If you don't know the name - you know the face. Former Midway Games developer Josh Tsui gave the second Sub-Zero identity in one of the series' earliest bombshell twists - his Mortal Kombat II arcade ending. Tsui later provided the basis for Mortal Kombat 4 Liu Kang, and has worked on the development of games including Mortal Kombat Mythologies: Sub-Zero and the ill fated 2000 third-person shooter: Mortal Kombat: Special Forces.
There was more than one version of the troubled Special Forces spin-off a limited few fans played at the turn of the millennium -- just one of the memories Tsui discussed with Mortal Kombat Online during a recent interview.
The retrospective is inspired by Insert Coin - a documentary project dedicated to the bustling arcade boom of Midway in the early nineties. Recently featured on MK Online, Tsui is seeking Kickstarter crowd funding for the project, which promises to unearth untold tales of Midway Games from the mouths of those who made them. Learn more about Insert Coin and consider joining Mortal Kombat Online in helping make it become a reality.
Josh Tsui appeared in Mortal Kombat II as the unmasked second Sub-Zero.
For those who might not know: Who are you, and what was your history with Mortal Kombat? My name is Josh Tsui. I've been working in game development for over 20 years now. I've worked on everything from the Mortal Kombat series, to Fight Night, to Tony Hawk. I started my career at Midway Games back in the early [nineties] during the last arcade boom. I worked on Mortal Kombat 4 and MK Mythologies: Sub Zero, as well as the original MK: Special Forces, which was never released. I was also the face of Sub-Zero at the end of MK2, and the face of Liu Kang in MK4.
How did the Insert Coin documentary project come about? The concept came about a couple of years ago after I had done an interview with Polygon. I got to thinking about how game development used to be for arcades, and realized that nobody has ever put something together about that era. My hope is that I can weave together all the various stories of the games, and give people an overview of one of the most incredible eras and companies in video games.
What do you think made Midway such a livewire for gaming in the 90s? It was the people. That's it. From management on down, the people just "got it". We had an attitude that very few had back then. We were left alone to make the games. Management and marketing figured out how to sell it, but nobody told us how to make them. Teams were small and everyone did everything.
What influence did Chicago have on Midway and its products? Ha! We used to joke that the reason our games were so crazy and over the top was because the weather would piss us off all the time. Besides that, there was a real Chicago attitude in these games. We got shit done and we didn't care who got in our way. There was no place for crying. Everyone toughened up and just put sweat and blood into the games. The work ethic was over the top. I've never put so many hours in my life and I loved every minute of it. It was truly the Chicago way back then.
Some might say Midway's cavalier style led to its demise. Do you think that's fair? Perhaps. A lot of the people I interviewed did bring up that once Midway transitioned to consoles at the end of the '90s, it took a long time to fully understand how different console games were. It's laughable now to think that, but back then it was unknown territory. The management style needed to change. I wasn't there during the 2000s, so I can't say.
Do you have a narrative in mind for Insert Coin, or are you still finding the story? A bit of both. With documentaries, one goes in with an idea of the overall story arc, but it's also journalism, and one needs to go in and be fluid, and let the story happen. Even with what I have so far I've been really surprised by some of the stories that have come up. I'm really looking forward to finding out even more things that I was just vaguely aware of.
What are the key games you'll be featuring? Obviously MK was huge, but I'm really keen to look at all of Midway during that era. One highly underrated game was at the end of the 80s that truly affected almost all the games in the 90s: NARC.
Here's an example of how the documentary is shaping up: NARC influenced Terminator 2, influencing NBA Jam, then MK, and so on. It's like the Marvel Universe -- every game affected the next one.
The stories from Wrestlemania (my first game there) and Revolution X are insane. I'm actually really looking forward to getting into the games that never got released. That is going to be fun!
is there a favourite story you hope to revisit? There are so many. I think the WWF stuff for Wrestlemania is going to be insane. Another one would be when Steven Spielberg's company tried to poach away a massive amount of the leads.
How much will you be delving into Mortal Kombat's history? Quite a bit about MK has been talked about already. My goal is to find the stories about production, and the little things that the team did to make the games so much better than others of its kind back then. There was a lawsuit that happened with the actors that I'd like to pursue also. We'll see. I just don't want to rehash stuff that's already been told.
Are there any lost MK treasures you think fans will be excited to see? Oh hell yeah, but [I] can't really reveal too much right now. A hint of it is on the Kickstarter page and more will be revealed. There are so many stories about MK and Midway that are just so good. Here's one - the MK team and War Gods... Man, that was awkward.
Unseen MK Special Forces footage is teased on the Kickstarter. Can you tell us a little bit about the difficulties that hounded that game to completion? The version of the game that got released is not anything that I had worked on. People would be pretty surprised just how different it was. The original that I worked on was huge and crazy ambitious. We left Midway about a year into that project and for them to just scrap it was nuts to me, but at the same time, maybe it was just easier to make a new game. Who knows?
Do you think Special Forces could have been a bigger success? Uh, not the released version!
Warner Bros pulled the plug on a digitized MK HD remake. Do you think there's a future for digitized sprites? Yes, there is. I love digitized sprites. I have no idea what happened to that project outside of some rumors I heard. I would say that the process to make digitized sprites is more challenging than most people realize. I had learned a lot from [John] Tobias back in the day, and from working on Wrestlemania. On how to position the camera, and what field of view to use. These are things I still use in game development.
You've already been filming for the documentary. Who are some of the names involved? So far it's Eugene Jarvis (who really is the backbone of the story here), Mark Turmell, John Tobias, George Petro, Kerri Hoskins, John Turk, Sal Divita and a few more. I'm actually interviewing a lot more people once production hits. The outpouring of support has been insane. A lot of people are contacting me to participate.
Has anything taken you by surprise? Not sure if this is a surprise, but it was really interesting to learn how Jarvis came back to restart the video department, and how it was considered an afterthought. Back then pinball was paying the bills, so nobody really cared about the video games. Which might have worked to their advantage.
Insert Coin is on Kickstarter. Is there anything you'd like to say to the adoring public in closing? Yes! This is truly a passion project. At first this was going to be something I was going to just play around with, but the more I started working on it, the more I realized that there is something great here. This is truly something that the fans are going to love and really add another layer to something they loved when they were younger. I hope others want this to happen as badly as I do, which is why it's on Kickstarter. Thanks so much for this opportunity to chat about it.
Kontinue?: Insert coin via Kickstarter to help Insert Coin come to life.
With less than two weeks to go to meet a lofty Kickstarter target -- fans will need to act soon if they want to reap the rewards. Josh Tsui recently informed Mortal Kombat Online of several new benefits for funding, including an original art print by series co-creator John Tobias, a voice message from MK voice artist Herman Sanchez, and signed Blu-Ray copies of the finished film! Mortal Kombat Online has contributed to the fund. We hope you will too!
The once and future Outworld Empress has finally arrived in the latest Mortal Kombat X Challenge! You can unlock Mileena in the free-to-play kard collecting mobile game by completing requisite challenges within the remaining set time!
Unlocking Mileena means facing five tiers of toothy terror: each consists of 12 battles each, with the exception of the final 15 fight challenge! Tier 1 is all Bronze Kards, Tier 2 & 3 upping the stakes to Bronze & Silver. You'll need a Martial Artist kard in your Tier 4 team, before Tier 5 forces Kotal Kahn to confront his genetically engineered Kahnum rival!
Previous MKX Mobile unlocks include the Raiden Challenge and the recently concluded Liu Kang Challenge. Check in-app for the most accurate reading of time remaining.
Did you complete the masticating menace of Mileena? Register to bask in your bragging rights on the Mortal Kombat X forum!
In Mortal Kombat X, finishing moves were brought into the final round with a brilliant reinventing of the Brutality! No longer just a furious flurry of fast flung fists - the moves are the ultimate coup de grace, transitioning directly from fight to fatality with devastating efficiency.
Brutalities challenge players to meet a variety of stipulations, ranging from the trivial - to the teeth grindingly specific. Some brutalities are arena based, character based, and some are completely hidden from players. Know how to finish your matches in style with a guide to all known brutalities.
INPUT KEY:
Move FP (Front Punch)
BP (Back Punch)
FK (Front Kick)
BK (Back Kick)
Block
Throw
X-Ray
Stage Interaction
Stance Change
Note:All "death blows" must be executed by the player in the final winning round. You will need to judge the opponent's health accurately to ensure this. On average, opponents should have 10% or less health.
Outworld Marketplace Blanche Brutality 1 - Strike opponent with brazer and barrel. [Stage Interaction]
* Death blow: Blanche (old woman) from mid-range. [Stage Interaction]
Blanche Brutality 2 - Strike opponent with brazer and barrel. [Stage Interaction]
* Death blow: Blanche from mid-range + Down. [Stage Interaction]
Dead Woods Branch Brutality - Strike opponent with left branch and central swinging branch. [Stage Interaction]
* Death blow: Throw small log (stage right) from mid-to-far range. [Stage Interaction]
The Kove Uppercut Brutality * Death blow: Uppercut + hold Stance Change.
Kuatan Jungle Branch Brutality - Use branch (mid arena) & hold Down. [Stage Interaction]
* Death blow: Mid-arena Shrine. [Stage Interaction]
Lin Kuei Temple * Death blow: Fire torch + hold Forward. [Stage Interaction]
Quan Chi's Fortress * Death blow: Shao Kahn's Hammer. [Stage Interaction]
Cassie Cage Pop Goes... (Hollywood Variation)
- Deliver 4 "nut krackers" during match. [Back, Down, FK]
* Death blow: Nut Kracker. [Back, Down, FK]
Eye Popper (Hollywood Variation)
- Deliver 6 Nut Krackers during match. [Back, Down, FK]
* Death blow: Nut Buster. [Back, Down, FK + Block]
Beatdown (Brawler Variation)
* Death blow: 3 hit kombo ending with Take Down. [Back, Forward, FK]
Hidden Brutality (Spec Ops Variation)
- Deliver first hit.
- Deliver 1 American Way during match. [Down, Back, FP]
* Death blow: American Way. [Down, Back, FP]
Hats Off (All Variations)
- Must not lose a round.
* Death blow: Kick Abuse [Down/Forward, FP (Hold Up before third hit)]
Between The Eyes (All Variations)
* Death blow: Single Shot. [Back, Forward, FP]
Fly Swatter (All Variations)
- Deliver 4 hit combo ending with Backward Air Throw [(Aerial) Down + Throw, Back]
* Death blow: Backward Air Throw. [(Aerial) Down + Throw, Back]
Migraine (All Variations)
- Player must have more than 50% health.
* Death blow: Ovipositor Charge + Forward. [Down, Back, BK.]
Ermac Gluttony (Mystic Variation)
- Ermac must have less than 40% health.
* Death blow: Tele-Hold. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Soul Eater (Master of Souls Variation)
- Deliver 10 hit combo.
- Must have 3 souls active and deliver Soul Ball. [Back, Forward, BP]
* Death blow: Soul Release. [Back, Forward, FP]
Controlled Chaos (Spectral Variation)
- Must be in Soul Accession during death blow. [Down, Down, Up].
* Death blow: Soul Charge. [Back, Forward, BP]
We Win (All Variations)
- Deliver a 5 hit kombo ending in Force Lift. [Down, Back, FP]
* Death blow: Force Lift. [Down, Back, FP]
Nether Force (All Variations)
- Deliver 10 special attacks.
* Death blow: Air Force Port. [(Aerial) Down, Back, BK + Block]
Erron Black Quick Draw (Gunslinger Variation)
- Perform 10 back dashes.
- Must be sweep distance from opponent.
- Must be in Stand Off Stance during death blow. [Down, Back, FP]
Sword in the Stone (Outlaw Variation)
* Death blow: Tarkatan Infection + Up, Down, Up. [Down, Forward, BP]
Swing Low (Marksman Variation)
- Must have 2 bars of super meter.
* Death blow: Swing Shot. [Down, Back, BP]
Serenity (All Variations)
* Death blow: Sand Trap + FP 15 times. [Down, Back, Forward, BP]
* Alt. Death blow: Quick Sand + BP 15 times. [Down, Back, Forward, BP + Bloack]
Tunnel Vision (All Variations)
* Death blow: Throw + Forward.
Step On Down (Lackey Variation)
- Torr must have less than 35% health.
* Death blow: Step Aside Kombo. [Back, FP, BP + BK]
Play Thing (All Variations)
- Deliver 2 hit kombo with Kaber Toss. [Forward, BP]
* Death blow: Kaber Toss. [Forward, BP]
Trampler (All Variations)
- Run 3 times.
* Tuck 'n' Charge + Hold Forward. [Back, Forward, FP]
Jacqui Briggs Shrapnel (Shotgun Variation)
- Deliver 1 stage interaction.
- Must be sweep distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Low Blow. [Down, Back, BP]
* Alt Death blow: Low Blast. [Down, Back, BP + Block]
Heavy Artillery (Full Auto Variation)
- Deliver 3 Up Rockets. [Down, Back, BP]
* Death blow: Hand Cannon. [Down, Forward, BP, Block]
Aftershock (High Tech Variation)
- Must be in Gauntlet Spark or Gauntlet Ignite before death blow. [Down, Back, BP/+ Block]
* Death blow: Air Ground Smash. [(Aerial) Down, Down, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Air Ground Tremor. [(Aerial) Down, Down, BK + Block]
Gun Show (All Variations)
* Death blow: Gauntlet Flurry + BK. [Back, Forward, BK + Block]
Mind Blown (All Variations)
* Death blow: Bionic Blast + Forward, Forward, Forward. [Back, Forward, BP + Block]
Jax Rocket Roll (Heavy Weapons Variation)
- Opponent must be launched.
* Death blow: LAW Blast. [Down, Back, BP + Block + Up]
Ground Breaking (Pumped Up Variation)
- Deliver 3 Ground Pounds.
* Death blow: Ground Shake + BK. [Down, Down, BK + Block]
Ragdoll (Wrestler Variation)
* Death blow: Quad Grapple Chain (complete). [Down, Back, Forward, FP + Block, BP, FK, BK, FP + BP + FK + BK]
Gotcha Down (All Variations)
* Death blow: Gotcha Grap + hold Forward. [Down, Back, FP]
Sledge Hammer (All Variations)
- Opponent must duck during death blow.
* Death blow: Downward Dash Punch. [Back, Forward, BP + Down]
* Alt. Death blow: Downward Dash Fist. [Back, Forward, BP + Block + Down]
Johnny Cage Wow Out (Fisticuffs Variation)
- Opponent must block during death blow.
* Death blow: Speed Bag kombo. [Back, FP, BP, FP]
Fall Guy (Stunt Double Variation)
- Must have Mimic active during death blow.
* Death blow: SHadow Kick + hold Forward. [Back, Forward, BK]
Bring It On (A-List Variation)
- Johnny Cage must have less than 5% health.
- Must have Red Shadow active.
- Must have Rising Kick charged.
* Death blow: Rising Kick. [Down, Back, BK]
Blood Spurt (All Variations)
- Both players must be facing camera.
* Death blow: Take Two kombo. [BP, FP, BK]
Eye Popping (All Variations)
- Deliver 4 Nut Punches. [Back, Down, FK]
* Death blow: Nut Punch. [Back, Forward, FK]
* Alt. Death blow: Nutcracker. [Back, Down, FK + Block]
Heads Will Roll (All Variations)
- Deliver 5 Nut Punches. [Back, Forward, FK]
* Death blow: Nutcracker. [Back, Down, FK + Block]
Kano Just The Tip (Cutthroat Variation)
* Death blow: Bloody Slice. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Glaring Light (Cybernetic Variation)
- Deliver 5 hit combo ending in Enhanced Upward Laser. [Down, Back, FK, Block]
* Death blow: Enhanced Upward Laser. [Down, Back, FK, Block]
Wham Bam (Commando Variation)
* Death blow: Power Slam + Down, Down, Down. [Down, Forward, Back, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Power Bomb + Down, Down, Down. [Down, Forward, Back, BK + Block]
Pop Off (Commando Variation)
* Death blow: Choke + FP 15 times. [Down, Forward, FP]
Terminate (All Variations)
- Deliver 3 throws.
* Death blow: Throw + hold Up.
Ballin' (All Variations)
- Opponent must be blocking.
* Death blow: Air Ball. [(Aerial) Back, Forward, FK, Block]
Kenshi Leg Up (Balanced Variation)
- Deliver first hit.
* Death blow: Tele-Flurry. [Back, Forward, FK]
Hidden Brutality (Balanced Variation)
- Opponent must be Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, Kung Jin, Reptile, Predator or Tremor.
* Death blow: Blade Reflect brutality projectile.
Demon Slice (Possessed Variation)
* Death blow: Sickle Lift + hold Up. [Down, Back, FP]
* Alt. Death blow: Sickle Strike + hold Up. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Instant Karma (Kenjutsu Variation)
- Deliver 5 Tele-Pushes. [Back, Forward, BP]
- Opponent must be jump distance.
* Death blow: Tele-Push. [Back, Forward, BP]
* Alt. Death blow: Tele-Blast. [Back, Forward, BP + Block]
Brutal Kick (All Variations)
- Evade damage for 5 seconds in final round.
* Death blow: Concentration Kombo. [BP, BP, BK]
Used Up (All Variations)
- Win Round 1 with a throw.
* Death blow: Throw.
Kitana Back That Up (Royal Storm Variation)
- Deliver Bounce Back. [Down, Back, BK]
* Death blow: Air Square Boost. [(Aerial) Down, Back, FK]
* Alt. Death blow: Air Square Wave. [(Aerial) Down, Back, FK + Block]
Hidden Brutality (Royal Storm Variation)
- Opponent must be Cassie Cage, Kotal Kahn, Kung Jin, Reptile, Predator or Tremor.
* Death blow: Bounce Back a brutality projectile.
Lost Girl (Assassin Variation)
- Activate Sharpen or Razor Blade for death blow. [Down, Forward, BK/+ Block]
* Death blow: Assassin Strike. [Down, Back, FK]
* Alt. Death blow: Assassin Impale. [Down, Back, FK + Block]
All Is On (Mournful Variation)
- Guide Glaive to opponent's head. [Hold Up after Glaive Throw]
* Death blow: Glaive Throw. [Down, Forward, FP]
Biggest Fan (All Variations)
- Deliver 3 Rising Fans. [Down, Back, BP]
* Death blow: Rising Blades. [Down, Back, BP + Block]
Off The Top (All Variations)
* Death blow: Throat Slice + hold Forward. [Back, Forward, FK]
* Alt. Death blow: Throat Slash + hold Forward. [Back, Forward, FK + Block]
Kotal Kahn Totem Tennis (Blood God Variation)
- Summon each Totem once.
- Crystal Totem must be active for death blow. [Down, Back, FP]
- Must be 30 or more seconds remaining.
* Death blow: 2 Fist Uppercut. [Down + BP]
Sawed Off (War God Variation)
* Death blow: 3 hit combo ending in Saw Blade. [Down, Forward, BP]
Dry Rub (Sun God Variation)
- Must have level 3 Sun God Choke or Moon God Choke.
* Death blow: Sun God Choke. [Down, Back, BP]
* Alt. Death blow: Moon God Choke. [Down, Back, BP + Block]
Stick Around (All Variations)
- Deliver 5 Sunstones. [Down, Forward, FP]
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Sunstone. [Down, Forward, FK]
Kotally Awesome (All Variations)
- Must be Sweep distance from opponent.
* Death blow: God Ray. [Down, Forward, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Sunlight. [Down, Forward, BK + Block]
Offering (All Variations)
- Opponent must have more than 50% remaining.
* Death blow: Sacrifice Kotal Kahn with Blood Offering. [Forward, Down, Back, BK]
Kung Jin Bullseye (Ancestral Variation)
- Use every Quiver.
- Must be Sweep Distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Air Down Arrow to head. [(Aerial) Down, Back, BP]
Burnt Out (Bojutsu Variation)
- Opponent must be airborne.
* Death blow: Bo Flame. [Down, Back, FP]
Decapitator (Shaolin Variation)
- Guide Chakram to opponent's head. [Hold Up after Chakram Throw]
- Guide Chakram to opponent's shin. [Hold Down after Chakram Throw]
* Death blow: Chakram. [Back, Forward, FP]
Round About (All Variations)
- Deliver 3 Cartwheel Drops. [Down, Back, BK]
* Death blow: Cartwheel Smash. [Down, Back, BK + Block]
A Little Heart (All Variations)
- Evade damage for 7 seconds in final round.
- Must be Sweep distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Straight Arrow. [Down, Forward, BP]
Where'd You Go (All Variations)
- Use 3 stage interactions.
* Death blow: Throw.
Kung Lao Spin Cycle (Tempest Variation)
- Kung Lao must have more than 50% health.
* Death blow: Cyclone. [Down, Forward, FP + Block]
Grind Away (Buzz Saw Variation)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Upward Buzz Saw. [Down, Forward, BP + Block]
Z Hat (Hat Trick Variation)
- Set Hat Trap or Away Hat Trap. [Down, Forward/Back, BP]
* Death blow: Hat Call Back. [Down, Down, BP]
* Alt. Death blow: Heavy Call Back. [Down, Down, BP + Block]
Klassic Toss (All Variations)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
- Guide hat to opponent's waist. [Hold Down after Hat Toss]
* Death blow: Hat Toss. [Back, Forward, BP]
* Buzz Saw Death blow: Hat Toss + hold BP. [Back, Forward, BP]
Open Wide (All Variations)
* Death blow: Throw + FP 15 times.
Liu Kang Tread Lightly (Dragon's Fire Variation)
* Death blow: Enhanced Bicycle Kick. [Forward, Back, Forward, BK, Block]
* Alt. Death blow: Enhanced Bicycle Flurry. [Forward, Back, Forward, BK + Block, Block]
Hot Mess (Dualist Variation)
- Deliver 10 Solar Flares. [Back, Forward, FP]
* Death blow: Solar Blast. [Back, Forward, FP + Block]
Kounter Top (Flame Fist Variation)
* Death blow: Enhanced Dragon Parry + hold Down. [Down, Back, FK, Block]
Dragon's Den (All Variations)
- Deliver 3 Dragon's Roars. [Down, Back, BP]
* Death blow: Dragon's Warmth. [Down, Back, BP + Block]
Hot Head (All Variations)
* Death blow: Air Projectile to head. [Back, Forward, FP]
Mileena Impaler (Piercing Variation)
* Death blow: Sadistic Ways + FP 5 times. [Back, BP, FP, BP + BK]
Tele-Splat (All Variations)
* Death blow: Tele-Kick + hold Up. [Down, Down, FK]
* Alt. Death blow: Tele-Drop + hold Up. [Down, Down, FK + Block]
High Roller (All Variations)
- Deliver 5 Ball Rolls. [Back, Down, BK]
* Death blow: Ball Roll + hold Down. [Back, Down, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Flip 'n' Roll second hit + hold Down. [Back, Down, BK + Block]
Quan Chi Touch of Death (Sorcerer Variation)
- Opponent must be in Final Hex spell circle. [Down, Down, BP]
- Opponent must be blocking.
* Death blow: Ground Burst. [Down, Back, FP]
Blood Shower (Warlock Variation)
- Win Round 1 with a throw.
* Death blow: Throw.
Puggles' Wrath (Summoner)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
- Opponent must have 10% health remaining.
* Death blow: Demon Grab + FK 5+ times. [Down, Forward, FK]
Skull Transplant (All Variations)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Skull + hold BP. [Down, Forward, BP]
Kurb Stomp (All Variations)
* Death blow: Sky Cruch + Down, Down, Down before final slam. [Down, Back, BK + Block]
Raiden Overload (Thunder God Variation)
- Deliver a combo more than 30% damage.
* Death blow: Lightning Strike Kombo. [Back, FP, FP, BP, BP]
Inside You (Displacer Variation)
- Perform 5 teleports. [Down, Up]
* Death blow: Electric Fly. [Back, Forward, FK, Block]
* Alt. Death blow: Thunder Fly. [Back, Forward, FK + Block, Block]
Power Outage (Master of Storms Variation)
- Deliver 10-hit combo.
* Death blow: Statuc Trap. [Down, Forward, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Full Trap. [Down, Forward, BK + Block]
Dark Force (All Variations)
* Death blow: Power Discharge Kombo + Forward, Back, Forward w/ electricity. [Back, FP, FP, FP + BK]
Super Shocker (All Variations)
* Death blow: Electrocute. [Down, Forward, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle, Triangle]
Reptile Puke (Deceptive Variation)
- Deliver 2 Acid Puddles. [Down, Forward, FP + Block]
* Death blow: Slithering Slam Kombo. [Forward, BP, FP + BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Swamp Slam Kombo. [Forward, BP, FP, FP + BK]
Knee Kapper (Nimble Variation)
- Activate Basilisk or Basilisk Runner for death blow. [Down, Down, FK/+ Block]
* Death blow: Slipper Slide. [Back, Forward, BK + Block]
Bo Dash (Noxious Variation)
- Activate Poison Gas for death blow. [Down, Down, FK]
* Death blow: Reptilian Smash. [Back, Forward, BP + Block]
Acid Wash (All Variations)
- Deliver more than 25% damage with Acid Spit. [Down, Forward, FP]
* Death blow: Acid Spit. [Down, Forward, FP]
Bubble Head (All Variations)
- Deliver more than 30% damage with Acid Spit. [Down, Forward, FP]
- Hold Up during Bubble Head sequence.
* Death blow: Acid Spit. [Down, Forward, FP]
Scorpion Just A Scratch (Ninjutsu Variation)
- Deliver 3 Downfalls. [Back, BK]
* Death blow: Doom Blade. [Forward, BP]
Nether Hole (Hellfire Variation)
- Activate Flame Aura for death blow. [Down, Back, BK]
- Must be max distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Fire Ball. [Down, Back, FP]
* Alt. Death blow: Hell Ball. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Shirai Ryu Fire (All Variations)
* Death blow: Air Flameport. [(Aerial) Down, Back, FK + Block]
Get Over Here (All Variations)
- Scorpion must have over 50% health.
* Death blow: Double Spear. [Back, Forward, FP + Block, Block]
Shinnok Face Off (Impostor Variation)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
- Lose 1 round.
* Death blow: Mimicry. [Down, Back, FP]
Hidden Brutality (Impostor Variation)
- Opponent must be D'Vorah, Ermac, Jax Kung Jin, Mileena, Sonya Blade, Sub-Zero.
* Death blow: Mimicry. [Down, Back, FP]
Have A Nice Day (Bone Shaper Variation)
- Must have 1 bar of Super meter.
* Death blow: Deity kombo. [Forward, BP, BP, FP + FK]
Hands Down (Necromancer Variation)
- Must be Sweep distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Judgment Fist + hold Down. [Down, Back, FP]
* Alt. Death blow: Judgment Smash + hold Down. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Skull Bash (All Variations)
- Win Round 1 with a throw.
* Death blow: Throw.
Glory Hole (All Variations)
* Death blow: Amulet Strike. [Back, Forward, hold FP]
Time Bomb (Demolition Variation)
- Lose a round.
* Death blow: Boomer Kombo. [FP, FP, BP]
Kamikaze (Special Forces Variation)
- Opponent must be blocking.
* Death blow: Drone Kamikaze. [Down, Down, FP, FK + Block]
> Boot To Head (All Variations)
- Sonya Blade must have more than 50% health.
* Death blow: Wrap Around. [Forward, FK]
Thigh Master (All Variations)
- Sonya Blade must have less than 50% health.
- Deliver 5-hit kombo ending in Leg Grab or Leg Slam. [Back, Forward, BK/+ Block]
* Death blow: Leg Grab. [Back, Forward, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Leg Slam. [Back, Forward, BK + Block]
Pain And Agony (All Variations)
- Win Round 1 with an X-Ray.
* Death blow: Special Forces. [Throw]
Hidden Brutality (All Variation)
* Death blow: Special Forces + hold Forward. [Throw]
Ice Cubed (Unbreakable Variation)
- Activate Frozen Aura for death blow. [Down, Back, FP]
* Death blow: Icy Slide. [Back, Forward, BK + Block]
Spitting Image (Grandmaster Variation)
- Create Ice Klone or Ice Statue. [Down, Back, BP/+ Block]
* Death blow: Explode Klone/Statue with Ice Burst + Hold Back. [Down, Back, FP]
* Alt. Death blow: Explode Klone/Statue with Frost Bomb + Hold Back. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Frozen Dinner (All Variations)
- Deliver Ice Ball to freeze opponent for death blow. [Down, Forward, BP]
* Death blow: Rising Fist. [Down, BP]
* Alt. Death blow: Upward Sword. [Down, BP]
Snow Ball (All Variations)
- Must be 40 seconds or more remaining.
- Must be max distance from opponent.
- Deliver Ice Ball to freeze opponent for death blow. [Down, Forward, BP]
* Death blow: Ice Blast. [Down, Forward, BP + Block]
Takahashi Takeda Whip It Out (Shirai Ryu Variation)
- Takeda must have more than 50% health.
* Death blow: Shirai Ryu Phase. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Two-Sided (Lasher Variation)
* Death blow: Whip Flurry + Down, Down, Down. [Back, Forward, BP + Block]
Force Slice (Ronin Variation)
- Deliver Blade Drop and keep Blade on ground until death blow. [Down, Back, FP]
* Death blow: Blade Kall. [Down, Back, FP]
* Alt. Death blow: Blade Summon. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Kool Whip (All Variations)
* Death blow: Quick Learner Kombo. [BP, FP, BP]
Armless (All Variations)
Death blow: Throw + FP 15 times.
Goro Chest Bump (Kuatan Warrior Variation)
- Perform 5 forward dashes.
- Goro must have over 50% health.
* Death blow: Chest Lunge. [Back, Forward, BP]
* Alt. Death blow: Chest Charge. [Back, Forward, BP + Block]
Tail Spin (Dragon Fangs Variation)
- Miss first two hits of death blow.
* Death blow: Dragon Spin. [Down, Back, BP + Block]
Shokan Flame (Tigrar Fury Variation)
* Death blow: Dragon Torch + hold BP. [Back, Forward, BP + Block]
Speed Bag (All Variations)
- Win first 2 rounds.
* Death blow: Shokan Grab + hold Forward. [Down, Back, Forward, FK]
* Alt. Death blow: Shokan Slam + hold Forward. [Down, Back, Forward, FK + Block]
Krush (All Variations)
- Opponent must be blocking.
* Death blow: Krush. [Down, Up + Block]
Tanya Backstabbed (Kobu Jutsu Variation)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Tonfa Throw. [Down, Forward, FP + Block]
Watch This (Dragon Naginata Variation)
- Activate Staff Stance for death blow. [(Aerial) Down + BP]
* Death blow: Swing Kick + hold Forward. [BK]
Pop Pop (Pyromancer Variation)
- Opponent must be in Dark Shroud. [Down, Forward, BP]
* Death blow: Surging Blast. [Down, Forward, FP + Block]
Romp Stomp (All Variations)
* Death blow: Split Flip Kick + hold Down. [Down, Back, BK + Block]
Top Off (All Variations)
* Death blow: Throw + hold Up.
Tremor Rock Head (Aftershock Variation)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
* Death blow: Rock Toss [Back, Forward, BP]
* Alt. Death blow: Boulder Throw [Back, Forward, BP + Block]
It's Me Tremor (Metallic Variation)
- Must be Jump distance from opponent.
- Activate Gold Skin for death blow. [Down, Down, FP]
* Death blow: Gold Punch. [Down, Back, FP]
* Alt. Death blow: Gold Launch. [Down, Back, FP + Block]
Hidden Brutality (Metallic Variation)
- Activate Lava Skin for death blow.
* Death blow: Lava Drop. [Down, Back, FK]
Krystal Khaos (Crystalline Variation)
- Perform Summon Krystal in final round. [Down, Forward, FK]
* Death blow: Throw Krystal. [Forward + Stage Interaction]
Rumble Trouble (All Variations)
- Deliver 3 Ground Quakes, [Down, Down, BK + Block]
* Death blow: Ground Quake. [Down, Down, Circle + Block]
Blood Rock (All Variations)
* Death blow: Rock Bottom + hold Down. [X-Ray]
Hidden Brutality (All Variations)
- Deliver 3 Rolling Stones. [Back, Forward, BK]
* Death blow: Rolling Stone. [Back, Forward, BK]
Hidden Brutality (All Variations)
* Death blow: Throw + hold Down.
Hidden Brutality (All Variations)
- Deliver Rock Slam 4 times.
* Death blow: Rock Slam.
Hidden Brutality (All Variations)
* Death blow: Shock Wave + hold FP. [Back, FK, BP + BP]
Jason Voorhees Blood Bath (Slasher Variation)
* Death blow: Bloodlust + hold Up. [Down, Forward, FP + Block]
Head Spin (Relentless Variation)
- Activate Pursuit for death blow. [Down, Down, FK]
* Death blow: Crippler. [Down, Back, Forward, BP + Block]
Spinal Tap (Unstoppable Variation)
- Be resurrected in final round.
* Death blow: Back Breaker. [Down, Back, Forward, FP]
Go To Hell (All Variations)
- Walk toward opponent before death blow.
* Death blow: The Horror. [Throw]
Blunt Trauma (All Variations)
- Win first 2 rounds.
* Death blow: Shoulder Charge. [Back, Forward, FK]
* Alt. Death blow: Temple Slam. [Back, Forward, FK + Block]
Predator Final Kountdown (Warrior Variation)
* Death blow: Self-Detonate. [Down, Back, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Self-Destruct. [Down, Back, BK + Block]
Skinned Alive (Hunter Variation)
* Death blow: Snag. [Down, Back, BK]
* Alt. Death blow: Trap. [Down, Back, BK + Block]
If It Bleeds (Hish-Qu-Ten Variation)
* Death blow: Plasma Shot. [Back, Forward, FK]
Time To Bleed (All Variations)
* Death blow: Throw + hold Up.
Anytime (All Variations)
* Death blow: What The Hell + hold Down. [X-Ray]
Hidden Brutality (All Variations)
* Death blow: Ugly Mother... [FK, BP, FP + FK, hold BP]
Special thanks to Mortal Kombat Online Affiliate for material used. Found more hidden finishers? Want to discuss brutalities? Register to finish them on the forums! Go deeper into the game in the Mortal Kombat X and Gameplay & Matchmaking discussion arenas! Support the kommunity by liking & sharing links via @MK_Online, Facebook & YouTube!
In 2009, Midway Games filed for bankruptcy. "11" was to be the final chapter for a developer whose reign in the American video games market lasted twenty-one years. Throughout this time, there were many spectacular successes, and that's what former Midway Developer Joshua Tsui hopes to revisit with his film: Insert Coin!
Speaking to Mortal Kombat Online, Tsui explained the origins of the project, "I got to thinking about how game development used to be for arcades and realized that nobody has ever put something together about that era. My hope is that I can weave together all the various stories of the games together and give people an overview of one of the most incredible eras and companies in video games."
The documentary project intends to revisit arcade gaming's wild west of the early nineties: in particular - the revolution sparked by Midway Games and the chain of breakout titles they produced!
Which titles will the documentary feature? Separating one success from another is difficult, as Tsui explained; "NARC influenced Terminator 2, influencing NBA Jam, then [Mortal Kombat], and so on."
The dominant franchises are all there as part of the grand story of Midway! They'll be laid as bare as possible by behind-the-scenes footage, and first-hand accounts from the developers who were there, Joshua Tsui included. Don't expect just the same old stories, though. The film will also dig deeper into titles that were never released, and expose never-before-seen footage. "My goal is to find the stories about production and the little things that the team did to make the games so much better than others of its kind back then."
The working title of Insert Coin is a fitting one for a documentary both about arcade gaming -- and currently seeking crowd sourced funding for completion.
Fans who hope to own this piece of gaming history should be encouraged to contribute to the Insert Coin Kickstarter campaign, with backer rewards beginning at $15. They include: Blu-Ray copies of the finished product signed by Mortal Kombat's John Tobias (Co-Creator) and Kerri Hoskins (MK3 Sonya); Thank You Credits in the film, a t-shirt, and other bonuses.
Update:With the final days of backing creeping, more major rewards await backers! An arcade machine, dinner with Kerri Hoskins-Branson and Daniel Pesina, and original John Tobias art are among the incentives! Get the full story!
The Kickstarter effort has 19 days remaining on a target of $75,000. Funds will cover costs associated with travel, filming and production. At the time of this writing, Insert Coin has reached $40,000.
Mortal Kombat Online will feature a full interview with Joshua Tsui discussing the project, and his past with Midway, soon. You can follow the documentary @insertcoindoc. Show your support by liking and sharing this story via @MK_Online, Facebook and sharing your thoughts on the forums! Find more in the Interview Archive!
Even as the dust settles once more in the Nevada desert, we reflect upon the players of Mortal Kombat X and its first year at the Evo World Championships. A return from exile for a series briefly ousted by its own developer-made rival.
2015 saw a massive influx of thousands of players - all eager to bare witness to the first contest for the new World title, and the immortality that comes with it! Tournament favourite Dominique "Sonic Fox" McLean may have emerged victorious, but he did so out of the second-chance "losers bracket" -- an example that success comes in many shapes and forms!
For the world's Mortal Kombat players, Evo 2015 will be remembered for setting a new standard! US dominance ended as the United Kingdom earned its first runner-up through Denom "A F0xy Grampa" Jones. Sharing in podium honors was Canada courtesy of a breakout performance by Tim "Honeybee" Commandeur. Also making their global presence known were also players representing: Dominican Republic, Germany, Russia. Japan, Chile & even more!
It was also the most watched Evo Championship, and a formative experience early in Mortal Kombat X's lifespan with only three months separating tournament from launch! Contemplating what may come in 2016, we feature the Top 128 competitors to finish at Evo 2015. Could the next rising star be among them? Who's next?
#1 Sonicfox5000 (D. McLean)
#2 A f0xy grampa (D. Jones)
#3 Honeybee (T. Commandeur)
#4 MIT (M. Terry)
#5 DJT (D. Terry)
#5 Ketchup (R. Neal)
#7 Saltface (W. Butler)
#7 Milky Situation (D. Castro)
#9 Big D (R. Dedomenico)
#9 Zyphox (K. Jimenez)
#9 WoundCowboy (R. Gonzalez)
#9 Digit (C. Arrieta)
#13 DetroitBalln (A. Rayis)
#13 Gross (D. Daniel)
#13 Hitbox Tyrant (EJ Williamson)
#13 Slayer 909 (F. Perales)
#33 Krayzie (G. Galdamez)
#33 Riyo (R. Jimenez)
#33 LD Kay (R. Carvajal)
#33 Flawedzilla (J. Hawkins)
#33 Satsuiyeshadou (C. Watkins)
#33 Misteranthropy (F. Valderaz)
#33 Mov (J. Egami)
#33 Mr.K (M. Kawada)
#33 NormaJr911 (N. Forrest Jr)
#33 Decay (E. Tran)
#33 Emperor Warchild (L. Tang Yuk)
#33 LI Joe (J. Ciaramelli)
#33 Bye #33 HitBox Godspeed (D. Kane)
#33 Painkiller (C. Naranjo)
#33 Kitana Prime (B. Benzing)
#65 TKP (T. Imaizumi)
#65 Darkfire (J. Velez)
#65 Jinty (A. Blake)
#65 Jonnitti (J. Nitti)
#65 Nubcakes (G. Silva)
#65 Blind Ducky (T. Smith)
#65 EE_Too (E. Dimalanta)
#65 MrSololobo (M. Banuelos)
#65 Epic Gol Boi Toi (T. Bridges)
#65 Bad Larry (A. Winn)
#65 Gummy (F. Camacho Gomez)
#65 Firebomber (M. Lopez)
#65 JohnnyBRamos (J. Ramos)
#65 Toblipa (P. Muoz)
#65 KH Cat (A. Torres)
#65 rev0lver (T. Bendicksen)
#17 MyGod (L. Castillo)
#17 REO (G. Grosso)
#17 NYChris G (C. Gonzalez)
#17 Madzin (M. Niedziela)
#17 Forever King Jr (F. Difilippo)
#17 Shujinkydink (E. McDougall)
#17 Michelangelo (M. Lerma)
#17 CheapEddie (N. Suvorov)
#25 KH Showtime (F. Occhione)
#25 Nivek (M. Bitsikokos)
#25 CR_Whiteboi (N. Andersen)
#25 Bigboy (J. Villarruel)
#25 Xen0m0rph (A. Padilla)
#25 MortySeinfeld (M. Camps)
#25 F3.Alucard (A. Ortiz)
#25 M. Betty (J. Tavizon)
#49 Vangence (F. Mojadiddi)
#49 Kevin 7 (K. Seven)
#49 Guamo (G. Lacio Jr)
#49 Coosco (M. Henderson)
#49 Black Redg1e (R. McDuffy)
#49 ThatRueNinja (B. Ward)
#49 Iluusions (R. Luu)
#49 EIN (N. Um)
#49 Jody tha Great (J. Woods)
#49 TimCruz (TR Dan Cruz)
#49 Perfect Legend (C. White)
#49 Cali Han (E. Rashid)
#49 Ibreakmoffi (D. Pinaire)
#49 ShinPaulo (P. Duarte)
#49 Nagai (L. Nguyen)
#49 KingRaj20 (J. Hampton)
#65 Youngmess88 (M. Vazquez)
#65 Star Charger (R. Conley)
#65 KH Royale (R. Chinn)
#65 Atai (M. Rivera)
#65 Mattix (M. Steverson II)
#65 West Coast Jeff (J. Obamogie)
#65 Subreal (S. Morales)
#65 (Mr. Mileena (J. Silva)
#65 (J. Scherry)
#65 Ultra Veteran (D. Ruben)
#65 Whitebl4ck (M. Vautor)
#65 Redsoul (T. Cummings)
#65 AOK Ryan (R. Magnani)
#65 Smarrgasm (K. Smarr)
#65 WonderChef (E. Hashimoto)
#65 X WhitestWade (W. Ball)
#97 Ofidyan (P. Morris)
#97 JTB123 (J. Button)
#97 Filipinoman (G.A. Herrera)
#97 Perezgomez (A. Perez)
#97 Eb3n3zer (B. Cerza)
#97 RM Cloud (D. Richards)
#97 F3.ATG (B. James)
#97 Demonhead (D. Alwaw)
#97 Solidsanchez (F. Sanchez)
#97 Pig of the Hut (B. McCaskill)
#97 Alex Valle (A. Valle)
#97 Khaotic_Harmony (B. Smolinski)
#97 JagoBlake (B. Whitworth)
#97 Tsd Bs Rtuc Loros (I. Martinez)
#97 RM Biohazard (M. Commandeur)
#97 (S. Appiah)
Mortal Kombat Online congratulates and commends everyone who made the Top 100 - and who competed live in Las Vegas! Got a story from the event? Register to share your kombat tales on the Gameplay & Matchmaking forum! Special thanks to source Bavo Bruylandt for cataloguing 2015 Evo Statistics!
Pop Goes... (Hollywood Variation)
Incubate (Brood Mother Variation)
Gluttony (Mystic Variation)
Quick Draw (Gunslinger Variation)
Stabby Stab (Ruthless Variation)
Shrapnel (Shotgun Variation)
Rocket Roll (Heavy Weapons Variation)
Wow Out (Fisticuffs Variation)
Just The Tip (Cutthroat Variation)
Leg Up (Balanced Variation)
Back That Up (Royal Storm Variation)
Totem Tennis (Blood God Variation)
Bullseye (Ancestral Variation)
Spin Cycle (Tempest Variation)
Tread Lightly (Dragon's Fire Variation)
Impaler (Piercing Variation)
Touch of Death (Sorcerer Variation)
Overload (Thunder God Variation)
Puke (Deceptive Variation)
Just A Scratch (Ninjutsu Variation)
Face Off (Impostor Variation)
Garro-That (Covert Ops Variation)
Pick Your Brain (Cryomancer Variaton)
Whip It Out (Shirai Ryu Variation)
Chest Bump (Kuatan Warrior Variation)
Backstabbed (Kobu Jutsu Variation)
Rock Head (Aftershock Variation)
#1 Sonicfox5000 (D. McLean)
#2 A f0xy grampa (D. Jones)
#3 Honeybee (T. Commandeur)
#13 Gross (D. Daniel)
#33 LD Kay (R. Carvajal)
#33 Mov (J. Egami)
#33 Painkiller (C. Naranjo)
#65 Gummy (F. Camacho Gomez)
#97 Cuongster (C. Cao)
#17 Madzin (M. Niedziela)
#17 CheapEddie (N. Suvorov)
#25 Nivek (M. Bitsikokos)
#49 TimCruz (TR Dan Cruz)
#97 Tsd Bs Rtuc Loros (I. Martinez)
