Warner Bros. announces new, 2D Mortal Kombat for Xbox 360, PS3 @ Gaming Target

Written by Matt Swider on June 10, 2010

News: But we have to wait for it to release in 2011.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is finally bringing Mortal Kombat back to gaming consoles after acquiring the rights from its now defunct publisher.

Calling it "the most brutal installment of the landmark fighting game to date for release on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360," the game won't release until 2011. Simply titled Mortal Kombat, the game is being developed by the newly re-named NetherRealm Studios, led by Mortal Kombat creator and creative director Ed Boon.

The newest chapter of the iconic fight franchise marks a triumphant return to the series' mature presentation and a reinvention of its classic 2D fighting mechanic. Driven by an all new graphics engine, the fan favorite Fatality is back and presented in more gory detail than ever before. In addition, Mortal Kombat introduces a number of new game-play features including tag team and the deepest story mode of any fighting game. Players can choose from an extensive lineup of the game's iconic warriors and challenge their friends in traditional 1 vs. 1 matches, or take on several new game modes.

УWe are bringing the Mortal Kombat franchise back to gamers with the talented NetherRealm Studios team creating the game fans long to play,Ф said Martin Tremblay, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. УRe-establishing the brand with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Mortal Kombat innovates on past games while staying true to the brand's legendary characters and fighting style.Ф

УWe can't wait for players to get their hands on Mortal Kombat,Ф said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios. УThis game really is a response to what players have been demanding: mature presentation, reinvented 2D fighting mechanic and the best, most gruesome fatalities ever!Ф

Warner Bros. has released an announcement trailer to go along with this news (which we'll have up shortly) that confirms over a half dozen kombatants for the game. They include:

Johnny Cage

Kung Lao

Mileena

Nightwolf

Raiden

Reptile

Sektor

Shao Khan

Sub-Zero

The only question is, where's Scorpion? The trailer also includes The Pit, The Dead Pool and a Sam Raimi-esque "Fatality Cam."

We'll have more on Mortal Kombat very soon.

UPDATE: Here's the trailer, in all its gory glory: