The video: At times, the race between President Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney has seemed like an ugly grudge match between two candidates who neither like nor particularly respect each other. And it followed a particularly nasty GOP primary in which Romney mixed it up with Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Santorum, among a host of more affable foes. Over the months, Slate has re-imagined all of it through the lens of the classic arcade game Mortal Kombat. With the big election now just days away, Slate has come out with the final installment of Political Kombat, with Obama and Romney fighting to the bitter end... and viewers able to choose their own ending. (Watch below)
The reaction: The whole Political Kombat series has been "crazy fun to watch," says Alex Fitzpatrick at Mashable. Who doesn't want to see Vice President Joe Biden go mano a mano with Rep. Paul Ryan, or Donald Trump get pummeled by Obama? I mean seriously, "how much fun would presidential debates be if they allowed Mortal Kombat-style special attacks, combos, and fatalities?" That won't happen, of course, but this grand finale is the next best thing — "we only wish this was an actual video game!" No kidding, tweets San Diego TV personality Scott Lewis. "I will die unhappy if I don't make something this cool in my lifetime."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
How will the next pope change the Catholic Church?Talking Points Conclaves can be unpredictable
-
Conspiracy theorists circle again following RFK file releaseThe Explainer Both RFK and his brother, President John F. Kennedy, have been the subjects of conspiracies
-
7 equestrian activities for when you feel like horsin' aroundThe Week Recommends These graceful animals make any experience better
-
The JFK files: the truth at last?In The Spotlight More than 64,000 previously classified documents relating the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy have been released by the Trump administration
-
'Seriously, not literally': how should the world take Donald Trump?Today's big question White House rhetoric and reality look likely to become increasingly blurred
-
Will Trump's 'madman' strategy pay off?Today's Big Question Incoming US president likes to seem unpredictable but, this time round, world leaders could be wise to his playbook
-
Democrats vs. Republicans: who are the billionaires backing?The Explainer Younger tech titans join 'boys' club throwing money and support' behind President Trump, while older plutocrats quietly rebuke new administration
-
US election: where things stand with one week to goThe Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
-
Is Trump okay?Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
-
The life and times of Kamala HarrisThe Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
