Showing posts with label List. Show all posts
Showing posts with label List. Show all posts
We all have our favourite characters - they're the ones we've mastered and tend to go to when it comes time for a match. Whether it's their interesting backstory or fighting style, they're a favourite for a reason. But what about the unlikable fighters?
For every new addition in a video game fighting roster, there's bound to be one or two other characters that fail to make a mark. The Mortal Kombat series is a polarizing one for one. I love the series! It's one of my favourite fighting series, but more often than not, I've scratched my head (or yelled) at certain characters who I've had to play as simply to get their final ending. Similar to what I've done in the past for the TEKKEN and Resident Evil series, I've creating another Top 10 list. This one, however, is least favourite characters.
Note: As with any ranked list, this is my opinion and chosen based on my thoughts for their story, fighting style and design. You may have your own opinions and choices.
10. Jarek
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat: Special ForcesJarek is a generic Kano clone to me. In fact, he was actually designed that way! He was essentially created as a substitution for the villainous character to fight alongside (then against) Sonya Blade and Jax. Even his ending during Mortal Kombat 4 is less to be desired. He has nearly the exact same moves, attitudes and character backstory. Let's just say I wasn't exactly heartbroken when he didn't return for any of the future selective character rosters.
9. Darrius
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat: Deception
Darrius isn't a bad character; he has his (very tiny) moments in Deception. The problem is that he doesn't stand out from all the many other Mortal Kombat characters - and there are a lot of them in this series! His one note character design, generic fighting moves, and barely-there backstory make him a forgettable character in comparison. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he was only created to serve a point for one of the other realms introduced in Deception. However, from the characters on this list, I think with a little reworking and updating, he could be a better fighter/character in the future.
8. Meat
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat 4
What do we know about Meat? He's a character who was a failed creation of Shang Tsung and he's completely skinless. That's it! Meat looks and fights like a character that was quickly slapped together because the designers needed to add another fighter to the roster. His fighting is average at best and there is no distinction to him that makes him stand out as who he could've been. If I ever had to describe him, he is a background/peripheral character getting his story told but not worth your time. It's harsh, but it's true.
7. Dairou
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat: Deception
Meh. Dairou is an average and mediocre character in comparison to some of the more fleshed out fighters. There is little explained about him except that he is a mercenary and was jailed for killing the man who murdered his family. While I enjoy a bit of his special attacks and fatalities (particularly the "Tombstone Drop"), he falls flat everywhere else. Similar to others on this list, he is completely forgettable.
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Two words: generic minion. There's nothing about Hsu Hao that stands out above more developed characters. It's no surprise Deadly Alliance was his only main entry into the series, with exception to Armageddon where everyone returned. In a video game where all the main starring characters were retired, Hsu Hao felt like a filler character mean't to support another character's, and organization's, backstory. What a waste...
5. Ermac
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat 3
"Ermac?!" I know, you must be scratching your head wondering why I even included him. He's not here because of his fighting moves, character design or backstory. In fact, I quite like his villainous nature and his inclusion in some fighting rosters - he's a powerful fighter. But that's why I also don't like him: he's too powerful. This is of personal preference completely, and I understand that I will get flack for this, but I detest fighting against/with Ermac. I like a challenge, but some players have used him to death to get the easy win. We can't all agree on certain fighters.
4. Shujinko
Shujinko is a debated character for me. His fighting style is a combination of moves from different Mortal Kombat fighters; it makes him unique from other copycats but yet he doesn't feel original. We go on this adventure with him and see his story progress; though in the end, it's like we know nothing about him. I do have sympathy for him being manipulated by a more powerful and strong-willed evil. However, if he wasn't so insufferable from the moment you start the campaign, I wouldn't have found so much pleasure at getting the chance to stop using him the second the story mode was over.
3. Liu Kang
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat (Original)
I detest Liu Kang. Ever since the original Mortal Kombat game on Super Nintendo, I find him to be so generic as a character. He's written as the "be-all-end-all" fighter who is the only one that can stop the villains. It even makes him sanctimonious, like his attitude at the end of the Mortal Kombat reboot. He's (more or less) been in every Mortal Kombat video game and nothing has changed about him - at least the other main characters have grown. His flying spinning kick and fireball deliver too much damage for one character; I find him frustrating to fight whenever I compete against him online. Some gamers absolutely LOVE Liu Kang (he is a main star, after all) but, in my opinion, not having him in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance felt like a breath of fresh air.
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat 3
Let's get this out of the way - Motaro is no Goro or Kintaro. His creation and addition to the series is somewhat of a joke. A centaur with overpowered attacks and a larger than necessary character design? Please no. While he had to return for the reboot of the series, I won't deny that it was a joy to see him quickly dispatched from the storyline. The concept might've sounded original in the beginning, but the execution just didn't work.
1. Mokap
First Appearance: Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
Rounding out the best of the worst is Mokap. Can someone honestly say Mokap is their favourite character? (Or even a good idea?!) He is the epitome of last minute, filler characters. His character is supposed to be an average motion capture human actor with martial arts and fighting skills who is continually pulled into the world of Mortal Kombat. To sum all that up: he's the low-rent Johnny Cage. I hate wasted opportunities and filler spaces in a complex fighting roster; we only get so many spots to play as a character to hear their backstory, whether main character or secret. To think of all the potential characters who could've made their introduction to the series...but we got stuck with Mokap. I'm not having any of it. Mokap earns the title of the worst Mortal Kombat character.
Rounding out the best of the worst is Mokap. Can someone honestly say Mokap is their favourite character? (Or even a good idea?!) He is the epitome of last minute, filler characters. His character is supposed to be an average motion capture human actor with martial arts and fighting skills who is continually pulled into the world of Mortal Kombat. To sum all that up: he's the low-rent Johnny Cage. I hate wasted opportunities and filler spaces in a complex fighting roster; we only get so many spots to play as a character to hear their backstory, whether main character or secret. To think of all the potential characters who could've made their introduction to the series...but we got stuck with Mokap. I'm not having any of it. Mokap earns the title of the worst Mortal Kombat character.
Agree or disagree with the rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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I don't talk about music often on this blog, but when I do, I like to feature some songs that I'm loving in my playlist. Between Tuesday Tunes
and this yearly ongoing post, it's a quick series to get a taste of music. Basically a nice change to try something new between most of my geeky posts!
Similar to last year's post, I've kept track of my Top 25 favourite musicians and songs of the year - and ranked them accordingly. If you're unfamiliar with the series, I rank the top songs, artists and groups who made a big impact on my playlists for the current year. I've done this for the last five years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014
Similar to last year's post, I've kept track of my Top 25 favourite musicians and songs of the year - and ranked them accordingly. If you're unfamiliar with the series, I rank the top songs, artists and groups who made a big impact on my playlists for the current year. I've done this for the last five years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014
Note: Songs from past lists won't be included in this edition. If certain artists are featured in the same
song, I may only reference the song once. Also, this is my personal
list, you may disagree with your own choices.
Let's start with the 25th spot...
25. Britney Spears
Songs: Pretty Girls
LYR (Last Year's Ranking): NEW
24. Carly Rae Jepsen
Songs: Run Away With Me, I Really Like You
LYR: NEW
23. X Ambassadors
LYR: NEW
23. X Ambassadors
Songs: Renegades
LYR: NEW
22. Steve Aoki
LYR: NEW
22. Steve Aoki
Songs: Delirious
LYR: NEW
21. MO
LYR: NEW
21. MO
Songs: Say You'll Be There
LYR : NEW
20. Elle King
LYR : NEW
20. Elle King
Songs: Ex's & Oh's
LYR: NEW
19. HAIM
LYR: NEW
19. HAIM
Songs: Falling
LYR : NEW
18. ZEDD
LYR : NEW
18. ZEDD
Songs: I Want You To Know
LYR: NEW
17. Young Empires
LYR: NEW
17. Young Empires
Songs: The Gates
LYR: NEW
16. Janelle Monae
LYR: NEW
16. Janelle Monae
Songs: Yoga
LYR: NEW
15. Tove Lo
LYR: NEW
15. Tove Lo
Songs: Talking Body
LYR: #9
14. Chvrches
LYR: #9
14. Chvrches
Songs: Leave A Trace
LYR: NEW
13. Ariana Grande
LYR: NEW
13. Ariana Grande
Songs: One Last Time, Focus
LYR: #13
12. Major Lazer
LYR: #13
12. Major Lazer
Songs: Powerful, Lean On
LYR: NEW
11. Ryn Weaver
LYR: NEW
11. Ryn Weaver
Songs: The Fool, Promises, Sail On
LYR: NEW
LYR: NEW
Songs: Hotline Bling
LYR: NEW
It's hard not to like Drake. Growing up in Toronto, you can feel his influence everywhere - people either absolutely love him or they're over him. Also, I grew up watching Degrassi! Beyond one or two of his earlier songs, this year may have been the one where I listed to his track on repeat. I blame most of my friends for pulling me into the Drake train for 2015.
Songs: Activate Me, Bleeding Love
LYR: NEW
Who is ASTR? Exactly. I had never heard of the pop group before until a fateful (alright, it's not that dramatic) night at the Mod Club. They were the first opening act for Ryn Weaver and I caught half of their performance since I arrived late. I love pop music. I love dance music. And their blend of both genres together instantly became a hit for me. I've listened to some of their tracks on repeat ever since then.
8. Taylor Swift
8. Taylor Swift
Songs: Bad Blood, Wildest Dreams
LYR: #1
LYR: #1
The year of Swiftie continues for me. I was pulled back in by the release of "Bad Blood" and it kept going with a few other tracks. Unfortunately, she did fall down the list a few spots this year; partly due to the lack of releases. However, I expect her to stand her down in next year's ranking.
7. The Weeknd
Songs: Can't Feel My Face, The Hills, Earned It
LYR: NEW
Songs: Can't Feel My Face, The Hills, Earned It
LYR: NEW
Similar to Drake's placement on this list, The Weeknd's influence in my beloved city has made me a fan. The first time I was introduced to him was when he sang with Ariana Grande in one of her tracks and since then, the name constantly keeps coming up when reading music features. His tracks are catchy, he's a great singer and he's doing pretty well for himself. I'm excited to see what comes next from him.
Songs: Fools, Talk Me Down, Wild
LYR: #24
I still associate Troye Sivan with YouTube as compared to his music fame. But the difference is starting to disappear. During last year's list, I featured one of his songs that became a surprise hit with me. While scrolling through MUCH online, I saw that Troye had released several new tracks and a new album. He's a great singer and if you like soulful pop, I'd definitely recommend for you to check him out.
Songs: Hello
LYR: NEW
It's Adele! Is there any other reason why she shouldn't be in the Top 10? Her voice is incredible, her video is dramatic, and no one can really compare to the queen. She only had one major track come out in 2015 and that may explain why she's not higher on the list. If there is one song she needs to do for 2016, she NEEDS to do a cover of a Spice Girls song. Her ride-along video is still one of the best she did.
4. Selena Gomez
4. Selena Gomez
Songs: Same Old Love, Good For You
LYR: #16
LYR: #16
Selena Gomez is another artist who had a big year in 2015. Two of her tracks became mainstays for my music playlist - one because it was catchy and the other because I was going through a breakup. Trust me when I say this, "Same Old Love" helped a lot, as well as a few other songs featured in this year's list.
Songs: All Hands On Deck, Player
LYR: NEW
I can't stop listening to her songs. They're catchy! Similar to many other artists on this list, I wasn't too familiar with her work before hearing one of her tracks. Since then, I might have listed to "All Hands On Deck" multiple times and contemplating whether to check out her show when she visits Toronto on tour. I'm still on the fence, but I've been pleasantly surprised with what I've heard.
Songs: How Deep Is Your Love, Pray To God
LYR: NEW
Calvin Harris may not be the main vocals (or any vocals) on his tracks, but he is the featured artist and DJ who released the songs. His music is catchy and great to dance to, whether live or through playlist. The one time I did hear him perform was a few years ago in Las Vegas when he was the feature DJ at one of the late night clubs. He was incredible! A definite highlight of my first ever trip to Las Vegas and I couldn't believe he was spinning. His recent tracks from 2015 were equally as amazing. I can't wait to hear his next collaborations. Hopefully one with Taylor Swift?! (We all can dream!)
1. Ellie Goulding
1. Ellie Goulding
LYR: #2
She's back at the top for another year. I will admit that this year may have been the hardest to narrow down between the Top 10. There were many amazing artists who released tracks that I loved in 2015, but I had to go with Ellie Goulding yet again. Similar to Selena Gomez, her two songs helped me through two times - one of happiness and the other through sadness. With the release of her new album, I wouldn't be surprised if she makes another appearance on next year's list. Until then, she rules the top spot for 2015!
Which musicians were on your 2015 list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
*Images provided by Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Billboard, GQ, SXSW and Original Tune*