Mortal Kombat X is now officially available for pre-order , and NetherRealm Studios has released box art for the game to celebrate.

Mortal Kombat X Scorpion Box Art 5 IMAGES

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The upcoming fighter, which was announced earlier this week , is due out sometime next year on PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. As anyone who watched the announcement trailer will be able to attest, Scorpion retains his title as franchise creator Ed Boon's favourite character, so it's hardly surprising to see him adorning the front of the game box and featuring prominently in key art.The studio has also claimed that MKX "launches players into a persistent online contest where every fight matters in a global battle for supremacy. For the first time, Mortal Kombat X gives players the ability to choose from multiple variations of each character impacting both strategy and fighting style. Players step into an original story showcasing some of the game’s most prolific characters including Scorpion and Sub-Zero, while introducing new challengers that represent the forces of good and evil and tie the tale together."Rumours also abound that 24 star Kiefer Sutherland is set to star in the game . We're due to see more from MKX at E3 next week so, for all the latest news about the title, stay with IGN.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK News Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on Twitter