To celebrate the worldwide release of Mortal Kombat X, we put on our analytical glasses, sipped red wine, and sat around discussing our list of the most brutal fatalities in Mortal Kombat history.

Prepare yourself – it’s about to get messy.

Sub-Zero’s spinal tap (Mortal Kombat)

Okay, so it may seem tame in today’s standards, but this very spine-tingling finishing move is actually one of the reasons the ESRB rating was established and the creation of the rating system we see in video games today.

Kung Lao’s hat-bisection (Mortal Kombat 9)

While the more prominent Mortal Kombat characters seem to get a shout-out when the “most violent” fatality discussion comes up, Kung Lao often silently takes the cake. This Shaolin Monk has no qualms about delivering some cringe-worthy finishers.

Scorpion’s face-cutter (Mortal Kombat X)

Scorpion has had some brutal fatalities throughout Mortal Kombat’s bloody lineage, but his latest has to be one of the most intense. The Netherworld ninja not only blasts a hole through his opponent’s chest (leaving their heart hanging in full view), but he also literally cuts their face off, exposing their pulsing tongue and brain.

Jax’s arm-ripper (Mortal Kombat II)

It’s not the most bloody fatality on the list, but Jax’s finisher from MKII makes the cut for its sheer brutality. Mr. Jax uses the strength in his bionic arms to yank the arms of his opponent clear-off, leaving nothing but a screaming armless victim. It’s not fancy, but it’s damn effective.

Cyrax’s Buzz Kill (Mortal Kombat 9)

Everybody’s favourite cyborg ninja delivers quite the punch in terms of fatalities. 2011’s MK9 showed some of his best, but it was his slice-‘n-dice finisher that was arguably the best. After cutting up his opponent with his spinning blade, Cyrax delivers a kick to the chest of his opponent, sending their body parts flying in glorious slow-motion.





It’s a pity about Mortal Kombat X’s micro-transaction issues, but its fatalities, along with the rest of the series’, and a butt-load of content to boot makes up for it.

Article originally appeared on MenStuff.co.za.