mortal kombat
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Report: Midway looking to sell Mortal Kombat assets
Midway is reportedly looking to sell off its Mortal Kombat franchise in its continuing struggle to keep its head above water. To put this into perspective, this would be like a family of many children putting the only child who managed to go to college up for adoption on Craigslist. And sure, maybe he only went to community college and dropped out after two years but he nonetheless represents a source of family pride. According to documents allegedly gathered by netDockets, the company's plan for survival includes the "execution of an asset purchase agreement for the sale of Midway's Mortal Kombat franchise assets." What effect this has on that other Mortal Kombat game already in production is anyone's guess. Other goals include ridding the company of its Diesel-fueled Wheelman property, which was rolled in Ubisoft's garage in mid-February. The publisher has reportedly set aside $3,755,000 to be split among among 29 of the publisher's "officers, management-level employees and other non-insider key employees" if these milestones are met. That's a hefty sum, though we question how thrilled Midway's creditors (not to mention former employees) will be as execs continue to gut the embattled publisher in the name of filling their own gold-lined pockets.Update: Geoff Mogilner, Midway head of investor relations, tells Edge, "We're not going out of our way to sell Mortal Kombat." That's not say, Midway wouldn't sell Mortal Kombat ...
Midway clings to life after favorable court ruling
After throwing up the white flag last week, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court has granted Midway some some breathing room from creditors who are all but beating down the door for a piece of the embattled publisher. The ruling allows Midway to keep its doors open despite its ongoing financial crisis in order to continue paying employee expenses and pay back what the court describes as certain "critical vendors."Midway boss Matt Booty describes the court's decision as a key step in the company's "planned and orderly reorganization," though we're sure the words he was really looking for were complicated and terrifying. It's probably difficult to come up with the right thing to say after someone plunges an arm into your chest to remove your still-beating heart.
Midway files for Chapter 11
Midway has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today, but, see, it's okay, because it's all part of the plan. Newly appointed CEO, Matt Booty, says filing for Chapter 11 was "a difficult but necessary decision." He also noted Midway has been "focused on realigning our operations and improving our execution" and that filing for Chapter 11 will allow the company some relief from "immediate pressure from our creditors." To Booty, Chapter 11 is nothing more than the "next logical step in an ongoing process to address our capital structure."Midway expects to be able to run the company as usual, and even filed a variety of First Day Motions to that end. The court is usually lenient with these Motions and often grants them, so this should give Midway some time to finish up that next Mortal Kombat game and maybe get out of the red.
MK vs. DC fights its way to 1.8 million copies, next MK in development
Wouldn't you know, Midway's MK and DC blend of kombat has turned out to be a hit, as they just announced that they have already shipped 1.8 million copies of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. Applause for that. We also learn from MK creative director Ed Boon that his team is already hard at work on the next MK edition. One that could possibly break the 2 million units shipped milestone and possibly bring back that 2D fighting artsy feel, sort of like a certain Street Fighter? Hmm, maybe?
MK vs. DC ships 1.8 million units, next Mortal Kombat on the way
Midway announced today that Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe has shipped "approximately" 1.8 million units for Xbox 360 and PS3. Unlike another publisher, Midway is taking the shipped figure as a positive sign for the franchise. Ed Boon, creative director for Mortal Kombat, stated the group is already working on the "next version of Mortal Kombat," with details forthcoming.As much as this is positive news for the Mortal Kombat franchise, Death is still knocking on Midway's door. Can one moderately successful franchise pay for all those executive salaries?
Play against Mortal Kombat vs. DC developers on 1/23
Have a copy of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe? You can play against the developers tomorrow (1/23) on the PlayStation Network. Players include: Ed Boon - Creative Director/Team Lead Paulo Garcia - Senior Designer Brian Lebaron - Designer Ryan Rosenberg - Environment Artist Eddie Ferrier - Designer Adam Hernandez - Design Support Hector Sanchez - Producer Dave Bulvan - Lead Software Tester Derek Kirtzic - Gameplay Tester Shaun Himmerick - Producer Hans Lo - Producer The developers will be available to play from 10PM to midnight EST. If you're interested in joining up, you're going to need to add a few names to your PSN friends list, available after the break.
Midway stalls for more time, still scrounging up cash
After negotiating a small measure of breathing room last week and delaying the payback of a portion of its staggering debt, fate has again smiled on Midway. GI.biz now reports that the embattled publisher has again talked its way out of a corner, pushing back the deadline to repay the back end of the $150 million it owes to stakeholders until February 12. We'll pause as execs take a moment to wipe the sweat from their collective brow. Still, we can't help but wonder if Midway wouldn't be waiting for shareholders to slip the noose around its neck in the first place if it had put the kind of energy into developing quality games that it has in delaying the company's financial collapse.
Top 5: Worst. Cutscenes. Ever.
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Top_5_Worst_Cutscenes_Ever'; According to Activision (and after all, they made Pitfall!), video games will "eclipse" all other forms of media. Head honcho Mike Griffith went on to say that "Movies, recorded music and TV - these are all stagnating or contracting entertainment sectors." I'm not sure how much I agree with that statement. Strictly in terms of cash flow, it's already happening. Gaming is a fairly pricey hobby, and it's been outpacing the other forms of media for several years (in terms of growth). Yet I have a difficult time imagining a time where video games are everyone's preferred form of escapism. Although their respective industries may see drastic changes with direct, indirect, or unrelated connections to gaming, music and film will always have a place. As much as I love gaming, it's not rare that I find myself preferring to zone out with TV or just listen to music and read instead of playing a video game. What I do see is a further merging of the three into ubiquitous, all-purpose media devices. Microsoft and Sony currently do this, and it's only a matter of time before Nintendo catches up. While most households currently don't rely on gaming consoles as their sole provider of film / TV and music, I imagine that this will change. Perhaps the mediums will start to bleed into one another. With Metal Gear Solid blurring the lines between game and film and Audiosurf doing the same for games and music, perhaps media will merge and propagate a completely new and unique form of entertainment. Interesting stuff. What was this Top 5 about, again? Oh, right: cut scenes. A lot of them stink. Here's the 5 worst ones. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
Time extension: Midway gets extra month to pay off debts
Midway has picked up a time bonus, turning back the clock somewhat on its 50-day fast track to financial doom. The troubled Mortal Kombat publisher has negotiated some breathing room for itself, extending the deadline to pay back half of its crushing $150 million in debt by another month until February 19. Of course, this still leaves $75 million to fork over to investors in a couple weeks, though Midway notes that it is currently "in discussions" to push back the repayment of this debt as well. When things are going south as quickly as they have gone for Midway, you take your victories where you can, though unless Midway expects next month's Diesel-fueled Wheelman to drive to the front door with a bag of cash, we wouldn't stop looking under the rug for loose change just yet.[Via Variety]
Finish him: Midway facing 50-day countdown to bankruptcy
Things are looking grim for the company that once gave us Gorf, Arch Rivals and Spyhunter. The Chicago Tribune reports that Midway may default on its staggering $240 million debt, and that according to an SEC filing the one-time arcade dynamo has just 50 days to get $150 million of this back into the hands of creditors. It's money, unfortunately, that Midway just doesn't have.The Mortal Kombat publisher has enlisted the council of financial advisory firm Lazard, though time is short and money even shorter. The urgency stems from the company's recent change in majority ownership, which allows bondholders to demand full repayment on their investments. However, with Variety reporting just a smidge over $10 million in Midway's coffers, that leaves an awful lot of candy bars to sell over the next month and a half if the company is to keep from filing bankruptcy (let alone being ripped to shreds by investors pounding on the front door).
Wii Warm Up: GC vs CC
For games that are compatible with both, which do you find to be your more preferred way to play: using a GameCube controller or the Classic Controller? For us, we tend to go with the wireless bliss of the Wavebird, when allowed. How about you all? Which is the superior way to game in your opinion?
Meet WoW Insider at the Chicago Child's Play benefit
Child's Play, the charity started up by Penny Arcade that hooks up kids in the hospital with videogames to play while there, is holding a benefit event in Chicago early next month on December 9th, and I'm going to be there. It's definitely a worthy charity, and I know there are lots of WoW Insider fans in the Second City (many of whom I was able to meet at our Wrath launch meetup), so if you're a fan of videogames, helping sick kids, and want to come out and talk some WoW with me, tickets are available right now.There's a raffle going on as well (I'm angling to get some World of Warcraft-related gear in the pot), and there'll also be a Mortal Kombat vs. DC tournament going on thanks to Chicago's own Midway Games (and I heard there was a Rock Band event, though that may have since fallen through -- we'll see). And oh yeah, since the event is taking place at Plan B, there'll be drinking. It's $10 admission, or you can give $50 for admission and an open bar, though you have to be over 21 for both. I'll let you guess which ticket I bought (hint: the one with the booze).Should be a lot of fun -- if you're in Chicago and weren't able to make it to our launch party, see if your calendar's clear for this event. And if you're not in Chicago, Child's Play has lots of events going on around the country, and obviously they're happy to take donations anyway. Hopefully we'll see lots of WoW Insider readers at the event next month -- when else do you get to drink, play games, and help kids all at the same time?
Metareview -- Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe (Xbox 360, PS3)
With Midway's holiday hopes (and financial future) pinned on Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, it appears the reviewers aren't going to help the company out. Barring major outlier Giant Bomb and its 5/5, most outlets appear to be sticking around 80 and below. If it does well at retail, MK vs. DC may help prevent the publisher from hearing an ominous voice-over: "Finish him!" GamePro (80/100): "Though far from a technical fighting game, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe exceeds expectations by delivering a solidly enjoyable casual fighter. The Mature-rated gore is missed, but the core combat here feels more confident and energetic than it has in years." IGN (75/100): "Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is fun and a solid entry into the franchise, but I doubt many folks will find it entertaining past a rental. Casual players will punch through the storyline before burning out after getting stumped by one or two Kombo Challenges, while Mortal Kombat fans will have trouble accepting the toned down Fatalities and somewhat slower gameplay." GameSpy (70/100): "Though MK vs. DC purports to shake up the franchise, the reality is that among the many new touches that the game adds it still lacks the depth of other fighters available today. Again, it doesn't feel dramatically different from its predecessors, save for new mini-game modes and a big facelift. The movesets are rather generic (most are a variation of "down, forward, button") and feel a tad antiquated. Its big hook (the crossover license) can't justify the relatively shallow fighting on hand." 1UP (B-): (Calculated as 67 on Metacritic) "MK vs. DCU is an oddly enjoyable distraction from "real" fighters. Its masher-friendly controls appeal to me in a casual-gamer way, and the midmatch minigames (damage-percentage tugs-of-war, airborne ass-kickings with the defender mirroring the aggressor's button-presses in a bid for dominance) give the fights a sort of party-game vibe."
Boon talks Midway layoffs, next Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat creator (kreator?) Ed Boon has come forward, labeling recent reports of Midway's Chicago branch handing out pink slips to many of the individuals who worked on Mortal Kombat vs. DC as "completely false." Last week, numerous outlets reported that the troubled publisher and developer let go of around 20 to 30 employees following the completion of both the recent cross-universe brawler and Blitz: The League II.However, speaking in an interview with GameDaily, Boon asserts that the Mortal Kombat team specifically is still together, and is already brainstorming on what to work on next. He adds that the crew is sizing up Mortal Kombat vs. DC's performance, as "it will have a good amount to do with what features we put in the next game." Of course, this says nothing of those in The Windy City who worked specifically on Midway's sequel to Blitz, or if the company decided to have them go long all the way to the unemployment line.
Trophies: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
1 Platinum5 Gold3 Silver34 Bronze Difficulty: Very Difficult Online Trophies? Yes Time to Completion: 20 hoursDLC Trophies? No View Trophy List Read More About the Game %Gallery-27571%
Video: The MK vs DC Universe story
Writing this post, we were fully ready to laugh heartily at the "story" of Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe. We were ready to lambast the cheesiness of it. And yet, strangely, we find ourselves reveling in it. The idea that the universes of Mortal Kombat and DC are merging together seems appropriate enough, especially given the comic book context. The explanation that Superman can be hurt by magic and, thus, Scorpion, seems plausible enough. In fact, forget the cheese, forget the cliches, the shear amount of fanboy minutia being flung about is all that really matters. Check out the trailer above and tell us what you make of it.
MK vs DC Universe softened for Teen rating
Sad news DC and Mortal Kombat fans, Midway's quest for a Teen ESRB rating has taken its first victims. Some of the content in Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, you see, has been scaled back in order to keep the dreaded 'M' rating off of the box. According to Kotaku, who spoke with Midway's Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe has been submitted to the ESRB three times, making minor changes each time in order to move the game from a Mature rating to Teen. The most painful fatality in this process (pun intented), is that the Joker's awesome, awesome "bang" fatality (see it after the break) has been changed, as the final headshot is now performed offscreen.So, in a nutshell, the series that spawned the ESRB is now bound to it. Midway needs its money though, and a T rating will sell more copies, which explains why the company is so serious about it.[Via Joystiq]
MK vs DC Universe decapitates retail November 16
November 16. That's the day that Midway will impale Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe onto retail shelves, at least in North America. European players, on the other hand, will have to wait until November 21 to see a newly frozen Supes served a painful uppercut to his chiseled Kryptonian jaw. Now all that remains to be seen is if Alex Ross alone has enough power in his brush to make us overlook such a ridiculous crossover, or if the pairing of magical ninjas and superheroes in tights is just too much to resist.
Sony's Home and Microsoft's Avatar draw unwarranted comparisons at TGS
From Chiba, Japan, AP reports on Sony and Microsoft's upcoming avatar-based offerings at the annual Tokyo Game Show. Associated Press goes to great lengths to avoid spooking what they seem to feel are a parochial and hidebound audience with gems like, 'In the so-called "metaverse" in cyberspace, players manipulate digital images called "avatars" that represent themselves, engaging in relationships, social gatherings and businesses.' Of course, the notion of graphical avatars as a part of a wide variety of Internet services has persisted for most of the last two decades, but even the sense of this is backwards.To the casual and uninformed observer it might appear that the user manipulates this (ahem) 'digital image' to perform actions, but this is substantively not the case. The user moves or takes action through the virtual environment in relation to spaces and to other users, and the avatar represents the action to others. It's just that sort of long-arm punditry that seems to make AP compare Sony's Home and Microsoft's Avatar service with Linden Lab's Second Life, despite Sony and Microsoft's respective services having about as much in common with Second Life, as they have with Mortal Kombat. 'The real-time interactive computer-graphic worlds are similar to Linden Lab's "Second Life,"' writes the AP correspondent, in a wondrously surreal moment. Are you a part of the most widely-known collaborative virtual environment or keeping a close eye on it? Massively's Second Life coverage keeps you in the loop.
Top 5: Nintendo's Biggest Surprises
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/Nintendo_s_5_Biggest_Surprises_Throughout_History'; This week's press conference from Nintendo was like Reggie himself coming to your door, clutching a bouquet of awesome announcements, and saying "I'm sorry about E3." Indeed, I can't help but think that just one of the awesome titles announced in the past week could have prevented much of the animosity hurled at Nintendo following their ho-hum presentation at the summer exhibition. But then again, Nintendo has always been one to surprise us. They've made good moves and bad, interesting decisions coupled with utterly clueless assumptions, and made us wonder what the hell they were thinking while amazing us with what they're capable of. Here's the Top 5 biggest surprises unleashed by the Big N. NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
