Mortal Kombat HD Kollection Confirmed In Development

Patrick McCarron

Patrick McCarron

TRMK Admin, Co-founder
Staff member
<a href="http://www.trmk.org/images/mk2_hd_scale.jpg" target="mk2hd" style="float:right;margin:5px;"><img class="newslink" src="http://www.trmk.org/images/mk2_hd_scale_sm.jpg" /></a>Earlier this week, four European game retailers (<a href="http://gamemania.be">gamemania.be</a>, <a href="http://ShopTo.net">ShopTo.net</a>, <a href="http://vanstockum.nl">vanstockum.nl</a> & <a href="http://bol.com">bol.com</a>) all listed a <b>Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection</b> game for pre-order with a release date of <b>November 2010</b> for the <b>PlayStation 3</b>. One store even noted that the mystery game will come with a demo for <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011/">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a>. Most of the stores have since removed their listings soon after posting them, but the timing of their listings likely means they were informed of the game was coming before <b>Warner Bros.</b> was ready to announce it.

Was it too much of a coincidence that multiple stores posted the same game, only moments later to have it removed? It appears not.

<b>TRMK</b> has independently confirmed with multiple industry sources that <i>a <b>high definition Mortal Kombat arcade</b> update is indeed currently in development</i>. <b>Mortal Kombat HD Kollection</b> will be a <B>2D Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection (MK1, MK2 and UMK3)</b> featuring all-new <b>high resolution in game graphics</b> - not simply upscaled graphics, but sharp, crisp, awesome-looking <b>High Definition graphics</b>.

Unlike <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Street_Fighter_II_Turbo_HD_Remix#Development">Capcom's Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix</a>, which required new character drawings, remaking <b>Mortal Kombat</b> in high definition is not as easy. In order to properly recreate the series in HD, <b>Warner Bros.</b> needed to film actors performing the moves like they originally did 20 years ago, just now with better high-definition cameras. Resorting to hand-drawn characters, or using 3D models in place of real actors would just not look right and cause many fans to revolt. However, things are not as simple as that. Since the previous actors are now 20 years older and - in most cases - wouldn't look to be the right age in high definition, <b>Warner Bros.</b> has hired new actors for the various roles and have been busy capturing them over the past few months at a <b>Warner Bros. Studio</b> in <b>Los Angeles</b>. <b>TRMK</b> has also heard that some of the original cast is involved in the filming in some capacity as well.

For an example of the quality of the original captures, take a look at the recently released raw footage from <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_1">Mortal Kombat 1</a> over on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/wushucoach">Daniel Pesina's YouTube account</a>. Clearly back then, the camera used was not of the highest quality. Also, many of the filming sessions were not shot in front of a blue/green screen for easy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chroma_key">chroma key</a>. Obviously, a reshoot would be necessary in order to get a proper High Definition worthy image of the characters for an updated <b>Mortal Kombat</b> game.

Since we know the filming was taking place as recently as earlier this month, the latest rumors placing it's release to be before Christmas is questionable. While it is possible, the rumored release is fairly unlikely unless the replacement of the character sprites is one of the final steps left in development. It just seems too close to be possible given time needed for testing, certification, etc. We also doubt that <b>Mortal Kombat HD Kollection</b> is only for the <b>PlayStation 3</b> unless some really good exclusivity deal was reached with <b>Sony</b>, as currently fighting games for both systems sell fairly well unlike the previous generation of consoles which favored the <b>PlayStation 2</b>.

Finally, we are not entirely sure who is the developer of this "Kollection", as the main staff at <a href="http://www.netherrealm.com">NetherRealm Studios</a> is busy with <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2011">Mortal Kombat (2011)</a>. Our guess is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backbone_Entertainment">Backbone Entertainment</a>, the developers behind the downloadable ports of <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/mortal_kombat_2">Mortal Kombat II</a> and <a href="http://www.trmk.org/games/ultimate_mortal_kombat_3">Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3</a>. <b>Backbone</b> also were responsible for <b>Capcom's</b> HD "remixes" of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Puzzle_Fighter_II_Turbo#Super_Puzzle_Fighter_II_Turbo_HD_Remix">Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo</a> and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Street_Fighter_II_Turbo_HD_Remix">Super Street Fighter II Turbo</a>. Since we do know for sure that the filming took place in <b>Los Angeles</b>, we're not 100% sure that <b>Backbone Entertainment</b> is involved as they are located closer to <b>San Francisco, CA</b>. We can also assume that the original artists still on board at <a href="http://www.netherrealm.com">NetherRealm Studios</a> would be involved in the art updating process as well. However, we still feel like <b>Backbone</b> is the best fit for programming duties due to their history with the classic <b>Mortal Kombat</b> franchise and "HD remix" track record.

There is still a lot we do not know, but with <a href="http://www.gamescom.de/">Gamescom</a> this week and <a href="http://www.paxsite.com/">PAX Prime</a> at the end of the month, we might get lucky and know a lot more sooner than we think!

<b>Update 9/8/2010: </b> <a href="http://www.trmk.org/news/13144/more_mortal_kombat_hd_arcade_kollection_evidence_surfaces.html">More evidence surfaces</a> for the MK HD Arcade Kollection.
 
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sounds good and i know the "announced release date" is november 2010 but 3 games are too much to have them done in that short time.
i bet for a 20 anniversary edition ;)
 
I've compiled a wish list from various fans so far:
- Fully Configurable Buttons for Joystick users
- Full Achievement/Trophy support
- Keep close to original costumes.
- Extra behind the scenes bonus materials

Anything else people want to see?
 
Patrick McCarron said:
Anything else people want to see?
Click to expand...
Are we being watched? :o

Unless they update the gameplay for MK1, it's gonna be a wasted effort. (It's an absolute bore to play nowadays.) Perhaps make it look like MK1 but play more like MK2? I don't see myself playing MK2 much, but I definitely won't mind, IF IT'S DONE RIGHT. For UMK3, especially online, gameplay could be improved, but again, this is precarious unless done just right. (Perhaps the ninjas will actually get that missing sweep sprite, too?)

I wonder if they're redoing the audio, too. Most of the audio is iconic (especially on MK2 and Steve Richie is perfect for Shao Khan), so I hope they don't mess with it too much. Some new music and ambient/stage sounds might not hurt.

Some of the UMK3 finishers (namely animalities) could be completely replaced, but then most of the MK2 finishers are awesome. I don't want them to start replacing entire fatalities, but I hope they get rid of the unrealistic stuff (extra parts) and improve the gore for them. I would like to see the ninjas have separate friendships, too. But I guess most of this is an obvious upgrade.

And if anyone IS watching us, I'd be more than happy to help get this thing finished. I'm about to finish schooling for this exact kind of stuff, so this would be extremely gratifying for a number of reasons. :biggrin:
 
Thanks Pat. Exciting news no doubt, albeit it's possible that they'll be adaptations of the old games in HD if the hit boxes and speed are different.

I'm curious about the backgrounds and audio. I suppose the former is possible to re-do in HD, particularly UMK3 since they used 3D rendering software, but MK1's audio is the big question. The music will naturally be redone ala MKD's courtyard so hopefully everything will remain as faithful as possible.
 
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I do want to see ninjas with similar yet different outfits, not palet swaps


and SFHD played way different than its original imo

i think we should expect a game that looks like the old ones, but i bet it will playt differently, which is ok, i mean we have the old games already

some of us have the cabs
 
SSFIIT HD has both a revised mode and an original mode that was identical to the arcade with both HD sprites or the original low res ones.
 
this is gunna ruin MK9 ppl.....

People who essentially wanted a updated version of the classic games will just pick this up instead of MK9 , this will reignite Nostalgia not MK9, MK9 is basicaly just a 3D Version of this game with the same chars and backgrounds dnt really see the point in it. I dnt see many casuals picking up both games this will definitely affect MK9 sales overall
 
This is pretty mind-blowing. I never would have thought they'd attempt to redo the graphics, character sprites and all, in HD. This could be either really awesome or really awful, but either way, I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Backbone is probably the best choice for doing this, I'll definitely agree with that.
 
Patrick McCarron said:
I've compiled a wish list from various fans so far:
- Fully Configurable Buttons for Joystick users
- Full Achievement/Trophy support
- Keep close to original costumes.
- Extra behind the scenes bonus materials

Anything else people want to see?
Click to expand...

Those`s plus These`s

- Intros to fights.
- Deeper detail on classic arenas.
- Classic music from MK 1,2,3.
- New and hidden arenas.
- New hidden characters.
- Hidden fatality's.
- Everyone has there own fighting stances and outfit`s.
 
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Should be great but i really do hope for 2 things:

1. Team MK reach out to the great players who play these classics to help rebuilt them, and correct issues with those games.

2. A new MK made in the future with this direction.

While i've known about this for awhile, this is so ****ing awesome!
 
IJohnnyIICageI said:
Those`s plus These`s

- Intros to fights.
- New and hidden arenas.
- New hidden characters.
- Hidden fatality's.
- Everyone has there own fighting stances and outfit`s.
Click to expand...

You wont see stuff like that, as this is just an HD revamp and not a reprogramming of the game. I really doubt you'll see major changes.


Tim Static said:
1. Team MK reach out to the great players who play these classics to help rebuilt them, and correct issues with those games.
2. A new MK made in the future with this direction.
Click to expand...

1. I think this would be interesting if they wanted to do an improved "REMIX" mode where they fix glitches in the old game. Not sure if this is that ambitious though with MK9 coming. I think it's best left alone personally.
2. I don't see it, updating a few frames of an old game is one thing. But to get a solid 60fps game all in 2D I think you'll never see that as seeing games done like that it doesn't look right motion wise. I'm hoping this project looks better.

As far as this ruining MK (2011), this is just MK1-3 and just an HD remix. MK 2011 is a whole new game not a rehashed arcade game.
 
Fayte said:
this is gunna ruin MK9 ppl.....

People who essentially wanted a updated version of the classic games will just pick this up instead of MK9 , this will reignite Nostalgia not MK9, MK9 is basicaly just a 3D Version of this game with the same chars and backgrounds dnt really see the point in it. I dnt see many casuals picking up both games this will definitely affect MK9 sales overall
Click to expand...
I very much doubt that, even more so because it includes a demo of MK9. This collection will mainly be bought be hardcore fans, no doubt about that. Most of those are fans who would buy MK9 anyway, and if they wouldn't they might want to when they play the demo!
'Nuff said! XD
 
Also keep in mind, we at TRMK don't know if the game includes a playable demo of MK9. That was just listed there and we've heard no such information ourselves. We only know for sure they were doing filming in LA for the game recently (before the leaks on retailer sites began).

MK (2011) will benefit from the hype of this MK HD collection if it arrives before MK (2011) does. We are assuming at this point WB Games is trying to parallel the moves done by Capcom with SF HD Remix and SFIV. It raised awareness and interests in the titles.

Also shinnox on Twitter posted this great concept art to show what could be possible:

wi7ehd.jpg


Created by a Mugen fan named Lightsource, @Shinnox on Twitter will be posting a full resolution image later.

Also remembered another bug that could be fixed.

- Save the status of or auto-unlock the three hidden characters in UMK3.
 
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Patrick McCarron said:
But to get a solid 60fps game all in 2D I think you'll never see that as seeing games done like that it doesn't look right motion wise.
Click to expand...

The old games already run at 60fps, barring some of the slowdown present in MK1. Not really an animation issue, just control responsiveness is best at that rate. It wouldn't really matter if the animation is improved or not, but throwing in additional frames just so they'll look better can change the game.

I'm with you though on the nature of the games. A mere graphical overhaul is more than enough, and will keep costs down. SSFIIT HDR went over budget and was delayed numerously, and for a single game, it wasn't that cheap. We've got 3 games here after all.
 
Patrick McCarron said:
Also keep in mind, we at TRMK don't know if the game includes a playable demo of MK9. That was just listed there and we've heard no such information ourselves. We only know for sure they were doing filming in LA for the game recently (before the leaks on retailer sites began).

MK (2011) will benefit from the hype of this MK HD collection if it arrives before MK (2011) does. We are assuming at this point WB Games is trying to parallel the moves done by Capcom with SF HD Remix and SFIV. It raised awareness and interests in the titles.

Also shinnox on Twitter posted this great concept art to show what could be possible:

wi7ehd.jpg


Created by a Mugen fan named Lightsource, @Shinnox on Twitter will be posting a full resolution image later.

Also remembered another bug that could be fixed.

- Save the status of or auto-unlock the three hidden characters in UMK3.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... Pretty interesting.
 
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