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Kano gets the green light for Mortal Kombat X
The cybernetically charged Kano is the latest combatant to be revealed for Mortal Kombat X, courtesy of a brand new trailer. As creative director Ed Boon explains, Kano's three fighting styles are the slice-and-dicing Cutthroat, the Cybernetic style complete with eye laser, and finally the more close-quarters, counter-based Commando. Helpfully, the three fighting styles are denoted by the color of Kano's glowing cybernetic heart - the things they can do with cybernetic hearts these days. Kano joins Scorpion, Raiden and Sub-Zero on the returning side, while new characters include insect woman D'vorah, the disturbing two-in-one amalgamation Ferra/Torr, chest-baring Aztec god Kotal Kahn, and relative newcomer Cassie Cage. Expect more info and characters to gradually trickle out between now and Mortal Kombat X hitting PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PS3 and PC sometime next year. [Image: Warner Bros.]
Discover wraith relationships, as portrayed by Shadow of Mordor
Talion may be the poster child advertising Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, but he's not the only one seeking vengeance against the Dark Lord Sauron and his army of nasty creatures. In this behind-the-scenes video, meet Celebrimbor: an elven smith who helped create the Rings of Power and has since been cursed to exist as a wraith in eternal un-death. Yeesh, no wonder he seems like a bit of a grumpy-pants. Celebrimbor is played by Alastair Duncan, opposite Troy Baker as Talion. The two characters may have the same agenda, but they don't always agree about how to do it. To learn more about their ripe-for-sitcom-adaptation relationship - seriously, we can hear it in our heads already: "Taliooooooon!" *cue laugh track* - check out the new behind-the-scenes video above. [Image: Warner Bros. Interactive]
Study Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor's pre-order, special edition details
One does not simply walk into a retailer, purchase Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor and leave with all of the content available at the game's launch. Sorry early adventurers, this isn't like the general pre-order bonuses announced in April. This time, you're going to have to play the retailer-specific pre-order bonus game. Placing an order with Amazon will net you the Deadly Archer Rune, which makes long-distance headshots on Sauron's Captains hurt more. Going with Walmart will reward you with the Rising Storm Rune and the probably-related 'Storm of Urfael,' which lets you go nuts with unlimited executions in combat. Opting for Steam will earn the Orc Slayer Rune, which makes special moves against Captains a bit more painful. Best Buy orders will get the Flame of Anor Rune, which rewards high combo counts by spontaneously igniting your sword. Lastly, GameStop has The Captain of the Witch character skin and the Hidden Blade Rune, which supplies more damage for stealth attacks against Captains.
One does not simply move up the Shadow of Mordor release date (but WB did)
Warner Bros. revealed it's moved Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor away from the October 7 madness, bringing the game forward to September 30 in North America and October 3 in the UK. According to a press release, Warner Bros is releasing the game earlier "based on hearing fans' excitement." It may also have something to do with the number of high-profile games releasing on the game's original street date of October 7. Dragon: Age Inquisition's already abandoned the October 7 ship for November, but the date's still home to the likes of Alien: Isolation, Driveclub and NBA 2K15.
Batman: Arkham Knight Red Hood DLC exclusive to GameStop
An exclusive batch of story mode DLC will be available for customers who pre-order Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Knight at GameStop, the retailer announced today. GameStop's "Red Hood Story Pack" DLC introduces Batman series vigilante Red Hood as a playable character, and features a number of exclusive single-player missions. GameStop pre-order buyers will also receive the Harley Quinn Story Pack, which bundles an additional playable character and four challenge maps. Today's DLC reveal follows up on GameStop's recent announcement that it would fund unique DLC for featured games. The Arkham series has a history of experimenting with retail- and platform-exclusive content; the PlayStation 3 version of Arkham Origins hosted exclusive Knightfall maps, and Arkham City's Catwoman DLC served as a retail-focused incentive to curb used game sales. Batman: Arkham Knight will hit the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC platforms in 2015. [Image: GameStop]
Take me to your theater - Space Invaders movie in works
Reminder: nothing from your childhood is safe from the clutches of the modern film industry. But just in case 2012's Battleship didn't already convince you of that, how about a movie based on Space Invaders? TheWrap reports that Warner Bros. has secured the rights to produce a film version of the 1978 arcade classic, and has already drawn in producers Akiva Goldsman, Joby Harold and Tory Tunnell. Goldsman is arguably the highest-profile name here, as he's already helped produce films like A Beautiful Mind. Then again, he is also credited as a producer on films like 1998's Lost in Space which ... well, it certainly was a movie. Moving pictures and everything. Other details regarding the production are currently lacking, but still, this news concerns us. After all, forget epic tales of wizards, halfling adventurers and/or other things you like, how will a cast and crew be able to condense the lore of Space Invaders into a single sitting? We don't envy you, Hollywood. [Image: Atari]
Holy cameo, Batman: Adam West as himself in Lego Batman 3
The official Lego Batman Twitter accounted posted the above image this week, while the San Diego Comic Con Lego Batman 3 panel features one Adam West as a special guest star. Furthermore, the Lego Batman account retweeted this mysterious message from the user @warhev: "Adam West plays himself in Lego Batman 3?! Day one purchase, lol!" But what could this riddle mean...? Lego Batman 3... if you take the L away from Lego, you get ego... or "I." I Batman 3... or, maybe... I'm Batman No. 3. The third Batman... would be Adam West. Ergo, Adam West must play himself in Lego Batman 3! Quick, to the Joymobile! Is the TV show's superheroic actor truly in Traveller's Tales' new Lego adventure? Find out this fall on all bat-channels, namely Xbox 360, Xbox One, Vita, PS3, PS4, PC, Wii U and 3DS. [Image: Warner Bros.]
Wassapugeddaw! Raiden revealed for Mortal Kombat X
Mortal Kombat series creator Ed Boon had a special treat for fans at this year's EVO event; the return of Raiden in Mortal Kombat X. According to an interview between Boon and IGN, the infamous thunder god will be screaming gibberish at his opponents in three distinct styles, tentatively being called "Displacer," "Storm Lord" and "Thunder God" respectively. Displacer style will focus heavily on teleportation, while Thunder God will empower Raiden's electrocution moveset. Storm Lord will help players control large portions of the stage, as it allows Raiden to set lightning ball traps which hang in the air and form a stream of lightning once two of them have been placed. You can see Raiden in action by checking out the trailer above, where he and Kotal Khan stare each other down before Raiden offers up this gem of a burn: "Thunder blots out the sun." Which isn't ... uh ... correct. Well, no one ever said he was the smartest god. [Image: Warner Bros.]
Golden freebies: Gotham City Impostors today, Guacamelee tomorrow
If you like the idea of wearing ridiculously extravagant costumes whilst beating up people, but don't have the money, lack of moral code or WWE career to support it, we're here for you with a friendly reminder: As part of Microsoft's Games with Gold service, Gotham City Impostors is free right now for Xbox Live Gold users. So go get already. The Xbox 360 multiplayer shooter is joined tomorrow by wrestle-former Guacamelee: Super Turbo Championship Edition on Xbox One, and between those two you'll get enough masks, spandex and wacky violence to sustain you right through to winter.
Batman: Arkham Origins 'Complete Edition' listed by Amazon Germany
You don't have to be the "World's Greatest Detective" to follow this trail: Amazon Germany has posted a listing for Batman: Arkham Origins "Complete Edition," a package which will supposedly combine Arkham Origins and all of its DLC into one box. The move, if accurate, isn't exactly unexpected; both Arkham Asylum and Arkham City received similar treatments when they re-released as Game of the Year editions. The Complete Edition - which has not been officially announced by Warner Bros. - is listed as coming to PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on August 21. [Image: Amazon/Warner Bros.]
Barely Related: Star Wars puts Harrison Ford in the hospital
So that was E3. The week was wild for everyone at Joystiq, but now it's time to take a step back and look at some news that isn't within the confines of the gaming industry. Cheers! Welcome to Barely Related, a conversational Friday Saturday column that presents the non-gaming news stories that we, the Joystiq staff, have been talking about over the past week. And no, we're not stopping our focus on industry and gaming news. Think of this as your casual weekly recap of interesting (and mostly geeky) news, presented just in time to fill your brain with things to discuss at all of those weekend shindigs. Grab a fresh drink, lean back in your armchair, and get ready to talk nerdy with us.
Seen@E3: Da-nanananananana Batmobile
Alright, this has to violate ... we don't know, at least 12 different health, fire safety and traffic laws. No wonder the villains in Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Knight are so angry with Gotham's Dark Knight: he's totally inconsiderate of where he parks his car! Sorry Bats, but we're gonna have to write you a ticket for, let's say $1,000. We know that's a lot, but hopefully it'll teach you a lesson: you either park your car in an approved space or live long enough to see yourself handed a parking violation. [Image: Joystiq]
Seen@E3: Who's next for Mortal Kombat X?
We're expecting to hear "Get over here!" a lot in Mortal Kombat X when it launches in 2015 for Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3 and PC. Be sure to catch a glimpse of the game in action courtesy of a gameplay trailer shown off during Sony's E3 2014 press conference.
PlayStation 4 hosts bonus Batman: Arkham Knight content
Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Knight will arrive on the PlayStation 4 with bonus Scarecrow missions in tow, Sony announced during its E3 conference. Sony confirmed that these missions are exclusive to its platform.
Mortal Kombat X announced [update: trailer, platforms]
Following retail leaks and a torrent of teases, Mortal Kombat X was officially announced this morning by Ed Boon, creative director of NetherRealm studios. It had previously leaked on retail sites for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC platforms for 2015. The ultra-violent fighting series had new life beat into it following Warner Bros. acquisition of the franchise in 2009, with the 2011 reboot a critical and financial success. Update: Warner Bros. confirms it's bringing Mortal Kombat X to PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC in 2015. The game will make its "first public appearance" at E3 next week. [Image: Warner Bros. Interactive]
'Mortal Kombat X' listed by Amazon UK
Amazon's UK storefront has posted listings of a "Mortal Kombat X" for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and PC platforms. The listings are void of description and imagery, but list Warner Bros. Interactive as publisher, and estimate a release date of 2015. Mortal Kombat series creator Ed Boon has been teasing something over the past few weeks, counting down days via images posted to his Twitter account. That countdown is set to end tomorrow, so we should know more soon. [Image: Warner Bros. Interactive]
Ed Boon teases new Mortal Kombat with decreasing subtlety
NetherRealm Studios creative director Ed Boon has been offering innocuous images seemingly suggesting a new Mortal Kombat game on the horizon for quite a while now, but with yesterday's appearance of a leaked promotional poster, the franchise co-creator has grown much less coy. The poster that appeared on Reddit features a mangled human spine, the familiar dragon's head logo of the Mortal Kombat series, and the phrase "Who's Next?" Though his earlier attempts at teasing fans were far more obscure - this photo of a car's bumper would be dull coming from anyone but Boon - Boon embraced the poster, borrowing that monochrome dragon's head for use as his Twitter icon and replacing his account's header image with that "Who's Next?" slogan. Following a host of questions from fans, Boon has apparently given up on his attempts to tease his Twitter followers. "I don't suppose there's anything I can do to make you think we still MIGHT be announcing Injustice 2 in #five days is there.....?" Boon later asked no one in particular. Assuming there is a new Mortal Kombat in the works, it seems quite likely that we'll hear all about it at the upcoming E3 conference, though Boon may spill the beans a bit early. That "MKX" bumper photograph was part of a slow countdown Boon had been updating on Twitter that is slated to hit zero on June 2. We'll keep a close eye on NetherRealm Studios, and report back on anything that might emerge. [Image: WBIE]
Shadow of Mordor forms a fellowship of gaming's acting talent
Warner Bros. revealed Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor brings together an array of gaming's most famous voices, including Troy Baker, Nolan North and Laura Bailey. Baker, who's featured in lead parts for The Last of Us, BioShock: Infinite and Infamous: Second Son, stars in the Lord of the Rings adventure as player character Talion. WB also unveiled veteran TV, film and game composer Garry Schyman as the man behind the game's music, following his award-winning score for BioShock: Infinite.
Batman: Arkham Knight trailer unleashes your greatest fears
Warner Bros. unleashed a new trailer for Batman: Arkham Knight today, and while it stretches our personal definition of "gameplay video," it does ramp up the drama in the Dark Knight's night-life. The video shows off Batman's new plated suit as well as developer Rocksteady's version of the Batmobile. It also gives Batman a closer look at his newest nemesis, the Arkham Knight. Batman: Arkham Knight was unveiled in March and is set one year after the events of Batman: Arkham City, in a section of Gotham said to be "five times larger" than that of Arkham City. The game's soundtrack is being composed by David Buckley and Nick Arundel, the former signing on after scoring Call of Duty: Ghosts. Kevin Conroy returns in Arkham Knight to voice Batman after Roger Craig Smith took on the role for WB Games Montreal's Batman: Arkham Origins. Arkham Knight is coming to Xbox One, PS4 and PC. [Image: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]
Dying Light launch date fades to February 2015
Dying Light, the zombie horror game from Dead Island studio Techland, has been delayed to February 2015 so the team can finalize its initial vision of the game. "We believe the Natural Movement element of our game will change what you expect from the genre, and we don't want to sacrifice any of its potential by releasing too early," Techland says in a press release. "This quality-focused thinking underlines all our development choices and we hope you share our belief that the gameplay must always come first. The new date ensures that we can fully realize our vision of an innovative open-world game." Techland promises more news at E3. Dying Light was previously due out on March 31 for PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. It's published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. [Image: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment]
