Mortal Kombat’s Biggest Jerks: The Most Annoying Characters in the Franchise

From its humble beginnings in the arcades to its present status as a titan of the fighting game genre, *Mortal Kombat* has always been known for its over-the-top violence, iconic characters, and, let’s be honest, moments of pure, unadulterated annoyance. While the series boasts a roster of compelling heroes and formidable villains, it also features a special breed of characters. Those who push our buttons, make us grit our teeth, and generally embody the very essence of a “jerk.” This article dives into the deep end of *Mortal Kombat’s* roster to identify and dissect the characters who have earned a special place in the hall of shame: the ones who, through a combination of cheap tactics, infuriating personalities, and a healthy dose of arrogance, have elevated the art of being a *Mortal Kombat Jerk* to a truly masterful level.

We’ll explore what constitutes “jerkiness” within the context of *Mortal Kombat*. From the devastating strategies employed in the heat of battle to the taunting quips and gloating victory poses, we’ll delve into the factors that make these combatants such a pain to face. Prepare to relive the agonizing moments, the frustrating losses, and the inevitable desire to throw your controller across the room as we celebrate (and perhaps secretly dread) the characters who make *Mortal Kombat*… well, *Mortal Kombat*.

The Criteria of Annoyance

Before we dive into the roster of offenders, it’s important to define the criteria by which we’ll be judging “jerkiness.” There’s a spectrum of annoying behavior in the world of *Mortal Kombat*, and our selection hinges on a confluence of factors.

Gameplay strategies form the bedrock of our assessment. We’re talking about fighters who lean heavily on tactics that make opponents want to quit. This includes characters who are notorious for spamming specific moves. Projectiles are often the cornerstone of this type of gameplay, with characters who constantly hurl special attacks from a distance making matches incredibly one-sided and boring. Another aspect includes fighters who excel at pressure, keeping their opponents pinned against the corner of the arena and using relentless combos to wear them down. This strategy can be incredibly effective but can often lead to frustration and a feeling of helplessness for the other player. Finally, some characters have certain special abilities or combos that seem to border on unfairness, being particularly strong or even outright broken within the specific game they appear in.

Beyond mere gameplay annoyances, personality plays a key role in identifying the *Mortal Kombat Jerk*. A fighter can be incredibly effective, but if they lack any sort of personality, they are less likely to be on this list. But a character can become an instant antagonist with the right dose of cockiness. The way a character communicates through taunts, victory poses, and general dialogue contributes greatly to our perception. A character who revels in their victory, boasts about their superiority, and generally acts as if they are the greatest warrior the realms have ever seen is an easy target for the “jerk” label. This also involves the character’s overall demeanor; is the character constantly condescending, arrogant, or just plain unlikeable? Do they actively seek to humiliate their opponents or gloat over their victories?

Finally, a character’s presence in the story can contribute to their “jerk” status. A character might be villainous, but sometimes the writers will make that character unlikeable for various reasons.

The Infamous List of Annoying Kombatants

Let’s start off with some characters who aren’t inherently jerks, but are generally just annoying to face.

Scorpion, the fiery specter, is a *Mortal Kombat* icon. His catchphrase, “Get over here!” is recognized by almost anyone with even a passing familiarity with the series. However, Scorpion is a prime example of a character whose straightforward moveset and accessibility can be a double-edged sword. Scorpion’s iconic spear, capable of instantly pulling opponents in for a combo, can be frustrating to deal with.

Similarly, Sub-Zero is generally just an iconic character that most fans like. With his ice abilities, Sub-Zero can be equally annoying at times, primarily through freezing their opponents and setting up devastating combos. He’s a classic character who can easily frustrate any opponent.

Let’s move on to a group of characters who truly define the essence of the *Mortal Kombat Jerk*.

Reptile, the shape-shifting Zaterran warrior, has been frustrating opponents since the first game. Reptile’s main strength lies in his special moves, primarily his acidic projectiles and the ability to turn invisible for a short amount of time. These abilities can force a defensive, slow-paced game, allowing him to wear down his opponents. The constant barrage of projectiles with little to no counterplay can quickly become annoying, making Reptile a prime candidate for the “jerk” title.

Quan Chi, the scheming sorcerer, embodies the *Mortal Kombat Jerk* archetype with ease. Quan Chi, the sorcerer with a history of treachery, uses a mix of deceptive techniques and psychological warfare to disorient his foes. Quan Chi, both in gameplay and character, is a master manipulator who enjoys seeing his enemies squirm. In gameplay, he excels with long-range attacks, teleportation, and deceptive playstyles that rely on outsmarting and confusing opponents. This approach makes facing him a constant test of patience and awareness.

Rain, the Edenian prince, is a character that can fit into the category depending on who is playing. He is most known for his purple lightning attacks, and has some strong projectile attacks. Depending on who is behind the joystick, you will quickly learn how annoying he can be.

Ermac is another character that has the qualities of a *Mortal Kombat Jerk*. With his telekinetic abilities, Ermac can control the battlefield in various ways. He can lift enemies, teleport, and use powerful projectiles. A skilled Ermac player will use these powers to create oppressive pressure and keep opponents locked down. The incessant barrage of telekinetic attacks can be irritating, especially when they’re constantly spammed to keep their opponents on the backfoot.

Kano, the mercenary with a metal jaw, is a character who perfectly embodies the “dirty fighter” mentality. Kano’s cheap throw can be used as a close range pressure, making Kano players an annoyance to most. He constantly throws his opponents, and can lock their opponents with this tactic.

Shang Tsung, the shape-shifting sorcerer, is a master manipulator of not just magic but also of the *Mortal Kombat* roster. The ability to transform into other characters gives him an endless arsenal of moves and strategies to employ. Not only does this mean he can use the moves of the characters you like, but his ever-changing nature can make it difficult to learn his weaknesses or adapt to his style.

Raiden, the god of thunder, often relies on strong pressure, forcing opponents to take risks to escape his grasp. Raiden can be a highly effective character and is a *Mortal Kombat* icon.

Sonya Blade’s gameplay makes her a tough opponent. With her arsenal of zoning tools, including her energy rings and her leg grabs, Sonya can keep her opponents at bay and control the pace of the match. Players who focus on zoning strategies tend to be frustrating to play against, relying on safe moves and punishing mistakes.

Other characters, like Liu Kang, have strong moves that can frustrate opponents if used repeatedly, or if you are constantly facing the character. Johnny Cage can often get under the other player’s skin through constant taunts and cockiness, but is still generally well-liked. Similarly, Mileena’s gameplay of running in and spamming combos can be annoying.

Understanding the Frustrations and the Fun

Why are these characters so effective at being annoying? It often boils down to a combination of factors. Some characters are designed with specific game mechanics or move sets that are inherently frustrating to face, such as those with spammable projectiles or strong pressure tools. Other characters can have an outsized impact on a match simply because of their particular playstyle. By understanding these mechanics, we gain a deeper appreciation for the design choices that shaped these characters.

It’s important to acknowledge that what one player finds annoying, another might find perfectly acceptable. The variety in playstyles and characters in *Mortal Kombat* ensures that the experience is always fresh.

But why do we return to play these characters again and again? There’s a certain satisfaction in mastering a character who pushes your opponent’s buttons.

The Enduring Legacy of the Annoying

In the grand scheme of *Mortal Kombat*, the “jerk” characters play a vital role. They add an element of unpredictability and challenge, forcing players to adapt and learn new strategies. Even though these characters can be irritating, they contribute to the game’s competitive nature and depth. The *Mortal Kombat Jerk* is here to stay, providing memorable moments of both triumph and frustration for players around the world.

Conclusion: Embracing the Irritation

This has been a journey through the realm of the *Mortal Kombat Jerk*, from the easily-spammed movesets to the downright irritating personalities. We’ve witnessed the tactics and the characters. At its core, the “jerk” character is a part of what makes *Mortal Kombat* so enduring. Do they push our patience? Absolutely. Do they make us want to uninstall the game on occasion? Perhaps. But they also add to the game’s unique charm, competitive spirit, and lasting appeal. So, the next time you encounter a truly infuriating opponent, remember that you are contributing to the rich tapestry of *Mortal Kombat* history.

Let us know in the comments which characters have driven you crazy.