Mortal Kombat X gameplay trailer pulls no punches with graphic fatalities

Mortal Kombat, the graphic fighting game famed for its violent fatalities, is getting a tenth iteration for next-generation consoles. Officially revealed ahead of E3 by series creator Ed Boon, developers Netherrealm studios finally showed off the first gameplay trailer during Sony’s press conference.

WARNING – the trailer embedded below is extremely graphic, so only press play if you’re not afraid of gore!

The trailer revealed returning game mechanics such as Fatality finishing moves and X-Ray super moves, which retain the series’ trademark thirst for blood, as well as series stalwarts Skorpion and Sub Zero. The footage also revealed two new characters – a first for the series under Netherrealm’s control, although the company was responsible for bringing the non-existent rumoured character Skarlett to life in 2011’s Mortal Kombat 9.

Built on a more advanced version of the same Unreal Engine 3 technology that powered the previous MK game, and last year’s Injustice: Gods Among Us, Mortal Kombat X will include interactive scenery for the first time in the franchise. Unlike a similar feature in Injustice, however, players will finally be able to block interactive objects rather than be forced to avoid them. Many interactive elements won’t be used for offence, but to escape corner pressure or get a better position over your opponent.

Netherrealm has produced excellent story campaigns for its previous two fighting games, and Mortal Kombat X looks to carry on that tradition, with the initial reveal trailer seemingly focused on the rivalry between Skorpion and Sub Zero. Unlike the gameplay trailer, it’s also decidedly less graphic.

Mortal Kombat X is due to arrive on PS4 and Xbox One as well as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2015.