Mortal Kombat: Armageddon

"So evil, so deadly, it's created an Armageddon!"

Every year, a new Mortal Kombat game is released. And every time, there are new characters and new modes. This year doesn't disappoint there but it isn't as good as I thought it could have been. Now that the roster is nearing a ridiculous point – there had to be something done to thin out the roster by having a massive battle that would create a true ARMAGEDDON!

It's been awhile since there was a true Mortal Kombat so right off the bat you really aren't going to notice huge graphical or gameplay improvements from Deception. Fans that have been around since the beginning are in for a great treat though, every Mortal Kombatant that was ever in a game – is in this game. Now as you can expect, they're not going to have complete characters. Meaning, the entire Fatality system was scrapped and in place is a universal one that requires you to input different commands to execute different maneuvers. They've also cut down each character's movesets to only two stances. And then they just combined most of the moves to one style. This works pretty well even though it may not look like it does but it had to be done.

Straight from the start, all but four characters are unlocked. So you'll have plenty to choose from straight from the start. Most characters are returning with their old outfits and all the ninjas are much more distinguishable. Other characters are a little different though, Motaro for example, has been shortened to two legs so he can actually fight with the rest. There aren't too many new features while fighting, although the number of deathtraps seems to have decreased and there's also a new way to fight which is in the air. Fans of Deception's Puzzle and Chest Kombat will be disappointed to know that those have been scrapped but a new mode has been implemented. Think Mario Kart and you'll be able to picture Motor Kombat. Sad thing is, there's only a few racers and tracks which aren't to challenging but the power-ups you can get are a little creative. There's also a special goodie thrown into the game, a playable version of Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 that is available straight from the start and you can have some great memories relived.

The one thing that really kept players playing Deception was the Konquest, I even said it could almost be it's own game. And it became it's own in Shaolin Monks. The Konquest this time around is very similar to Shaolin Monks, although it feels more like a beat-em up rather than an adventure. In Deception, you played as Shujinko as he grew into a powerful warrior while traversing through the many realms in order to help the world. You were in charge of what you could do, there were fields to run around in and collect great treasures and they even included a clock to program in specific events at certain times. Unfortunately, it was ruined a bit in the Armageddon Konquest. You play as Taven who mysteriously wakes up one day knowing that he has to travel the world in order to vanquish Blaze – oh and he's competing with his brother to find the heir to the throne. Unlike the open environment in the past, you're stuck on one path throughout the game and you really can't do anything else except to follow the story, not to mention that they ditched the whole sense of “time” in the game. Instead you're given a health and magic bar that can run out pretty easily and you're able to use a select arsenal of attacks. Throughout the path, there are an abundant amount of koins and items just floating about. And every once in awhile, you'll run into a chest that will contain an alternate outfit to use in the game. So while the Konquest doesn't reach my hopes, it is pretty cool to be able to run around in a Mortal Kombat universe with Kombatants that create their own story.

Just to add to the awesomeness that Midway started, they threw in a Kreate-A-Kombatant mode to create your own character. And by golly, they did it superbly. There are dozens and dozens of weapons, styles, moves, clothes, faces, hair, and all sorts of other things to choose from when you're making your character. This truly is one of the finest create-a-character mode I've seen save for the Smackdown! series. The only downside is that most of the things you'd want to use cost a large amount of koins that are somewhat easily to obtain. And yes, they did get rid of all the different types of koins and created one universal koin that can purchase anything in the Krypt.

The overall story of the game revolves around the massive Blaze who appeared atop a pyramid while all the combatants were fighting. They all raced to the top to try and save themselves from annihilation and move on to the next game. And to follow up with this story, you can choose any character and enter Arcade mode where you work your way up the pyramid to fight blaze and then you're thanked with a short explanation of what happens to them after defeating Blaze. The annoying part is that the endings aren't saved so you can't look at them again unless you beat it with them.

If there were one thing I am disappointed in, it would easily be the graphics. They look the same as Deception and may even be worse somehow. There really isn't any excuse, they had two years to learn some sort of new technique to improve the graphics and they didn't. The arenas aren't anything to special either, you'll definitely notice a little chunkiness during a death trap or other move. There are times when the graphics are a little prettier than usual but it's not that often.

Alright, it's a tough decision to either buy, rent, or wait. I happen to be a big fan of MK and I found this game quite good but not excellent. In terms of overall gameplay, I'd rank this below Deception but near the top of the best Mortal Kombats. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy it, if you're a big fan then you should definitely buy it. They even decided to be nice this year and sell the game for $40 and the Kollector's Edition for $50. There are a few cool bonuses but I don't think it's worth the extra $10. If you're looking for a game to get you into the fighting craze, this definitely isn't it – try Soul Calibur. However, if you're weary on getting the game, rent it first or pick it up when it goes to Greatest Hits.

MOOOOOOORTAAAAAAAAL KOOOOOOOOMBAAAAAAAAAT!

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/12/06, Updated 09/04/07

Game Release: Mortal Kombat: Armageddon (Kollector's Edition) (US, 10/09/06)