The latest Mortal Kombat is upon us, and with it comes a slew of new fatalities. To give you an idea of you can expect we here at COG thought we’d watch and narrow down the list of the previous games fatalities down to the top ten. And for those with a weak stomach, we warn you, Mortal Kombat IX still as grotesque as ever.
10. Scorpion: Nether-Gate
While not as outright gory or violent as the others, there’s something oh-so sinister about the way Scorpion lynches his opponent. Of course he spawns the top gate close by, likely so that he can revel in their demise. I wonder what kills them first, the noose or the nether?
9. Liu Kang: Fist of Flame
Easily one of the most prominent members of the series, Liu Kang was destined to make this list. We chose Fist of Flame because of how brutal it would be to die like just like the fatality shows, considering the shock didn’t put you out cold first. Bam, your stomach and intestines are gone. Deal with it.
8. Sub-Zero: Spine Rip
The original Fatality, Spinal Smash, was a favorite of mine for a while; however, Spine Rip definitely tops it. The way Sub-Zero proudly holds his enemy’s head after ripping it forcefully from their body shows the true heart of a warrior, a dead warrior that is.
7. Kano: Eat Your Heart Out
Sort of like Fist of Flame, except much more gruesome. Kano has always been pretty ruthless, but this takes the cake. The only solace to be had is that you’d probably be dead the moment he ripped out your heart so you won’t get to find out if you really can remain cognizant for a few more seconds after the removal of your head.
6. Shang Tsung: Bang Bang!
Basically a copy of the Joker’s fatality from Mortal Kombat vs. DC, this time the developers weren’t hindered by a Teen rating. This means Mortal Kombat fans can now watch as their opponent’s head explodes into fifty pieces before Shang Tsung does his insanely giddy victory dance. If only MK vs. DC had been rated Mature…
5. Sheeva: Stripped Down
There’s something so incredibly brutal about the way Sheeva just rips her opponent’s skin off from either side. This one made number five mostly for the way Sheeva’s enemy will flail around in agony before she front kicks them out of her face. Still, gotta love the end result.
4. Cyrax: Buzz Kill
Another favourite, partly for the front kick at the end, but also because Cyrax’s saw really is mean. Those blades are long, sharp, and slice through flesh like a hot knife through butter. The way all of the pieces fly off in separate directions is just the cherry on top. It’s like a one of those vegetable slicers, but with people as the vegetables.
3. Kitana: Splitting Headache
I’m not sure if it’s the way Kitana let’s her foes’ guts enjoy the fresh air for a moment, or the way she splits their head open like she shucking an oyster, but Splitting Headache always leaves me wincing and some may even look for something to cover their eyes.
2. Kung Loa: Razor’s Edge
The top two MK IX fatalities are kind of similar, but at least Kung Loa is merciful by using his hat as a razor sharp saw. I’ll admit, it bothers me a little bit because I really don’t think he could keep that saw spinning like that, but it’s Mortal Kombat so logic is basically out the window anyway: doesn’t matter; got cut in half.
1. Noob Saibot: Make a Wish
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7Jpa1OiHpM
I’m nowhere near flexible enough to do the splits, so this makes me cringe every time I watch it. Being held up by the legs and then being ripped apart would be bad enough, but the way it happens in stages instead of in one quick pull is why “Make a Wish” tops the list. I love the way blood and gore continues to fall out of Noob’s screaming victim as he finishes the job. Attention to detail is key.
Bonus/Honourable mentions:
Best Environment Fatality – Subway Fatality
I’ve got a bit of an irrational fear of being pushed in front of a moving train (thanks House of Cards) and this doesn’t help. Unfortunately, this would be a much worse fate as you’d feel the fast moving train-cars stripping the flesh from your face like an industrial belt sander with a grit count of five. The ending seals the deal though, the way your opponent screams as they fly across the platform only to be silenced by the second train.
Best Babality – Noob Saibot
I’m sure it’s a ton of fun brainstorming to figure out all the fatalities for the next game, and even more-so when discussing the babalities. The winner for Best Babality goes to Noob Saibot, and his never-ending portal loop. Reptile almost had him beat because he just looks so damn cute when he pops out of that egg, but it feels too good to watch Noob suffer.
So there you have it, a quick but informative list Mortal Kombat IX’s fatalities that topped the list. We of course be interested to know what tops your list of the ever growing list of MK’s way to finish our opponent, so don’t by shy, let us know what your top way “finish ’em” is.