‘Mortal Kombat X,' 'GTA Trilogy' And More In This Week's New PlayStation Games

Sony Corp's PlayStation 4 Console — A man plays a video game on Sony Corp's PlayStation 4 console at its showroom in Tokyo July 16, 2014. Reuters/Yuya Shino

This week’s PlayStation releases finally see the long-awaited release of the latest entry in the “MK” franchise, “Mortal Kombat X.” Gamers looking for even more ultra-violence can finally get all three PlayStation 2 “GTA” classics in a single bundle, thanks to the release of Rockstar’s “GTA” Trilogy. There are more PS2 Classics, PS Vita puzzlers and even a couple of cross buy titles to be had as well.

Listed on the PlayStation Blog, this week’s marquee title is no doubt “Mortal Kombat X,” which offers enhanced online play, revamped graphics and an entirely new epic storyline for fans of the series. The game takes place 25 years after the events of 2011’s “Mortal Kombat” and sees returning characters and their descendants enter the competition. Each character features three different fighting styles and their own unique, extremely gory fatalities.

“This was probably the hardest one we have done in a long time, because more than half of the roster is new. But we always knew that this was going to be the next-generation roster, meaning we were going to have to make some tough, tough cuts,” said senior producer at NetherRealm, Adam Urbano, in a PlayStation Lifestyle interview.

Gamers looking for something a little more familiar don't need to look further than “Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy,” a PlayStation 2 classics bundle that brings all three PS2 adventures together in one package. The trilogy encompasses “Grand Theft Auto III,” “Grand Theft Auto: Vice City” and “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas,” launching just in time to celebrate the release of “GTA V” on PC.

Another game likely to give gamers nostalgia is the fast-paced sidescrolling shoot-em-up, “Gradius V.” Gamers looking for a more modern take on action with an old-school vibe can check out “Titan Souls,” a top-down adventure done in 16-bit style that features tough combat and satisfying gameplay.

IGN rated “Titan Souls” an 8 out of 10, praising the game’s creative boss design and responsive controls. The game is a PS4 and PS Vita cross buy title, meaning gamers only need to buy it once on one platform in order to play it on the other. PS3 gamers eager for some 2D puzzle-platformer action would be well served with “Teslagrad,” an indie platformer with action elements that features over 100 hand-drawn environments. “Teslagrad” is also available on PS4 as a cross buy title. The full breakdown of this week’s PlayStation releases includes:

“Best of Arcade Games” — Deluxe Edition PS Vita — Digital

“Bloxiq PS Vita” — Digital

“Gradius V” PS2 Classic — Digital

“Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy” PS2 Classic Bundle — Digital

“Medieval Defenders” PS Vita — Digital

“Mortal Kombat X” PS4 — Digital, Retail

“Teslagrad” PS4, PS3 — Digital (Cross Buy)

“Titan Souls” PS4, PS Vita — Digital (Cross Buy)

“We Are Doomed” PS4 — Digital