Martial arts champion Ronda Rousey steps into Mortal Kombat arena

Martial arts champion Ronda Rousey steps into Mortal Kombat arena

Fighting game fans are exciting about the announcement of Mortal Kombat 11, set for an April 23 release.

ONE of the most iconic fighting game franchises of gaming history is getting its eleventh instalment later this year following the announcement of Mortal Kombat 11.

The games pits a series of champion warriors with distinct abilities against each other and is famous for its graphic violence and no-holds barred approach to combat.

The game, developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment has been confirmed for an April 23 launch on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, with a beta available on March 28 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Fan favourite character Sonya Blade will be returning, and in a move that’s caused much delight online, champion martial artist and Olympic medallist Ronda Rousey has been announced as her voice actor.

Kofi Kingston, Ronda Rousey, Xavier Woods, and Zelina Vega attend Mortal Kombat 11: The Reveal on January 17, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Picture: Tasia WellsSource:Getty Images

“I’ve been a lifelong Mortal Kombat fan, and Sonya Blade was the first kick-ass, female video game character that I related to; now I get to voice her,” Rousey said.

“It’s a dream come true to be a part of the Mortal Kombat franchise that I grew up playing.”

Fans are also pleased to see the return of other favourite characters to the game, including Baraka, Raiden, Skarlet, Scorpion and Sub-Zero — many of whom have become pop culture icons in their own right.

Character Shao Kahn will also be available as a pre-order bonus.

A new fighter, Geras, has been announced for the game, bringing time-control abilities and a range of effective and brutal moves as well. His boss, Kronika is the Keeper of Time and she will also appear in the game as a boss.

Ronda Rousey will be voicing fighter Sonya Blade (L) in the latest instalment of the popular Mortal Kombat series.Source:Supplied

The developers have also confirmed a new story mode and the return of the over-the-top (and frequently gruesome) Fatality Finishers, which have been a trademark of the Mortal Kombat series since it first appeared in arcades in 1992.

Judging from the reactions to the announcement videos on YouTube, which have racked up millions of views in just a few hours, there’s going to be a lot of people flexing their thumbs and making sure their controller batteries are fully charger for this one.

Mortal Kombat 11 is launching on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch on April 23.