Earlier this week, four European game retailers (gamemania.be, ShopTo.net, vanstockum.nl & bol.com) all listed a Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection game for pre-order with a release date of November 2010 for the PlayStation 3. One store even noted that the mystery game will come with a demo for Mortal Kombat (2011). 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 Warner Bros. 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.

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

Unlike Capcom's Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix, which required new character drawings, remaking Mortal Kombat in high definition is not as easy. In order to properly recreate the series in HD, Warner Bros. 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, Warner Bros. has hired new actors for the various roles and have been busy capturing them over the past few months at a Warner Bros. Studio in Los Angeles. TRMK 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 Mortal Kombat 1 over on Daniel Pesina's YouTube account. 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 chroma key. Obviously, a reshoot would be necessary in order to get a proper High Definition worthy image of the characters for an updated Mortal Kombat 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 Mortal Kombat HD Kollection is only for the PlayStation 3 unless some really good exclusivity deal was reached with Sony, as currently fighting games for both systems sell fairly well unlike the previous generation of consoles which favored the PlayStation 2.

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

There is still a lot we do not know, but with Gamescom this week and PAX Prime at the end of the month, we might get lucky and know a lot more sooner than we think!

Update 9/8/2010: More evidence surfaces for the MK HD Arcade Kollection.

I wonder if it will actually look any good? Oh well let's wait and see!

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?

Oh I can't wait to rent it! I hope it'll also have a demo of MK 2011.

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
Anything else people want to see?

Are we being watched? 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.

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.

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.

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
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?

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.

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!

Originally Posted by : IJohnnyIICageI
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.

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.

Originally Posted by : Tim Static
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.

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.

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

I'm open for play testing 24/7.

Originally Posted by : Tim Static
2. A new MK made in the future with this direction.

I second this and frankly wouldn't mind if they made a polygon-based remake/sequel like Nintendo did with NSMB.

Originally Posted by : Fayte
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

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: 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.

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
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..

True. But i really wish all on the list happens. It would be amazing and deff would bring back the memory`s i had about hidden things when i was a kid.

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
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.

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.

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
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: 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.

Hmmm... Pretty interesting.

what are the differences between MK9 and this? cept for 3D graphics.....

i still dont see how they are gonna do this differnt actors will move differently, drasticly changing the gameplay is ed gonna release stages and fighters from mk 9 or mkhd 2morrow?

Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
- Save the status of or auto-unlock the three hidden characters in UMK3.

Or even better, get rid of that altogether. That shit's archaic (no arcades, internet) and everyone's played with the characters, so just get rid of it.

Originally Posted by : Fayte
what are the differences between MK9 and this? cept for 3D graphics.....

Are you blind? The gameplay on MK9 is extremely different.

Originally Posted by : Eks
Are you blind? The gameplay on MK9 is extremely different.

no use telling me without an explaination son....

Originally Posted by : Fayte
no use telling me without an explaination son....

Read the second sentence.

Originally Posted by : Eks
Are we being watched? 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.

If you think that game is a bore, you're not playing right. Yeah it's slow, but I can still do some nifty combo's to you if you wanna throw down son lol

Originally Posted by : Fayte
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

No, it really won't. Because... 1) They're not changing the story in the collection like they are in MK9. 2) It's not like this is going to be a graphically amazing game like MK9, just updated graphics. 3) There won't be any chance of ANY new characters whether by first release or DLC, as well as anything of that sort. This will only help fuel the release of MK9 as it will give us a taste, but not the whole pie. It'll make us remember how amazing these games were, and make us want to see it in 3D, as well as see the new fatalities. There's nothing about the Collection that can hurt the release of MK9.

I know this is going to make me seem like the odd one out, but I'm having a very hard time believing that WB, or anyone for that matter, would invest this much time and resources into a few old Mk games in order to compile them into a budget-priced package. I just don't see how they would think that there's that much money to be made with this project and the whole idea just seems like an MK fan's fantasy. I will believe it when I see it (and I really hope I do, because I would buy it in a heartbeat).

SSFIIHD Remix was a success along with SFIV. Am pretty sure Backbone will do a fine job. Lets hope for the best. The HD graphics will be much more appreciated and seen if the overall games would be improved. The very first experiment turned fine. I believe that MK has as much fans and hardcore players as SF.

This will, of course, be a day one purchase for me. I buy every MK game, multiple times if necessary. And technically I've never owned a stand-alone copy of MK1 or MK2. I rented them back in the day.

I'll rent this once it comes out for the PS3. I've also read that it might come out in November. The month of my B-Day. lol

Lol how do you rent an Arcade download which is most likely what it's going to be

Originally Posted by : Sub-Zero
No, it really won't. Because... 1) They're not changing the story in the collection like they are in MK9. 2) It's not like this is going to be a graphically amazing game like MK9, just updated graphics. 3) There won't be any chance of ANY new characters whether by first release or DLC, as well as anything of that sort. This will only help fuel the release of MK9 as it will give us a taste, but not the whole pie. It'll make us remember how amazing these games were, and make us want to see it in 3D, as well as see the new fatalities. There's nothing about the Collection that can hurt the release of MK9.

not enough differences IMO to warrant getting both

Originally Posted by : Veyga
Lol how do you rent an Arcade download which is most likely what it's going to be

Oh will it? Well, if it's a CD and they have it at Blockbuster, then I'll rent it. If not, then I won't play it unless I'm able to buy it (most likely when I have my own PS3).

Check what Daniel Pesina just wrote in a comment of his MK1 youtube videos :

Check this link : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80fF806yURk WOOOOOOOOOWWWW

Oh man, I can't wait!! I do not care if this cost $60 I will buy it just for the MK 2011 demo. :D

Can anyone repost what Daniel said on the YT page? The comment has since been removed. Thanks!

Yeah I'm hoping they include the demo, either way I'm buying this and I'm going to enjoy playing this stuff in an updated system.

Originally Posted by : Veyga
Lol how do you rent an Arcade download which is most likely what it's going to be

Retailers don't sell PSN/XBLA games to my knowledge.

I dont understand how you can preorder MK(2011), but game stop doesnt have this in their system and its supposed to come out first. howis that possible?

Originally Posted by : reptilesmile
I dont understand how you can preorder MK(2011), but game stop doesnt have this in their system and its supposed to come out first. howis that possible?

Mainly because this hasn't been "officially" announced, but the new MK has. If you're wondering how this will be finished first, Pat has suggested that they're gonna do the same with this that they did for SSF2 HD - emulate the gameplay, but switch the sprites with HD versions. If that's the case, half of the work is already finished.

Originally Posted by : Eks
Retailers don't sell PSN/XBLA games to my knowledge.

you can still buy point cards in retail stores, even gas stations. but now at Gamestop, for select games and DLC, you can buy them directly and the code will print out on your receipt to use online. dont know if ALL GS's do it, but mine does now.

Originally Posted by : reptilesmile
I dont understand how you can preorder MK(2011), but game stop doesnt have this in their system and its supposed to come out first. howis that possible?

its a place holder. they will take pre-orders as soon as they can confirm a games release, as in the game is in production and has been officially announced. the date they have for MK9 is either March 1st or 2nd of 2011, so they dont even know exactly when yet. but its never too early to pre-order something you'll know you'll buy. Start paying a lil now so that you can pay it off before it comes out and wont have to cough up the $60 all at once.

It's never too soon to get people to give you money, either.

yea i was thinking if they use the same engine/code and just replace sprites and make some resolution adjusment. lik eediting in mugen wonder if thats what they'll do

I just hope that doesn't mess with stuff like Cage's nut punch, jump over deep high kick, shadow kick combo or anything like that. I'd hate to have to learn that game all over again haha

Originally Posted by : Eks
It's never too soon to get people to give you money, either.

yea exactly

Originally Posted by : Eks
Retailers don't sell PSN/XBLA games to my knowledge.

It could be like what Gamestop did with Marvel vs Capcom 2 when it came out on the PSN. They sold a PS3 Blu Ray case with a little voucher in it.

FAKE

About time some Belgian (gamemania.be) input was made in the MK rumor/news universe !!! As we are farther away from the source of MK (USA), I find it cool one of our gaming stores listed the HD collection... Hope they launch it...

Originally Posted by : Tim Static
FAKE

if this was the final result i'd be more than happy, though the sprites look hand drawn rather than actors

That's too awesome for words. Also it just proves my point that the old school MKII cloth ninja outfits could look really kick ass if done right.

Here is another fake mockup that was well done. Sadly they used a 3D background instead of using an updated MK2 HD background, which I would very much assume we'll see the update do. They will just update the existing art to make it nice and pretty in HD, but still appear to be the old game we grew up loving oh so long ago. The characters and the HUD is close to what I'd imagine the update would look like, just a much crisper presentation.

howd they get that kitana pic

Originally Posted by : reptilesmile
howd they get that kitana pic

Some people have a lot of time and talent on their hands and waste it making things like that to get people excited.

this is great news!! so if MK9s gameplay sucks then we can just play UMK3 in HD Online!!

Originally Posted by : Tim Static
FAKE

This looks awesome, I wish it could be like this, I'd even invest time in MK1 again if they can make it look like that

Originally Posted by : keanburke
This looks awesome, I wish it could be like this, I'd even invest time in MK1 again if they can make it look like that

I really think its gonna look better to be honest. we'll see, but they have the ability to make the game look A LOT better than some kids PS job lol and good seeing you on the MK forums again bro. how've you been?

Originally Posted by : Fayte
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

well said, all i wanted in MK9 was UMK3 gameplay on todays platform, but id much rather have and updated 2d MK, infact im wondering now - if MK9 is a fan service to 1+2+3 why didnt they do it in this way? with real people acting out the moves, it makes more sence! ether way ill just get both, at least 1 of them has to be good!

MK9 is "partly" a fan service, but they're supposed to be trying to make it technical (like UMK3) but accessible to casual gamers. That's kind of an oxymoron, tho. I'm beginning to think the "fan service" stuff is more of a marketing ploy than an actual goal. I still think a lot of MK2 fans will enjoy MK9, tho. As far as "acting out the moves", that's pretty standard, only they use 3D models with motion capture to give the characters more life-like animations.

Originally Posted by : Tim Static
I really think its gonna look better to be honest. we'll see, but they have the ability to make the game look A LOT better than some kids PS job lol and good seeing you on the MK forums again bro. how've you been?

I hope you are right, because when I heard the were making ssf2hdr i didnt think it was going to look like that, I just want to see a clean and crisp mk1, 2, 3. You guys know if it's Mk1, 2,3 or mk1, mk2, umk3 or Mk1, mk2, MKT? I hope it's MKT or UMK3. And yeah Static, I've been coming to this site since about 1998 or 1999 just never joined. I've been playing MK since about 1992 or 1993 so yeah I'm a hardcore MK player. That's up until the newer games, anything after MK4, I didnt go for.

Originally Posted by : keanburke
I hope you are right, because when I heard the were making ssf2hdr i didnt think it was going to look like that, I just want to see a clean and crisp mk1, 2, 3. You guys know if it's Mk1, 2,3 or mk1, mk2, umk3 or Mk1, mk2, MKT? I hope it's MKT or UMK3.

Its gonna be MK1, MK2 & UMK3. With this tho, a MKT HDr wouldnt be needed imo. Or it would have to be one or the other. The 3 games or just MKT lol

Originally Posted by : keanburke
And yeah Static, I've been coming to this site since about 1998 or 1999 just never joined. I've been playing MK since about 1992 or 1993 so yeah I'm a hardcore MK player. That's up until the newer games, anything after MK4, I didnt go for.

yea me too. I was using this site for fatality sheets back when UMK3 was in the arcades. I know i signed up through the site sometime back then, not exactly sure when but I dont even remember what my tag would have been anyways. But UMK.com's forums are open again. see you around bro.

I am excited about the release of this game.

dog. that is freaking awesome. i like how freaky raiden looks. i almost believed this too. the jean claude vd brought me straight back to reality though. lol

Day one BUY for me!!