Who Says "Finish Him!" in Mortal Kombat?
The iconic phrase "Finish Him!" has become synonymous with the Mortal Kombat franchise. First introduced in the original Mortal Kombat game in 1992, this catchphrase has been a staple of the series ever since. But who says it? Let’s dive into the history and significance of this famous phrase.
The Origin of "Finish Him!"
In an interview, Ed Boon, the co-creator of Mortal Kombat, revealed that the phrase was inspired by the popular professional wrestling tagline "Finish Him!" used by wrestling legend Hulk Hogan. Boon wanted to incorporate this phrase into the game to emphasize the idea of finishing off an opponent in a bloody and brutal fashion.
The Character Behind the Phrase
While Scorpion is often credited with saying "Finish Him!", it’s actually Sub-Zero who utters the phrase in the original Mortal Kombat game. However, Scorpion’s "Get over here!" finishing move, which involves teleporting his opponent towards him and ripping their spine out, has become closely associated with the phrase.
Why "Finish Him!" Matters
"Finish Him!" has become an integral part of Mortal Kombat’s identity, representing the franchise’s dark and mature themes. The phrase has also become a cultural reference point, with countless parodies and homages in other media.
A Timeline of "Finish Him!" in Mortal Kombat
Here’s a breakdown of when and where "Finish Him!" has appeared in the Mortal Kombat series:
- Mortal Kombat (1992): Sub-Zero says "Finish Him!" after a match.
- Mortal Kombat II (1993): Scorpion and Sub-Zero both use the phrase.
- Mortal Kombat 3 (1995): The phrase becomes more widespread, with multiple characters using it.
- Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002): The phrase is absent from the game, sparking controversy among fans.
- Mortal Kombat (2011): "Finish Him!" returns, with multiple characters using it.
- Mortal Kombat X (2015): The phrase is used sparingly, with some characters using variations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who says "Finish Him!" in Mortal Kombat?
A: While Scorpion is often credited with the phrase, it’s actually Sub-Zero who says it in the original game.
Q: Why does Sub-Zero say "Finish Him!"?
A: Sub-Zero says "Finish Him!" to emphasize the idea of finishing off an opponent in a brutal fashion.
Q: Is "Finish Him!" only used by Sub-Zero and Scorpion?
A: No, multiple characters in the Mortal Kombat series have used the phrase over the years.
Q: Is "Finish Him!" a necessary part of Mortal Kombat?
A: While the phrase has become iconic, it’s not essential to the Mortal Kombat franchise. The series has continued to thrive without it.
Q: Can I use "Finish Him!" in a fight?
A: Unfortunately, the phrase is not a valid fighting move in the Mortal Kombat series. You’ll have to rely on your combat skills instead!
Q: Is "Finish Him!" used in other games or media?
A: Yes, the phrase has been parodied and homaged in numerous other games, movies, and TV shows.
Q: Why is "Finish Him!" important to Mortal Kombat fans?
A: For many fans, "Finish Him!" represents the franchise’s dark and mature themes, as well as its over-the-top violence and action.
Q: Can I customize my Mortal Kombat character with a "Finish Him!" button?
A: Unfortunately, most Mortal Kombat games do not allow for button customization. However, some mods and skins may offer this option.
Conclusion
"Finish Him!" has become an integral part of the Mortal Kombat franchise, representing the series’ dark and mature themes. While Sub-Zero is the original speaker of the phrase, Scorpion’s "Get over here!" finishing move has become closely associated with it. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the series, "Finish Him!" is an iconic phrase that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Table: Mortal Kombat Games and the Use of "Finish Him!"
| Game | "Finish Him!" Usage |
|---|---|
| Mortal Kombat (1992) | Sub-Zero only |
| Mortal Kombat II (1993) | Scorpion and Sub-Zero |
| Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) | Multiple characters |
| Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance (2002) | Absent |
| Mortal Kombat (2011) | Multiple characters |
| Mortal Kombat X (2015) | Sparingly used |
Note: This table is not exhaustive, but it gives you an idea of when and where "Finish Him!" has appeared in the Mortal Kombat series.