The Conduit (Wii) Review
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 09.10.2009
Solid controls and a robust multiplayer push an ordinary title into something more.
Title: The Conduit
Publisher: Sega
Developer: High Voltage
Players: 1-12
Rated: T for Teen
With only a handful of quality FPS titles on the Wii such as Metroid Prime 3 and Medal of Honor Heroes 2 for example, High Voltage stepped in to try and throw their names into the hat with The Conduit. As agent Ford, you’ve been recruited by an organization calling itself the Trust and it’s up to you to see what all this alien invasion nonsense is all about.
Gameplay
While the storyline is pretty basic stuff, it’s really the controls that stand out. Sure, the ever spawning enemies can become kind of annoying after a while but it’s the shooting that works well. Not only will you experience one of the most accurate controls on the Wii, but it doesn’t even use the Wii MotionPlus peripheral to boot. Adding to that is the ability to adjust your HUD in anyway you see fit along with having control over how sensitive your movements are as well as turning speed etc. It’s no joke when we say that you decide how you want the control scheme to work.
As you progress through the game, you’ll pick up some interesting weapons and gadgets including the All Seeing Eye which allows you to find hidden messages, unlock doors and hack into computers. While the single player mode is pretty decent in terms of length, don’t go expecting anything out of this world…
On the other hand, the game finally shines when you take things online. For starters, the game allows up to 12 players to rumble in various game modes such as your typical free for all and unique modes such as Bounty Hunter. In this mode, you’ll roam around looking for your specified target – which can be found via the mini map. You’ll lose points if you shoot the wrong guy so you have to be smart. Once you kill your target, a new one emerges, all while trying to save your own ass from the hunter coming after you. The problem is, you don’t know who’s after you so it’s a guessing game and a fun one at that.
Wii Speak is supported so you can talk all the crap you want while online. When you’re within an earshot, you can also listen to other players. I found it to work out pretty well despite my own fears that the game’s audio would also be picked up by the peripheral. Luckily, that wasn’t really the case so it gets a thumbs up from me. Overall the connection was pretty good though there were a few times where I’d get a little bit of lag. Still, for the most part, I managed to get through plenty of matches lag-free.
Graphics
Let’s face it; the game boasts some of the most impressive graphics that we’ve seen on a Wii title. Outside of Nintendo’s own AAA titles, no one comes close to what High Voltage was able to attain in the graphical department. They really do push the hardware in this one and the game still runs pretty smoothly.
Sound
Lots of explosions, powerful weaponry and pretty good voice acting makes it an enjoyable affair. The game’s music is also pretty good and it frequently got stuck in my head – always a good sign.
Fun Factor
I’ll admit that the single player mode could get a little boring at times and it was tough to play for extended periods before wanting to put it down. In a sense it almost feels like an older game. That being said, jumping into multiplayer definitely makes up for it and with frequently populated servers, you’ll usually find someone ready to play. Straight up free for all is pretty decent, but the additions of Bounty Hunter and ASE Football make for some creative fun.
Lasting Appeal
No doubt we’ll see refined shooters in the coming year to the Nintendo Wii but as far as multiplayer goes, this one can’t be beat just yet. A much needed ranking system is included which will keep gamers coming back for more if only to brag to their friends. Though you can add friends via their Friend Codes, you can also add friends of theirs as well. You can see who they are friends with along with their respective friend code and add them on the fly – good stuff.
The 411
If you own a Wii and are in need of a fun first person shooter, this is it. Nevermind the standard story mode; multiplayer is where it’s at. I really do hope that Sega gives it another shot in the form of a sequel to possibly improve the single player, but until then grab your Wii remotes and jump online!
Graphics
9.0
Easily the best I've seen this side of Super Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3
Gameplay
7.5
The controls are solid but I would've liked smarter AI and a more engaging story
Sound
8.0
Solid voice acting and the sound effects are great
Lasting Appeal
8.0
The story is average in length but multiplayer is where it's at
Fun Factor
8.0
Again, kind of a mixed bag. The story mode can get boring but online play is enjoyable
While the storyline is pretty basic stuff, it’s really the controls that stand out. Sure, the ever spawning enemies can become kind of annoying after a while but it’s the shooting that works well. Not only will you experience one of the most accurate controls on the Wii, but it doesn’t even use the Wii MotionPlus peripheral to boot. Adding to that is the ability to adjust your HUD in anyway you see fit along with having control over how sensitive your movements are as well as turning speed etc. It’s no joke when we say that you decide how you want the control scheme to work.
Let’s face it; the game boasts some of the most impressive graphics that we’ve seen on a Wii title. Outside of Nintendo’s own AAA titles, no one comes close to what High Voltage was able to attain in the graphical department. They really do push the hardware in this one and the game still runs pretty smoothly.
