Editing Ermac (section)

==Reception==
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| footer            = Ermac's progression from a [[Glossary of video game terms#P|palette swap]] in ''[[Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3]]'' to  unique redesigns in ''[[Mortal Kombat: Deception]]'' and subsequent series appearances has earned him positive critical reception.<ref name="ermacdenofgeek"/>
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Ermac's origins as a glitch and rumored character are considered a memorable urban legend in video games.{{NoteTag|Sources: <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/originals/112-top-10-old-school-mortal-kombat-characters|title=Top 10 Old School Mortal Kombat Characters |first=Anthony |last=Severino |work=[[Game Revolution]]|publisher=[[Mandatory (company)|Mandatory]]|date=February 3, 2011|access-date=December 19, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150211073634/http://www.gamerevolution.com/features/top-10-old-school-mortal-kombat-characters/1 |archive-date=February 11, 2015}}</ref><ref name="escapist">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_289/8550-Digital-Serendipity.2|title=Digital Serendipity|first=William|last=Bloodworth|magazine=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]]|publisher=[[Defy Media]]|date=April 18, 2011|access-date=May 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518094532/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/video-games/issues/issue_289/8550-Digital-Serendipity.2|archive-date=May 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/sports/kofi-kingston-talks-his-10-favorite-video-games-plus-his-pick-for-a-movie-version-of-master-chief/|title=Kofi Kingston Talks His 10 Favorite Video Games (Plus His Pick for a Movie Version of Master Chief)|first=Reyan|last=Ali|work=[[Uproxx]]|publisher=[[Warner Music Group]]|date=April 4, 2013|access-date=November 7, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412043856/https://uproxx.com/sports/kofi-kingston-talks-his-10-favorite-video-games-plus-his-pick-for-a-movie-version-of-master-chief/|archive-date=April 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/massappeal40/page/19/mode/1up|title=Best Arcade Fighting Games|first=Annmarie|last=Donnegan|magazine=[[Mass Appeal (media)|Mass Appeal Magazine]]|publisher=Mass Appeal|issue=40|date=2006|page=19}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a812083/biggest-game-myths-busted/|title=10 biggest game myths BUSTED, from Bigfoot to brainwashing|first=Sam|last=Loveridge|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications]]|date=October 26, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428073549/https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/a812083/biggest-game-myths-busted/|archive-date=April 28, 2023}}</ref>}} ''[[GamesRadar+]]'' executive editor Eric Bratcher credited the ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' hoax with Ermac's addition to the ''Mortal Kombat'' series.<ref name="gamesradar">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/egm-gone-but-not-forgotten/|title=EGM: Gone but not forgotten|work=[[GamesRadar+]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|first=Eric|last=Bratcher|date=June 23, 2012|access-date=December 18, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306093036/http://www.gamesradar.com/egm-gone-but-not-forgotten/|archive-date=March 6, 2014}}</ref> Rudie Obias of ''[[Mental Floss]]'' and Yannick LeJacq of ''[[Kotaku]]'' considered it the result of fans' enthusiasm for the character.<ref name="mental">{{cite web|url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/53601/8-video-game-hoaxes-debunked|title=8 Video Game Hoaxes, Debunked|first=Rudie|last=Obias|work=[[Mental Floss]]|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|date=November 13, 2013|access-date=September 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906065934/http://mentalfloss.com/article/53601/8-video-game-hoaxes-debunked|archive-date=September 6, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/five-gaming-rumors-that-were-too-good-to-stay-fake-1656825450|title=Five Gaming Rumors That Were Too Good to Stay Fake|first=Yannick|last=LeJacq|work=[[Kotaku]]|publisher=[[G/O Media]]|date=November 10, 2014|access-date=October 31, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124132955/https://kotaku.com/five-gaming-rumors-that-were-too-good-to-stay-fake-1656825450|archive-date=January 24, 2022}}</ref> Steve Watts of ''[[1Up Network|1Up.com]]'' commented that supposed video-game glitches like Ermac "go on to live as legends until the creators have no choice but to make it a reality."<ref name="1UP">{{cite web|url=https://www.1up.com/features/best-video-game-glitches?pager.offset=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140205033707/http://www.1up.com/features/best-video-game-glitches?pager.offset=1|archive-date=February 5, 2014 |title=The Top 10 Iconic Glitches|work=[[1UP.com]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|first=Steve |last=Watts |date=June 6, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2013 }}</ref> The staff of ''[[GameTrailers]]'' unsuccessfully attempted to access Ermac in the first game, per the reader instructions published in ''EGM'', in an episode of their ''[[GameTrailers#Other shows|PopFiction]]'' web series that premiered at [[PAX (event)|PAX Prime]] 2012.<ref name="popfiction"/> In his study ''Immersion and Worldbuilding in Videogames'', Edin Omeragiċ of the [[University of Osijek]] stated that Ermac's inclusion was "especially immersive for the way it includes [[end user]]s into the process, with developers seemingly relinquishing control over their world for a moment and making their fans feel as if they also had a hand in its creation."<ref>{{harvnb|Omeragiċ|2019}}</ref>

Critical reaction to Ermac's series debut was negative.<ref name="DoG">{{cite web|url=http://www.denofgeek.us/games/mortal-kombat/243041/mortal-kombat-ranking-all-the-characters/page/0/5|title=Mortal Kombat: Ranking All the Characters|first=Gavin|last=Jasper|work=[[Den of Geek]]|publisher=DoG Tech LLC|date=July 30, 2019|access-date=February 4, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118065811/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters-ranked/|archive-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/01/what-we-want-in-mortal-kombat|title=What We Want in Mortal Kombat|first1=Phil|first2=Jesse|last1=Pirrello|last2=Schedeen|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=September 30, 2011|access-date=January 6, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106073109/https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/10/01/what-we-want-in-mortal-kombat|archive-date=November 6, 2012}}</ref> While he and ''Mortal Kombat's'' digitized ninjas made ''[[GamePro]]''{{'}}s selection of the best palette-swapped video game characters,<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Aaron |last=Koehn |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208570/17-best-palette-swapped-characters/ |title=Palette Swapping: 17 Games that Did it Right |magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[IDG]]|date=January 13, 2009 |access-date= January 28, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208102954/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/208570/17-best-palette-swapped-characters/|archive-date=December 8, 2009}}</ref> ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'}}s Dan Ryckert stated that he did not want these characters, aside from [[Scorpion (Mortal Kombat)|Scorpion]] and [[Sub-Zero (Mortal Kombat)|Sub-Zero]], in future series installments.<ref name="game informer">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/06/21/who-we-want-and-dont-want-in-the-new-mortal-kombat.aspx?PostPageIndex=2&PageIndex=4|title=Who We Want (And Don't Want) In The New Mortal Kombat|first=Dan|last=Ryckert|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|date=June 21, 2010|access-date=February 4, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304234940/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2010/06/21/who-we-want-and-dont-want-in-the-new-mortal-kombat.aspx?PostPageIndex=2&PageIndex=4|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> Journalist [[Jeff Gerstmann]] called the unlocking of Ermac in ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3'' "a hassle".<ref name="hiddenreview">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/ultimate-mortal-kombat-3-review/1900-6160351/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616084502/http://www.gamespot.com/ultimate-mortal-kombat-3/reviews/ultimate-mortal-kombat-3-review-6160351 |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |title= Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 Review|first=Jeff|last=Gerstmann|author-link=Jeff Gerstmann|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|date=October 23, 2006 |access-date=July 6, 2014}}</ref> Author David Church noted the "poorly balanced" gameplay of Ermac and other hidden characters who became playable in "completist" titles like ''UMK3'' and ''Mortal Kombat Trilogy'', while "their backstories seem[ed] tacked onto the increasingly sprawling story world."<ref name="church">{{harvnb|Church|page=31|2022}}</ref> 

Following his redesigns and roles in ''Mortal Kombat: Deception'' and thereafter, Ermac received positive reception for his development,{{NoteTag|Sources: <ref name="ermacdenofgeek"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/review-mortal-kombat-x-290360.phtml|title=Review: ''Mortal Kombat X'': Still not ready for a series Fatality|first=Chris|last=Carter|work=[[Destructoid]]|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=April 14, 2015|access-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160330010243/http://www.destructoid.com/review-mortal-kombat-x-290360.phtml|archive-date=March 30, 2016}}</ref><ref name="miller">{{cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/mortal-kombat-every-ninja-ranked-worst-best/|title=Mortal Kombat: Every Ninja Ranked From Worst To Best|first=Leon|last=Miller|work=[[Screen Rant]]|publisher=[[Valnet]], Inc.|date=October 6, 2017|access-date=October 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022175735/https://screenrant.com/mortal-kombat-every-ninja-ranked-worst-best/|archive-date=October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-ermac-villain-to-anti-hero/|title=Mortal Kombat: Ermac's Journey From Villain To Anti-Hero|first=Nicholas|last=Brooks|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]|publisher=Valnet, Inc.|date=April 12, 2021|access-date=September 20, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220920230433/https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-ermac-villain-to-anti-hero/|archive-date=September 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/04/23/the-ultimate-scientific-ranking-of-every-playable-mortal-kombat-character|title=The Ultimate Scientific Ranking Of Every Playable Mortal Kombat Character|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]|date=April 23, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031191903/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/04/23/the-ultimate-scientific-ranking-of-every-playable-mortal-kombat-character|archive-date=October 31, 2022}}</ref>}} and was rated by [[Video game journalism|gaming media]] outlets among the top series characters.<ref name="UGO">{{cite web|url=http://www.ugo.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters-ermac |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929142713/http://www.ugo.com/games/mortal-kombat-characters-ermac |title= #11: Ermac - Top 50 Mortal Kombat Characters|author = |work=[[UGO Networks]]|publisher=[[IGN]]|date=February 28, 2012 |archive-date=September 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="DoG"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/feature/a663360/the-20-best-mortal-kombat-characters-ranked-but-who-scores-a-flawless-victory/|title=The 20 best Mortal Kombat characters ranked – but who scores a flawless victory?|first=Liam|last=Martin|work=[[Digital Spy]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications]]|date=January 2, 2017|access-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923102700/http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/feature/a663360/the-20-best-mortal-kombat-characters-ranked-but-who-scores-a-flawless-victory/|archive-date=September 23, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamepressure.com/editorials/mortal-kombat-characters-ranked/zd4cf|title=Mortal Kombat Characters Ranked - Finish Him with Style!|first=Michael|last=Grygorcewicz|work=Gamepressure|date=November 17, 2021|access-date=April 26, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211118092918/https://www.gamepressure.com/editorials/mortal-kombat-characters-ranked/zd4cf|archive-date=November 18, 2021}}</ref> ''GamesRadar+'' commented, "This red-clad ninja might not be as iconic as Sub-Zero or Scorpion, but it's hard not to love Ermac for his ... supernatural, [[Sith]]-like powers of telekinesis."<ref name="gamesradarX">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/mortal-kombat-x-roster/|title=Mortal Kombat X roster|author=|work=[[GamesRadar+]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=July 14, 2014|access-date=September 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004105105/http://www.gamesradar.com/mortal-kombat-x-roster/|archive-date=October 4, 2014}}</ref> Gavin Jasper of ''[[Den of Geek]]'' noted the character's transformation from "just an altered Scorpion/Sub-Zero sprite" to "a floating phantom, surrounded by souls and completely unpredictable."<ref name="ermacdenofgeek"/> Jasper additionally commented on Ermac's growth in ''Deception'', "where he broke the bonds of [Shao] Kahn" and successfully battled multiple characters in his ending.<ref name="DoG"/> [[Sociology]] professor Ricardo Cortez Lopes studied the modifications of Ermac's ''Deception'' design in player-created ''[[Mugen (game engine)|Mugen]]'' game adaptations, theorizing that they influenced [[NetherRealm Studios]]' future iterations of the character.<ref name="lopes">{{Harvnb|Cortez Lopes|2019}}</ref>

Ermac's initial ''Mortal Kombat 1'' design received heavy fan criticism for the omission of his mask,<ref name=Mk1redesign>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/mortal-kombat-1-ermac-gameplay-reveals-character-redesign-following-community-backlash|title=Mortal Kombat 1 Ermac Gameplay Reveals Character Redesign Following Community Backlash|first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=Ziff Davis|date=April 9, 2024|access-date=April 9, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409170716/https://www.ign.com/articles/mortal-kombat-1-ermac-gameplay-reveals-character-redesign-following-community-backlash|archive-date=April 9, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/mortal-kombat-fans-hate-ermac-design-mk1/|title=Mortal Kombat Fans Hate Ermac's Design In MK1|first=George|last=Foster|work=TheGamer|publisher=Valnet, Inc.|date=July 22, 2023|access-date=August 1, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723042618/https://www.thegamer.com/mortal-kombat-fans-hate-ermac-design-mk1/|archive-date=July 23, 2023}}</ref> which resulted in NetherRealm adding it to his redesign for his playable release.<ref name=Mk1redesign/> ''[[Game Rant]]''{{'}}s Joseph Andress praised the subplot therein of Jerrod controlling Ermac's body as "humaniz[ing] the character like never before."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/mortal-kombat-1-ermac-jerrod-fate-answer/|title=Mortal Kombat 1 Definitely Answers One Ermac Question|first=Joseph|last=Andress|work=Game Rant|publisher=Valnet, Inc.|date=September 22, 2023|access-date=December 25, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230925165500/https://gamerant.com/mortal-kombat-1-ermac-jerrod-fate-answer/|archive-date=September 25, 2023}}</ref> Renaldo Matadeen of ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' commented that it opened up future storyline possibilities "that will add nuance, depth, and intricate layers to someone who was just another ninja palette".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-1-changed-jerrod-ermac/|title=How Mortal Kombat 1 Changed Ermac Thanks to Kitana's Family Tree|first=Renaldo|last=Matadeen|work=[[Comic Book Resources]]|publisher=Valnet, Inc.|date=July 19, 2024|access-date=December 25, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225205021/https://www.cbr.com/mortal-kombat-1-changed-jerrod-ermac/|archive-date=December 25, 2024}}</ref> However, ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Jason Fanelli felt the "head scratcher" subplot occurred "out of nowhere with little explanation" and "erases everything that was cool about him".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mortal-kombat-1-review-new-era-familiar-kombat/1900-6418115/|title=Mortal Kombat 1 Review - New Era, Familiar Kombat|first=Jason|last=Fanelli|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Fandom, Inc.]] |date=September 19, 2023|access-date=December 25, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921070906/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/mortal-kombat-1-review-new-era-familiar-kombat/1900-6418115/|archive-date=September 21, 2023}}</ref>

His finishing moves have met with critical praise,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jogos.uol.com.br/album/2013/03/26/os-50-melhores-fatalities-de-mortal-kombat.htm|title=Os 50 melhores Fatalities de "Mortal Kombat"|trans-title=Mortal Kombat's top 50 Fatalities|language=pt-br|work=UGO Jogos|publisher=[[Universo Online]]|date=March 26, 2013|access-date=May 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518100714/http://jogos.uol.com.br/album/2013/03/26/os-50-melhores-fatalities-de-mortal-kombat.htm#fotoNav=31|archive-date=May 18, 2015}} ("#31: In '[[Mortal Kombat: Deception|MK Deception]]', Ermac applies a curious [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)#Hara-Kiri|Hara-Kiri]]: he violently beats his own head against the ground until it explodes.")</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://primagames.com/featured/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-10-1|title=The Top 50 Mortal Kombat Fatalities of All Time: 10-1|first=Robert|last=Workman|work=[[Prima Games]]|publisher=[[Gamurs]]|date= April 30, 2014|access-date=October 22, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022185334/https://primagames.com/featured/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-10-1|archive-date=October 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/89071/finish-him-a-mortal-kombat-fatality-retrospective-part-1|title=Finish Him! A Mortal Kombat Fatality retrospective (part 1)|first=Ozzie|last=Meija|work=[[Shacknews]]|publisher=Gamerhub|date=April 13, 2015|access-date=October 22, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022184650/https://www.shacknews.com/article/89071/finish-him-a-mortal-kombat-fatality-retrospective-part-1|archive-date=October 22, 2022}}</ref> particularly his "Pest Control" Fatality from the 2011 reboot game, in which he shrinks his opponent and crushes them underfoot.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/ermac|title=The Best ''Mortal Kombat'' Finishing Moves in Video Game History|first=Kevin|last=Wong|work=[[Complex Networks|Complex]]|publisher=[[BuzzFeed]]|date=October 1, 2013|access-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007140247/http://www.complex.com/video-games/2013/10/best-mortal-kombat-finishing-moves-video-game-history/ermac|archive-date=October 7, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/04/best-fatalities-from-mortal-kombat-1-and-9.html?p=2|title=The 17 Best Fatalities from ''Mortal Kombat'' 1 & 9|work=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]]|publisher=Paste Media Group|first=Nathan|last=Spicer|date=April 23, 2011|access-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220102358/http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2011/04/best-fatalities-from-mortal-kombat-1-and-9.html?p=2|archive-date=December 20, 2013}}</ref><ref name="primagames1">{{cite web|url=http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-50-41|title=The Top 50 Mortal Kombat Fatalities of All Time: 50-41|first=Robert|last=Workman|work=[[Prima Games]]|publisher=[[Gamurs]]|date=April 2014|access-date=May 30, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531105547/http://www.primagames.com/games/mortal-kombat/feature/top-50-mortal-kombat-fatalities-all-time-50-41|archive-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gamingbolt.com/the-most-brutal-mortal-kombat-fatalities-of-all-time/18|title=The Most Brutal Mortal Kombat Fatalities of All Time|first=Rohan|last=Philip|work=GamingBolt|date=October 26, 2014|access-date=April 8, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802113908/http://gamingbolt.com/the-most-brutal-mortal-kombat-fatalities-of-all-time/18|archive-date=August 2, 2017}}</ref>  When NetherRealm Studios posted a trailer of "Inner Workings" from ''Mortal Kombat X'' on [[YouTube]] in March 2015, it accumulated over 850,000 views in less than a month,<ref name="chicagoreader"/> and was noted for its graphic content.{{NoteTag|Sources: <ref name="miller"/><ref name="destructoid">{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/uh-ew-ermac-s-mortal-kombat-fataility-is-disgusting-and-visceral-289136.phtml|title=Uh, ew: Ermac's ''Mortal Kombat X'' Fatality is disgusting and visceral|first=Steven|last=Hansen|work=[[Destructoid]]|publisher=Enthusiast Gaming|date=March 16, 2015|access-date=April 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416162402/http://www.destructoid.com/uh-ew-ermac-s-mortal-kombat-fataility-is-disgusting-and-visceral-289136.phtml|archive-date=April 16, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/3/16/8227649/mortal-kombat-x-ermac-fatality|title=Watch Ermac's new super gross fatality in ''Mortal Kombat X''|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]|date=March 15, 2015|access-date=April 9, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407062915/http://www.polygon.com/2015/3/16/8227649/mortal-kombat-x-ermac-fatality|archive-date=April 7, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techtudo.com.br/noticias/2015/03/mortal-kombat-x-divulga-novo-e-violento-fatality-de-ermac.ghtml|title=Mortal Kombat X divulga novo e violento Fatality de Ermac|trans-title=Mortal Kombat X releases new violent Ermac Fatality|work=[[TechTudo]]|publisher=[[Grupo Globo]]|lang=pt-br|date=March 17, 2015|access-date=January 27, 2025|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250127201228/https://www.techtudo.com.br/noticias/2015/03/mortal-kombat-x-divulga-novo-e-violento-fatality-de-ermac.ghtml|archive-date=January 27, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/has-video-game-gore-gone-too-far/|title=Has Video Game Gore Gone Too Far?|first=Aaron|last=Birch|work=[[Den of Geek]]|publisher=DoG Tech LLC|date=May 1, 2015|access-date=November 11, 2024|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706215158/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/has-video-game-gore-gone-too-far/|archive-date=July 6, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |author=|url=https://archive.org/details/Play_Issue_257_2015_06_Imagine_Publishing_GB_a/page/23/mode/1up|title=Finish Him: Mortal Kombat X Guide|magazine=[[Play (UK magazine)|Play]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|date=June 2015|issue=257|page=23 |access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/the-most-gruesome-fatalities-in-mortal-kombat-history|title=The most gruesome fatalities in Mortal Kombat history|first=Laura|last=Francis|work=[[TechRadar]]|publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=April 24, 2021|access-date=October 22, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022191313/https://www.techradar.com/news/the-most-gruesome-fatalities-in-mortal-kombat-history|archive-date=October 22, 2022}}</ref>}} ''[[Chicago Reader]]'' spotlighted it in an article titled "Has ''Mortal Kombat'' Finally Gone Too Far?", describing it as "an act of medieval torture as imagined by [[J. R. R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]."<ref name="chicagoreader"/> Justin Clark of ''GameSpot'' remarked that the finisher "might actually be the most shocking, gory, and disgusting act of surreal horror to ever happen in a video game, let alone the ''Mortal Kombat'' series".<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/30-years-of-mortal-kombats-best-and-worst-fatalities/2900-4371/#14|title=30 Years Of Mortal Kombat's Best And Worst Fatalities|first=Justin|last=Clark|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[Fandom, Inc.]]|date=October 11, 2022|access-date=October 24, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024185747/https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/30-years-of-mortal-kombats-best-and-worst-fatalities/2900-4371/|archive-date=October 24, 2022}}</ref>

Response to Ermac's alternate-media incarnations has been negative.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/04/24/ranking-mortal-kombats-on-screen-adaptations|title=Ranking Mortal Kombat's On-Screen Adaptations|first=Marcus|last=Stewart|magazine=Game Informer|publisher=GameStop|date=April 24, 2021|access-date=April 11, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127032323/https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/04/24/ranking-mortal-kombats-on-screen-adaptations|archive-date=January 27, 2022}}</ref><ref name="newsarama">{{cite web|url=http://www.newsarama.com/5350-the-all-time-best-and-worst-video-game-movies.html|title=The All-Time Best and Worst VIDEO GAME Movies|first=Seth|last=Robison|work=[[Newsarama]]|publisher=[[Future US]]|date=May 27, 2010|access-date=December 20, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221170557/http://www.newsarama.com/5350-the-all-time-best-and-worst-video-game-movies.html|archive-date=February 21, 2014}}</ref> Nathan Birch of ''[[Uproxx]]'' described him in ''Mortal Kombat Annihilation'' as a "forgettable red Scorpion clone" and his fight scene with Sonya in the film as "nondescript".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uproxx.com/gammasquad/2015/08/ranking-every-fight-mortal-kombat-movies/|title=The Definitive Ranking Of Every Fight Scene From The '90s 'Mortal Kombat' Movies|first=Nathan|last=Birch|work=[[Uproxx]]|publisher=[[Warner Music Group]]|date=August 20, 2015|access-date=August 25, 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822180841/http://uproxx.com/gammasquad/2015/08/ranking-every-fight-mortal-kombat-movies/|archive-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref> In his review of ''Mortal Kombat: Legacy II'', Carl Lyon of [[Fearnet]] censured Ermac's design and what he believed was the character's poorly developed role of an opponent to be quickly killed off.<ref name="fearnet">{{cite web|url=http://www.fearnet.com/news/review/series-review-'mortal-kombat-legacy-season-2'#sthash.N3zVN42f.dpuf|first=Carl|last=Lyon|work=[[Fearnet]]|publisher=[[NBCUniversal]]|title=Series Review: 'Mortal Kombat Legacy Season 2'|date=October 9, 2013|access-date=December 20, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131221040509/http://www.fearnet.com/news/review/series-review-%E2%80%98mortal-kombat-legacy-season-2%E2%80%99|archive-date=December 21, 2013}}</ref> Gavin Jasper of ''Den of Geek'' praised his fight scene with Kenshi but was also critical of his role in the story.<ref name="ermacdenofgeek"/>