All 14 Baraka Finishers Ranked! | Mortal Kombat Discussion

[@dantewilliams2311]

"Take a spin" is definitely my favorite Baraka fatality. It fits him so well and it’s executed so well. Can I guess with the "you’ll be hooked" line that the next video could be… Kabal?!?!?!

[@crispybaconbitzPMT]

If not, your expectation will swiftly go away.

[@Cainb23]

lol just typed kabal next plz then instantly read your comment that was so weird

[@the_NNPW]

Happy we can agree on the top spot-it’s amazing! Also, I’m not sure what you’re talking about.

[@OfficialTAC]

@@the_NNPW can you rank all the faction kills from MK X

[@joshuagorski9452]

I personally like to call Baraka’s classic pose “TARKATA FOREVER!!!”😉

[@the_NNPW]

Very fitting! I wish I called it that during the video.

[@l0rdzz586]

😂😂😂😂

[@dantewilliams2311]

That actually is what one of his victories in MK 11 is called!!!

[@Psalms_37.17]

@@dantewilliams2311 yeah but it's not much compared to the other playable characters

[@joshuagorski9452]

@@dantewilliams2311 Really? I’m surprised I never noticed!

[@dimitriskanteres2623]

I love this series man. The only change in this ranking for me personally would be the first swapped with the second one. But the top 3 are easily baraka's best fatalities

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you, Dimitris. The top 3 are super good ones, it was so hard to put those in an order.

[@dimitriskanteres2623]

@@the_NNPW I couldn't imagine how difficult it could be to rank these. Some are extremely difficult

[@linusdee2703]

Agree, eating opponent's brain should be number 1, Fatality to the highest extreme

[@Cadeaux_Man]

I'm 29 now and loved MK since playing MK2 at age 10. It's truly amazing how much culture and knowledge and shared love there is between people for fighting games

[@ezzedinezeid6049]

I really LOVE Baraka's first finisher from MK11 It's kinda overkill, but iconic

[@akilcharles3473]

I sole heartly agree with this list, my personal favorite is the no.1 fatality. Baraka is like 4th favorite character of series and im happy to watch this video about him. Would love to see Jade next.

[@the_NNPW]

Happy to hear we agree with this list! I’m surprised there are this many people who love Baraka! Happy to serve him justice. Also, Jade is coming fairly soon. Stay tuned!

[@Sharky_0456]

my favorite is your number two spot. its shock value is great and its good for showing just how carnivorous baraka really is

[@Rozay403]

aye bruh you've been in my feed for a few days now -- as a lifelong fan of MK, I'm glad to find more quality MK kontent kreators for me to watch. 10/10 subbing after writing this

[@BX56_YT]

My favorite Fatality of Baraka's is Food for Thought. The cherry on top for me has to be the coughing that the barely alive victim lets out when their exposed brain is stabbed. Great video, Nick!

[@the_NNPW]

I also think Food For Thought is beautifully gruesome. And thank you for checking it out. I’m happy you enjoyed it!

[@oscarchacon2878]

If Dashie asking "you really gonna do me like that" doesn't ring through your head, you're not a Baraka fan.

[@Sheriiblossom]

YUP LMAO

[@MrBran313]

Exactly what I thought lmao

[@GeoffDaCow]

GOAT comment

[@marcusfoster1104]

Mileena! Mileena!

[@nunu2191]

🔔

[@LiLNC.]

Love the puns and your videos keep up the good work

[@michaeldebidart]

Hey Nick, just wanted to let you know I’ve been checking out your ranking videos and I’m a huge fan of all the corny puns. You got a sub from me, keep up the good work. You have a fun channel. One small note: it’s inaccurate to say the first two Fatalities featured are from Mortal Kombat 4 as Baraka was not in Mortal Kombat 4. He was an exclusive character in the Sega Dreamcast port and that was called Mortal Kombat Gold, not Mk4.

[@idkgaminglol818]

This guy never runs out of puns, and i love it.

[@the_NNPW]

Happy to hear you enjoy the puns, FnafFan!

[@williamwolfxrivera2418]

My God these puns are more hilarious than before 😂🤣

[@1985tomak]

Maaaannn, you can’t apologize for puns when you pun off of every. Single. Fatality. However, I love your videos man - keep up the good work!

[@machomusprime50]

I look forward to these vids, bro. Keep up the good work.

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you very much, Prime! Hope you’re excited for the next character coming soon.

[@ShadowknightEX]

The chest stab from mk vs dcu really makes me think of Wolverine.

[@destinynanaakrong8584]

As usual.... Great video, really good ranking and great defense for your ranking and also as usual, I enjoyed your really bad puns. 😂😂😂😂 Congratulations

[@freddyfazbear1856]

Yes! Baraka is one of my favorite characters. I'm glad you ranked him.

[@ethangohl8459]

Nice choice!! Always love the content!!

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you very much, Ethan. I appreciate the support!

[@SnowLynx69]

Underrated youtuber love your content bro

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you so much!!!

[@AndalusSinAl125]

These videos make me imagine a video ranking ALL finishers of ALL Characters for a Grand Finale of this series. Keep up the good work!

[@the_NNPW]

All Characters’ Finishers Ranked? I have thought about that before. Minds think alike!

[@AndalusSinAl125]

@@the_NNPW Wow, to think you would actually answer me! Im flattened.

[@Dzuno18]

Baraka is definitely one of my favorite characters in Mortal Kombat. I also like him because of Dashie's MK parodies.

[@HSimon1981]

Barakas fatalities in mk11 and Deception are awesome love them

[@plaguedoctor990]

heck yeah i can tell this will be a great video!

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you very much, Doc! Happy to have your support!

[@plaguedoctor990]

@@the_NNPW anytime! im happy to support your awesome and punny videos!

[@joandarc441]

His Chief costume for Mk 11 very Top Tier Baraka Ramsay

[@the_NNPW]

He’ll chop you to bits and then talk trash to you. Top quality!

[@gifking3738]

I am sure that one of his 2 mk11 finishers will top this list I would be wrong

[@anthonyw5261]

This list had me on the intense EDGE for #1!! 👏👏👏

[@Gear_teen]

Respectfully, I wish that KZbin didn't have demonitze the gore. But you are awesome man. Love the food for thought finisher. Brings a new flavor to Mortal Kombat 😉

[@megacatlive]

Great ranking dude

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you!

[@joeydemitro8976]

NICK VERY GOOD AND AWESOME AND GREAT AND COOL VIDEO GAME TOO MY FRIEND

[@thatoneguy1232]

Here is my rankings of Baraka’s fatalities. He’s gotten a really good shake in the fatality department(“V” means it appears in more than one game): 1. Take a Spin (MK9) • This one may be a little ridiculous but I love it lmao. It’s funny and cruel. And the laugh he does! Chef’s kiss! 2. Blade Lift (V) • This one is perfectly brutal and sadistic. He impales his victim, lifts them up and stares into their eyes watching the life leave them as they slide down his blades. This is what fatalities should be! And the twitching oh my lawd! I don’t care for the exploding version tho. 3. Up the Middle (MK9) • This one is really good. I love it! It’s so quick which I like! And again, the slide down the blade! 4. Chest Stab (MKvsDC) • This one is so swift and brutal. I love this one but the main reason I love it is the victim’s cry. Idk if someone can actually yell like that after getting their lungs punctured, but it really sells the pain they’re experiencing. This is one of those ones that aren’t “hampered” by the T rating. I really like this one. Excessive gore isn’t needed or what makes a fatality good imo! 5. Food For Thought (MK11) • I like this one. I do. But the reason I have it lower than it probably should be is because I don’t care too much for the face peel…twice. Why does he need to peel the face off two times? And we already have the peeled face visual in the game in other fatalities. If it was just the tear then the brain stab into that great shot of the chomp then it would be perfect! Because this is mostly a great fatality! 6. Mutant Dissection (MKD) • I like this one a lot. I’m starting to realize most of Baraka’s stuff aren’t bad. No wonder the team likes bringing him back. They have tons of fun doing things with him. Just some more flesh slice and dicing 7. Rock, Paper, Baraka (MK11) • This one is ok. Not one of his best but I do like the face to face part. I wish the opponent’s eyes were open during this fatality. Would’ve been very much like the blade lift. 8. Head Spike (MKD) • I actually like this one too. I wish they combined it with his blade decapitation fatality though. Imagine if he sliced the head off with his blade and then caught it with the blade? That would have added a bit more than just an uppercut into the impale. 9. Blade Decapitation (V) • This one is fine but dull compared to his other stuff. I mean, who’s really using this fatality when Blade Lift is in the same game lmao no one that’s who. 10. Blade Lift (MKvsDC) • This one unfortunately shares the same name as one of his greatest fatalities. This is one of those ones that are definitely hampered by the T rating.

[@bloodwolf2002]

I hope nightwolf will be soon. I loved him in mk 2011 and mk11

[@the_NNPW]

I am looking forward to covering Nightwolf soon!

[@bloodwolf2002]

@@the_NNPW cool. Thank you for all the videos I love them

[@Jaysun11B]

Baraka’s decapitation in MK 2 was the first and only fatality I was able to discover on my own without using a strategy guide back in the day.

[@Antionovolpe]

Love it. Keep em coming

[@the_NNPW]

Thanks! Will do!

[@Antionovolpe]

​@@the_NNPW I love your videos so much my problem is you show the fatality immediately in the beginning when you start talking about the character and I always miss them. I wish you would show the fatality continuously playing as you talk about the characters

[@omegax-zero8265]

I wish you would of kept the old theme song but great video as always

[@featherguardian6023]

General Baraka is both one of the most Fascinating and Unique Characters in the Franchise that's Fun to Play,has Great and Solid Fatalities that aren't Bad for the Most Part,has a Interesting Development that His Creation made 2 Iconic Characters(Which we will Talk about the Normad Freak Later😉😉😉),a Amazing Voice that I love to Copy,and even though I would have choosen Reptile in MK11 to bring His Species Back,the Tarkatan Warrior needed this gor the Double Kills of 2 Insects,He might be a Jobber,he will always Live on in Own Hearts,as long as He doesn't make it into Dinner.

[@joey.renaud]

I LOVE doing fatalities on cyber Sub Zero. I try to get as much blue blood on my character as possible before I finish him. Thank you for adding the shaolin monks.

[@michaelcardona4747]

Agree with number 1 fatality of baraka

[@stux101ksb4]

I’d personally swap 3 & 1 on your list and I’d rank the OG Blade Stab higher. Other than that another great ranking.

[@RugbyLeagueHistory]

For me I think his MK2 fatalities are the best. And they are the fatalities I remember from him the most as I were only a youngin when the game came out.

[@frankstrasser6108]

I love these vids! I don’t agree with all the pics but it’s close I would love to see shinnok and quan chi those are some of my fav characters

[@the_NNPW]

Happy you enjoy these videos. It’s okay we don’t agree, these are just my picks and I’d love to hear yours too. I would like to cover Shinnok and Quan Chi down the line!

[@dakzillablaze]

It's finally time for my favorite MK character! I'm so excited!

[@scorpion7962]

Amazing video (as always) I got another request “Ermac Finishers Ranked”

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you very much! Ermac is making their way to MK rankings soon! Stay tuned!

[@scorpion7962]

Can’t wait then

[@MaoriGamerDood]

10:09 That Variation name for D.VORAH🤣

[@the_NNPW]

I’m happy you love it!

[@MaoriGamerDood]

@@the_NNPW I'm a Simple Dood. I see BigE smalls reference, I applaud 👏

[@hoang-san797]

2:42 Well I'm a college freshman and I felt myself having a lot of difficulties writing essays. Damn, man, you do be calling me out like that hahaha.

[@the_NNPW]

I’ve been there too. I understand you.

[@jserrano51]

Deception Second Fatality is my fav. It's just so gross the body is still moving and twitching and sliding down. Ugh I love it.

[@the_NNPW]

It’s a super gross detail, along with the body never sliding down the blade.

[@AHeroAlmost]

I love these videos but my only one small critique would be maybe show the “Fatality’s” twice ? Maybe it’s my own fault but I sometimes I find myself rewinding to get another look at what your talking about .. Great videos btw..

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you for the suggestion! I have thought about doing something like that, showing a bit from the finisher, but I’m concerned it would lead to more age restriction issues down the line. Again, thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it a ton.

[@AHeroAlmost]

@@the_NNPW do whatever works for you man the videos are great & obviously a lot of people think the same 🙌

[@joshh72plays33]

The barca mk4 fatality were so weird and stupid that i think that the ARE GREAT💯

[@bsbgirl85]

My boy Baraka! I've always liked him since he debuted in MK2. I just hate that just like with Reptile, he's nothing but a punching bag now SMH. He deserves better. Baraka's MK4 stabbing fatality is horrible and awkward. His only bad one overall, even though the MK vs. DC ones always suck most of the time. Definitely his worst, but all of the characters added in MK Gold's fatalities look sloppily tacked or glued on. Baraka's stabbing fatality from MK2 is my favorite. The way they twitch then slide down on his blades is so brutal and savage. Seeing all these videos, they gave everyone in MK2 such great and unforgettable fatalities. I also think the MK2 fatality music and the blood dripping off the word is the best version of that announcement. This reminded me, Baraka's got some great fatalities! I mainly remembered, but to see them all back to back just reminded me they did the damn thing with his finishers. I forgot he had good fatalities in Deception too. I also loved that MK9 fatality where he split them down the middle and held that half up in the air. His MK11 fatalities are great too, especially the one where he bites into their brain *shudders* Great fatality, even though it makes me want to puke lol. I forgot about that MK9 fatality at #1, that was a good one too! How he chops them up like their a ceiling fan. I thought #2 should of been at the top until I saw #1. I feel their both interchangeable and are Baraka's best fatalities. So unlike the top 2 for the stage fatalities list, I think the top 2 are spot on. Baraka's fatalities are even better than I remember, so I'm kicking myself I didn't request his list like others did. Even though they treat Baraka like crap in story mode all the time, at least they gave him amazing fatalities. Great list (and surprisingly, I think it's my favorite so far) Sounds like Kabal is next, so still waiting for Jade lol.

[@legarrick8340]

Yes one of my favorite characters

[@davanime877]

Fun Fact: Baraka's Stare Fatality from MK2 was used for Alien's Fatality in MKX

[@thatoneguy1232]

It’s unfortunate. I really wish NRS would stop with the dumb guest characters. Baraka has why make an alien with Tarkatan features when Baraka is in the game with a new model?! Just give us Baraka! I hate when they do that. It’s bad enough that guest characters steal roster spots from actual MK characters. But they steal traits from them as well. Like why does RoboCop have a skin thats similar to the MK3 Cyber ninjas? Just give us the Cyber Ninjas!!! At least give Frost the MK3 Cyber Ninja outfit. That would be more fitting. God I hate guest characters

[@JoaoLucasK]

@@thatoneguy1232 Maybe because that one Xenomorph variation was incubated from a Tarkatan? And Alien was pretty cool. In fact, most of the guest characters were cool, with the exception of Robocop (he's so lame). Jason, Leatherface and Freddy were alright. Joker, Kratos, Alien, Predator and Rambo were awesome. About Robocop, it's literally just a skin that you can opt to whether use it or not. It's like complaining about the MK11 characters having DC skins (the Catwoman skin on Kitana sucks, btw) and saying that they're stealing traits from Injustice

[@thatoneguy1232]

@@JoaoLucasK all guest characters are lame. And I love God of War but I don’t need Mortal Kombat to see Kratos. That’s why I buy God of War games. I want MK in my MK. I don’t care about no spawn or Jason or whoever. They aren’t MK. And yea those ridiculous DC costumes are bad lmao. I would much rather have Deadly Alliance Kitana than random Catwoman Kitana. And the same goes for the Injustice series btw. I do not need or care to see Scorpion and Sub-Zero in those games. DC has like 1000s of characters, heroes and villains. I want those guys in the DC based fighting game. I have MK for MK. And side note I love how people wet their pants for Raiden and Sub being in Injustice yet MKvsDC gets so much hate because of the toned down violence lol. I personally don’t care about the toned down violence just think it’s funny. I actually like MKvsDC because it’s specifically a crossover title so no harm. Which if NRS/WB wants to keep adding a bunch of dumb random characters why not just make a huge crossover game with a Smash-esque roster? There. Problem solved. No complaints from me. Make a crossover fighter with a bunch of characters from different properties since that’s what they clearly want to do.

[@JoaoLucasK]

@@thatoneguy1232 If the only problem with MKvsDC was the toned down violence...

[@thatoneguy1232]

@@JoaoLucasK it’s the only thing that’s cried about. The gameplay was pretty fun, nothing spectacular. The story was goofy as if a story of Scorpion being punch in the head by a toy from Joker was ever gonna be taken seriously 😂. That style of story mode would go on to be used by every NRS title tho I believe 9 usually is what’s credited for it which is strange. 9 also gets credited with “saving the franchise” but as 4th snake once pointed out, it’s more accurate to say MKvsDC did the “saving”. Overall not a bad a game. Well for what it is. I just don’t don’t know what most people expected from it. An MKvsDC 2 definitely not on my list of what I want to see next, but I’d be ok with a new, more polished crossover. I guess my expectations are lower when it comes to those types of titles.

[@Tazmanian_mma]

For number 3 what I like about it too is how the body slides down the blade

[@2049571]

Fun fact: I was eating lunch that january and saw Food for Thought, and I was straight GAGGING.

[@the_NNPW]

Whoops! Sorry about that!

[@2049571]

@@the_NNPW It’s cool. Just goes to show how far the gore has come since 1992

[@Gadreth]

Little suggestion before watching the video When you have all the classic characters you could easily pick the top and last spots from each one to make 2 videos of the best and worst fatalities from all time

[@the_NNPW]

That’s an idea I’ve been thinking about doing for some time. My dad suggested that to be after I did the original 8 characters. Stay tuned as it could be coming soon!

[@MrBran313]

The parts of the video where Baraka does fatalities on Raiden made me think of Dashie. Imagine Baraka in Dashie voice saying “Yeahhhh Raidennnn that’s for bouncing on meeeee” 😂😂

[@the_NNPW]

Hahahah! Dashie is awesome!

[@domjay]

6:10 oh that was a cool way to recover from a throw ....

[@the_NNPW]

I know! So cool to look at!

[@JustAPersonWhoComments]

I like their intro before they battle, even though I don’t own the game lol

[@randallcobb6406]

Thats a nifty intro man very nice

[@I_Be_Chillin]

Question: I’m gonna assume that your still in school. So has any one yet found your tub tube channel

[@the_NNPW]

I actually graduated last year. More than 15,000 people have found this channel!

[@Jaginoff]

Jade next please

[@CMWaters]

I will say going through this series, knowing that none of them will be getting top spots, thank you for not just putting the MK vs DC finishers at the bottom for "T Rating Bad". Speaking of, I said this elsewhere, but I wouldn't mind seeing you rank the finishers of the DC characters in MK vs. DC of its own list.

[@Berserkerenergy]

Baraka is a Total Badass🔥

[@the_NNPW]

He is! I really hope we see him again in MK1.

[@MiraIsme17]

12:57 this man really referenced Five Nights at Freddy's and the bite of 87

[@the_NNPW]

It was the perfect opportunity. Frontal lobe ripped off and biting the brain. I just had to.

[@MiraIsme17]

@@the_NNPW *Markiplier sees baraka bite the brain* WAS THAT THE BITE OF 87?!

[@angel_25_p]

Can you do Kabal next?

[@armoredgunshot5357]

What about a boss and mini boss fatality ranking?

[@MaoriGamerDood]

BARAKA Is my FAVORITE Karacter in the series. I just Love how he is an UnderDawg Karacter. He's had Highs and Lows. But man a lot of His Finishes are GREAT! And.... I can't believe I'm saying this, He is really fun to play In MK VS DC

[@the_NNPW]

He’s a character I’ve always liked! I’d just love to see him explored in a story mode chapter soon.

[@MaoriGamerDood]

@@the_NNPW If he is playable in the main Story someday, that game will go down as one of my favorites.

[@g-i-l3661]

I love this series. Bring Jade or Tanya next.

[@the_NNPW]

Jade is someone I want to bring into this series. I haven’t heard anyone ask for Tanya until now. I’ll figure something out for the both of them.

[@porgalz1104]

The Take a Spin fatality, I always called it the Pizza Dough fatality. I just think of pizza when he has his foe in the air while spinning them. Like it would be funny to see Baraka make old school pizza with Italian music in the back........ Now I want a pizza place called Tarkata Mia Pizza!

[@ahmadceasar5484]

He said hooked so could we be getting Kabal on the next video?

[@the_NNPW]

I’m not really sure what that was teasing. Be sure to come back May 16 to see who.

[@ahmadceasar5484]

@@the_NNPW of course I love this series I've watched everyone one so far keep up the great work

[@Xzilesenju]

I agree for the most part👌🏿👌🏿

[@seriousentertainmentfuninf2165]

hey nicky when do you think mk12 would be released

[@the_NNPW]

I personally think it’ll be in 2023, possibly during the summer.

[@shaneduggan8923]

i like the new intro!

[@the_NNPW]

I’m happy you like it. I’m proud with how it turned out.

[@technounionrepresentative4274]

Food for thought and take a spin are my top 2 baraka finishers

[@archerlange]

Also can you do shao kahn next?

[@ChazWalser]

Love playing as Baraka

[@extra-joggle4]

I would personally put the brain one at the top due to the crazy shock value and to show how mk eleven really was gonna be

[@the_NNPW]

It was a close call for me. It’s one of his best finishers, but the only gripe I had is that other monster characters could’ve pulled it off. Mainly Reptile with his tongue instead of the blade. Other than that, I think it’s downright gross and awesome.

[@Buckrodgers775]

A+

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you, Tyler!

[@phillipbrown8283]

“Take A Spin” Would’ve Been Dope Asf On MK11

[@Axzellx]

I wanna request for Top (random number) fatalities for Kabal.

[@gilessaint-loup2426]

Uhh... not sure if this was pointed out... but you called the MKSH Lift finisher number 9 when it was number 6...

[@iamnickyihope]

Missed u I was at a cruise till Monday

[@the_NNPW]

You’re all good. I hope you had fun on your cruise!

[@THE_SNAIL_MAN]

Can u do a vid of the worst and best friend ship finishers plzzzzz I’m going to follow right now

[@Langelito637]

Am just gonna cut to the chase here and ask if we can elevate Ermac to the next finisher ranking…

[@GlitchySnake818]

13:00 W fnaf reference

[@archerlange]

I love how he still says mortal kontent

[@the_NNPW]

Thanks Archer. In my Sub-Zero finisher ranking video, that’s when the phrase was born. It sounds hilarious back in the day as I pause and say it slowly.

[@God_gundam36]

I feel like MK focuses more on gore than brutality, I unironicly like number 10 more than a lot of his other one's because of how brutal the stab is, its the gut punch, the wait then the stab.

[@michael_afton_eee2879]

Was that the bite of 87!? I guess you’re a five nights at Freddy’s fan too right?

[@the_NNPW]

I’m pretty familiar with the series.

[@joshh72plays33]

I just like to let u know that in your last video there was a person perviding bad links

[@the_NNPW]

Thank you for letting me know. I’ll look at the comments and see what those are.

[@Sheriiblossom]

Love this for the most part - I think I would've swapped the first and second ones (just me tho!)

[@davidjsaul]

Fatalities start at 2:20

[@megacatlive]

Honestly mortal kombat 2 has one of the best fatalitys in the series

[@the_NNPW]

Both his MK2 finishers are very simple and to the point, which isn’t a bad thing.

[@Kira-qp5ll]

Walking into this video, I'm fully expecting a "cutting our way into" joke. I haven't seen it yet, let's see if my third eye has opened-

[@Kira-qp5ll]

Called it-

[@aydenbaldwin3041]

Thank you for doing baraka

[@the_NNPW]

You’re very welcome! I knew he was someone people wanted for some time, so it was time to deliver him and more upcoming requested characters coming soon.

[@leonkuwatahopetobebig1884]

I like puns and I like Nick's videos but the puns are overkill sometimes

[@tafua_a]

To be fair to MK4, Baraka doesn't appear in 4, but in its re-release Gold. Why does it matter? Because all of MKG's new characters were unfinished, and apparently so were some finishers. Also, up until I watched this video, I forgot how awesome MK2's original Stab Lift fatality actually was. I was used to its far lamer recreations.

[@cassidymiller3224]

Hey! It's one of my MK11 mains!

[@lmronbylmronby8690]

cool move with applying a colorblind filter for censorship

[@98izzark69]

LETS GOOOOOOO

[@the_NNPW]

Let’s go indeed! Hope you like it!

[@ridleyformk1244]

Nice intro!