Are these just random occurances, or is there a trick to them? IT looks badass when you're chasing down a mage, grab them by the head and shove a sword through their back, etc. Also, the dragon kill animations are sweet.

A bit of random and a bit of how powerful the attack is and at what angle.

I know when a enemy falls to there knees there is a higher chance of getting one. One of my favorites is grabbing someone by there hair and bashing their face in (unarmed).

They only happen to my dual wield warrior when i level up something during combat ....

and there isnt any for magic ...

I love the one-swing decapitation moves. Makes me feel like a real warrior.
Also, they are more prone to occur when you attack an enemy with really low health (how it usually happens with dragons). I guess the actual scene depends on the angle or pure randomness.

Agree! Love seeing them. Seen loads of people complaining about them though.

My 2 complaints about them though...

A. Don't see them enough

B. As a mage it would be cool to see some kind of spell related finishing moves.

Archery finishers would be nice too.

For mages, they could be like an enemy is reduced to ash pile if shock damage, charred corps for fire damage, or frozen solid for frost damage.