When Does Mortal Kombat 2 Come Out?
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Updated May 15, 2024
Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat is a popular American franchise known for its series of fighting video games that first started with Midway Games in 1992.
The original Mortal Kombat game led to a wide range of entertainment, including action-adventure games, comic books, a card game, movies, an animated TV show, and even a live-action tour. It's considered one of the best-selling and highest-grossing fighting game franchises globally.
One distinctive feature of Mortal Kombat is its intense graphic violence, especially through its finishing moves called fatalities, which involve killing defeated opponents rather than just defeating them. This aspect sparked controversy and played a role in creating the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) for video game ratings.
Early Mortal Kombat games were known for their realistic graphics using digitized sprites and a technique called palette swapping, which created new characters by changing colors. After Midway Games went bankrupt, the Mortal Kombat team joined Warner Bros. Entertainment and became NetherRealm Studios.
When Does Mortal Kombat 2 Come Out?
"Mortal Kombat 2" is an eagerly anticipated fighting game scheduled for release in 2027. It's being developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Games. This game is the thirteenth main installment in the Mortal Kombat series, following the storyline from Mortal Kombat 1, which was released in 2023.
In "Mortal Kombat 2," the protagonist Liu Kang uncovers a new threat looming across all realms. This threat, orchestrated by Master Cris, hints at an impending Real Armageddon. To counter this dire situation, Liu Kang must rally more champions to his cause and confront Master Cris to prevent the catastrophe from unfolding.
Mortal Kombat Characters
Earthrealm | Outworld | Netherrealm | Guest Characters |
Liu Kang | Shang Tsung | Quan Chi | Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) |
Johnny Cage | Kitana | Scorpion | Kratos (God of War) |
Sonya Blade | Mileena | Noob Saibot | Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) |
Jax | Baraka | Shinnok | Xenomorph (Alien) |
Raiden | Goro | Sindel | Leatherface (Texas Chainsaw Massacre) |
Kano | Shao Kahn | Smoke | Predator |
These characters represent a diverse range of backgrounds, from Earthrealm warriors like Liu Kang and Sonya Blade to formidable figures from Outworld such as Shang Tsung and Mileena.
The Netherrealm is home to dark and powerful entities like Quan Chi and Scorpion. Additionally, guest characters from popular franchises like Freddy Krueger, Kratos, and the Terminator have made memorable appearances in Mortal Kombat games.
Mortal Kombat Development
Mortal Kombat began development in 1991 with a small team including Ed Boon for programming, John Tobias for art and story, John Vogel for graphics, and Dan Forden for sound design. The idea for the game started with a ninja-themed concept by John Tobias.
The project got a new direction when Midway was asked to create a game based on the movie Universal Soldier. Mortal Kombat stood out with its digitized characters, high level of blood and violence, and unique gameplay compared to other fighting games at the time.
John Tobias drew inspiration for Mortal Kombat's story and characters from Chinese mythology and supernatural kung fu films. The title "Mortal Kombat" was suggested by pinball designer Steve Ritchie after trademark issues with the original title. The series became known for using "K" instead of "C" in various words for a distinct sound.
The graphics of the original Mortal Kombat games used digitized sprites based on real actors, creating a unique visual style. Later games evolved into 3D models using motion capture technology, marking a shift in the series' visual presentation.
Overall, Mortal Kombat's development journey showcases a blend of creative ideas, inspirations from martial arts and mythology, and technological advancements in gaming graphics.
Mortal Kombat Gameplay
Mortal Kombat games have evolved over the years. The first three games, Mortal Kombat (1992), Mortal Kombat II (1993), and Mortal Kombat 3 (1995), along with their updates, were 2D fighting games.
As the series progressed, Mortal Kombat 4 introduced 3D movement and graphics. From Deadly Alliance to Mortal Kombat: Deception, characters had three fighting styles each: two without weapons and one with a weapon. Some styles were based on real martial arts, while others were made up. Armageddon simplified this to two styles per character due to the large number of characters.
In Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, characters had fewer fighting styles but more special moves. Later games like the 2011 Mortal Kombat returned to a single 2D fighting plane with 3D character models. Each button on the controller now corresponded to a limb, making the controls more intuitive.
Beyond the standard fighting modes, Mortal Kombat has introduced different modes like "Konquest" for adventure-style gameplay and minigames for variety. The series is also known for its finishing moves, like Fatalities, Animalities, and non-violent moves.