Hello. Here is my Ermac FAQ. Its incomplete and I still need to do more testing online, but its getting there.
At the Very end I put my Sub Cheese, its separate from the guide.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++
M M K K D D EEEE CCC EEEE P P TTTTT IIIII OOOO N N
MM MM K K :: D D E C E P P T I O O NN N
M M M KK D D EEE C EEE P P T I O O N N N
M M K K :: D D E C E P T I O O N NN
M M K K D D EEEE CCC EEEE P T IIIII OOOO N N
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
EEEE RR M M AA CCC
E R R MM MM A A C
EEE RR M M M AAAA C
E R R M M A A C
EEEE R R M M A A CCC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mortal Kombat Deception Ermac guide V0.9 for PS2/Xbox by Aaron Shabaz
=============================================================================
Introduction:
=============================================================================
Welcome. I'll keep this short. I like Ermac...I make Ermac guide :) This only
covers Eramc in the fighting game mode, not the chess or puzzle games. My
name is MobiusakaBorat on the MKO (MortalKombatOnline.com) boards. I also
occasionally visit the gamefaqs.com boards with the name Mobius Gear1. I am a
Ps2 exclusive player...I dont have an xbox. Thats it, lets get started.
=============================================================================
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO/Contact:
=============================================================================
This FAQ is copyright Aaron Shabaz. You cannot steal or borrow this FAQ
without written consent from me. This FAQ may only be on Mortalkombatonline
or Gamefaqs. If you want to post it elsewhere you can contact me at
fatqueen78@hotmail.com and must fully credit me. I hope you all enjoyed this,
and I hope it taught you something about our beloved Ermac.
=============================================================================
Updates:
=============================================================================
New to version 1.0
- Updated the Special Move Section - added strat/uses/ratings
- Updated the Strategy sections 5.1(DT methods) and 5.2(mixups 50/50)
- Added a small online section - warning to Ermac users
Next Update - The almighty AUTO-TRACKING? - The key to being the best!
=============================================================================
Table of Contents: Search Symbol
=============================================================================
1. Conventions [CON]
1.1 Breakers [BRK]
2. Biographies [BIO]
2.1 First Person Bio [BI2]
2.2 Alt Bio [BI3]
2.3 Ending [END]
2.4 Alt. Costume [COS]
3. Moveslist [MOV]
3.1 Special Moves [SPM]
3.2 Hua Chuan [HUA]
3.3 Choy Lee Fut [CLF]
3.4 Axe [AXE]
3.5 Fatalities/Hari-Kiri [F&H]
4. Combos [CMB]
4.1 Hua Chuan [CM1]
4.2 Choy Lee Fut [CM2]
4.3 Axe [CM3]
5. Strategy [SGT]
5.1 What are good Methods to DT? [DTM]
5.2 Mixups and 50/50 forces [MIX]
5.3 Online Issues with Ermac [ONL]
5.4 Auto-Tracking [TRK]
=============================================================================
1. Conventions: [CON]
=============================================================================
Back B
Forward F
Up U
Down D
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Move Abbreviation PS2 X-Box
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Attack 1 1 Square X
Attack 2 2 Triangle Y
Attack 3 3 X A
Attack 4 4 Circle B
Change Style CS L1 L
Block BL R2 ?
Throw TW R1 ?
+ indicates to press both buttons at the same time
DT This is an abbreviation for Death Trap.
-> In combos, means "followed by." Does NOT mean forward.
whiff Refers to when your move gets blocked or you miss.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1 Breakers: [BRK]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- A breaker is performed by pressing F + BL
When can it be performed?
- While you are getting pounded in by a ground combo
- On a single hit, right as it is about to hit you.
- While you are blocking you can use the breaker
- Throws - On multi hit throws (on 3rd hit or more) you can break. You can
not break literal throws (Mileena's Frankensteiner) and 2 hitters like
Nightwolfs throw.
- Juggles - You can stop juggles as well.
- You can NOT use a breaker to knock someone into a DT.
- You only get 3 per match and they do no damage.
Having trouble performing breakers?
-Use the breaker MASH tactic. This works in every case. If you are in one of
the above situations, you can use this method to help you. Hold down on the
block and start tapping forward over and over and you will perform a breaker.
Sometimes you see people using a breaker on your very first move! If you are
blocking you can be tapping forward before any attacks are attempted by the
opponent...as soon as they try something you will breaker on the very first
hit.
=============================================================================
2. Biographies: [BIO]
=============================================================================
Name: Ermac
Difficulty: 4 (in-game rating, not personal)
Place of Origin: Unknown
Alignment: Good
Allies: Kenshi, Liu Kang
Foes: Dragon King, Ashrah
A being created through Sorcery, Ermac is the combined might of many warrior
souls fused together. He was once a servant of Shao Kahn until Kenshi freed
him. Now he seeks to make amends for all the har, he has caused in the past
by freeing Liu Kang's enslaved allies from the Dragon King's control.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.1 First Person Bio: [BI2]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are Ermac. We are the fusion of the souls of dead warriors, created by
Shao Kahn to obey him without question. We served as his enforcer for many
years, until the Earthrealm warrior Kenshi released us from our bondage and
awakened our perception of the worlds that surround us. We are now free to
choose our own destiny. We encountered a fellow warrior spirit, who, like
Kenshi, understood our suffering. Eager to atone for the atrocities we had
committed in Shao Kahn's name, we agreed to help this warrior, Liu Kang, to
liberate his allies from the control of the Dragon King. Shao Kahn may be
dead, but it seems his essence lives on in this new menace. It is as if they
are both manipulated by the very fabric of the realms.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2 Alternate Character Bio: [BI3]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This can be found in the krypt - koffin PJ - 254 Gold Koins - Bio: Ermac Alt
CREDIT goes to John Ryall known as Bronzie on Gamefaqs.com,
for the location from his Krypt FAQ.
We encountered a fellow warrior spirit who, like Kenshi, understood our
suffering. Eager to atone for the atrocities we had committed in Shao Kahn's
name, we agreed to help this warrior, Liu Kang, to liberate his allies from
the control of the Dragon King. Shao Kahn may be dead, but it seems his
essence lives on in this new menace. It is as if they are both manipulated by
the very fabric of the realms.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.3 Ending: [END]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
In an outer chamer of the Dragon King's throne room, Ermac did battle with
Liu Kang's ensalved comrades. Ermac was more than a match for the five
warriors, but their defeat was not his objective. Liu Kang materialized and,
one by one, freed their souls while Ermac occupied the rest. Eventually all
five were awakened from their enchantment and freed from Onaga's control.
Ermac was pleased that his warrior skills could for once bring about a noble
outcome. He sensed, however, that an ominous force still shaped the destiny
of the realms. It was everywhere, he could feel its influence on Onaga,
though the Dragon King was oblivious to its manipulation. Time was running
out.Ermac feared the celebration of this latest victory would be short lived.
Note: The five enslaved warriors were John Cage, Sonya, Kitana, Kung Lau
and Jax
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2.4 Alternate Outfit: [COS]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ermac - Koffin QP - Key Location - A-8/Netherrealm.
CREDIT goes to John Ryall known as Bronzie on Gamefaqs.com,
for the location from his Krypt FAQ.
=============================================================================
3. Moveslist: [MOV]
=============================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 Special Moves: [SPM]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystic Float D U + 3
Mystic Bomb (During Mystic Float) D + 3
Dive Kick (During Mystic Float) F + 3 * Can be used to DT
Telekinetic Throw F B + 2
Telekinetic Slam B D B + 4
Hado-Energy D B + 1
Set and Spike R2 or ?
Note: his throw does not juggle :(
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystic Float - rating: N/A
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
By itself this really isnt a move. The worst thing about this move is that
there is no way to cancel it without having to do the bomb or kick. I would
have liked such an option, but its not necessary. As it stands, dont just
float there. You cant move around while in the air and just staying there
is begging to get comboed or knocked into a DT. You can also be hit by
standard fireballs like freeze and Spear even though it looks like they may
go under you, but there is a counter for that :) read the bomb section below.
Remeber to mix up bombs and kicks (mostly you will be using bombs) and you
got yourself a decent mixup.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mystic Bomb - rating: 5/5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
I love this move. If you quickly float/bomb you can get some garunteed hits
after an opponent lands from a pop-up. Most players dont even jump when you
float so abuse this against those players. When you float, stall, and they
will get eager and jump early, then bomb as they land! The bomb is so fast it
almost seems instantaneous. You can float, and when you see a fireball/spear
/etc coming at you as a counter, you can bomb before it gets to you. You
should hit the ground and the fireball will go over you and you'll get em
with another bomb. For those defensive players or defensive segments of a
match (when you are far from your opponent in general) you should use this
to lure your opponent in and close the gap. After a couple bombs/stalled
bombs/missed fireballsthey will give up and close in. If they dont, well,
then you will chip away at them until they do :)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dive Kick - rating: 3/5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This move can DT but its not that great when used as such since you shouldnt
be floating at close range. At that range you are vulnerable to fireballs
even if you try and bomb counter. If your opponent tries to attack you as you
are dive kicking you will usually trade hits with them :/ The moves sole
purpose is to act as a mix-up for the bomb...even though stalling bombs from
a float is a better mix-up. If you
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telekinetic Throw - rating: 3/5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This move is best used as a Juggle ender and a good ender it makes too. It
can not DT but you can use it to position someone by a DT though. Dont use
this move at close range unless you see an opening or your opponent is
walking forward for example. It, like the Slam, also is fairly easy to see
coming thanks to all the green glow and easily punishable on a whiff.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Telekinetic Slam - rating: 4/5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is Ermac's best move for juggles. You want to master doing this from
both sides and want to be able to do it fast enough to get it off in tight
juggle situations. Some juggles require you to do it mulitple times in one
combo, so I hope dexterity is not an issue for you. Seriously, Ermac needs
this to do decent combo damage, otherwise he is very limited in his juggles.
Without juggles you really do not want to do this move by itself, which is
why its not a 5/5. Its easy to see coming and very easy to punish on a
whiff. If used rarely, there are some situations where you can catch your
opponent off guard like when they are rushing in. Still, you want to almost
excusively use it in juggles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hado-Energy - rating: 1/5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is one of the worst fireballs in the game. The Hado-Energy (a clever
twist on Hado-Ken...or is it? LoL) doesnt come out fast/travel fast,
doesnt do much damage, and can not knock oponents into a DT. Its not even
good as a juggle ender. I dont suggest using it. Even at long range, if you
use it someone like Scorpion can telehit you (worst case) or you miss
completely (best case). Plus, at long range you have much better options with
your bombs/delayed bombs. Unless you are playing someone of very low skill
and what to see the move because you miss it dont use this otherwise cool
looking move. If anyone finds a use for this move please e-mail me and I will
credit you.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set and Spike - rating 4/5
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dont get me wrong, I dont want to be cheap, but throwing is a big part of MK
all of a sudden. You can not block throws in this game as you could in the
last. Since the engine of the game is flawed, there is also no designated
throw escape implemented. SO, you can abuse this move. Many a time at mid
range you can just dash/walk right upto opponents and throw them on the
average player. At close range its deadly. Players tend to block right after
a whiffed combo they just did so they can block your counter-combo. Since
there are many safe combos and they actually CAN block in time, you can just
take a step or two forward and throw them! Ermac's throw is standard in
damage and doesnt juggle like some do :( but all throws in this game are
deadly. Man, only if it juggled... (by juggle I mean like Nightwolfs throw).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: There are stars (*) next to moves that can knock an opponent into a DT
(Deathtrap) or through walls and such. Any move without a star can not,
such as Ermac's Tele Throw. One an opponent is airborn from a juggle
launcher, pretty much anything can DT them at that point. Im not 100%
sure on this, but it looks this way.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.2 Hua Chuan: [HUA]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thigh Punch 1
Long Arm Fist B + 1
Razor Hand D + 1
Fast Hammer Strike 2
Hammer Fist Uppercut D + 2 *
Soaring Edge Hand 3 *
Low Mule Kick D + 3
Foot Plant 4 *
Creeping Leg D + 4
Chop Shop 2 2
Blender Fist 2 2 2 * (on final hit)
Face Chop B + 1 3 * (on final hit)
Chop Em Up 2 2 1
Face Plant 2 B + 1 * (on final hit)
Swift Like The Wind 2 2 CS * (on final hit)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.3 Choy Lee Fut: [CLF]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tiger Claw 1 *
Sloping Ridgehand U + 1
Deadly Palm F + 1 *
Kneecap Strike D + 1
Dual Rising Ridgehand 2 *
Ridged Knife Chop B + 2
Grasping Uppercut D + 2 *
Twin Ox 3 *
Twin Fingers B + 3 *
Choy Lay Foot D + 3
Snapping Sidekick 4 *
Dragon’s Tail B + 4
Sneak Attack F + 4
Whirling Demon D + 4
Nitro Strikes 1 1 * (on first or final hit)
Strong Ox 1 1 3 * (on first or final hit)
Strong Mule 1 U + 1 * (on first hit)
Bloody Master 1 1 4 * (on all hits)
Carving The Way 1 1 B + 2 * (on all hits)
Grasping Fingers 1 1 2 * (on all hits)
Choy Lay Powder 1 1 2 CS * (on all hits except last)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.4 Axe: [AXE]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Overhead Slice 1
Whirling Blade B + 1
Sideways Cut F + 1 *
Power Jab D + 1
Horizontal Slash 2 *
Windy Axe B + 2 *
Slice You In Two U + 2
Unresting Axe D + 2 *
Stomach Mash 3 *
Low Slasher B + 3
Pelvis Cut U + 3 *
Foot Slice D + 3 *
Quick Fist 4
Ankle Slicer D + 4
Slice And Attack 1 3 * (on all hits)
Mystic Rush 1 3 4 * (only on firt and second hits)
Beat Down 1 3 4 4 * (only on firt and second hits)
Into The Shadows 1 3 4 4 4 * (only on firt and second hits)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.5 Fatalities/Hari-Kiri: [F&H]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ermac Fatality 1: D,B,B,D, 3 (Sweep)
Description - Tele Slams - Ermac tele slams his opponent a few times
and the final slam his opponent explodes.
Ermac Fatality 2: B,D,B,D, 4 (Sweep)
Description - Tele Rip - Ermac lifts his opponent up, make his squirm
a little with his tele powers. He then
finally start to pull them apart, until they
eventually tear in half.
Ermac Hari -Kiri : D,U,U,D 3
Description - Head Bang - Ermac bangs his head on the floor a couple
times...gets dizzy, and does a final bang
causing his head to explode.
=============================================================================
4. Combos: [CMB]
=============================================================================
In this section I will not list all combos by any means. I will try and make
a few easy ones for decent damage. I'll add em as I go along. Feel free to
send some and I'll credit you. During my comboing I found many slick looking
combos of medium to hard skill. I didnt list them because the damage was
pitiful and they really werent worth doing with these other options.
EASY - These are pretty easy
MEDIUM - These are well, medium lol
HARD - Not neccesarily hard.I am assuming you are an average skilled player.
A plus(+) sign mean its borderline, almost next difficulty level.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can not buffer moves in MKD. So when juggling, wait till
one animation is over and then do the next button inputs
quickly. All these combos work, they are tested.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.1 Hua Chuan: [CM1]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------
2,B+1
-----------------
2,B+1 is a good pop up. Poke with 2 and follow through if it conncets. I
think its your safest launcher option in all stances and therefore best.
2,B+1 -> 2,2 -> B D B + 4 -> 2 -> F B + 2 8hits 36% MEDIUM
2,B+1 ->* B D B + 4 -> 2 -> B D B + 4 -> 2 -> F B + 2 8hits 37% HARD
*Note: you will have to take 1 step back then do the tele slam.
Otherwise they may bounce over your head.
2,B+1 -> B+1,3 4hits 27% EASY
-----------------
2,2,CS
-----------------
2,2,CS is another option. Whats bad about it is that after the pop-up, you
have very limited options for both moves and damage. Again, poke with 2 and
follow through if it conncets.
2,2,CS -> B D B + 4 -> F B + 2 6hits 28% EASY+
2,2,CS -> B D B + 4 -> 1,1,2,CS 9hits 24% EASY+
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2 Choy Lee Fut: [CM2]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------
1,U+1
-----------------
Im not too crazy about this combo launcher. It leads to Ermac's most damaging
combos in this particular stance. The 1 has some decent range and ok recover
time. You can throw it out without too much worry. However, it can be easily
side stepped/punished. Dont whiff the second part of it either. Some decent
damage for average skill also.
1,U+1 -> D+2 -> B D B + 4 -> F B + 2 6hits 34% MEDIUM
1,U+1 -> 2 -> B D B + 4 -> 2 -> F B + 2 7hits 33% MEDIUM
1,U+1 -> CS,1,3 -> B D B + 4 -> F B + 2 7hits 36% MEDIUM
or 1,U+1 -> CS,1,3 -> B D B + 4 -> 1,3,4,4,4 9hits 32% MEDIUM
1,U+1 -> B D B + 4 -> 1 -> B D B + 4 -> 1 -> F B + 2 8hits 35% MEDIUM
-----------------
1,1,B+2 or B+2
-----------------
Almost the same deal as the above launcher for 1,1,B+2 but less damaging
juggles. B+2 by itself comes out fast, but you cant abuse it. It seems to
have less recover time when its blocked rather than missed? Still, you can be
punished.
B+2 -> CS,1,3,4 -> B D B + 4 -> F B + 2 7hits 36% MEDIUM
1,1,B+2 -> B D B + 4 -> B+2 -> 1,1,2,CS 10hits 24% EASY+
or 1,1,B+2 -> B D B + 4 -> B+2 -> F+1* 8hits 21% EASY
*Note: This finisher doesnt do much damage but sends
the enemy across the screen and if there is a
DT, into it. It has some nice range which is
why I put it in.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.3 Axe: [CM3]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: none of these launchers are all that safe for Axe stance.
-----------------
U+2
-----------------
If you whiff or are blocked there is much time for you to get punished.
U+2 -> 1,3 -> B D B + 4 -> 1,3,4,4,4 8hits 34% MEDIUM
U+2 -> 4 -> B D B + 4 -> 4 -> B D B + 4 -> F B + 2 7hits 36% MEDIUM
U+2 -> D+2 -> B D B + 4 -> B+1 6hits 28% EASY+
U+2 -> U+2 -> B D B + 4 -> D+2 4hits 23% EASY
U+2 -> *4,4,4 -> B D B + 4 -> F B + 2 7hits 34% EASY+
*Note: Delay a slight bit before hitting these
so that all 3 can hit.
U+2 -> *4,4,4 -> B D B + 4 -> CS,B+1,3 7hits 31% HARD
*Note: Gotta get your opponent high with these
so that you have time to do that extra
CS later.
-----------------
D+2
-----------------
Your most damaging launcher is D+2. The D+2 combo here may not be practical
at all for some players, so I suggest either practicing it or sticking to an
easier one. Again, not a safe launcher for Ermac. It will push back with the
opponent blocks but even an average player should still be able to punish you
*D+2 -> B D B + 4 -> D+2 -> B D B + 4 -> F B + 2 6hits 44% HARD
*NOTE: You have to be close when you connect the first
hit or you will miss the second D+2. You may have
to take a quick step forward before the second D+2.
Gently tap forward. You know if your step is too big
if your second D+2 goes through your opponent.
D+2 -> B D B + 4 -> 1,3,4,4,4 6hits 32% EASY+
-----------------
B+2
-----------------
This is the weakest single attack amongst these juggles. It doesnt throw your
opponent as far out as D+2 does. The 44% combo with above can be done much
easier with B+2 but it will do considerably less damage, 11% less. Similar to
D+2 in safety, seems slower in execution.
B+2 -> B D B + 4 -> 1,3 -> B D B + 4 -> 1,3,4,4,4 9hits 32% MEDIUM
B+2 -> *4,4 -> *4,4,4 7hits 22% HARD+
*NOTE: Hold forward while doing these first 2 4s
*NOTE: Can be tricky to connect. You can also reverse
Them. Do three 4s, then two. This combo can
be done though.
=============================================================================
5. Strategy [SGT]
=============================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.1 What are good Methods to DT? [DTM]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hua Chuan - In this stance Ermac has a nice variety to choose from. But they
are not all that great as far as single hitters are concerned. 3
has big recover time and ok speed - I dont suggest it. The same
goes for D+2. 4 is your fastest and safest option as far as
single hits go, but even that isnt all that great. Your best bet
however, would be to go for a quick 2,2,CS or 2,B+1 combo, since
the final hit will be garunteed if the first connects and the
first is pretty fast and pretty safe. Poke with 2 and if you see
it connect go for the whole thing. If you do knock them up with
a laucher and they dont DT, you can simply just nail em with a
power move like 4 go get the DT.
Choy Lee Fut - Coming Soon
Axe - Coming Soon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.2 Mixups and 50/50 forces [MIX]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coming Soon
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.3 Online Issues with Ermac [ONL]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well we all knew there would be some. When challenging an opponent or
accepting, do not play against 1 or 2 star pingers. These people will lag
the match and make it nearly impossible to perform at a normal level. The
lag will keep you from doing your juggles almost completely. Ermac really
needs his juggles unless you want to play nothing but a mixup game and throw.
But you want to play with some style dont you?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
5.4 Auto-Tracking [TRK]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
=============================================================================
LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO/Contact AGAIN
=============================================================================
This FAQ is copyright Aaron Shabaz. You cannot steal or borrow
this FAQ without written consent from me. This FAQ may only be on
Mortalkombatonline or Gamefaqs. If you want to post it elsewhere you can
contact me at fatqueen78@hotmail.com and must fully credit me. I hope you
all enjoyed this, and I hope it taught you something about our beloved Ermac.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
END
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sub Cheese tactic: Shotokan stance - Do his 1,1,3,2 combo and it ends with SZ smacking the guys face causing him to bleed/hold it. While this animation is playing just walk right up to them and you can get in a free throw! This makes me want to explore similar moves/combos and throws with other characters.