Convention - PGW 2023 : Warner Bros. Games Wows Audiences with Mortal Kombat 1 and Hogwarts Legacy

By Mulder, Paris, Porte de Versailles, 31 october 2023

Paris Games Week 2023, one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of gaming, played host to Warner Bros. Games, and their booth was nothing short of a gaming extravaganza. The presence of this renowned publisher and developer left gaming enthusiasts and fans ecstatic as they unveiled two of their most eagerly awaited titles, Mortal Kombat 1 and Hogwarts Legacy.

Mortal Kombat 1 Redefines the Fighting Game Genre

The undisputed highlight for fans of the iconic Mortal Kombat series was the opportunity to experience a playable preview of Mortal Kombat 1. This much-anticipated release, the 12th main installment in the legendary franchise, promises to revolutionize the fighting game genre and elevate the beloved series to new heights.

Scheduled for release on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S on September 19, 2023, Mortal Kombat 1 is a testament to NetherRealm Studios' dedication to pushing the boundaries of storytelling within the fighting game genre. The game masterfully intertwines storytelling with combat mechanics, creating an immersive experience that captivates players from the very beginning.

The storyline of Mortal Kombat 1 is a testament to its narrative depth. It stands as both a reboot and a sequel, set in a new timeline crafted by Fire God Liu Kang. After a harrowing battle against Kronika and Shang Tsung, Liu Kang uses the power of Kronika's Hourglass to recreate the universe, establishing himself as Earthrealm's protector. In this freshly minted timeline, he brings together a diverse group of warriors to participate in the latest Mortal Kombat tournament, set in the foreboding realm of Outworld.

This narrative twist introduces players to a captivating world where alliances and rivalries are reimagined, offering a fresh perspective on characters who have long been a part of the Mortal Kombat universe. Liu Kang's newfound alliance, however, is met with formidable adversaries, including an alliance of two individuals trained by the enigmatic Titan Shang Tsung. This intriguing blend of the familiar and the unknown ensures that Mortal Kombat 1 remains engaging and unpredictable, even for seasoned fans.

Upon its release, Mortal Kombat 1 has received critical acclaim for its enthralling storyline and innovative gameplay features. Critics have lauded the game's storytelling, which seamlessly intertwines with the combat mechanics, creating an immersive and engaging experience for players. The game's narrative depth, which delves into the consequences of manipulating time, has been particularly well-received.

However, it is essential to note that not all versions of the game have received the same level of praise. The Nintendo Switch version has faced criticism for its graphics and technical issues, underscoring the challenges of optimizing the game for different platforms.

At the heart of Mortal Kombat 1 lies a range of innovative features that elevate the gameplay experience. One standout addition is the introduction of Kameo Fighters, a unique roster of partner characters designed to assist players during fights. These Kameo Fighters add an exciting layer of strategy, creating expanded gameplay possibilities for players. They can perform Summons and Ambushes, and each has their own set of Fatalities and Brutalities. The choice of a Kameo Fighter also influences the player's health, adding an additional dimension to the game's strategic depth.

Additionally, the cooperative Fatal Blows, which were first introduced in Mortal Kombat 11, return with a new twist. In Mortal Kombat 1, these special moves can only be triggered when a player's health drops below 30%, and they are performed as collaborative offensive moves between the player and their chosen Kameo Fighter. The visual spectacle of the Fatal Blows is enhanced with the reintroduction of the X-Ray effects seen in Mortal Kombat X.

Furthermore, the Air Kombat combo system, which was featured in both Mortal Kombat: Armageddon and the action spin-off Shaolin Monks, makes a return, adding another layer of complexity to the game's combat system.

Beyond the traditional single-player mode, Mortal Kombat 1 offers a plethora of gameplay options to cater to both solo players and those seeking multiplayer challenges. The return of the plot-driven Story Mode ensures that players can dive deep into the game's narrative, while the traditional Towers mode from previous titles provides hours of single-player entertainment.

One of the most exciting additions is the seasonal Invasion mode, an online mode that combines fighting mechanics with elements of board games and role-playing. In this mode, players are tasked with moving around a virtual board, completing various challenges as they progress. Rewards, such as skins, in-game currency, and concept art, await those who conquer the challenges. Each Invasion season comes with its own unique board and theme, ensuring that there is always something fresh for players to explore.

For multiplayer enthusiasts, the game offers a variety of versus modes. The Local mode allows players to engage in thrilling matches on the same console, while the Online mode provides the opportunity to compete against opponents from around the world. The Tournament mode is ideal for those who wish to host tournaments with a unified rule set for the matches, adding an extra layer of competitive excitement.

The narrative of Mortal Kombat 1 is a tale of epic proportions. After Liu Kang's ascension to Fire God and his control over the Hourglass, he forms an alliance with Outworld, with the aim of continuing the Mortal Kombat tournaments. However, this newfound unity faces challenges, and a powerless Shang Tsung attempts to make a living in Outworld as a con man until he is approached by a mysterious individual named Damashi. This individual reveals Shang Tsung's potential to become a sorcerer and warns him of unseen forces working against him.

Simultaneously, Liu Kang recruits a diverse group of fighters to participate in the latest tournament, including Kung Lao, Raiden, Johnny Cage, and Kenshi Takahashi. The story unfolds as Raiden emerges as Earthrealm's champion, ultimately winning the tournament.

As the plot progresses, a web of intrigue is spun, and players find themselves immersed in a world filled with Tarkatans, the Tarkat virus, and Shang Tsung's malevolent experiments. Mileena, Outworld's crown princess, is a key character in this drama. As the story unfolds, alliances shift, and characters face unexpected challenges, leading to a series of confrontations and battles that shape the fate of the realms.

The narrative complexity doesn't end there. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the forces at play extend beyond the known realms. A parallel timeline, alternate versions of characters, and the manipulation of time add layers of intrigue, making Mortal Kombat 1 a thrilling and multifaceted experience.

The base roster of Mortal Kombat 1 features 22 playable characters, reimagined versions of beloved characters from the series. Some of these characters make their return after a long absence, dating back to Mortal Kombat: Armageddon in 2006. In addition to these characters, an extra character, Shang Tsung, is offered as a pre-order bonus, adding to the excitement for fans of the franchise.

Hogwarts Legacy Takes Players on a Magical Journey

While Mortal Kombat 1 undoubtedly stole the spotlight, Hogwarts Legacy was another gem in Warner Bros. Games' lineup at Paris Games Week 2023. This highly-anticipated action role-playing game, set in the Wizarding World, has taken the gaming community by storm since its release in early 2023.

Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Games under its Portkey Games label, Hogwarts Legacy offers players the opportunity to experience the magic of Hogwarts in a new and exciting way. Unlike other Wizarding World games, this title departs from the familiar Harry Potter storyline, taking place in the late 1800s, a century before the events chronicled in J.K. Rowling's beloved novels.

Players assume the role of a student at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where they embark on a quest to uncover an ancient secret hidden within the wizarding world. The game allows players to create their character, choose a Hogwarts House, and progress through the game by learning spells, brewing potions, and mastering combat abilities. In addition, players can interact with non-player characters, establish friendships, and explore various magical locations in the Wizarding World.

The journey to the release of Hogwarts Legacy has been marked by various milestones. The game was first announced in 2020 and quickly garnered significant anticipation. However, it also faced controversy due to J.K. Rowling's views on transgender people and accusations of including antisemitic tropes, leading to calls for a boycott.

Despite these challenges, Hogwarts Legacy was officially released on February 10, 2023, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. It subsequently arrived on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on May 5, 2023, with a scheduled release on the Nintendo Switch in November 2023. The game's early-access period on Twitch set records, making it the most-watched single-player game of all time on the platform.

Within two weeks of its launch, Hogwarts Legacy sold more than 12 million copies and generated $850 million in global sales revenue. As of May 5, 2023, the game has crossed $1 billion in revenue, with 15 million copies sold worldwide. The game has received generally favorable reviews from critics, with praise for its combat, world design, characters, variety of content, and faithfulness to the source material. However, it has also faced criticism for its technical issues and lack of innovation as an open-world game.

The controversy surrounding the game, especially related to J.K. Rowling's views and its portrayal of certain elements, has led to divided opinions among players and reviewers. Some have chosen to boycott the game, while others enjoy it as a separate entity from the creator's beliefs.

In summary, Warner Bros. Games' presence at Paris Games Week 2023 was nothing short of spectacular. Mortal Kombat 1 promises to redefine the fighting game genre with its captivating narrative and innovative gameplay features. Meanwhile, Hogwarts Legacy offers players the chance to explore the enchanting world of Hogwarts in a new and exciting way, despite the controversies it has faced. These two titles are set to leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape and are sure to be eagerly awaited by fans around the world.

Paris Games Week, a highly anticipated event that returns November 1 2023, is an exhilarating showcase of the latest in the world of video games and interactive entertainment. This annual extravaganza, eagerly awaited by gaming enthusiasts, provides a captivating platform for gamers and industry professionals alike to experience the cutting-edge technology, innovative game releases, and immersive gaming experiences. Hosted in the vibrant city of Paris, this event has evolved into a hub for both established gaming companies and independent developers to reveal their latest creations. With a rich history and a passionate gaming community, Paris Games Week is more than just a trade show; it's a celebration of the gaming culture that brings together players, developers, and fans from around the world. Whether you're interested in experiencing the thrill of playing unreleased games, attending insightful industry conferences, or immersing yourself in the art and culture of gaming, Paris Games Week is the ultimate destination where all facets of the gaming universe converge.

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photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville

(Source : press release)