The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) warning slapped onto Mortal Kombat X offers this disclaimer: Mature 17+ with the comments: "Blood and Gore, Intense Violence and Strong Language."
Hoop greats and Inside the NBA co-analysts, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal, put the ultra-violent video game to the test recently, engaging in a Kombat Konfrontation for the world to see.
Before their thumbs could even get to tapping, O'Neal let out this gladiator-like declaration: "This is where we fight! This is where he dies!" A more focused Smith responded, "Shaquille must die," before slapping the legendary ex-center in the back of the head.
With that, the two started their battle with Shaq acting out all the mind-numbing, gory moves, while Smith played it more low key. Shaq chose Jason Vorhees as his character, while "The Jet" opted for Ferra/Torr. What ensued was absolute hilarity.
Amongst the highlights?
- Shaq using Jason to carve up Kenny's Ferra/Torra, yelling, "slice 'em up like cheese."
- Kenny using the old-school excuse of "something's wrong with my controller." Nice try, Kenny!
- O'Neal screaming at the television screen, "get out of there, Pacquiao!"
- Smith jumping out of his chair, saying "Finish him! Finish him!" before mangling Shaq's character with a fatality.
And that was only round one. Round two only got that much more animated. Smith switched characters to Kotal Khan, while O'Neal stuck with Jason. In round two:
- Shaq opened up the round, delivering a big boot to Khan, saying, "size 22."
- The big man also mentioned, "There's the sword...pulled it out of nowhere, in your esophagus, through your head, slash you, in the gut, spinal cord out."
- At one point, the "Diesel" even proclaimed his character had a sword because "I am Kazaam!" He wound up winning the round and singing "I am the champion!"
In the tie-breaking battle, Kenny went with Sub Zero and made quick work out of Shaq's Jason to be crowned Mortal Kombat X champ. The best part of all might have been Smith throwing a faux-punch to which Shaq did his best WWE dive to the floor.
This is pure entertainment. If only Charles Barkley would have joined in. Watch the madness unfold here.
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