Here's everything we know about 'Mortal Kombat 11,' the brutal but beautiful new game arriving in April

"Mortal Kombat 11"/NetherRealm Studios

• Developed by the original creators at NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros., "Mortal Kombat" is a blockbuster video game franchise with a number of spin-offs. 
• "Mortal Kombat 11" will launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC on April 23, 2019. 
• The latest entry in the violent fighting-game franchise will feature new and returning characters for an all-new story, alongside the series' signature "fatalities" - the ultra-violent finishing moves that made the original game the subject of controversy.
• New gameplay mechanics include a character-customization system that lets players choose their moves and change their outfits before each fight, and flashy "fatal blows" that trigger special animations during the match.

Since the series first launched in 1992, "Mortal Kombat" has been synonymous with video game gore, earning legions of fans with over-the-top violence, edgy character designs, and an attitude that's almost too savage to be taken seriously.

Now, the franchise is returning for another violent reprisal when "Mortal Kombat 11" arrives on April 23.

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While violence has always taken center stage in "Mortal Kombat," the fighting game surrounding the gore has steadily improved through the years thanks to a blockbuster budget and a passionate team of developers. Ed Boon, one of the original creators of "Mortal Kombat," still leads the game's development team at NetherRealm Studios.

"Mortal Kombat 11" will stick to its roots and bring a full serving of gore, but the amount of care that NetherRealm puts into the story and presentation of its bloody product should not be overlooked. NetherRealm has worked to develop the characters they debuted nearly 30 years ago, acknowledging both fan appreciation and the need to progress pass the stereotypes of the '90s.

"Mortal Kombat 11" also has the benefit of being designed and tested by former professional "Mortal Kombat" players, who have worked to refine the series' gameplay to its essentials without making things overly simple or too complex.

All in all, "Mortal Kombat 11" is shaping up to be one of the most impressive games released during the first half of 2019, and a must-have title for fighting game fans.

Here's everything we know so far about "Mortal Kombat 11."