Mortal Kombat 1 Patch Ditches 30fps Cap on PC for Fatalities and Other In-Game Cutscenes

Mortal Kombat 1 has a new patch that finally removes the 30fps cap for cutscenes on PC.

NetherRealm’s fighting game launched with a 30fps cap for in-game cutscenes such as Fatalities despite gameplay running at 60fps. Developer NetherRealm has insisted this cap lets it create flashier cutscenes, but some players have said the switch from 60 to 30 and back again is jarring.

Now, in a fresh update for Mortal Kombat 1, that 30fps cap is removed with the addition of a new graphics setting that increases the lock to 60fps on PC only, but it’s worth noting that NetherRealm warned this setting is intended for PC gamers with high-end rigs.

The patch, also available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, makes a number of character fixes, including to the recently released DLC character Homelander. The patch notes are below.

Also this week, NetherRealm delayed the launch of Kameo character Ferra and announced the release date of the final Kombat Pack 1 DLC character, Takeda. Ferra, the small fighter who sat atop the hulking Torr as part of the combined Ferra & Torr character from Mortal Kombat X, was set to hit Mortal Kombat 1 in Kameo form later in June, but now launches alongside Takeda’s early access release on July 23.

Thoughts now turn to what follows for Mortal Kombat 1 during its second year, with NetherRealm yet to announce future DLC plans. Earlier this month, a prominent Mortal Kombat 1 dataminer uncovered evidence to suggest that Ghostface from the Scream franchise is an upcoming DLC character. Ghostface was assumed to be a part of the inevitable Kombat Pack 2, but the character’s release may be tied up with the ongoing issues surrounding the next movie in the series, Scream 7.

NetherRealm development chief Ed Boon has confirmed Mortal Kombat 1 will eventually get story DLC and “a big surprise after that.” Meanwhile, the Mortal Kombat 2 movie is due out October 24, 2025.

Mortal Kombat 1 Patch Notes – PS5, XSX, Steam and EGS | 06/18/2024

JUNE HOTFIX

PC Steam & Epic Games Store

  • Added a new Graphics Setting to increase the 30 FPS lock on certain sections to 60 FPS, which is intended for users with High-End Hardware
    • The new setting to enable this is accessed via Main Menu > Settings > Graphics > Experimental > 60 FPS Mode: OFF (Default)/ON
    • Note that this setting will not affect pre-rendered movies and will be automatically disabled during Online Matches to avoid stability issues

General Fixes & Adjustments

  • Fixed several desyncs that could occur during online play if the game had been hot-fixed
  • Adjusted camera behavior when Homelander, Omni-Man, or Peacemaker are interrupted or hit high off screen

Character Specific Adjustments

  • Main Fighters
    • Reptile
      • Fixed damage scaling on Force Ball when not enhanced
    • Peacemaker
      • Human Torpedo & Enhanced Human Torpedo now hits High
      • Reduced base health value to 650 (from 700)
    • Homelander
      • Fixed canceling into Flight when grounded more than once in a kombo not consuming Super Meter
      • Fixed Jump Attacks during Flight be able to be canceled into Flight on block
      • Fixed not being able to breaker God Complex & Enhanced God Complex
      • Improved Punching Down linking into God Complex & Enhanced God Complex from Flight when it hits opponent near the top
      • Fixed issue that could result in Homelander sliding on the ground sometimes when God Complex from Flight was canceled from certain heights
      • Fixed rare issue that could result in Homelander sliding on the ground sometimes when God Complex from Flight was performed just as flight was about to time out
      • Fixed rare instances of some juggle kombos sometimes behaving slightly differently against Homelander with specific timing
      • The following attacks can no longer be parried by Dirty Trick
        • Kitana – Fancy Strike (Away + Front Punch)
        • Rain – Tide (Away + Back Punch) & It Pours (Back Punch, Front Punch, Front Punch, Back Punch)
        • Reptile – Kneet Trick (Towards + Back Punch, Front Kick)
        • Sindel – Shear Genius (Towards + Front Punch) & Off The Top (Away + Back Punch, Front Kick, Back Punch)
        • Ermac – Dragged Under (Front Kick, Back Kick)
        • Peacemaker – Gutshot (Away + Back Kick) & Pinky Toermenter (Down + Back Kick)
        • Quan Chi – Skeleton Jacker (Towards + Back Punch, Front Punch)
      • The following attacks can now be parried by Dirty Trick
        • Ashrah – God’s/Demon’s Wrath & Dark/Light Ascension
        • Baraka – Baraka Barrage, Stab Stab, & Chop Chop
        • Havik – Twisted Torso
        • Kenshi – Quick Slice (Jump Front Punch in Sento Stance), Upper Gash (Jump Back Punch in Sento Stance), Ancestral Guard, Soaring Sento, & Teamwork
        • Kung Lao – Kung-Kussion & Shaolin Shimmy
        • General Shao – Power Strike
        • Smoke – Vicious Vapors & Smoke Bomb
        • Peacemaker – Coming Through! (Towards + Back Kick, Front Punch)
        • Homelander – Grounding Fist from (Air) Diabolical Dash & Soaring Strike from Diabolical Dash
  • Kameo Fighters
    • Cyrax
      • Fixed canceling into Horizontal Kopter Chopper from Kopter Chopper not using Kameo Meter
    • Khameleon
      • Reduced pushback on block of first 2 hits of Roll & slightly reduced the pushback on block of the last hit
      • Reduced base health value to 250 (from 300)
    • Janet Cage
      • Slightly increased combo damage scaling on Hop Punch & Hop Skip Punch

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Life By You devs spent “a month in purgatory” prior to closure, says laid-off designer, despite their sim-like exceeding Paradox’s expectations

Yesterday, we learned that Sims-like Life By You had been canceled, and its developers Paradox Tectonic had been shut down by parent company Paradox Interactive. Later the same day, game designer Willem Delventhal shared more a detailed account of his experience working on the game through to its cancellation, via LinkedIn.

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Ubisoft Delists Beyond Good and Evil on Steam With Remaster Waiting in the Wings

Ubisoft has delisted Beyond Good and Evil on Steam ahead of an expected reveal of a remaster.

A note on the Steam page for the cult classic adventure signals Ubisoft’s decision: “Notice: At the request of the publisher, Beyond Good and Evil is unlisted on the Steam store and will not appear in search.” At the time of this article’s publication, Beyond Good and Evil remains available to buy on GoG.

Ubisoft has said it will announce more news about Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition during the Limited Run Games Showcase on June 20 at 11am Pacific / 2pm Eastern 7pm UK. It seems likely a re-release is inbound.

In August 2023, the Electronic Software Ratings Board (ESRB) rated Beyond Good & Evil: 20th Anniversary Edition for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Then, in November, Ubisoft accidentally released Beyond Good & Evil 20th Anniversary Edition early, blaming it on a “technical error” while confirming an early 2024 release window.

Beyond Good & Evil first launched on November 11, 2003, so we’ve skipped past the actual 20th anniversary. In IGN’s 9/10 Beyond Good & Evil review, we said: “While it’s over a bit before you’d want it to be, Beyond Good & Evil tells its story with amazing pizzazz and polish. Even better, it’s a story well worth telling.”

Meanwhile, Beyond Good & Evil 2 remains missing in action after yet another no-show during the Ubisoft Forward event this month.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Appears To Have amiibo Support

Can we get a new amiibo too, then?

It looks like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will have amiibo support when it launches on 26th September 2024. At least, that’s what the game’s Japanese website says.

Near the bottom of the official page on Nintendo’s Japanese website, we and many other fans have spotted the little amiibo symbol next to the game’s box art and release date. We’re not too surprised, given that the Link’s Awakening remake — which uses the same art style — also has amiibo support, but it certainly has us thinking “Hey, can we get a Zelda amiibo in the same style as the Link’s Awakening one?”.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Call of Duty’s Fallout Crossover Dresses Price, Ghost, Soap, and Gaz in Vault Dweller Skins

Activision has detailed Call of Duty’s Fallout crossover and confirmed a release date of June 20, 2024.

The fusion of both Microsoft-owned franchises sees Price, Ghost, Soap, and Gaz of Task Force 141 dressed in Vault Dweller skins. There are Vault-Tec-themed weapon blueprints and other Fallout-themed items for use in Modern Warfare 3, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile.

The in-game Fallout: Vault Dwellers event goes live at 10am PT on June 20 through to 8am PT June 26. The Tracer Pack: Fallout Vault Dweller Bundle includes two Fallout-themed weapon blueprints featuring Vault-Tec Tracers and a V.A.T.S. Death Effect.

Here are the details, per the Call of Duty blog:

Equip the “Vault-Tec Approved” M16 Weapon Blueprint with two Aftermarket Parts: the JAK Cutthroat Stock offering an unrivaled combination of speed and stability while aiming down sights, plus the JAK Patriot Conversion Kit which transforms the M16 into a fully automatic rifle with superior recoil control and firing aim stability.

Accompanied by a 45 Round Mag plus two attachments improving handling and recoil control, this is the ideal weapon for lasering down foes from a distance.

For closer fights, opt for the “Atomic Disintegrator” HRM-9 Weapon Blueprint geared for sustained combat in close quarters. With a 50 Round Drum Magazine plus thermal target identification, improved accuracy and recoil control, and extended range, this SMG configuration is ideal for aiming down sights with the ability to compete out to the mid-range.

The Fallout Bundle also features a “Vault 141” Operator Skin for Price, Ghost, Soap, and Gaz plus six loading screens and more. The full list of included content is as follows:

  • Four “Vault 141” Operator Skins
  • “Atomic Disintegrator” HRM-9 Weapon Blueprin
  • “Vault-Tec Approved” M16 Weapon Blueprint
  • “Let’s Do This!” and “Fatman” Charms
  • “Wasteland Workshop” Calling Card
  • “You’re Special” Large Decal
  • “Vault-Tec Engineer” Emblem
  • “Nuka-Cola Spacer” Sticker
  • Six Loading Screens including “Nuka-Cola,” “Please Stand By,” “Survivors’ Journey,” “Sanctuary Hills,” “Vault 141,” and “Restoring Democracy”

The Fallout: Vault Dwellers Event, meanwhile, features challenges across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone. Here are the details:

Use any of the Vault Dweller Skins during the Vault Dwellers Event for an additional XP boost. Earn additional Fallout-themed cosmetic items like the “New California Republic” Large Decal, “Nuka-Cola Caps” Emblem, “Slocum’s Joe” Sticker, “Nuka-Cola” Charm, and the “Nuka-Cola Quantum” Weapon Camo.

Activision has gone big on crossover events in Call of Duty in recent years, with everything from Warhammer 40,000 to Gundam seeing in-game skins and weapons. The Fallout bundle comes hot on the heels of the breakout success of Amazon Prime’s Fallout TV show, which has boosted interest in everything related to the post-apocalyptic setting.

This Fallout crossover as well as the recent Gundam event were unearthed in a May datamine, which also found evidence to suggest The Crow content is on its way. This is clearly designed to coincide with the upcoming The Crow movie starring Bill Skarsgard.

Modern Warfare 3 continues to receive updates as Activision prepares to launch Black Ops 6 in October. Activision is expected to move on from last year’s shooter to focus on new seasons for Black Ops 6 and Warzone later this year.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Hobbit life sim Tales Of The Shire is so jolly and joyful it creeps the hell out of me

Tales Of The Shire unfolds in a world without shadow. There are shadows, technically, but they’re so mellow and fuzzy they might as well be stray pools of sunlight that have forgotten to glow. In this latest chunk of Lord Of The Rings memorabilia from developers Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division, you are a custom-created hobbit who has just taken up residence in the charming Tellytubby town of Bywater, there to spend your days foraging, fishing, feasting and fraternizing with your fellow halfings, all of whom wear expressions of rosy-cheeked humour so intense in their winsome affability that your own face soon forms a merry rictus in response – like that terrible smile from Disco Elysium, but cosy. Oh god, no. Oh god, get it off me.

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TimeSplitters Reportedly the Next PS2-Emulated Game to Hit PS5 and PS4

Hot on the heels of the release of PlayStation 2 games Tomb Raider Legend, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 via the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog comes word of the next potential addition to the list: TimeSplitters.

Gematsu spotted a rating for TimeSplitters on PS5 and PS4 in Taiwan, indicating Free Radical Design’s much-loved shooter is coming to the Classics Catalog soon.

TimeSplitters first released in 2000 as a launch game for the PlayStation 2 and a spiritual successor to Rare’s GoldenEye and Perfect Dark. Indeed TimeSplitters was made by some of the people who worked on those iconic N64 shooters. It took place across multiple different time periods with 18 separate characters battling against the titular foe, creatures who can travel through time and wreck history using special crystals.

It got a sequel in TimeSplitters 2 in 2002, and a further entry in 2005 called TimeSplitters: Future Perfect. After Free Radical struggled to find a publisher for a fourth game, the rights languished at Crysis developer Crytek for years before Deep Silver parent Koch Media bought them up in 2018. Eventually, as with so much video game intellectual property, TimeSplitters ended up in Embracer’s vault.

In 2021, publisher Deep Silver finally announced the return of TimeSplitters alongside key original members of Free Radical Design, including founders Steve Ellis and David Doak, at a new studio set up in Nottingham, UK. However, in December 2023, Free Radical shut down amid the devastating restructure at embattled games company Embracer. Gameplay footage of the canceled project showed similarities to battle royale Fortnite. Reportedly, TimeSplitters Next, as it was called, began as something of a Fortnite clone before it was shifted to more closely resemble TimeSplitters 2.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Elden Ring Manga on Hiatus so Creator Can Play Shadow of the Erdtree

The official Elden Ring manga has been put on hiatus as its creator has taken time off work to play expansion Shadow of the Erdtree.

As reported by Automaton, Nikiichi Tobita, the author of comedy manga Elden Ring: The Road to the Erdtree, announced on X/Twitter he’s skipping the July 19, 2024 release of the series so he can spend time playing Shadow of the Erdtree upon its June 21 release.

Tobita shared a drawing of himself sleeping alongside the announcement, showing him dreaming of the “glowy worm boy” — a new beastie in the expansion that became an instant hit upon its reveal by developer FromSoftware.

He’s likely not the only Elden Ring fan taking time off work to play the expansion, which has been more than two years in the making.

Just like previous FromSoftware games Dark Souls and Bloodborne, however, accessing the DLC isn’t as simple as selecting it on a menu, as players must tick off a handful of obscure feats beforehand, including beating an optional boss. Thankfully, IGN has a guide on how to prepare for the Shadow of Erdtree DLC if you need to scramble ahead of the expansion’s release. And make sure to check out our Elden Ring interactive map to ensure you’re not missing any important collectibles.

You can also check out IGN’s “How Long to Beat” for Shadow of the Erdtree and kill some time ahead of its imminent release by reading our extensive 10/10 review.

“Like the base game did before it, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree raises the bar for single player expansions,” we said. “It takes everything that made the base game such a landmark RPG, condenses it into a relatively compact 20-25 hour campaign, and provides fantastic new challenges for heavily invested fans to chew on.”

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

You can turn on Scottish slang in the subtitles, reminds Still Wakes The Deep developer

When I wrote our Still Wakes The Deep review I mentioned the true-to-life Scottish slang used by the oil rig workers of this North Sea horror. It was wonderful, but all these slang terms were being translated in the subtitles for some reason. “Gobshite” became “bastard”. The “polis” were localised as the “police”. And every “yersel” sneering out of the machismo-ridden workers became “yourself”. Well, turns out that’s the result of the game defaulting to “International English” for its captions. But if you want to immerse yourself in Scottish vernacular as deeply as protagonist Caz McCleary immerses himself in hazardous chemical spills, good news. There’s another option, says one of the game’s developers.

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