The Iconic Voice of Mortal Kombat: Who’s Been Behind the Announcer?
Mortal Kombat, a franchise that has been thrilling gamers with its over-the-top combat, supernatural characters, and gory finishers, has had a distinctive and unmistakable voice guiding players through its tournament-style gameplay. But have you ever wondered who’s been behind that loud, boisterous, and gravelly voice that’s become synonymous with the series? In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Mortal Kombat announcer and introduce you to the talented individuals who have lent their voices to the role.
John Turk: The Original Mortal Kombat Announcer
The Early Years
The first Mortal Kombat game, released in 1992, marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship between the franchise and its announcer. John Turk, a professional actor and voice artist, was tasked with bringing the game’s over-the-top and dramatic flair to life. Turk’s deep, gravelly voice became an instant hit, capturing the attention of gamers worldwide and cementing his place as the original Mortal Kombat announcer.
Turk’s contributions to the franchise are undeniable. He voiced the game’s iconic lines, including "Fatality!", "Finish Him!", and "Toasty!", setting the tone for the series’ humorously dark and gory combat style. His energetic and convincing delivery made the game feel like a spectacle, drawing players in and propelling them into the fight.
James Provost: The Successor
A New Era
When John Turk left Midway Games (the original creators of Mortal Kombat) in 1996, James Provost took over as the announcer for the next two installments, Mortal Kombat 3 (1995) and Mortal Kombat Trilogy (1996). Provost, with his deep, raspy voice, continued the tradition of excellence, bringing a new level of excitement and urgency to the franchise.
Under Provost’s guidance, the series entered a new era, with increased production values and more complex gameplay mechanics. He voiced many of the iconic lines and phrases, including "Blood!", "Raze!", and "Hah!", adding depth and emotion to the game’s world.
Josh Bernstein: The Current Voice
The Present**
In 2011, James Provost passed the torch to Josh Bernstein, who has since become the current voice of Mortal Kombat. Bernstein, with his **distinctive, gravelly voice**, has brought a new level of passion and energy to the role, perfecting the art of hyping up battles and announcing the fates of fighters.
Bernstein’s tenure has been marked by increased emphasis on story and character development, as the franchise continues to evolve and grow. He’s voiced numerous lines, including **”Get over here!”**, **”You have been warned!”**, and **”It’s a good day to die!”**, all while maintaining the same level of intensity and excitement that fans have come to expect from the series.
**Comparison Chart**
| Announcer | Time Period | Voice Characteristics | Notable Lines |
| — | — | — | — |
| John Turk | 1992-1996 | Deep, Gravelly | “Fatality!”, “Finish Him!”, “Toasty!” |
| James Provost | 1996-2000 | Deep, Raspy | “Blood!”, “Raze!”, “Hah!” |
| Josh Bernstein | 2011-present | Distinctive, Gravelly | “Get over here!”, “You have been warned!”, “It’s a good day to die!” |
**FAQs**
**Q: Who is the original voice of Mortal Kombat?**
A: John Turk was the original Mortal Kombat announcer, voiced the game from 1992-1996.
**Q: Who voiced the Mortal Kombat announcer in the 1990s?**
A: James Provost took over the role from 1996-2000, during the Mortal Kombat 3 and Mortal Kombat Trilogy era.
**Q: Who is the current voice of Mortal Kombat?**
A: Josh Bernstein has been the current announcer since 2011, perfecting the role and bringing a new level of excitement to the series.
**Q: What are some notable lines voiced by John Turk?**
A: Turk voiced iconic lines like **”Fatality!”**, **”Finish Him!”**, and **”Toasty!”**, cementing his place in Mortal Kombat history.
**Q: Can I hear the Mortal Kombat announcer in other games?**
A: Although the announcer is most iconic in the Mortal Kombat series, elements of their voice have appeared in other games, such as **”Killing Floor”** and **”Total Annihilation”**.
**Q: Are there any other notable vocal contributions to the Mortal Kombat franchise?**
A: Yes, various actors and voice artists have contributed to the series, including actors like **”Clancy Brown”**, who voiced Shao Kahn in several games.
**Q: Why is the Mortal Kombat announcer so important to the franchise?**
A: The announcer’s voice is integral to the Mortal Kombat experience, creating an electric atmosphere and hyping up battles. Their lines and phrasing have become synonymous with the franchise, making them an essential part of its enduring appeal.
**Q: Are there plans to retire the Mortal Kombat announcer’s voice?**
A: As of now, there are no official plans to retire the Mortal Kombat announcer’s voice. However, the franchise continues to evolve, and we may see new approaches or perspectives in the future.
In conclusion, the voice of Mortal Kombat announcer has undergone significant changes over the years, but the essence of their role has remained the same. From John Turk to Josh Bernstein, each announcer has left their mark on the franchise, perfecting the art of hyping up battles and announcing the fates of fighters. With their distinctive voices, these iconic announcers have become an integral part of the Mortal Kombat experience, resonating with fans worldwide and solidifying the franchise’s place in gaming history.