the team was in Seattle to promote development of Mortal Kombat (2011). There were no new characters revealed, but various outlets offered further insights into the demo build already on offer. Mortal Kombat Online will be on the lookout for similar details, as they become available.

Found something meaty from PAX? Support the site by submitting a newslead! Share your thoughts on all the major Mortal Kombat X topics by registering to gain access to the forums.

Every arena begins with an idea and those ideas take shape through visualized concept art. NetherRealm Studios Tumblr has given us a look a different view of The Kove -- one of the new stages coming to Mortal Kombat X. Check it out:

Click To Enlarge: Sub-Zero & Scorpion provide scale in The Kove art.

The Kove - a pier located in an Outworld bay - was first revealed during June's E3 demos. The unique arena interaction system means fighters will be able to take advantage of bloated corpses thrown up by the pounding surf -- a gruesome tangibility to an otherwise picturesque stage.

The overcast landscape features in official screenshots released during E3. You can see the churning waters in full action during full match demos.

Other new stages include The Snow Forest, Outworld Marketplace & The Jungle. Register to share your thoughts about the new arenas on the Mortal Kombat X forum.

August kicked off with the latest Mortal Kombat X character reveal: Kano. More shocking than the return of the Black Dragon bad guy was the sudden rush of enthusiastic fandom that followed! It's not that Kano isn't one of the all-time klassics. Rather, in recent times, the MK original has been taken for granted - but no longer!

A new design and fighting style has many looking forward to his commando ground & pound - including Mortal Kombat Online! We've turned our digital eye towards the Fan Submission Archive (and beyond) to scan some of the very best fan tributes to the cybernetic rogue.

This is Art of Kombat - a monthly Mortal Kombat Online kommunity feature spotlighting artists who've contributed their talents in the past and present. Be a part of upcoming spotlights by registering to submit your work for future consideration! If you're strictly admiring, be sure to show your support on the forum!

Just like Kano himself, sometimes black and white artwork gets overlooked and taken for granted. diegosimone has no such trouble - commanding attention with a masterful use of greyscale for his "Kano". It's not often you see screen tones applied so subtly in the modern age. [Clear plastic sheets covered in dots of varied density to be cut out and used for shading. - M]. Be it a stylized digital flourish, or actual sheets - the application immediately identifies this as an artist who knows what he's doing! Oh, yeah. The heart clutching drama of the piece is nice - as are the energetic lines that make it. The finishing is what really elevates this as a great piece of Kano art!

The red & black gi of MK3 is arguably Kano's most over-the-top design, while MKX is set to pare things back with a newly spartan, shirtless military look. madmaglio harmonizes these logics with his "Kano" by combining the Earthrealm mercenary, and the Outworld henchman. A bit burlier, balder, and bushier than we're used to seeing, he also adds a sense of age to Kano. Something that sits well as we anticipate a 25 year storyline! The combination of designs also has a great sense of journey to it. All in all - a very palatable piece!

Speaking of harmonizing: Sw-Art & are two great tastes that go great together! Despite being years apart, both artists share the burning orange palette of the dragon logo as backdrop to their Black Dragon crook. Both feature the more hirsute Kano that dominated the last generation. The full design of the second image was first introduced in Special Forces, and it never looked better with sharp penwork and a contemporary style elevating its solid color simplicity. Alternatively, the first image cuts the fat and puts all the emphasis on Kano's money maker. The Terminator inspired cybernetics are kept simple, with a busted bruiser nose, bushy beard and piercing blue eye telling more of the story about what it's like to be the bad man.

W-Orks goes his own way, seeking a new approach with "Black Dragon Kano Evolution". The Black Dragon Clan hasn't always tended to toward the team color, so it's interesting to see a sense of uniform here. It's all a little bit biker gang with its leathers, logo and prominent tattoo sleeves. but the pseudo realistic tone packs enough fantasy to make it intriguing. A scarred face with MMA mohawk risks lowering Kano to mere barroom brawler, but the Tron line update to his cybernetics is an interesting flourish.

When it comes to redesigning classic characters - one fan-artist eclipses them all. MIDWOOD has been featured before [MKO AoK #6], and almost certainly will be again. His manga inspired mortals are simply too madcap to leave out! MKX has given Kano heavier cyborg upgrades than ever before -- but Japanese artist MIDWOOD leaves them all in the dust! It's kind of ironic that the cyborg eye plate Kano is famous for remains largely untouched. Likewise, he's shown restraint with a bare chest shared by MKX. The rest is pure, full metal mayhem. Perhaps not the best for rendered graphics, but great for a fan-art feature!

Bringing us back to Earth are some more muted selections to finish. Click the thumbnails below to check out works by: , & !

Art of Kombat has become a regular feature for Mortal Kombat Online! Register to submit your own works for future consideration! We love spotlighting artists from around the web, but take special notice of those hosted in the Fan Submission Archive! Don't have anything to submit? Don't worry! You can get involved by posting words of critique and encouragement on the forum! Check out more works in previous instalments:

• Art of Kombat #1: Hunka, Hunka Tarkatan Love (Baraka & Mileena)
• Art of Kombat #2: Just a Little Bit of Green (Reptile)
• Art of Kombat #3: Now and Then Theres a Fool Such as We (Ermac)
• Art of Kombat #4: Mama Liked The Roses... (Sindel)
• Art of Kombat #5: Baby, Let's Play House! (Johnny Cage)
• Art of Kombat #6: My Way/America The Beautiful (Jax)

We're always on the look out for our next potential theme. Help inspire our direction by submitting new works or making suggestions with the #ArtOfKombat hashtag! We want all your wild and wonderful pieces based on classic characters, obscure favourites, or the new fighters introducing themselves in MKX!

By submitting work to Mortal Kombat Online you become part of an archive of thousands and will be automatically featured in the Fan Submission forum upon submission approval! Fans can discuss each of the featured MKO submitted Art of Kombat works by clicking the piece to enter the forum. We hope you'll wave the flag for MKO and the individual artists whose work we enjoy! Remember: When sharing with friends credit the original artist and include a link back to the source where you found it!

Mortal Kombat is back where it belongs at the top of the pop culture pile. With sustained global interest comes the joy of gratuitous mainstream content! Case in point: IGN have named their 7 Silliest Mortal Kombat Fatalities!

Disclaimer: Merriam-Webster defines Fatality (noun) as: a death that results from a disaster, accident, etc. or a tendency to result in death. You or I may recognize these definitions as narrowing in on the requisite end of life -- but IGN not necessarily so. Lets give them the benefit of the doubt where applicable, and assume Friendships universally result in the opponent dying of embarrassment, or the smothering of a clingy relationship.

Finish Him: "The zaniest finishers, babalities, and friendships in franchise history."

IGN 7 Silliest Mortal Kombat Fatalities [with MKO commentary]:
• Cage's Trophy (Mortal Kombat) - Rather than let an award win go to his head; Johnny Cage plants his 'non-denominational, trademark-free gold statue' into the split cranium of the opponent. A finisher that is both silly and probably mostly fatal.
• Cage's Autograph (Mortal Kombat II & 2011) - The quintessential silly finisher! Johnny Cage's autograph may not fetch much of a price on eBay, but it sums up the comic relief that has defined this smug Hollywood martial arts parody.
• Sub-Zero's Snowman (Mortal Kombat 3) - Logic sometimes failed MK3's Animality finishers, but they got it dead on with this Friendship. Sub-Zero as a snowman. Perfection.
• Scorpion's Babality (Mortal Kombat) - MK2011 embellished many traditions from the 2D Klassics - for better and worse. Adding personality to the Babality finisher was the touch the original lacked. Once a static thumb to panic stricken censor groups' eyes, the modern version is a fully realized taunt that's fun for everyone.
• Kabal's Balloon [Head] (Mortal Kombat 3) - Continuing the succinct logic of his character gimmicks; Kabal -- super-fast guy with deformed face, spikey wheel thingys, and a cyborg backpack iron lung -- inflates his opponent's head. Okay.
• Stryker's Crossing Guard (Mortal Kombat 3) - Hero-cop Stryker turns arena lollipop man for a combination prop gag/economy use of other sprites. That's some fine resource management, MK3 dev team!
• Kidd Thunder (Mortal Kombat II) - The finisher that sparked a thousand annoying fan requests! Ed Boon can have no regrets about the obtuse introduction of Raiden's favourite nephew - a lasting favourite. (Except when he's on Twitter.)

So, uh. There you have it. Seven silly finishers - most of them of the friendship variety. Wasn't that fun? Register to weigh-in on the IGN list and submit your own! For current news, features and discussion - check out the Mortal Kombat X forum! There's a new -Ality on the way [read more] -- what will it be?

Playing Mortal Kombat Guarantees You Inner Calm! - or so asserts Dominic Berry in the title of his current show at the PBH Edinburgh Free Fringe.

The professional poet is taking gaming references to the stage as part of a free trial for his 2015 run. He's accompanied by guest Dave Viney, with a clear motivation for entering the arena: "A big aim of mine is to try to get people who think poetry's not for them to reconsider, by showing them poems that are accessible, modern and fun. This year I decided to put together a set based on video games."

Why would a British poet gravitate toward one of America's most bloody entertainment exports? Well, some of this is the nature of the show, but Berry explained to Mortal Kombat Online in more common communicative syntax, "I focus on MK for two reasons. 1. it's my all time favourite video game franchise, 2. I am a ridiculously flamboyant performer, so a lot of the intended comedy comes from me talking about something perceived as ultra-macho in a super camp way." The result? "There's a lot of double entendres and a ton of silliness, but at the heart I do attempt to look at the serious reasons why gaming - particularly MK - has helped me handle all kinds of real life anxieties, big and petty."

Slam Kombo: "Sub-Zero's spine chord rip induces instant love and bliss."

"When I was 12, UK children's TV still had several shows on aimed at teenagers. I saw one show previewing an upcoming game - the first ever Mortal Kombat. It was the digitized actors that hooked me. I got and played that first game non stop: discovered the ABACABB blood code, learnt all the finishers, found Reptile -- I was obsessed."

Video games may offer a bridge between the verse of poetry and the average gamer, but accessibility will inevitably vary. Not everyone found Reptile, and some poor souls played MK on the Nintendo. Berry wields a full arsenal of references, with this in mind: "I talk about all kinds of games; Street Fighter (yeah, sorry), Mario, Call of Duty, Flappy Bird (Ha!)." The broad goal to entertain obviously help, as well.

"A challenge is appealing to the hardcore gamers who get all the obscure references -- (I especially focus on the game Armageddon) -- but [to] also not lose folks who've just taken a chance on an interesting sounding comedy (but know nothing of poetry, or the MK games beyond it having various coloured ninjas). I try and alternate the jokes - one that I reckon only about a third of the audience will get immediately, followed by something far more universal."

How deep do the poet's Mortal Kombat kredentials go? Pretty deep:
"MK3 lost me with the goofier fatalities and I didn't get back into the series until Deception. I think all the PS2 era MKs are under rated. Awesome new characters like Havik and Bo' Rai Cho get a lot of hate, but I love them. My current three favourite MKs are the first (I will never forget that initial discovery), Deception, and (of course) the new one. It's got it all for me - the story, the fantasy, the characters, the over-the-top, brutal moves - but most of all the cathartic feeling of winning. Hence the name of my poetry show, 'Playing Mortal Kombat Guarantees You Inner Calm'."

When we contacted Dominic to learn more about his show, he was heading out to perform another one. So far the reception has been positive: "The first couple of shows have gone excellently. I can almost hear Dan Forden yell 'toasty' when a line I am particularly proud of works and hits home."

At present I have two guest comedians with video game sets come on to help me make the full hour each day, but the goal is by next year to have an entire 60 minute solo set. So, more writing will be happening over the next few months. The great thing about poems is you can so easily slot different ones in and take bits out far easier than a straight play or even stand up - the format lends itself to a very mix-and-match process."

Playing Mortal Kombat Guarantees You Inner Calm is running from August 19-23 -- so you can still catch the last show if you're in Edinburgh for the weekend! [Facebook Info]

Head to George Next Door, 9 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, where there's free entry with a "not-aggressive-at-all bucket shake at the end". Give generously. If you've seen the show, be sure to register to share a review on the forums - or just offer wonder and encouragement!

This year's Gamescom played host to the first Mortal Kombat X demo featuring Kano -- but the klassic kombatant's pre-show reveal left few surprises for Cologne, Germany.

GamePro Magazine let the Black Dragon out of the bag early [full story], while online campaigns delivered an announce trailer, design render and high quality screenshots in time for Day 1. IGN scooped story and guest character notes, leaving local fan-site MKUNIVERSE the unenviable task of squeezing new details from keeper-of-secrets and Mortal Kombat X Creative Director: Ed Boon.

With fan-site exclusives a thing of the past since the Warner Brothers buy-out; MKUNIVERSE mined its best data from the realm of exclusion! In the tradition of the character deadpool - Boon mercilessly squashed rumors and features, all the while promising tantalizing replacements still to come!

Uncertainty introduced by an erroneous fan translation of GamePro Magazine was thankfully dealt with swiftly: Kotal Kahn is of no relation to famed villain Shao Kahn. The familial disconnect was first revealed in a tweet back in June, but an August Raiden trailer exposed the mantle of Emperor of Outworld as a common thread. The rise and fall of Kotal Kahn will play out as part of the 25 year narrative of story mode [more info].

On The Level: No stage transitions or multi-tiered levels in interactive MKX arenas.

Speaking about stages, the Creative Director revealed a conceited decision to leave some tricks to Injustice: Gods Among Us. In development there were two arenas geographically related and considered for inter-arena connections, but this was ultimately decided against. Mortal Kombat X will include no transitions or multiple layers to arenas. No news about the number of arenas to expect, either, but a "good chance" Stage Fatalities will make a return.

Any rumors of a fourth unlockable Character Variation are unsurprisingly false, but not completely baseless. The development team have toyed with a "bare bones" anti style that strips the character of any Variation-specific moves. In explanation, Boon notes the style would be particularly for high-level players -- the ultimate taunt to an opponent.

While no details about the persistent online "meta" game were on offer, Ed did vaguely tackle the issue of online quality. "We always want the next game we do to have better online." As in previous interviews, the Creative Director describes a Tag Team Mode as "unlikely." Challenge Tower is also not planned to return -- but something new (with "towers") is expected to take its place. This continues the underlying philosophy of not wanting to simply reskin Mortal Kombat (2011).

Composer Dan Forden may have returned to music chores, but the "Toasty" catchcry [and Boost] is strictly TBA. In one for the trivia hounds, Ed notes its addition in MK2011 came very late. 3D visuals -- an MK2011 feature unique to PlayStation 3 -- will not return, either.

There was no uncertainty when it came to the question of character ending sequences. The prospect of FMV cinematics was definitively ruled out: "It probably won't be the full CGI stuff. I mean, there's gonna be thirty characters. It would be awesome if we could, but that's-- that's expensive!"

On the inescapable subject of guest characters; the Creative Lead alluded to the necessary negotiation of legalities and license agreements when selections are made. This puts the kibosh on boutique fantasy casting. [Related Article: Feature: Could Hydro Appear in the Next Mortal Kombat?]

Visit MKUNIVERSE to watch the full Gamescom interview.

Finish Him: FMV cut scenes too costly for character endings.

Catch up on the big news and speculation on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Register to immortalize your thoughts and join the conversation. Guest fighter options may be limited - but you can debate the superiority of any inter-company character in the all-new Fan Koliseum!

Gamescom 2014 gave us a few new character details, more gameplay impressions, and a renewed appreciation for Kano: the latest klassic character returning for Mortal Kombat X.

With new aspects came much discussion concerning yet-to-be revealed secrets, or things examined at E3, but forgotten along the way. Middle Eastern gaming site DvLZGaME.net had the wherewithal to look forward, and gave us our best clue for who's next!

The Creative Director revealed back in June that Mortal Kombat X will boast the most new characters of any sequel installment. Despite those hefty implications, he persists that fans should not jump to conclusions where klassic fan-favourites are concerned. One DvLGaME interviewer put forward a request for Kitana -- not the first to try -- but received only general reassurance.

Looking ahead in the promotional schedule - Boon revealed the next character on the announcement slate will be a bad guy. The level of their villainy is unclear, as is their status as new or returning character. It's a nice detail to come away with, just the same.

Also noted: We will learn more about the mystery online mode revealed in the original press release sometime soon. Other sources suggest an official date for the 2015 fighter is also looming.

Mortal Kombat X is coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 & PC. Register to join the community on the forum. Special thanks go to MKOmmunity User elson for tipping us off to the video interview. Got news? Send it direct via the Newslead Submission Form!

If you've ever wondered how NetherRealm Studios achieves a gruesomely full illusion with their over-the-top violence - Joystiq have demystified a crucial, but often overlooked element!

Schluck! MKX Gamescom reveal Kano keeps Foley artists in business.

Speaking to Warner Bros Marketing Games Manager Brian Goodman at Gamescom; [Joystiq] isolated the importance of Foley - the art of designing consequential and ambient sounds to effect an audible reality.

How do you design a reality of skull crushing, muscle tearing, body pulping, martial arts violence? With an assortment of fruits and vegetables, of course! Such is the nature of a Foley artist's life, where the mundane is swung, slapped and beaten to create a larger than life sense of sound.

That juicy explosion of a crushed skull in Mortal Kombat X is actually the sound of a watermelon splattering on a layer of plastic in NetherRealm's foley studio. The remaining bone snaps, cranium hits and squishy organ sounds are mostly made with various fruits and vegetables, Warner Bros Marketing Games Manager Brian Goodman told Joystiq at Gamescom.

Test Your Might: "Generic Male" takes a fatality from Kotal Kahn early in development.

Creative Director Ed Boon offered another peek behind the curtain, taking to Twitter to reveal the man, the myth, the legend of Generic Male.

Pictured above with newcomer Kotal Kahn; the "Generic Male" 3D model is used to "mock up" fatalities. This allows developers to test and demonstrate the deadly finishers that will eventually inspire the audible destruction of watermelons on plastic.

We're not sure if Mokap and Meat should be worried about job security just yet, but Boon did joke about Generic Male's Character Variations:

Generic Male's 3 character variations are: 1. Vanilla 2. Plain 3. Basic

— Ed Boon (@noobde) August 18, 2014

Kano was the character revealed for Gamescom 2014! Investigate the skills of his Character Variations and how they look in official MKX screenshots! Register to discuss all the news in the Mortal Kombat X forum!

When compared to its revolutionary predecessor; Mortal Kombat: Legacy Season II came and went relatively quickly. That hasn't prevented the pioneering Warner Bros. online series receiving acknowledgment, with multiple Streamy Award nominations announced today.

Mortal Kombat is nominated across several genre and technical categories, including awards for: Drama, Directing and Visual and Special Effects. Star Brian Tee has been singled out for his role as an uncharacteristically conflicted incarnation of Liu Kang.

The 4th Annual Streamy Awards will be announced online on September 4th, with a live ceremony to follow September 7th. Sixteen of the top awards will be presented during the live event, sponsored by Coca-Cola.

Award Nomination Categories
Channel, Show, or Series Overall - Drama
Chosen
Lauren
Mortal Kombat: Legacy II
Storytellers
The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

Channel, Show, or Series Subject - Action & Sci-Fi
Action Movie Kid
Corridor Digital
Mortal Kombat: Legacy II
Red vs. Blue
Video Game High School

Performance - Actor in a Drama
David Arquette, Cleaners
Wilson Cleveland, BlackBoxTV Presents
Joey Graceffa, Storytellers
Brian Tee, Mortal Kombat: Legacy II
Daniel Vincent Gordh, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

Craft - Choreography
Castrol Footkhana: Neymar Jr. v Ken Block, Andy Ansah, Neymar Jr., and Ken Block
Dance Showdown, Ambrose Respicio and AnzeSkrube
Jabbawockeez Presents Regenerate, Jabbawockeez
Mortal Kombat: Legacy II, Garrett Warren and Larnell Stovall
Super Power Beat Down, Alvin J. Hsing and Shaun Paul Piccinino

Craft - Cinematography
@SummerBreak, Joseph Guidry
Devinsupertramp , Devin Graham
Mortal Kombat: Legacy II, Scott Keven
Making A Scene, BartoszNalazek
Rocket Jump, John Salmon

Craft - Directing
BlackBoxTV Presents, Tony E. Valenzuela
Eric Wareheim, Eric Wareheim
Lauren, Jon Avnet
Mortal Kombat: Legacy II, Kevin Tancharoen
Video Game High School, Matt Arnold, Freddie Wong

Craft - Visual and Special Effects
Action Movie Kid, Daniel Hashimoto
Corridor Digital, Niko Pueringer and Sam Gorski
Mortal Kombat: Legacy II, Lars Anderson
Rocket Jump, Freddie Wong
Video Game High School, Chris Bailey and Joseph Cornell

Nominated Brian Tee (Liu Kang) with Ed Boon at Comic Con 2013.

The Streamy Awards represent a partnership between dick clark Productions and Tubefilter to recognize "excellence in original online video". “Without a doubt, digital video creators have become a tremendous force to inspire, educate, and entertain the public,” said Executive Producer Assaf Blecher, Vice President, Programming and Development, dick clark productions. “This year, we are introducing the Streamy ICONs, presented by Samsung, which will honor the amazing work of four industry disruptors with a spectacular and memorable moment.”

Live-action departure from video game canon and iconography left fans more divided than ever before at the close of Season 2. An announcement of nominated Director Kevin Tancharoen's apparent departure followed shortly thereafter. The series was released as a single YouTube playlist in September, 2013 [watch it now] and will be released to own on Blu-Ray and DVD this October [full story].

The awards nominations are a nice feather in the cap for Legacy II, which is expected to continue into Season 3 soon [read more]. The success of Mortal Kombat: Legacy inspired a rival live-action adaptation of Street Fighter called Assassin's Fist.

Who do you think will take out the 4th Annual Streamy Awards? Register to share your thoughts on the Media & Merchandise forum! Support the site by liking & sharing stories like these via @MK_Online & Facebook.

In June, the first trailer for Mortal Kombat X left us with an inquisitive tagline: Who's next? Fans hardly needed prompting to ask. After more than twenty years as a franchise - Mortal Kombat's ever-increasing cast of characters has made this a prevalent question ahead of any new installment!

The aggressive turnover of ideas, designs and playable characters has made Mortal Kombat a unique series to follow. Fans typically hold on to favourites with zealous fervour, but are just as inclined to seek untapped obscurities to keep the final cut fresh.

Thanks to the breadth of Mortal Kombat's reach as a pop culture icon - obscurity comes in many shapes and forms! There's the tradition of in-game easter eggs, hoaxes & rumors, and forgotten cult favourites from side-projects, like Tremor (Special Forces). Then there's the entire world of cross-media licensed adaptations - which brings us to today's feature question!

Many fans within the MKOmmunity have asked and speculated: Could Hydro appear in the next Mortal Kombat? The simple, odds-on answer is: No. The reason: A bit more complicated... Read on for the full story:

Project Hydro: Live-action webseries Legacy introduced cyborg fighter "LK-1V1".

If you know who Hydro is, it's a bit easier to write the character off your wishlist. The final episode of Mortal Kombat: Legacy Season 1 introduced Hydro to an audience of millions in 2011 -- but his true origins date back to 1994!

The character featured in Legacy was a grey toned Lin Kuei test cyborg designated Project Hydro [pictured above] -- or "LK-1V1", in keeping with MK3 reference codes [ie; Sektor, Cyrax & Smoke]. We might speculate director Kevin Tancharoen's YouTube leanings sourced the cyborg from popular fan-fiction of bootleg MUGEN game videos, but both examples ultimately -- knowingly, or not -- reference the same source.

Just like the other cyber-assassins featured in games and film: Hydro began life as a flesh-and-bone Lin Kuei warrior. In fact, he was never a cyborg at all.

His first appearance came in Mortal Kombat: Blood & Thunder -- a six-issue mini-series published by Malibu Comics.

These comics were part of a licensing phenomenon that came with the escalating success of Mortal Kombat II in 1993. Blood & Thunder was the source from which many mini-series and one-shots exploded, anchoring the books in a deviant retelling of the basic tournament plot. Opening acts were referential to the point of sometimes mirroring an official collectible comic issued by mail order, but Blood & Thunder quickly deviates with the embellishment of added original creations, and new story elements.

Fighters like Hydro, Lieutenant Lance, Grum, Sing & Sang, and others were created to help flesh out the tournament beyond early nineties game hardware. To ascertain whether or not anyone at Midway was involved in their creation, we asked the man behind the most famous Mortal Kombat characters: John Tobias.

The series co-creator and original creative lead told Mortal Kombat Online: "The only involvement I had with the Malibu comics was approval as a licensor, and only occasionally suggestions on story direction. We treated the comics as separate from the game's story canon to avoid conflicts, or complications with the direction we were taking the games. I would have liked to have been more involved, but was too busy focusing on the games."

Writer Charles Marshall and penciler Patrick Rolo divided chores on Blood & Thunder, making them the presumed creators of these original characters. In conjunction with license agreements, the comic creators were likely operating under a work-for-hire contract. This means they may have been entitled to residual royalties [a rumoured 5%], but trademark ownership likely remained with Malibu Comics, subject to stipulations of trademarks owned by Midway Entertainment.

Any rights established under Midway would have transferred to Warner Brothers with the 2009 approval of their purchase of the bankrupt company. In an ironic twist, however, Malibu Comics themselves were subject to purchase by Marvel Comics at the end of 1994. [Marvel is presently owned by famed WB rival: Disney Corporation.]

The division of royalties and rights pretty much ends the discussion about Malibu created characters. Not only is it much less cost effective than creating in-house properties through already contracted employees, but the majority of Malibu characters simply aren't good enough to warrant the effort. In the case of Hydro, he's a soggy second to fan-favourite water wielder: Rain. A character who lived and died as an expendable, half-melted Sub-Zero with sleeves, who only made it to Blood & Thunder #4 before being killed by Scorpion. [Toasty!]

For the sake of following the story to its conclusion, we asked long suffering Marvel Editor Tom Brevoort about the status of Malibu Comics properties. He responded: "There is a legal situation that prevents us from doing anything with any of the Malibu characters or properties—but because of non-disclosure agreements, I cannot tell you anything beyond that about it. So, long story short, nothing’s going on with those characters."

Finish Him: Scorpion wins. Fatality!

Wait just a second! If ownership and looming litigation makes it so difficult -- why the heck did Hydro appear in Mortal Kombat: Legacy?!

Without speaking to the merit of Kevin Tancharoen's creative decisions, we would conclude two simple caveats. 1) Although the name and concept is similar; "Project Hydro" bares no resemblance to the character that appears in Malibu Comics. He exhibits none of the abilities of the comics character, nor does he share any design similarities. 2) The appearance is probably well beneath anybody's radar or will to care.

Though possibly spirit crushing, we hope this feature investigation is at least informative and helpful. Fortunately, Mortal Kombat X still promises plenty of original and returning characters for 2015! This week's Gamescom gave us Kano -- the latest reveal with a new design and fighting Variations that are making him a fan-favourite!

Learn more about the history and importance of comics to Mortal Kombat in our previous feature. Register to post questions and discuss articles on the forums! You can also interact with us by following Mortal Kombat Online @MK_Online or via FacebooK.

Mortal Kombat X has invaded Cologne, Germany, where its one of the demo titles on the floor of Gamescom 2014! Creative Director Ed Boon has been dropping morsels of info to attending press, while on the online front - Kano has led the charge as the newest character reveal!

High quality gameplay screenshots and an official render have showed off the Black Dragon mercenary's new look. Now delve deeper into his fighting style with the latest Character Variation infopics:

We've seen these infographics for D'Vorah, Sub-Zero & Raiden, offering explanations for the different Character Variations that adapt play styles in Mortal Kombat X. Of course, the images not only describe the strengths and weaknesses via the developers themselves, but also highlight the visual tells that expose each version on sight.

Cutthroat: In the Cutthroat Variation, Kano has the ability to power up his attacks by pounding on his cybernetic heart. His knife fighting skills are also dramatically enhanced, allowing Kano to execute a number of unique kombos and attacks.

Cybernetic: The Cybernetic Variation unleashes Kano's eye laser and grenade arsenal, allowing him to strike from long range, extend kombos, and defend against aerial attacks. Perfect for zoning, Cybernetic allows Kano to attack from virtually any distance.

Commando: The Commando Variation transforms Kano into a highly-skilled grappler. He is able to counter both high and low attacks, forcing opponents to modify their tactics. Commando is all about grounding opponents and dominating them at close range.

Stay with us as we update subsequent Variations as they become available. If you really can't wait - learn more about Kano's modes in the Ed Boon narrated reveal trailer!

Which Variation are you most looking forward to? Register to talk tactics and share your impressions on the Mortal Komabt X forum! Support the site by liking & sharing links via @MK_Online and Facebook.

Ed Boon and the team from NetherRealm are in Cologne, Germany to show-off Mortal Kombat X at what is shaping up to be a memorable trade fair! IGN have spoken to Boon about the 2015 fighter in one of the first interviews to come out of 2014's Gamescom and they've uncovered a couple of interesting details!

While no details have come from Gamescom just yet - we've again been teased with the introduction of a new "-Ality" that will be revealed sometime in the near future. That's just the tip of an iceberg that gave us new story and character beats, as well as a bombshell about expected crossovers. Read on:

Update: Ed Boon discusses story and return of -Ality in video excerpt.

The already confirmed inclusion of guest characters has been a source for much speculation. Adding specifics; IGN report Mortal Kombat will play host to one or more console exclusive fighter(s) in the 2015 game. This will be in the vein of last generation's Mortal Kombat (2011) PlayStation 3 exclusive: Kratos. The eponymous God of War has already been ruled out of a return, but an apparent continued relationship between Sony & Warner Bros. appears to favor another exclusivity agreement. Sweet Tooth (Twisted Metal) remains a popular choice among fans, previously considered by the developers.

Less concrete is the returning likelihood of klassic kombatants: Johnny Cage & Sonya Blade. Not yet ruled out by the addition of their offspring (Cassie Cage) -- Boon is talking up the intrigue of potential interaction between generations. He stops short of acknowledging their inclusion in the main playable roster, with story mode flashbacks allowing for reduced roles based on the continuation of the 2011 reboot story. The parents-to-be were name checked in this month's GamePro Germany cover story, as well.

[Related Article: Kountdown: 10 Returning Kombatants Ready to Kontinue!]

The 25 year timespan of Mortal Kombat X was revealed with the E3 unveiling of new characters [read more]. Its shuffled narrative is what will afford MKX the overlapping presence of klassic fighters and their daughter(s), too. Don't expect all the old favourites to be back, though. "... A lot of old faces won't make the roster, but to us it was more important we did introduce new characters. We're probably introducing more in this game than in any other MK title ever."

The Creative Director again called upon the lauded 2011 story mode to inform what's in store for MKX and its character-centric chapters: "You still play the different chapters and each chapter has a character where it follows their actions, but instead of just jumping from one character to the next, it'll jump in time as well. So all of a sudden, you may have a flashback and you'll participate in those, but sometimes the story will just move forward five or ten years." Details of the story have been scarce, but Boon let a little bit more slip:

"[D'vorah] works with [Kotal Kahn], but there's twists there.
I won't give away the story, but a lot of these characters come in and out of power over the course of the story."

We learned in a recent trailer that newcomer Kotal Kahn will rise to power as the new Emperor of Outworld. Boon tells IGN, "A lot of the new characters are those that came into power after MK9. Kotal Khan is one of them. He was one of the rulers of Outworld during that 25 year period, and the story mode basically follows his rise and fall." Among those characters who've come into power is D'Vorah: "Swarm Queen" who has an as yet unknown relationship with Kotal Kahn.

This influx of new characters is a driving force for Mortal Kombat X and a direct response to Mortal Kombat (2011) and its familiar references: "The last game we did in 2011 was a complete fan service title, so we really felt it was time to add a lot of new characters to the mix."

The leap forward may provide progress for a veteran franchise itself over 20 years old, but the series co-creator notes future challenges such an ambitious shift presents: "We wanted to do something bold, and this is a bold new story, despite the fact it's the tenth game. But when you jump ahead 25 years it's like... what do you do now? Do you jump in time again? Do you go back 25 years? Do you introduce a whole new cast? We'll worry about it when we reach it, but I do think it could be hard to continue, if we do another one."

Get the full interview experience by visiting IGN for more detail.

Klassic fighter Kano is newly playable at Gamescom.

Coinciding with Gamescom is the full reveal of Black Dragon bad guy: Kano! Hear Ed Boon explain Kano's fighting techniques in the narrated reveal trailer! Then scrutinize the returning original's new design in an official render and new high quality screenshots! Find & discuss all major stories on the Mortal Kombat X forum.

It's Gamescom season - and NetherRealm Studios are unleashing a Black Dragon bounty of new character assets! He officially debuted in a new trailer reveal narrated by Ed Boon, followed by new high quality screenshots. Now spy with your cybernetic eye another klassic character returning to Mortal Kombat X - the bad guy: Kano!

Click Image to Enlarge in New Window

Kano is back in business looking a little older, and a little upgraded. All part of the charms of Mortal Kombat X and it's dramatic story-driven 25 year timespan!

Little is known about the Black Dragon mercenary's role in MKX, but the narrated character trailer reveals his Character Variation styles as Cutthroat, Cybernetic & Commando. Each mode packs a unique punch, offering specialist pros and cons that handle the kombat field in different ways!

Mortal Kombat Online is enjoying the refined simplicity of Kano's new design! Camouflage pants and a bare chest offers one of the most pared down designs for Kano - taking the crook/hunter mercenary gear of Special Forces and Deadly Alliance to an even more utilitarian, real-world conclusion. It's divorced from the cartoon gi of MK3 and MK2011 -- but not at the expense of the over-the-top cyborg augmentations that have been a trademark for the iconic fighter.

He looks right at home next to the grungy likes of newcomer(s) Ferra/Torr, and the militant minded second generation kombatant: Cassie Cage! Thinning hair and craggy, weathered look are a nice touch. The beard tie sits somewhere between pirate and Mickey Rourke. Simple. Evocative.

Related Topics on Mortal Kombat Online:

• 08/12/2014 Gamescom: NetherRealm Release MKX Kano Screenshots
• 08/11/2014 Kano Goes Commando in New Narrated Trailer
• 08/06/2014 Reintroducing Raiden - Mortal Kombat X Render
• 08/06/2014 Know Your Enemy: The Fighting Variations of Raiden
• 08/03/2014 German GamePro Features Mortal Kombat X Cover Story
• 07/30/2014 Know Your Enemy: The Fighting Variations of Sub-Zero
• 07/30/2014 New Mortal Kombat X Details Coming at Gamescom
• 07/29/2014 Reintroducing Sub-Zero - Mortal Kombat X Loading Render
• 07/23/2014 Know Your Enemy: The Fighting Variations of D'Vorah
• 06/20/2014 Introducing Cassie Cage - Mortal Kombat X Loading Render
• 06/19/2014 Introducing Kotal Kahn - Mortal Kombat X Loading Screen
• 06/18/2014 Introducing Ferra/Torr - Mortal Kombat X Loading Screen
• 06/17/2014 Introducing D'Vorah - Mortal Kombat X Loading Screen

Navigate the links above to find more images from Mortal Kombat X! Register to share your thoughts about Kano and more on the Mortal Kombat X forum. Support the site by like and sharing stories via @MK_Online and Facebook!

You've seen the Kano Reveal Trailer - now thanks to Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and NetherRealm Studios you can take a closer look at The Black Dragon mercenary in new high quality screenshots [thumbnails below]:

The aged and upgraded Kano looks better than ever as he battles versions of fellow klassic kombatants: Raiden & Sub-Zero!

Also on display in vivid detail is the new Jungle fighting locale revealed in the Kano trailer. Littered with crumbling ruins - the jungle offers clues to a forgotten Outworld race that once inhabited its lush surrounding.

NetherRealm Studios have released the shots as they head to Cologne, Germany for Gamescom 2014! The European invasion by Mortal Kombat X has also included a mammoth 8 page cover story in Germany's GamePro Magazine - where Kano first debuted his new look [full story].

[Related Article: E3 2014: First Mortal Kombat X Screenshots Showoff New Characters]

Have you joined the MKX Kano appreciation klub? Got theories about the lost Jungle inhabitants? Register to share your thoughts & theories on the Mortal Kombat X forum! Support the site by liking & sharing links via @MK_Online and Facebook!

With Gamescom 2014 just days away - NetherRealm Studios Creative Director Ed Boon has helmed a new character preview trailer starring Kano! The latest European timed exclusive comes courtesy of Eurogamer and features the klassic warrior first revealed by GamePro Magazine!

There's a lot to be excited about in this latest reveal, which tells us a lot, and shows a little bit more! The trailer offers a decidedly more aged and mechanically upgraded version of Kano than appeared pictured in German GamePro [full story], suggesting the first concrete example of how Mortal Kombat X will adapt fighters across its 25 year story mode.

Like the Raiden trailer before it - Kano's Boon narrated feature highlights the Character Variation system that dictates fighting styles for all the fighters. Cutthroat (Enhanced Kombos), Cybernetic (Long Range Zoning) & Commando (Grappling Counters).

Kano's variations show exciting versatility from the Black Dragon villain, with excellent sharing between the trademark attacks he's utilized in the past. The Cutthroat style utilizes new focus on the bandolier cybernetic heart reactor that recalls Killer Instinct's Fulgore and his overclocking gimmick. Cybernetic shows strong aerial attack and defense with prominent use of cybernetic eye lasers and more. Commando shows a brutal grappling style with knife fighting giving the style a suitably brutal edge. These styles also come with varied glowing colors in Kano's vastly upgraded cybernetics -- an organic visual alteration.

Kano's evolved appearance isn't the only new element on offer. A rumoured Jungle arena is finally on show, with backstory adding to the tradition of mythology that lies behind most Mortal Kombat stages. Located in Outworld, it hints both at an unaccounted for race -- and also the continued significance of Outworld to the main plot. As to who this forgotten race is -- it conjures the likes of Reptile, but we wouldn't want to assume anything this early! For all we know, it could be volatile insects who once called this jungle home.

"We take the fight to the jungle - ancient ruins overgrown with wilderness that was once home to a now forgotten Outworld race."

Kano battles newcomer D'Vorah in the trailer. She and Sub-Zero have featured recently in graphic break downs of their own three-mode Character Variations. Both were featured during Sony E3 launch presentations in June [full story].

Mortal Kombat Online had high hopes for a character like Kano. We're thrilled with what has eventuated. The aged version recalls 1995's character-defining film performance by the late Trevor Goddard, with exactly the kind of cybernetic accoutrement we would hope for from a 25 year time leap! The stylistic tones of camouflage pants and a bare chest are quite understated for Mortal Kombat -- a welcome naturalistic shift with just the right blend of Mad Max tinged future grunge to make use of the new direction.

Fans within the MKOmmunity have already been energized by this exciting pre-Gamescom reveal. Do you think this is it for the German trade fair cycle? Do you like what you see? Register to immortalize your thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum!

Mortal Kombat X is gearing up to take the global stage at Gamescom 2014! The annual trade fair doesn't take place until August 14-17 - but the European charm assault is already underway! Along with a major cover story in the latest GamePro Germany; July reveal Raiden has been released to European outlets [eg; IGN] in new assets via Warner Bros.

Get a better look at the Thunder God in a new render image, before delving deeper into the benefits of new Character Variations below:

We've seen these infographics for D'Vorah & Sub-Zero, offering explanations for the different Character Variations that determine play styles in Mortal Kombat X. They not only offer a description of the strengths and weaknesses as described by the developers themselves, but also highlight the visual tells that expose each version on sight.

Thunder God: The Thunder God Variation enhances Raiden's lightning attacks. This allows him to extend and perform combos that are unique only to this Variation. Thus giving Raiden the potential to do more damage.

Displacer: In his Displacer Variation, Raiden gains the ability to teleport to multiple attack zones. This tactic can be used to move into close range, attack from behind, or even escape rushdowns, making Raiden difficult to contain and significantly more mobile.

Storm Lord: The Storm Lord Variation gives Raiden the ability to create lightning traps. These traps can be used defensively or as a method to corner opponents. They can be used to affect wide areas, allowing Raiden to control the entire battlefield.

These Character Variations feature heavily in the most recent MKX trailer narrated by Creative Director Ed Boon. The trailer covers similar ground to the Evo 2014 Reveal Trailer with key new story details for an extra zap!

Which Variation are you most looking forward to? Register to talk tactics and share your impressions on the Mortal Komabt X forum! Support the site and inform your friends by liking & sharing articles via @MK_Online and Facebook.

He was first unveiled in a live trailer screening during the 2014 Evo World Championships [full story], before this week being featured in another trailer, narrated by Ed Boon! Now you can take a closer look at the most electrifying fighter coming to Mortal Kombat X in his static form - yes! It's Raiden!

The Thunder God returns in his traditional role as protector of Earthrealm, but as revealed in the latest trailer, that's becoming a lonely position! Be it by his own folly during the plot of Mortal Kombat (2011), or new developments in the 25 year timeline of Mortal Kombat X - Raiden has found himself short on allies!

Newcomer Kotal Kahn will clearly pose a threat to Raiden's peace - revealed to be the newest conquering Emperor of Outworld! It's a good thing Raiden looks as good as ever! His new outfit modifies the now classic, blue sashed designs of Mortal Kombat 4 and its modern sequels. Gold trim and a stylized, Japanese storm motif compliments the look with finesse!

Related Topics on Mortal Kombat Online:

• 08/06/2014 Know Your Enemy: The Fighting Variations of Raiden
• 08/04/2014 Ed Boon Narrates New Details in Machinima Raiden Trailer
• 08/03/2014 German GamePro Features Mortal Kombat X Cover Story
• 07/30/2014 Know Your Enemy: The Fighting Variations of Sub-Zero
• 07/30/2014 New Mortal Kombat X Details Coming at Gamescom
• 07/29/2014 Reintroducing Sub-Zero - Mortal Kombat X Loading Render
• 07/23/2014 Know Your Enemy: The Fighting Variations of D'Vorah
• 07/12/2014 Evo 2014: Raiden Stands Watch for Eternity in Mortal Kombat X
• 07/10/2014 Evo 2014: Mortal Kombat X Character Reveal on Saturday Stream
• 06/20/2014 Introducing Cassie Cage - Mortal Kombat X Loading Render
• 06/19/2014 Introducing Kotal Kahn - Mortal Kombat X Loading Screen
• 06/18/2014 Introducing Ferra/Torr - Mortal Kombat X Loading Screen
• 06/17/2014 Introducing D'Vorah - Mortal Kombat X Loading Screen

Navigate the links above to find more images from Mortal Kombat X! Register to share your thoughts about Raiden and more on the Mortal Kombat X forum. Support the site by like and sharing stories via @MK_Online and Facebook!

Series co-creator and on-going Creative Director Ed Boon narrates a new Mortal Kombat X preview trailer from Machinima. New details emerge in the clip - featuring Raiden.

With emphasis on the new Character Variation system, much of the video revisits territory covered in Evo's live Raiden Reveal Trailer. Boon walks through each of Raiden's electrifying fight styles: Thunder God (Electrocution Kombos), Displacer (Teleportation) & Storm Lord (Lightning Traps).

More intriguing are the story details! Raiden faces newcomer Kotal Kahn - who for the first time is revealed to be the new Emperor of Outworld! Less revelatory, but refreshingly decisive, is the continuing predicament of Mortal Kombat (2011), which left many of the series' iconic fighters dead and in the infernal service of Quan Chi.

"In MKX, Raiden finds himself with many of his allies dead or gone. Leaving him to face Kotal Kahn: a new Emperor who has taken over Outworld."

Despite the sprawling twenty-five year timeline of Mortal Kombat X - it's clear klassic fighters will still find a place in the 2015 sequel. MK original Kano is confirmed to feature in screenshots pictured in the latest issue of GamePro Magazine Germany.

Germany will be on our minds throughout August as we gear up for NetherRealm Studios' next promotional stop: Gamescom 2014! The annual trade fair is just over a week away and promises to show more from the hotly anticipated fighter!

Examine more Character Variations through the developer's own helpful infographics for: Sub-Zero and D'Vorah. Check out Mortal Kombat Online's pre-announcement kountdown of Top 10 Potential Returning Characters. Register to share your thoughts on these stories and more on the Mortal Kombat X forum.

From the Palace Gates of Shang Tsung's Island to the desolate Marketplace of Outworld -- we celebrate a contest called Mortal Kombat! With the reveal of Mortal Kombat X stoking the fires of anticipation: Ermac was chosen by the community to be 2014 Supreme Mortal Kombat Champion!

The soul-man may have proved he can go it alone, but the perils of kombat sometimes require even the strongest fighter mount a team effort! Throughout decades of Mortal Kombat we've seen the forging of many deadly alliances! It remains to be seen if Mortal Kombat X will incorporate the 2-on-2 Tag Team Kombat of the previous game, but because fans demanded it - we once again bring together 16 powerful pairings to crown the ultimate two-man champions!

During the first Tag Team Tournament we pooled teams from all of MK history to celebrate the 20th Anniversary! This time around we're drawing inspiration from Mortal Kombat (2011) and the team-ups that may lie ahead in the rewritten, unrevealed alternate future. More tournament details follow:

We've selected an eclectic field of sixteen deadly alliances inspired by the new timeline and the potential future that lies ahead in Mortal Kombat X! No fighter will be repeated in more than one combination. Ermac & Kenshi are kicking things off as the 2014 Supreme Champion and his potential partner. Who's next? The rest of the bracket will be completely randomized and revealed each day as Round 1 progresses!

As with the previous tournament; each tag team outcome will be determined by the result of a regularly updated MK Online User Poll [located top left]. Criteria for voting is up to you, but we recommend fairplay and consideration for the qualities that make a great team. When in doubt, consider their most contemporary versions, their unique strengths, weaknesses and viability to the future.

It is time! Thirty-two fighters become two titan teams as Tag Team Tournament 2 begins! There can be only one tandem standing as we whittle away to declare the Supreme Mortal Kombat Tag Team!

From the Palace Gates of Shang Tsung's Island, to the very top of the Pyramid of Argus, right back to where it all began. Only one of these duos can be crowned Supreme Mortal Kombat Tag Team Champions! Now is the time to vote for the greatest of two. Who will reign supreme?... FIGHT!

• Round 1: Ermac & Kenshi (80.9%) d. Drahmin & Moloch (19.0%)
• Round 1: Kitana & Jade (50.2%) d. Sonya Blade & Johnny Cage (49.7%)
• Round 1: Shinnok & Tanya (50.2%) d. Quan Chi & Scorpion (49.7%)
• Round 1: Raiden & Fujin (72.0%) d, Kano & Kabal (28.0%)
• Round 1: Sektor & Cyrax (71.5%) d, Onaga & Shujinko (28.4%)
• Round 1: Ferra/Torr (70.3%) d. Daegon & Mavado (29.6%)
• Round 1: Sub-Zero & Smoke (67.8%) d. Shang Tsung & Mileena (32.1%)
• Round 1: Liu Kang & Kung Lao (62.5%) d. Goro & Kintaro (37.4%)



• Round 2: Ermac & Kenshi (55.1%) d. Kitana & Jade (44.8%)
• Round 2: Raiden & Fujin (52.8%) d. Shinnok & Tanya (47.1%)
• Round 2: Sektor & Cyrax (73.1%) d. Ferra/Torr (26.8%)
• Round 2: Sub-Zero & Smoke (64.0%) d.Liu Kang & Kung Lao (34.0%)



• Semi Final: Ermac & Kenshi (52.2%) d. Raiden & Fujin (47.7%)
• Semi Final: Sub-Zero & Smoke (64.2%) d. Sektor & Cyrax (35.7%)



• Championship: Sub-Zero & Smoke (55.1%) d. Ermac & Kenshi (44.8%)

To vote, make sure you've registered to Mortal Kombat Online and visit regularly to stay up-to-date with the latest poll. Discuss all the tournament match-ups and share your thoughts on voting on the forums. Boost for your favourite team by spreading the word via Twitter and Facebook.

They took victory in the World Cup - now Germany is gearing up to play host to the global phenomenon of Mortal Kombat X in August!

The September issue of GamePro Magazine (German Edition) features Scorpion on the cover with The Last of Us Remastered and Destiny inset [pictured right].

The issue holds special significance as a precursor to August 14-17 -- when NetherRealm Studios will be in the beautiful city of Cologne for Gamescom 2014!

The annual trade fair has become a favourite destination for the NetherRealm team, who've used it as a place to unveil new characters in their fighting game series. Raiden was revealed during July's Evo Championship. A new reveal is currently rumoured for Gamescom [full story].

If the cover is anything to go by, it looks like the Germans are going to love Mortal Kombat X! [Who'd have thought?]. GamePro touts a cover quote that (roughly translated) promises the scandalous fighter will set standards in more than just brutality! An important factor to consider in the notoriously strict German gaming market, where censorship laws always threaten a ban.

MKOmmunity User MKKosh claims the issue also reveals a new playable character. Mortal Kombat Online hopes to verify that claim before reporting. You can help by purchasing the new issue online, or on newsstands where available.

Kano appears in GamePro 7 page cover story on sale now.

Update: With thanks to MKOmmunity User immortalkombat; we can now confirm Kano is featured in gameplay screenshots [not pictured]! This is great incentive to check out the issue digitally! Register to share all your thoughts on the Mortal Kombat X forum!