GDC 2011: Nether Realm Studios Talks 'Mortal Kombat' | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Mortal Kombat is returning to its original roots, combining elements from the first three games and delivering stunning graphics and mature content.

Key Insights

• 👋 Mortal Kombat is going back to its roots, incorporating the best elements from the first three games.
• 😤 The team behind the game collaboratively creates the gruesome fatalities, ensuring they are well-executed and visually appealing.
• 🎮 The roster of characters is extensive, giving players a chance to play as their favorites from the earlier games.
• 🤞 The Challenge Tower offers a significant amount of additional content, including various challenges and the new "test your luck" feature.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did the developers come up with the gruesome fatalities?

The fatalities begin as thumbnail sketches created by Ed or the designers, and then the team collaboratively refines them with the involvement of cinematics artists and animators. They select the best ideas and work on them until they achieve the desired outcome.

Q: Which are some of the favorite characters in Mortal Kombat?

While the associate producer mentions that Subzero was his personal favorite, the game showcases Noob Saibot, Kano, and many other characters. The roster is deep, giving players a chance to find their favorite character from the earlier games.

Q: What can players expect from the Challenge Tower in Mortal Kombat?

The Challenge Tower offers 300 unique challenges, providing players with around 8 to 10 hours of gameplay. It includes returning favorites like "test your might" and introduces "test your luck," a new feature with random modifiers that keep the combat interesting and offer replayability.

Q: Why is Mortal Kombat returning to an M rating?

The return to the M rating allows Mortal Kombat to deliver the infamous, over-the-top fatalities that fans love. The previous game, Mortal Kombat versus DC Universe, had a T rating, which limited the developers in showcasing these finishing moves.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Mortal Kombat brings back the best elements from the first three games, with fully rendered 3D environments and the return of mature presentation.

• The game features gruesome fatalities, which are created through collaborative efforts involving designers, cinematics artists, and animators.

• The roster of characters in Mortal Kombat is extensive, allowing players to enjoy their favorite characters from the previous games.