IGN has just put online one of the most sought-after pieces of media from Midway's upcoming Mortal Kombat: Armageddon: the intro movie! This four and a half minute video shows the complete intro movie, beginning with the oft-seen shot of the vulture pecking at a dead Masked Guard, only to be frightened away by the arrival of the two opposing armies. Once the armies reach each other, the battles begin, and kombatants begin falling. As the battle reaches its climax, Blaze's pyramid appears, and the fight is on to reach the top. During the video, the following narration is heard:

There have been many powerful warriors throughout the millenia. But ages of Mortal Kombat have begun to tear the fabric of the realms. The critical point has finally been reached. It was foreseen that kombatants would one day grow too powerful and too numerous. If left unchecked, their intensifying kombat would weaken and shatter the realms and bring about the apocalypse.

The Elder Gods demanded a safeguard put in place to avoid total destruction... one that would make use of the kombatants' insatiable bloodlust. Like moths to flame, they would be drawn to battle.

At the apex of destruction, alliances will be broken, and old hatreds will be revived. At last, it has come to this final battle.

Armageddon has begun.

The video is available to stream and to download for everyone in Windows Media and Apple Quicktime formats; however, the high-resolution versions are only available to IGN Insider members. To stream or download the opening cinematic, click here, and choose the video marked .

Our thanks to forum member for the heads-up about this important new video!