Game Informer, the in-house magazine of GameStop/EB Games, has posted its review of the recently shipped Mortal Kombat: Armageddon! This is the third review released by the media thus far, and unlike its counterparts, has more qualms with the game. The review explains that while MK: Armageddon is a good game in its own right, there are certain downfalls that cannot be overlooked, according to GI. The reviewer's dislikes mostly stem from the Kreate-a-Fatality system and the addition of Aerial Kombat. Also noted is the game's similarity between the other two current generation fighting games in the series. The final grade given is 8.25/10, which while a solid score, pales in comparison to the 9.5/10 Game Informer gave Mortal Kombat: Deception in 2004. From the review:
In developing such a meaty offering, something had to give. As aggressive and skill-laden as the core combat is, my favorite part of these games has been always adding insult to injury with a barbaric Fatality. The moment at which the announcer says “finish him” is unlike anything else in gaming. You have already won the match, but for some reason, this is the most intense part of the game. I always sweat bullets and fumble with the controls when it comes to entering in a Fatality sequence. Conversely, when the screen fades to black and the torture begins, you really feel like you’ve won something that you worked hard for. What you usually win is a creative and often overly brutal or comedic death sequence. Fatalities are still a prominent part of the picture, but they neither capture your imagination nor demand precise execution. You now get to customize your own Fatality on the fly. By inputting different control sequences your character will perform a specific move that is tied to the command you entered. As amusing as it is to chain a bunch of moves together, none of the moves that you perform really feel like something your character would do. You are just selecting moves from a shared pool. The Fatalities just don’t have the blood-splattering punch that they once had.
The introduction of aerial combat also falls hard on its face. Chaining together high-flying combos is certainly possible, but this mechanic just doesn’t have the polish or visceral edge like the remainder of the fray. On a positive note, you will have to adjust your attack patterns if you face an opponent who chooses to take to the air.
The Mortal Kombat series has had its ups and downs, and this sequel embodies it all. The immense roster is a glorious thing, but by altering the sacred Fatality, the action just isn’t up to the series’ standards or what fans expect.
To read Game Informer's review in full, please click here.
Thanks to forum member
