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Tag Archives: mortal kombat

Fun Things

New Funko Mortal Kombat 11 Figures Celebrate Iconic Fatalities

Posted on by Owen

The Mortal Kombat series, which began thrilling arcade-goers in 1992, has always been known for its intense combat and unforgettable finishing moves. Now, Funko is honouring the legacy of Mortal Kombat 11 with a new line of Pop! figures that showcase the game’s signature Fatalities. Fans who remember the franchise’s early days on classic consoles will recognise the gritty charm that made Mortal Kombat a sensation in the 16-bit era. The new Funko models are due for release on the 16th May and pre-orders are open @ Amazon.

Credit: Funko

These new Funko designs emphasise the vivid details of each character’s finishing manoeuvre. Collectors can expect Scorpion in a mid-attack pose, Sub-Zero with icy effects, and other favourites sporting their distinctive Fatality styles. It’s a clear nod to the franchise’s origins, when digitised actors and controversial violence caught the attention of gamers and parents alike. Despite evolving graphics and modern platforms, Mortal Kombat has retained its essential gameplay and flair, making these figures all the more appealing to those who value both nostalgia and contemporary collectibles.

Get Over Here / Credit: Funko

With over three decades in the spotlight, Mortal Kombat continues to entertain generations of players with its dynamic battles and storylines. This fresh wave of Funko figures reflects that enduring appeal, bridging the gap between seasoned arcade veterans and newcomers who discovered the series via the latest consoles. By combining classic Fatalities with contemporary Pop! artistry, Funko has created a fitting tribute to one of gaming’s most influential fighting franchises.

Kung Lao Exclusive – Credit: Funko Pop

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, made to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack—it’s delivered to your inbox every Monday! Interestingly, the original Mortal Kombat introduced digitised sprites using real actors, an innovation that set it apart from other fighters of its era.

Arcade, Modern Retro Games, Nintendo, Sega

Acclaim: The Return of a Retro Giant in 2025

Posted on by Owen

Acclaim, once a powerhouse of 1980s and 1990s gaming, has officially returned to the spotlight under the leadership of new CEO Alex Josef. Industry reports suggest that this revival will focus on supporting independent developers and rekindling beloved classic franchises. For gamers who remember Acclaim’s heyday, this news represents a new lease of life for titles that once defined console gaming.

This is what I’m hoping for…

In its original form, Acclaim was a major name in publishing and distributing on systems such as the NES, SNES, and Sega Genesis. Perhaps best known for its home-console versions of arcade hits like Mortal Kombat (under licence from Midway), Acclaim also boasted original ventures, including the dinosaur-hunting adventure Turok (which recently had a remaster including a few enhancements). During the 1990s, the company experimented with an array of genres—from sports titles, such as All-Star Baseball and NBA Jamcollaborations, to action-heavy adaptations like WWF WrestleMania. While arcade conversions made Acclaim a household name, the publisher proved it could excel at original games too, catering to varied gaming tastes.

By the early 2000s, Acclaim faced mounting financial pressures, leading to its eventual closure in 2004. The rights to certain properties were sold off, and for years, the once-distinctive Acclaim logo faded into industry memory. As of 2025, the brand’s re-emergence signals a determined effort to capitalise on rising nostalgia for classic games and new opportunities in the indie market. According to newly released statements, Acclaim’s strategy involves leveraging modern distribution platforms while also offering development support to small studios interested in working with legacy IPs. This might open doors for reimaginings of fondly remembered titles—an enticing prospect for enthusiasts of classic games who crave updates on storied franchises.

Historically, Acclaim’s success lay in its ability to bring arcade-quality gameplay to home systems, often bridging the gap between coin-op experiences and living room consoles. With the resurging interest in retro gaming and platforms like IOS now open for emulation and mini-consoles, the potential for revisiting Acclaim’s back catalogue is evident.

Now, under fresh leadership, the publisher is ready to make the most of today’s retro gaming resurgence. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Josef explained: “Acclaim’s legacy stretches back to a golden era for console gaming. We want to reinvigorate that legacy by partnering with indie studios that share our passion for timeless gameplay.” He also noted a commitment to modernising fan-favourite series: “Players remember the thrill of discovering Turok’s hidden levels or mastering combos in Mortal Kombat. We aim to harness that nostalgia while incorporating fresh ideas for contemporary audiences.”

Reportedly the company’s strategy involves offering developmental resources to smaller studios interested in working with legacy IPs, rather than simply re-releasing classic titles: “Our plan is to go beyond mere remasters. We’re looking at how to introduce new mechanics, deeper narratives, and polished visuals, but without losing that retro spark,” Josef said. Several key franchises—dormant for years—are set to be revisited, and there are hints of new projects inspired by the spirit of Acclaim’s original catalogue.

We are very excited to see what legendary franchises might get the remaster treatment in the coming months.

Keep your classic games safe with RetroShell, designed to protect your retro collection. For the latest updates on retro gaming, subscribe to our free Substack, delivered to your inbox every Monday!

Interestingly, Acclaim once produced motion-sensing game controllers in the 1990s, demonstrating an early foray into technology now commonplace in modern gaming peripherals.

Fun Things

Fighting Game Titans Street Fighter x Mortal Kombat Unite in Unprecedented Crossover Event

Posted on by Owen

A landmark collaboration is set to reshape the gaming landscape as three of the industry’s most celebrated franchises converge. Developers have today announced a crossover event that will merge the worlds of Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Fortnite, offering fans the opportunity to see their favourite fighters share a screen for the first time.

Credit: Fortnite

Epic Games has remained tight-lipped on the full scope, but a spokesperson hinted at the vision: “We’re bringing together these beloved universes to create something fresh yet respectful of their legacies. Expect gameplay that celebrates their histories while pushing what’s possible in Fortnite.” The crossover aligns with the season’s “Lawless” theme, featuring a criminal underworld aesthetic that complements the ninja personas of Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside Street Fighter’s martial arts icons.

The collaboration promises more than just skins. Leaks suggest limited-time challenges and possibly new points of interest tied to Mortal Kombat, enhancing the battle royale experience with nods to its brutal roots—albeit toned down for Fortnite’s broader audience. While a unified narrative remains speculative, the inclusion of such iconic characters hints at a loose storyline bridging these worlds, a tactic Fortnite has mastered with past crossovers like Marvel and Star Wars.

Analysts see this as a bold step in gaming’s evolution, merging the nostalgia of 1990s fighting games with today’s dominant battle royale format. “This is a landmark moment,” said Trent Murray, a veteran esports writer for Sports Illustrated. “It’s not just about skins—it’s about uniting communities across genres and generations.” The move reflects a growing trend of leveraging intellectual properties to create hybrid experiences, a strategy Epic has honed since Fortnite’s rise to cultural phenomenon status.

With the season now live as of February 21, 2025, excitement is palpable across gaming forums and social media. Posts on X highlight fans’ enthusiasm, with some calling it the closest they’ll get to a Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat showdown—a dream matchup long desired but never realized in a traditional fighting game. Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat’s co-creator, even acknowledged the crossover’s significance online, fuelling speculation about future additions like Mileena or Raiden.

This pioneering event not only celebrates decades of gaming heritage but also signals a future where cross-genre collaborations could become the norm. As players dive into Fortnite’s latest season, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash of titans—one that’s already shaping up to be a milestone in interactive entertainment.

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