MK1 players surprised by “horrible” Fatal Blow button-mashing mechanic

Some MK1 players seem surprised to learn a Fatal Blow’s damage can be increased via button mashing.

Mortal Kombat‘s Fatal Blow attack first reared its head in MK11, essentially replacing the X-Ray moves that came before. In MK1, players can activate the devastating move once their fighter’s health drops to 30 percent or less.

Successfully performing a Fatal Blow can work wonders for turning the tide of a match, since the attack deals a whopping 350 damage.

There are ways to augment the damage output, though. And, interestingly enough, it seems not all Mortal Kombat players are aware of this fact.

MK1 fans shocked to learn about button-mashing Fatal Blow mechanic

If timed properly, MK11 players can increase or decrease the power of a Fatal Blow attack by repeatedly pressing ‘X’ (PlayStation). Notably, the person who uses the Fatal Blow and mashes ‘X’ can deal an additional 10 damage on top of the default 350. The same feature returned to Mortal Kombat 1, yet many fans were unaware.

For some, the confusion began when a Reddit user made their case for why the button-mashing feature shouldn’t exist at all. “But wtf is the purpose? So you can take free advantage [of] people who aren’t aware? So you can wear out your buttons faster? This is such a dumb mechanic.”

One comment with nearly 200 upvotes reads, “What, I never knew. What a horrible mechanic.” Another confused Mortal Kombat fan said, “Never even knew that was a thing.” Further down the thread, someone else mentioned that they’ve been “shorting” themselves by remaining in the dark for so long.

WB Games

Some users well-versed in MK1’s Fatal Blow system agreed the feature should be shelved. One person wrote, “Yeah, it’s not skillful, it’s super boring and it’s not indicated in any way during the gameplay or tutorial.” They additionally proposed an improved version that could work like quick-time events in the classic God of War games.

A different Redditor took it a step further, saying Fatal Blows shouldn’t exist in general. “I don’t even think Fatal Blows should be a thing. It’s Mario Kart bs.”

But a few other people argued the extra Fatal Blow inputs are necessary for engagement purposes. “I think it’s meant to give you some engagement during FB. Otherwise, you’d just be watching a cartoon.”

No matter how MK1 players feel about the mechanic, it’s likely to stick around for a long time to come.