Mortal Kombat: Armageddon arrives on the Nintendo Wii. Most of the original release's features return, along with some interesting new gameplay touch-ups that make this feel like a completely new game, rather than just another quickie port.

Players use the Wii remote and the Nunchuk controller to execute moves. The Nunchuk analog stick controls the fighter's general movement while the C button switches their fighting styles. Gamers execute punches and kicks by pressing directions on the d-pad, which works surprisingly well. Special moves are executed by holding down the B button on the bottom of the remote, then swing the remove around in a particular motion and release the button. Some of the more articulate moves don't come off as easily as others. For the most part, though, it feels sensational -- and it gives those hard-working thumbs some relief. No doubt there will be some complaints about this control scheme, but the option to use a Classic Controller or a GameCube pad still remains.

Being a port, there are few changes. The Xbox quality graphics look good, with detailed environments, slick animations and gallons of blood spilling onto the ground. As for sound, the music carries a convincing "doomed earth" theme.

Along with the main arcade mode and helpful practice modes, players can try out more creative options. Two "Create-A" modes make their return, allowing player imaginations to run wild as they invent fighters from scratch. The Create-a-Fatality mode puts bloody ingenuity to work, letting fighters craft their own creative demises. Ripping off someone's leg and beating them to death with it doesn't sound like much fun at first. Make it two legs, though, and it could be a whole new game (a Thrill Kill of sorts).

On top of the creation modes, players can also drive around in Mortal Kombat's cart-racing game, Motor Kombat. Cute versions of MK fighters drive around in little cars, maneuvering through well-designed tracks and using power-ups. Up to four players can engage in these races via split-screen. The Wii remote has been delightfully utilized here as well, as players must turn it sideways like they would with a typical driving game. Players can also buy items in a fully stocked gift shop, unlocking goodies and videos galore with their earned Kombat Koins. Finally, Mortal Kombat: Konquest provides action/RPG excitement to Armageddon. Players guide Taven through a series of trials, battling groups of enemies and particular MK combatants to save the world. This sub-game clicks very well, even as a mere offshoot to the more popular Shaolin Monks effort released back in 2005.

Armageddon does give off a slight "That's it?" feeling. Online play didn't make the cut. Additionally, minigames such as the Puzzle Kombat or Kombat Chess from Mortal Kombat: Deception are missing. There was also plenty of room for the classic Kombat arcade games, along with the option to use the Wii remote with them. Armageddon also lacks tons of Wii-specific content -- only the bonus fighter Khameleon makes an appearance. This may prove to be a hard-sell for Kombat fans, especially when they can snag the Xbox or PS2 edition for $30 less.

Even though it lacks an abundance of new content, its Wii-sensitive control set-up and additional content do enough to keep the blood pumping -- fighting fans will find bloody satisfaction with Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

Final Score: 8 (out of 10)

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Mortal Kombat: Armageddon Game Guide

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