Author: Ian "iantothemax" Walker

Earlier today, Microsoft Studios creative director Adam Isgreen jumped on the Ultra-Combo forums to drop some information on Killer Instinct’s next playable character, Omen.

While this Herald of Gargos previously spent time possessing Jago, Omen has separated himself from the series protagonist to bring the pain directly. Much like Shadow Jago in the opening season, he will serve as the second round’s bonus character, available to everyone who bought into the follow-up.

Isgreen describes Omen’s playstyle as incorporating both unique elements as well as attacks pulled from his time as Shadow Jago. This means moves that were previously only available to the season one boss will now be at players’ disposals, though probably scaled back in order to maintain competitive balance. Omen will also have three Shadow stocks, situational zoning tools, aerial movement options, and more in his toolset upon release.

Those hoping to see Shadow Jago given his own moveset, however, still have quite a wait on their hands. Isgreen mentioned that many of the ideas that were originally going to be given to him have now been shifted to Omen, but they may do more with him in the future after work has completed on season two.

More details on this new character can be found by checking out Isgreen’s full post, which promises fuller demonstrations by way of a live stream and reveal trailer in the coming weeks.

Source: Ultra-Combo

Earlier this evening, Bandai Namco Games’ Katsuhiro Harada took to Twitter to reveal Shaheen, a brand new Tekken character who is set to make his debut in the series’ upcoming seventh installment.

While very little has been divulged about the character apart from his Saudi heritage, many of you should recognize the character from concept art Harada released earlier this year to gather feedback. The longtime director mentioned wanting to include a Middle Eastern character in the franchise for some time, but only recently felt he had a strong enough grasp on the culture thanks to multiple trips he took to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to visit their local fighting game communities.

Little appears to have been changed from that original design apart from a toning down of the weaponry adorning his belt, but Shaheen may have received other alterations between then and now that aren’t easily conveyed through artwork alone.

Shaheen will join fellow newcomers Katarina, Claudio, and Lucky Chloe when Tekken 7 launches in arcades early next year.

Source: Katsuhiro Harada via NeoGAF

The latest issue of Pelaaja has revealed that Kung Lao will be returning in Mortal Kombat X, complete with some spiffy new facial hair and an upgraded hat.

While these details were planned to come next month, the information dropped before the new year thanks to the Finnish publication. Far from a mere character reveal, they were also provided quite a glimpse at how the veteran will play in the upcoming title.

Director Ed Boon describes Kung Lao as one of the most diverse fighters in the cast, with three separate variations that change up the way he controls.

Tempest charges the combatant with even more spinning power as well as the ability to put his hat in orbit around his body like a sort of revolving shield. Buzzsaw, on the other hand, sharpens Kung Lao’s signature headwear and gives him greater control of its trajectory. Finally, the Hat Trick variation allows the returning combatant to call back his hat at any time, conjuring images of Soulcalibur V’s Viola and her orb shenanigans.

Boon also took the time to discuss their plans for future updates. Much like Injustice: Gods Among Us, the developers will be able to patch Mortal Kombat X on a consistent basis, removing undesirables like infinites and bugs on the fly.

Further information on the game’s online components can be found over on Test Your Might.

Mortal Kombat X is scheduled to release for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC on April 14.

Source: Pelaaja via Test Your Might, Shacknews

While folks in Japan (or those who decided to grab the game early through import) have been able to play as Leo Whitefang in Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- for a few weeks now, today saw the newcomer make an appearance in North America. He is now available for purchase for both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 at a price of $7.99.

Despite his kingly aesthetics, Leo is quite the brawler, capable of utilizing a special back-turned stance to gain access to more movement and attack options. For a further look at what he has at his disposal, check out the demonstrations below.

Source: PlayStation Network

UltraChen TV is back with yet another broadcast, and a whole new slate of topics to discuss. Tonight, UltraDavid and James Chen will be discussing a variety of fighting game community topics, so tune in.

The stream will be live in this article, but you can also visit Twitch to join the chat.

Watch live video from ultrachentv on www.twitch.tv

Source: UltraChen TV, featured image courtesy of Kara “Karaface” Leung

During the same interview where he provided the first bit of Tekken x Street Fighter information we’ve received in some time, Bandai Namco Games’ Katsuhiro Harada touched on another title that’s seen little in the way of updates since it was first announced.

Pokkén Tournament represents a very interesting take on the hugely popular Pokémon franchise, allowing players to take direct control of the pocket monsters themselves in a fighting game environment. While The Pokémon Company is generally very controlling over how their property is used, mostly due to the series’ younger following, Harada mentioned to Korean website inven that they’ve been very open to his team’s ideas.

“Surprisingly, they weren’t as strict as I expected them to be with Pokkén,” he explained. “We sent The Pokémon Company twenty ideas and they allowed all of them barring one: I suggested that we have different Pokémon Trainers fight, and they immediately denied it.”

The interview also touched on the future of Pokkén should the first installment be popular. Though obviously a little too early to talk on such subjects, Harada did mention that the extensive amount of Pokémon now available in the franchise should make expanding the game a relatively easy feat.

Currently, only Lucario, Machamp, and Blaziken have been revealed as playable characters, all of which share very common characteristics. This new statement from Harada, coupled with earlier promises that Fighting-type Pokémon won’t take up the entire cast, opens up a ton of possibilities.

Pokkén Tournament is scheduled to release in arcades sometime next year.

Source: inven via Let’s Talk Nintendo and Avoiding the Puddle