mortal kombat
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Shazam snubbed on MK vs. DC box
Click to defeat Captain Marvel! They said it was impossible. They pointed and laughed, and called it names. But, just as Batman's license holders have every right to pit him in a crossover battle against an alien hunter will dreadlocks, they may also call upon the Dark Knight to beat a fire-burping, undead ninja within an inch of its tortured life -- just as long as he doesn't go that extra inch, ya know? (Off topic: So is Two-Face dead or what?) Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe is very real folks, and here's the box art to prove it:%Gallery-23376%
Counting Rupees: Does controversy sell?
Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming: Another day, another video game banning controversy. Proponents of the ban, unsurprisingly, argue that eliminating the sale of controversial games prevents them from harmful exposure. Yet one of the main arguments against banning games is that they make them even more popular, causing people to take notice of the title and thus spurring more sales than if it had been ignored in the first place. So, what exactly is the impact of game bans on sales in the first place?Ideally, we'd be able to compare the sales of games pre- and post-ban and see how the regulation impacted them ... after accounting for all the other factors that might have also influenced sales at that time. The data we have don't really let us do that, though, so this is a slightly less scientific attempt to answer the same question, using some of the most controversial games of the past few years.
Watch the Joker's MK vs. DC fatality
So what's the problem with the Joker's Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe fatality (seen at about 3:40 into the video after the break)? Well, nothing per se, it's a perfectly silly, violent way for the criminal mastermind to finish off his foes, and is actually surprisingly brutal for the game's Teen rating.No, the only real problem is what the attack isn't. As fans of The Dark Knight know, the Joker's real fatality is blindingly obvious. Because, honestly, who doesn't love a good magic trick?
GC 2008: Joker, Green Lantern duke it out in new MK vs. DC screens
Let's put a smile on that face by checking out Midway's latest batch of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe screenshots, rife with cross-dimensional brawling and enough continuity issues to drive fanboys round the bend. While you enjoy the sight of The Joker blasting Scorpion right out of the Batcave or the Green Lantern putting the squeeze on Shang Tsung, we'll frantically attempt to figure out how Ed Boon managed to steal all our closeted fan fictions. If these guys don't pummel your fancy, Midway has also informed us that series stalwarts Raiden and Kano will join the game's kombatants, along with the DC universe's Wonder Woman and Deathstoke.%Gallery-30030%
Olympic Battlefields: Four worlds, four dreams
"It is a matter of life and death, a road to game over or to win!"Ahead of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, which kicks off tomorrow in Beijing, homebrew developer Anti-Social Gaming has put out a polemic game titled Olympic Battlefields.Unlike Mario and Sonic's Olympic outing, however, you won't jump into any traditional events to win the gold for their respective franchises. Rather, you'll pick from one of four countries to represent their tacit agendas and "fight terrorism."For instance, if you choose the Tibetans, you'll be tasked with dragging Chinese people out of your country before they "turn militant." If you decide to side with China, you'll need to tap the "revolting Tibetans" and turn them into farmers, otherwise "they'll suicide bomb." Also, for some reason, the Chinese farmers and terrorist Tibetans look like Raiden and Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.If that isn't controversial enough, you have the option of playing as Israelis or Palestinians, too. On the Palestinian side, you'll be charged with converting Jews to Islam by dragging them off the map. If you play as the Israelis, you will have to tap and convert Hamas terrorists into Jews. Again, if you don't neutralize them in time, they blow up!Looks like RanAway and In the Afternoon Sunshine have some serious competition now when it comes to the most offensive homebrew DS game.%Gallery-29236%[Via DCEmu]
See tons of MK vs. DC Universe gameplay
We don't know how you feel about Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe but we've gone from absolute bewilderment to an almost embarrassing desire for the full version. If you're still on the doubters' side of the fence, we'd like to humbly suggest only that you watch the above video, a boatload of gameplay narrated by your friend and ours, Ed Boon.It all looks sort of cool, but we have a hard time getting past the part where Superman runs Scorpion through seven walls without picking up the phone to pre-order the game. We can't even watch it anymore because after call number 9, the guy at Gamestop was starting to get downright rude. What say you on it?
Video: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe combat demo
Put on your reading glasses and take a looksy at the new video embedded above showcasing a solid four minutes of Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe fighting footage. The game actually looks rather intense, true to form and with the addition of free fall combat and close combat scenarios, it could be a winner. Take in all the video goodness and cheer for the Batman. He and his newfound wealth are all the rage right now, don'tcha know.
Toasty! Midway announces Mortal Kombat: Kollection for PS2
Midway plans to eviscerate PlayStation 2 owners this September, bundling together the previous three Mortal Kombat titles as a single $30 box set. The compilation, dubbed the Mortal Kombat: Kollection, will include 3D fighters Mortal Kombat: Deception and Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, as well as the under appreciated action game, Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. According to Midway, the set is designed to let players "refine their skills" prior to getting to clobber the Man of Steel this holiday. However, considering that Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe plays more like Mortal Kombat 3 than any of the more recent 3D fighters, we're not exactly sure how many of those skills will actually make the transfer.
MK vs. DC to have 20+ characters, download support
Even cynics like us have to admit at least a passing curiosity with the nerd orgasm that is Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe and its cross-universe roster. Earlier today we approached the game's production coordinator, Hector Sanchez, and while he would not let us in on the game's complete lineup, he admitted that the team is looking to feature between 20 to 25 characters, "split up evenly half and half, and then split up again between heroes and villains."Additionally, while talking about possible alternate costumes or other unlockables, Sanchez told us that the team is "planning to support downloadable content," before stopping short and saying he "was going to say something" but couldn't. Downloadable characters seems the obvious source of his pursed lips, making us continue wondering what comic book icons will be further ground beneath the heel of Midway's floundering franchise.
Midway at E3: Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
Scorpion vs. Batman. Catwoman vs. Subzero. These aren't exactly matchups players have always dreamed of, but Midway is going to do their best to cram two disparate universes into one with Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, the very first Mortal Kombat game on the next-gen systems. Here at E3, Joystiq got to sit down with Brian Lebaron, senior designer for the game, and we talked about why it's OK to set the Flash on fire, why Bizarro probably won't be in the game, and what Midway is doing to Toasty uppercut the fighting genre. After the break, find our hands on with the game, as well as details from our chat with Lebaron. When MK vs. DC comes out, you'll finally be able to find out whether Liu Kang's kicks can catch the Flash in the jaw.
Of idle animations & exaggerations: MK VS DCU
We haven't been too kind to Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe in the past, but we did our best to reserve final judgment, hoping that the gameplay would redeem the premise, the art design and the series background. Well, the gameplay is here and it doesn't do the job we were quite hoping for. It's true that there are some interesting ideas, but there seems to be a certain level of ... disconnection that we can't put our finger on. Maybe it's the animation, the hit detection and a particular by-the-numbers flavor that the game seems to posses. Could just be us though.
First Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe gameplay trailer is toasty
The weekend before E3 is a magical time for video game trailer connoisseurs -- many game developers, in an attempt to get a head start on the hype frenzy, will release new media for their blockbuster titles in order to pique the interest of E3 attendees. Not exactly the wisest move, as most of these West Coast-bound bloggers will be spending most of their weekend deciding if it would be a fashion faux pas to bring a fanny pack to the convention, in order to house their digital cameras, iPhones, audio recorders, handheld gaming devices, and their precious energy drinks.With our staunch anti-fanny pack mentality already set in stone, we're able to skip said deliberation and show you these trailers -- the first of which being the gameplay debut for Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. While our mind still boggles at the logistics of how Superman can even feel our measly human punches, the game looks gorgeous, and the mid-air combat between arena tiers looks badass. Hopefully, Midway's E3 booth will give us a chance to get our hands on MK vs. DC, and, as a result, murder some of our favorite childhood heroes.
New Mortal Kombat vs. DC screenshots are fairly brutal
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/New_Pics_from_Mortal_Kombat_VS_DC_Universe'; Let's face it -- one of the main things that has set Mortal Kombat apart from its contemporaries throughout the years has been its inclusion of flagrant acts of grisly violence. When Ed Boon explained that the upcoming Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe would explore the softer side of the series with Teen-rated acts of pugilistic carnage, many fans were upset, as it seemed their thirst for evisceration would go unslaked. The latest salvo of screenshots for the brawler from Midway might confirm or ease your fears of a censored MK title -- no, there's no evidence of any impromptu spine-removal procedures, but there's pummeling and arm-breaking aplenty. Does the latest entry in the toasty franchise look gruesome enough for your sinister bloodlust? Gallery: Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe
MK VS DC new screens, plus "Brutalities"
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/New_Pics_from_Mortal_Kombat_VS_DC_Universe'; When the game was first announced, fanboys on both sides were worried that Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe wouldn't be able to do justice to either property. While the main of that question is still up in the air, one small part of it has now been answered (for those few who really care). See, the very first episode of the MKast went up recently and promised again to its followers that the game would in fact feature the series' signature Fatalities. Bu- bu- bu- but Batman doesn't kill! Indeed. To rectify this, the DC characters will have what are known as Brutalities instead. Just like a Fatality, except, y'know, not fatal. As you can tell, we're absolutely ecstatic about this news. Wee.%Gallery-26906%
Ed Boon clarifies Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe fatalities
In a brief interview with Gamespot, Midway's Ed Boon has (once again) discussed the return of fatalities in upcoming cross-brand brawler, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. The infamous finishing moves will be performed by all Mortal Kombatants and DC Comics villains, but not by any of DC's untarnished heroes. You know, the ones "who don't kill that often." Instead, nicer folks like The Flash will have "brutalities," moves which inflict pain upon the recipients without totally murdering them.Of course, don't expect the levels of violence and depravity to be quite up there (down there?) with previous Mortal Kombat games, as Ed Boon mentions that this Unreal-powered showdown is still pushing a slightly Tamer boundary. "Certain animations, blood effects, and sound effects that we have in the game are really pushing the T-rating envelope," he said. We're sure gore hounds will find this worthy of debate, but we're more concerned about everything that happens before the fatality. Let's hope E3 grants us the opportunity to beat the snot out of that smug Superman.%Gallery-23376%
MK VS DCU: Flash, Power Girl, tie-in komic & more
Well it's been a strange project from day one, and while we were hoping that MK VS DCU wouldn't be market-tested and exploited to death, it looks like that simply won't be helped. A recent issue of the UK-based magazine X360 seems to confirm that the Flash, Robin (really?), Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, Black Canary, Hawkman & Powergirl will all make appearances in the game. Also, the article does mention a possible two game deal, as well as DLC for the first game, hinting that they'd like you to buy even more content for this nuttiness.Additionally, and perhaps not so surprisingly in retrospect, there was the news that the game will have a tie-in comic to go along with it. Apparently the storyline for it has been completed and contains some sort of gigantic, life changing twist. Comic fans we may be, but color us underwhelmed.
MK vs DC survey asks what you want in a potential 'Kollector's Edition'
Hot off the heels of announcing a new podcast related to the development of the upcoming fighter, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, a potential list of special edition extras was teased today. Gamers on Midway's mailing list for more info on MK vs. DC were treated with a survey earlier today that asked which extra they would be interested in if a "Kollector's Edition" was made available.Possible extras include: Comic Book Art Book Soundtrack T-shirt Animation Cell Exclusive DC video Making of MK vs DC video To be honest we'd like something a bit cooler that deserves the extra few dollars. Not that an art book isn't nice, but how about a statue of Batman punching the lights out of Sub-Zero? Or you know, Kryptonite. In case Superman loses it and someone needs to take him out. Think we'd still prefer the statue, actually.
Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe ... Podcast?
Well, the Mortal Kombat VS DC Universe project (and indeed the series as a whole) has had a distinct tongue-in-cheek cheek feeling to it the entire time. And now, the developers appear to be embracing that mystique by starting up a podcast focused on the game. Scheduled to hit the tubes in a few weeks, the first episode is going to feature questions from message board posters, and we think we're going to give it a listen just for pure irony's sake. We don't at all intend to insult the game or the developers, it's just that ... unless the show isn't very regular, we can't imagine that there's going to be a whole lot to discuss, it's a fighting game. The story isn't very deep, the character selection is supposed to be a bit of a secret, and the mechanics can't be too complicated so as to appeal to a wide audience. Basically, we hope it can pleasantly surprise us by actually being great.
First look at Batman in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
The Dark Knight is the second DC Comics character from the upcoming krazy krossover, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, to be revealed as he'll appear in-game by Midway. Although this first image is a pre-rendered CG mockup, we can see what the game's artists are going for: a mix of the Caped Crusader's original black & grey outfit with some downright anime-style body armor details. Bats had better have plenty of utility belt items at his disposal as he goes up against the likes of Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Best throw in some Kryptonite for good measure, given that Superman has already been revealed as a kombatant.
Midway shows off Superman in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe
The official website for Midway's Unreal-powered, cross-dimensional brawler, Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe, has posted the first shot of what appears to be Superman's 3D model. As you can see, the developers have managed to capture the Kryptonian's chiseled features, indestructible physique and patriotic pose quite well. So well, in fact, that we're left feeling a little sorry for the mere mortal kombatants.%Gallery-23376%
