Highlights
- Mortal Kombat 1 introduces Brutalities as an alternative brutal way to end a match, utilizing devastating moves from each character's arsenal.
- Darrius' "Here, Catch" Brutality showcases the Kameo system, where he catches the opponent's torso after kicking it off, adding a unique twist to the finisher.
- Tanya's "Rest In Pieces" Brutality sets her apart with a simple yet unique finisher that obliterates the opponent in a heap of blood and bones.
Mortal Kombat 1 plays host to an onslaught of various Fatalities that fans are able to learn and perform at the end of a match with their favorite characters. But there's also another way to end a match that is just as brutal as the iconic Fatality: Brutalities.
Brutalities in Mortal Kombat 1 are fairly easy to perform, so long as players learn the correct moves and commands when attempting one. Brutalities take some of the most devastating moves from a Kombatant's arsenal and turn them into a unique way of finishing off an opponent. With so many excellent Brutalities in Mortal Kombat 1, fans have a hard time sifting through them all and seeing which ones prove to be worthy of the Brutality finishing screen.
10 Darrius' Here, Catch
The Kameo Brutalities in Mortal Kombat 1 aren't as flashy as compared to many of the Kombatant's Brutalities, but Darrius' signature Brutality may just be the best one on the Kameo roster. Darrius' Kameo Brutality, called "Here, Catch," is a perfect representation of the Kameo system.
That's because when players activate this Brutality, Darrius jumps in, catches the competitor, and then shoves the enemy back toward the actual player. When the opponent is shoved toward the player, the fighter kicks them back toward Darrius, but their entire torso flies off, and Darrius catches it.
9 Mileena's Maybe Next Time
Mileena has many extremely gruesome Fatalities and Brutalities in Mortal Kombat 1, but fans shouldn't expect anything less from the princess inflicted with Tarkat. "Maybe Next Time" is a fantastic Brutality that resides in Mileena's arsenal and can be triggered by using a specific teleportation move.
When activated, Mileena teleports behind the opponent with a flying kick from above. Mileena then holds down the opponent and renders them defeated by slashing at them with a bloody onslaught using her new Tarkatan blades.
8 Tanya's Rest In Pieces
Many of the Brutalities in Mortal Kombat 1 are bloody, complicated, and lengthy. But, Tanya sets out to be a tad different from the rest of the roster with her "Rest In Pieces" Brutality.
This Brutality is activated by her grab attack, which will then send the opponent flying into the air, well above the screen, while Tanya sits back, ensuring her victory. Seconds later, the enemy hits the ground, obliterated by the impact in a heap of blood and bones. This Brutality is very simple but one of the more unique finishers in the game.
7 Rain's Just A Little Drip
Rain, a returning fighter from previous games, now has access to a water-themed staff that he uses to fight against an opponent in a match. Rather than use his hands most of the time to wield water magic, his staff is weaponized to do such feats.
One such feat he can pursue is the "Just a Little Drip" Brutality, which is triggered by Rain's grab attack. This move sends the enemy into a sphere of water, which (assuming) eats away and crushes the rival inside. Eventually, the water droplet reveals the foe to be nothing but ground-up flesh, and Rain wins the game.
6 Shang Tsung's Stick Around
Shang Tsung has many Brutalities that stand out more than others, but his "Stick Around" Brutality lives up to its specified name as brutal. The move that "Stick Around" originates from is a special move in which Shang Tsung fades away from the opponent and lays out a bed of spikes in his stead.
When used against a weak enemy who is currently helpless in the air, "Stick Around" will activate, and the enemy will helplessly fall into the spikes in defeat. This Brutality showcases the brutal punishment of those who dare enter the aerial battleground.
5 Johnny Cage's Welcome To The Party
Johnny Cage, as always, is one of the most unique characters in the entire game. Johnny Cage may not be as magical as his past adaptations, but he still has the charisma, flair, and magnificent finishers. "Welcome to the Party" is one of Johnny Cage's Brutalities that activates when using his Ball Buster special move.
When the move lands, a small Johnny Cage action figure crawls out onto Johnny's shoulder and jumps onto the foe. The action figure then punches the enemy and forces their jaw open so that the action figure can crawl inside. Johnny then clicks a button, which detonates the action figure, blowing a hole in the contender's torso.
4 Johnny Cage's You Got Caged
As said, Johnny Cage is very unique and has some of the most bizarre and hilarious finishers in the game. Not only is his "Welcome to the Party" Brutality one of the most interesting in Mortal Kombat 1, but this "You Got Caged" Brutality may just be the most mirthful one yet.
"You Got Caged" only starts when using the Throwing Shades move on the competitor, which can be pretty difficult with the move's lengthy span and small hitbox. But, once it lands, the opponent will wear the sunglasses, and Johnny's stylist will come out to "prep" the enemy before taking out a razor/knife and slashing at their face while Johnny sits in a chair.
3 Li Mei's Fast Enough For Ya
Li Mei is one of the game's returning fighters who hasn't had a role since her minor appearance in Mortal Kombat X. In Mortal Kombat 1, Li Mei is a quick, successive Kombatant with some powerful moves.
One of her special moves flows into the "Fast Enough For Ya" Brutality, which shows Li Mei flying into the competition with a knee and then rapidly throwing blow after blow into their face. When the enemy finally sinks into the ground, Li Mei throws a couple of final punches to where the opposing fighter's face has caved in and leans back up in victory.
2 Kenshi's Out Of Sight
Kenshi, a fan-favorite character since Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance, returns to Mortal Kombat 1 with his origin story of being the blind swordsman. Kenshi, with the support of his ancestors, slices away at his foes and uses ancestral magic to launch his sword toward his enemies.
In a way, Kenshi's character is reminiscent of many anime protagonists. Kenshi's "Out of Sight" Brutality furthers that reminiscence, as it shows Kenshi leaning toward the opponent with his hand on his sword's hilt. Then, in a flash, Kenshi dashes through his adversary and stands on the opposite side of them. Afterward, the opposing character reveals slashes across their body and falls down.
1 Havik's Good To Be Back
Havik is one of the most odd and intriguing characters on Mortal Kombat 1's roster, but that doesn't sway him from being one of the most popular. Many fans, new and old, praise Havik's inclusion in Mortal Kombat 1, and the old villain is still as brutal as ever.
With Havik's "Good to Be Back" Brutality, players can utilize his ability to destroy his body and regenerate. Havik beats away at the enemy using one of his arms until they're completely overpowered, and the arm is ruined. Havik then tears off one of his adversary's arms and attaches it to his body. In a cruel pose, Havik holds up his new arm in victory.
Mortal Kombat 1 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC.