'Mortal Kombat X': Raiden Variation Gameplay Video; Kano Confirmed

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Following the success of NetherRealm Studio's DC fighting title Injustice: Gods Among Us, there was some debate as to which franchise the Mortal Kombat developer would choose to work on next. Prior to E3 2014, NetherRealm founder Ed Boon began teasing the studio's next project in a mysterious countdown - which ultimately coincided with the reveal of Mortal Kombat X. Arriving on next-gen (and possibly current-gen) consoles, Mortal Kombat X serves as a further evolution of the mega-successful 2011 quasi-series reboot Mortal Kombat (aka Mortal Kombat 9).

Mortal Kombat 9 ditched the 3D arena brawler gameplay that had dominated the MK series for over a decade - in favor of a more traditional 2D fighting experience. However, just because Mortal Kombat 9 took the series back to its roots doesn't mean the game failed to iterate on its formula - including a number of unique features (most notably X-Ray super moves). Now, as the developer prepares to unleash Mortal Kombat X on the gaming industry, NetherRealm Studios is once again attempting to balance fresh ideas with series staples.

In a pair of reports (one official, the other an early leak), we've received new details on what players can expect from Mortal Kombat X.

In an official press release, NetherRealm has provided fans with a new gameplay video (at the top of the page) of Raiden in action. The video is hosted by Boon - who walks players through Raiden's three different play styles.

Mortal Kombat X Raiden Variations Trailer

When it was first revealed that each MKX character would be provided with specific variations for combat, a lot of gamers assumed that NetherRealm was merely retreading ideas from earlier 3D MK titles - where players could switch to a weapon mode or alternate fighting style. In those prior games, swapping combat styles could be done on the fly in match - and opened up an entirely separate set of combo and attack controls. However, as evidenced in video, the new variation option works more like a perk system. Players lock in their selection during the character select screen - and instead of an entirely different fighting style, gamers are given a unique special move or ability as well as tweaked visual design.

In the case of Raiden, gamers can choose between the following variations:

Thunder God Raiden -- Enhances Raiden's lightning attacks.
Storm Lord Raiden - Gives Raiden the ability to create lightning traps.
Displacer Raiden - Raiden gains the ability to teleport to multiple attack zones.

Check out three new images below to find how each variation changes the appearance of Raiden's character model as well as further details on each respective bonus ability:

As a result of variation options, Mortal Kombat X will allow players slight customization over their selected fighter - empowering gamers to find the version of each character that suits individual play style while adding an element of unpredictability that should keep rival players on their toes. Additionally, the option might encourage gamers to experiment with a greater number of fighters in the Mortal Kombat X roster - as certain variations could open up new ways for players to utilize a character that wouldn't normally fit their preferred play style.

In addition to the video, an unofficial leak has also confirmed fan-favorite scoundrel Kano as a member of the Mortal Kombat X roster. Images of the character (fighting Kotal Kahn) appear in a yet-to-be released German gaming magazine and made their way online (via Twitter user WestCoastKilla).

Check out his Tweet and both images below:

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While Kano has not been included in every Mortal Kombat game to date, he's a classic Mortal Kombat fighter - and typically plays a central role in the game's storyline. Given that we already have confirmation of Sonya Blade and Johnny Cage's daughter in Mortal Kombat X, it shouldn't come as too big of a surprise to find out that Kano (Blade's arch nemesis on Earth) has also been included.

For now, we can only look at the leaked images and will have to wait for further details (likely at Gamescom 2014) regarding how Kano fits into the Mortal Kombat X storyline as well as what variations NetherRealm has included in his combat arsenal.