The blade hat wielding Shaolin monk Kung Lao will be a playable fighter in Mortal Kombat X, Developer NetherRealm has revealed.

The news comes via the cover story of Games Master magazine in the UK and Pelaaja in Finland. Like all characters in Mortal Kombat X, Kung Lao will have three unique combat style variations which give him access to different moves best suited for different play styles. Buzz Saw is best for an aggressive style and projectile attacks, Tempest is best for a defensive style and maintaining control of the stage, and Hat Trick lets Kung Lao toss his hat, make it hover in place, and call it back at any time.

NetherRealm also revealed the new Factions mode, which will let each player choose one out of five factions to join when fighting online. Each faction is affiliated with different characters in the game, and winning matches and other challenges will contribute "war points" to your faction.

Along with series incumbents Scorpion and Sub-Zero, a host of other new characters have been announced for the game, such as Quan Chi, D'Vorah, Ferra/Torr, Cassie Cage and Kotal Kahn. Familiar faces, such as Raiden and Kano, are also returning to the series. Former boss Goro will be a playable character for those who pre-order.