Mortal Kombat Kollection Gameplay Images

It's no exaggeration to say that the Mortal Kombat reboot (aka Mortal Kombat 9) was a major shot of adrenaline for the fan-favorite fighting franchise - and is already within striking distance of three million copies sold worldwide. In addition the game served as a marketing touchstone for director Kevin Tancharoen's Mortal Kombat: Legacy web series - as well as the backdrop for a potential feature film.

As a result, it was no surprise when NetherRealm Studios announced that they planned to capitalize on the renewed interest in the series by rereleasing the original 2D trilogy - Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat II, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 - as a digital download, the Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection, through PSN, XBLA, and PC. For a long time official release information was pretty thin but now Ed Boon and company have revealed exactly when the title will be available.

Not to be confused with the Mortal Kombat Kollection - a PlayStation 2 collection that contained MK titles Deception, Armageddon, and Shaolin Monks, we first heard about the Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection nearly a year ago when purported box-art from the title appeared online. Since then, it was made clear that the collection would be a download-only title for PSN, XBLA, and PC - running consumers a bargain $10.oo price (or 800 MSP).

However, the game's release date was estimated with a vague "Summer 2011" window - but, thanks to an official announcement from Other Ocean (the developer responsible for the port) and NeatherRealm, we now know the title will hit digital stores on August 31st.

Mortak Kombat Arcade Kollection

Originally, it was believed the titles would receive an HD upgrade of sorts - but, as more information has become available, it's become increasingly clear that Other Ocean is aiming for an arcade-perfect look to the game (i.e. not HD) - with modern additions, such as online matches, global leaderboards, and trophy/achievement support.

Both Mortal Kombat II and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 have, at one time or another, been available for digital download. Midway's 2010 bankruptcy undercut digital agreements and Warner Bros. and, as a result, purchased rights to the remaining MK titles.

Also, just in case you've forgotten how exciting Mortal Kombat home releases used to be, check out the infamous "Mortal Monday" commercial below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8V7TwlYCt0

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Mortal Kombat Arcade Kollection will release August 31st on PSN, XBLA, and PC.