Full Game Review
Genres: Fantasy, Fighting, Adventure
Plot Summary
Throughout the Mortal Kombat universe, the warriors were growing too strong and numerous for the realms to handle. The warriors' powers threaten to utterly destroy the fabric of the MK universe. Upon this scene, the Elder Gods demanded a safeguard to be put in place to absorb the kombatants' insatiable bloodlust. In an enormous crater in Edenia, these warriors clashed in a single battle royale between the Forces of Light and Darkness that would threaten to rip apart reality and bring about the Apocalypse. Without warning, a mysterious pyramid rises from the ground, and the tip bursts into flames, attracting the warriors' curiosity to see what it was. The kombatants fought one another to get to the top, while Blaze, the gods' firespawn revealed himself to them. The firespawn was created by Delia, a powerful Edenian sorceress, and the mother of the main character in "Konquest" mode to destroy each fighter that would threaten him in order to save the realms from Armageddon. This would be the warriors' last battle, their last chance to prove that they are worthy of surviving, while many others will die. This will be the final battle for Mortal Kombat, the battle that will determine the fate of the realms.
Original Opinion
As many of you know, I've been buying up all the RPGs I can find for the PS1 & PS2. Of course, even I need a break from them, so I figured I would go out and buy a few fighting games to play in-between the RPGs. Mortal Kombat was the first one to pop into my head. I use to play it years ago at the arcade. I figured I would get Armageddon, because it has over 60 characters in it. I do believe it covers every single one from every version released so far, as well as three new characters. I'm looking forward to unlocking everyone!
Graphics
The graphics are good for a fighting game. I'm sadden that they didn't use real photos for the pictures like they use to in the older versions. I'm sure it would be a pain to do, but that was one of the things I really liked about the game. Other then that, there's not much else to talk about when it comes to graphics. There's the usual blood and fatalities. If you played any Mortal Kombat game, then you've played them all (except slightly better graphics every couple games).
Sound & Music
Voice wise, the game isn't too bad. The main character you play as in the story mode sounds lame, but the rest sound pretty decent. It seems like there's a lot of voices that sound similar though. This is understandable. With so many characters, and so few people on the team, it's bound to happen. I think it's just more noticeable in this version of the game, because it has all the characters.
The music is decent. I like it, but only when playing the game. I wouldn't go out and find the soundtrack. Some people might, but I thin the music really works well when you're playing on the stage it was made for. The sound effects and visuals really make it sound a lot better then it actually is. For example, if they're fighting in a place that has machines and computers, the music has a small hint of electronic sounds throughout it.
Storyline
I'll admit. The storyline is half-assed and was created just as an excuse to put all the characters together. Seeing it as a fighting game, it didn't bother me too much. Of course the story mode was very disappointing. You play as some lame new guy who's sole purpose in life is to win the fight. You didn't get a storyline with anyone else. If you happen to beat the arcade mode with someone else, you get to hear them explain what they did after the fight. It's short, and quite a few were uncreative.
Battle System
I love how they gave everyone a different fighting style. This adds a huge verity factor, which is rare to see in the fighting genre. Of course, I notice many times that the responds to pressing the button combos were poor. Many times nothing would happen or there would be delay in which you'll get your ass handed to you by the computer before something happen. I notice this in other Mortal Kombat games for the PS2, and wonder if it's just the PS2 or if it's just the way they do things now? I haven't played any other fighting games in awhile, but if I do and have the same problems, I'm going to assume it's the PS2 lagging. Anyway, the other issue I had was that they gave everyone a weapon. Sometimes it was cool, but other times it either didn't make sense or looked odd. Over half the characters used a sword, and this to me counters the verity the unique fighting styles gave to the game. What's your opinion on everyone having a weapon?
Motor Kombat
The mini-game is a Mario Kart rip off that isn't as fun as it looks. After playing it a few times, I found myself wishing they had just kept the Chess & Tetris mini-games from Deception. I highly suggest not bothering with the mini-game, unless you really want to see how lame it is.
Creating Your Own Character
This was probably one of my favorite features in the game. I loved the fact that you can edit everything. From the moves they do, to the name of their fighting styles, to their weapons, outfits, and even fatalities. It was a lot of fun. A few things were limited, but I can't really complain. Mortal Kombat has come a long way since it first started an I hope it continues to improve.
Final Opinion
It seems like only yesterday when angry mothers were trying to get this game banned from the arcade, because of the amount of blood and violence in it. Now it's probably one of the most known and played games of all time. I do believe if they ever teamed up with Capcon and did a cross-over between the two, with every fighting character, it would be the best fighting game of all time. I doubt it would happen, but I can still dream. Anyway, the game has flaws, but it has a lot going for it, and I did enjoy playing it. The reply value is high as well. Whenever I need a break from adventures, I can pop this in and beat the crap out of someone. I suggest this for every gamer. I think everyone needs a good button masher.