There’s no denying that the moves and Fatalities performed in the Mortal Kombat series are a little over the top. Thanks to Nerdist and Warner Bros. Interactive, we’ll soon know just how realistic (or infeasible) the moves actually are.
Nerdist’s Because Science and Warner Bros. Interactive have partnered together to create The Science of Mortal Kombat, a six episode series that will test the science behind the Fatalities and moves featured in the upcoming Mortal Kombat 11.
The Science of Mortal Kombat will feature Nerdist’s resident science personality, Kyle Hill, as he and a handful of science experts - including YouTuber and Mythbuster Allen Pan - break down the physics behind some of Mortal Kombat’s deadliest moves, such as Scorpion’s spear attack and other characters’ Krushing Blows.
Hill will also be joined by some athletes who have had their own in-ring experiences. UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier and former WWE Champion CM Punk will help test the science of Mortal Kombat by performing the game’s moves on dummies containing bones, blood, and organs, which will showcase the realistic gore that has made the franchise so iconic.
Of course, the action will be captured with special slow-motion cameras to enhance the visuals and really dig into what actually happens when the moves are performs in real life. It also makes sense to do this considering the Fatal Blows featured in Mortal Kombat 11, which highlight the details of the bone-shattering, flesh-ripping action that occurs when a Fatal Blow is performed.
It’s kind of surprising that a series like this took so long to be created. After all, the Mortal Kombat series has been churning out new games since 1992, while MythBusters, and the culture the show created, has been steadfast since 2003.
It might be a little disappointing to learn that some of our favorite moves from the game are not feasible in real life, but suspending disbelief for Mortal Kombat’s ridiculously gory moves are what gives the game its appeal. Personally, we hope to see a test that features Sub-Zero’s Mortal Kombat 11 Brutality.
The Science of Mortal Kombat will premiere this Monday, February 18th, on the Nerdist website as well as the Because Science YouTube channel.