When it was announced that Midway would be porting over last year's Mortal Kombat: Armageddon to the Nintendo Wii, I was a little bit worried as to how the controls wold be used. It was only months ago that producer Ed Boon had mentioned that he could not see how a MK game would work on the Wii. Little did we know that within the same year, Midway would see the light (and cash train) and bring to us the "almost-definitive" version.
The package includes the basic Arcade mode, Konquest (which is like a story mode that combines fighting and adventure styles) and the racing mode.
Graphics
This appears to be a direct port from the Xbox. The Wii version supports 16:9 widescreen and runs at 480p. there's actually a graphical difference between different game modes. For instance, while playing in Konquest mode, you'll notice a distinct loss of graphic quality in comparison to either arcade mode or while in 1 on 1 battles during Konquest. I'd still like to see developers re do the graphics engine when doing a port onto the Wii. We all know that the Wii is capable of so much more so when we see last-gen graphics on a new title, you can't help but frown just a little bit.
Gameplay
The biggest concern for this port to the Wii was almost realized early on. The game features a training mode that shows you how to use the Wii remote to pull off some of the special moves. The problem here is that the game will show you a prompt with instructions but omits a key step. While you move the Wii remote you are supposed to hold the B button (trigger) and release it after you perform the moves. Unfortunately, unless you read the manual or see the video tutorial (the one that you don't interact with), you won't actually know to hold the button. Lucky for me, I did decide to look at the manual after minutes of frustration only to find out how easy it would be to do the special moves.
So that things would not get to difficult, the game will recognize six different motions that will be used for special moves. Now keep in mind that a character won't necessarily have all six motions tied to his/her moveset so you may only have to use three or four motions. To kick and punch, you simply use the D-pad and its four directions as well as using the 'A' button to grab your opponent. You'll be glad to know that after a few matches, the control mechanism will become second nature and make things a lot simpler.
Sound
As with all Wii titles, the game supports Pro Logic II and sounds pretty nice. Aside from the obvious sound effects, you'll also get to hear the suddle sound effects from the environment/background. On the flip side, there's nothing too new here that you haven't already heard on some of the most recent Mortal Kombat entries.
Lasting Appeal
Mortal Kombat: Armageddon has plenty of content to keep you occupied for a while. The Konquest mode isn't extremely long but it provides a nice distraction for when you need a break from the Arcade mode. Though this game offers every character in existence, you may also create your own warrior to battle it out. The racing mode is kinda fun in spurts but isn't deep enough to keep you playing for more than a few minutes. The big issue here is the lack of online play. Ed Boon came out and spoke about the omittion of that feature and he said that Nintendo did not have a set structure for its online strategy when the game was in development.
Fun Factor
For those who have played or owned the last few Mortal Kombat titles, there's still some stuff here for you to enjoy. The way you control your character is completely different, fatalities have been revamped and you get a Konquest and racing mode. Creating your own character is just as fun especially when you get to challenge Scorpion with Hulk Hogan. Online play would've been nice but the Wii makes Mortal Kombat fun again.
The 411
If you own one of the last-gen versions of this game, you may be hard pressed to purchase this title, but a rental is definitely worth is just to experience the change in controls. If you never purchased the other versions, then this one is the one to get.
Graphics
7.0
Xbox quality graphics with widescreen and progressive scan
Gameplay
8.0
It's Mortal Kombat with
Sound
7.0
Just your average MK themes and sound effects.
Lasting Appeal
7.5
Plenty of game modes but lacks online play.
Fun Factor
8.0
You'll find that playing this on the Wii makes it seem fresh and exciting.
