The original source of Cleave 1 is not identified, and there is no confirmed connection to a particular game, movie, character, or release year. Online, short combat effects like this are commonly used to reinforce melee attacks, abrupt transitions, and animated action. Editors may combine a cutting cue with a Punch Sound for added force or a Bone Crack when depicting a harsher hit. Its short duration keeps the action moving and makes the effect easy to synchronize with a single visual impact.