Midway's Mortal Kombat franchise has been a fighting staple for well over a decade now, and in that time its winning formula has been experimented with a number of times--with varying degrees of success. The series' Wii debut will be an updated version of Mortal Kombat: Armageddon, which was released for the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox last year. We recently spoke with executive producer Ed Boon about his plans for the upcoming Wii game, which include a gesture-system control scheme and an all-new gameplay mode.
GameSpot: How long has the game been in development?
Ed Boon: We have been developing the Wii version of MK: Armageddon since we finished the PS2 and Xbox versions.
GS: Why did you decide to bring MK: Armageddon to the Wii, as opposed to creating an original installment of the series?
EB: MK: Armageddon is such a hit with the fans, and what better game to bring to a new console than a game with every character from the history of MK in it? Any "new game" would have fewer characters; we wanted to bring them all to the Wii to bring as much kontent as possible to the Wii.
GS: Was taking an existing game and tailoring it to the Wii a challenge?
EB: Certainly any new console brings challenges to development, and the Wii brings its own additional challenges because of its innovative controllers. The controllers have been the biggest challenge, and as such, have been the focus of most of our design time. We wanted the controls for the Wii to feel different and exciting. Right now it feels great--we're really excited to get it into people's hands and see what they think.
GS: Did any of the user feedback on the released versions of Armageddon affect development of the Wii game?
EB: Yes; MK fans will notice some additional features and tweaks to the kombat. For example, we have implemented and are tuning some new kombat centered around the "laying down" actions in the game. We listen closely to feedback on the game and like to make things better where we can.
GS: Were you able to upgrade the visuals on the Wii over the current-gen versions of the game?
EB: The Wii has some things that it naturally does better than other consoles, just like others have things they naturally do better. However, in general your average player will not see a big difference in the graphical look of the game.
GS: How did you approach control in the game? Did you feel like you had to use the Wii Remote and motion sensing? How did you implement it?
EB: Using the Wii-mote for MK: Armageddon was a must for us. We felt there would be no point in doing this game for the Wii if we did not support the Wii-mote for all modes and features. We didn't want to just support it, though--we wanted to utilize it and customize the gameplay experience. When you play it, you will notice that every single super move in the game is controlled by a Wii gesture system; also, the fatality systems will use the gesture system. For example, to do a move like throw Scorpion's spear, you will swing the Wii-mote away from your enemy and then bring it back toward your enemy, as if you are throwing the spear yourself toward the enemy, in an "away-toward" motion. It makes all of the moves feel more visceral, and it feels like you are more directly doing the action over just button presses. We want the controls of MK: Armageddon to be the biggest feature of this game on top of all of the content it already has.
GS: Did you implement alternative control methods to make sure longtime MK vets weren't alienated?
EB: Yes! To make sure we stayed true to our fans and people who like the other controllers, we are also supporting the Wii's Classic Controller as well as the GameCube controller for use in MK: Armageddon for the Wii. You could be playing Mortal Kombat with one person using a Wii-mote and Nunchuk, one person with just the Wii-mote, one person on the GameCube controller, and one person on a Classic Controller. We wanted the player to have as many options as possible.
GS: How much Wii-exclusive original content is in the game?
EB: There are two main things that we are bringing to the Wii exclusively over the PS2 and Xbox versions. As we've talked about, we have focused a lot on the controls and how we'll use those in the game as creatively as possible.
Additionally, we have implemented a new mode called "Endurance mode" for the Wii. We wanted to enhance the single-player experience on the Wii. In this mode you will fight a series of opponents one round at a time, without getting any additional health after each enemy. How many can you beat? Can you beat all 20 in Endurance mode?
GS: Is there any online functionality in the game?
EB: No. The online components of the Wii were not ready for us when we would have needed them in the development cycle.
GS: Are you or were you tempted to include Mii support?
EB: It is an interesting feature, but not something that really fits into Mortal Kombat.
GS: Was there anything about the hardware or remote that surprised you?
EB: Other than the controls, not really. The Wii is focused on a new and innovative way of playing games and a different kind of gaming experience. The hardware is about what you'd expect from Nintendo under the hood.
GS: What are your overall impressions of the hardware?
EB: From a gamer's standpoint, many of the guys on the MK team are big fans of the Wii. I already have a lot of Wii games at home.
From a developer's standpoint, doing a game for the Wii is very similar to doing games for the GameCube, with the addition of the Wii's controllers. It will be interesting to see how developers approach the Wii going forward, considering how different it is than other next-gen consoles.
GS: Thanks for your time.
Everyone who says that they hate the fact that theres no online, who gives a crap? invite ur friends over, play in story, try other modes, enjoy it. Online isnt everything and think how crappy the game would be if it started to lag online??? terrible. peace (I preordered :-))
ok so whats the deal with me reading like 3 different previews where they talk about endurance mode like its some new innovative thing? Half the fighting games out there have an endurance mode. Whoop dee f***ing doo.
It's look really kool, but i wished that Khamelon was on the ps2 aswell
This Game will be awesome I have already pre-ordered It. I so suggest getting it even though its not out.
this looks pretty awsome. the only thing im think may not work is that your going to be able to beat someone just by waving your arms wildly.
Unless you REALLY like mortal kombat there's nothing to get excited about here. The graphics are 'ok' at best and i'm sorry but endless character sets with exactly the same moves is hardly inspired. The only intersting thing of not is the wi special attack moition sensor thingy. If it works well could open up a whole new way of playing, however I can help but suspect that it'll just be too awkward for decent multiplayer. (ANd why no online? SORT IT AHHHT!)
Already have this game in my gamefly game Q. Hope it lives up to the hype
this looks tight!
aw sweet!
If this is as good as it could be, i'll be getting it for sure!
At least this shows that fighting games are doable on Wiimote.
Awesome. Sounds like a pretty good game I hope.
For the sheer number of control options Ed, yuou get a 10. To have all the characters on one game Ed, another 10. Now...it just needs to not suck Ed. If this gets around 7.5 or higher I'll seriously look into buying this game, but MK has been such a hit and miss, so I'll remain optimistic yet guarded.
This looks wicked, cant wait for this release.
so they make for the wii and not the ps3 and xbox 360.meh probally the wii is as strong as the ps2 and xbox so it was easier. the wii is like the MLS ehile the 360 and ps3 are in the crown for UEAFA (spelling)cup
I would give mka 10 out of 10. this game looks cool
i would give this one a 6.4 lol at the most
g4 gave it a 2 out of a 5
It'd be nasty, throwing the spear into the guys chest and like ripping out his insides, and the controller rumbles and makes bloody noises, ehhhh! Thats what real realism is in games :D
Well, I'm a little bit afraid about the controls (heard much about the Wii-mote functionality - some positive things, some not), but it's a very good idea to add other control options. Way to go guys :) I feel that it will be the best version available. Let the Mortal Kombat begin! :D
Hey just imagine that! Throwing stuff at your enemy moving your hands!! not pushing buttons until they die!!!!! hey of course that is more better than the ps2 or xbox versions.... Go wii!
uv got to remember that its got over 60 playable characters with the option to build your own mortal kombat character i doubt that people will be sending it back to the shop within 2 weeks!
Lack of online is disappointingly but I'm still excited. DBZ, despite a pretty steep initial learning curve, handles fantastic with the remote and nunchuck. If it plays anything like that, I'll enjoy the hell out of it.
But it probably won't recognize the gestures I make most often. :)
new gesture controls might make me actually ENJOY fighting games like MK and SC
without online you can see this game go back on shelves 2 weeks its relased
Ed Boon rocks I loved that video
american_revo38 has a lot of valid points in his post. I was just curious, so I just went over to ebay and out of curiosity looked for a Wii system (I already have one) and a PS3. Well, the Wii's still seem to be bringing in an average of $100 more than there original price . . . selling at about $350 consistently. The PS3 on the other hand . . . not doing so hot. They seem to be selling for less than retail at the moment. 30 minutes left, a 60 GB PS3 starting bid $550 . . . . no bidders. Here's another one, 41 min left 60 GB PS3 current bid $435. And anything with a price that is the original retail or higher has in fact no bids. The writing is on the wall . . . or rather . . . the supply and demand of ebay.
welllll iii think i'll get brawllllllllllllllllllll
Mm, it sounds like a fun rent-game but not buy-able.. I think I'll wait for Brawl or SC4.
I am not interested at all
endurance mode sounds like an arcade mode from oldy mk days. nothing sounds new except controls, which will hopefully be good. "The Wii has some things that it naturally does better than other consoles, just like others have things they naturally do better. However, in general your average player will not see a big difference in the graphical look of the game." An excuse for an ugly port. lets hope it is at least mroe crisp looking
Regarding online, I would say , expect more games online this summer onwards, thats when most games had time to deal with nintendo's online thing, except for few hits, (i.e. Corruption, Brawl, ... they really need to add online !! )
Answer: cause sony released a system that is WAYYYY ahead of its time in terms of power, yet they backed it up with outdated hardware in every other aspect except the midiocre controller which uses a last minute UNTESTED "sixaxis" system...... you know i didnt realize this untill after i posted it, but that comment reminded me of something.....oh yeah SEGAAAAA...
well well well once again, another string of comments full of net nerds who whine and complain about how the wii sucks and this game is garbage blah blah blah....listen people little tidbit for ya....wii is outselling ps3 cause sony finally dropped the ball, sorry to give ya the truth....it has outsold 360 since the wii's launch 2 to 1, so heres my question...if the wii sucks so bad why is everyone buying it and why is there confirmed over 300,000 units of PS3 jes sitting in retail stores across america waiting to rot? Answer: cause sony released a system that is WAYYYY ahead of its time in terms of power, yet they backed it up with outdated hardware in every other aspect except the midiocre controller which uses a last minute UNTESTED "sixaxis" system......oh and dont get me started on 360, everybody knows theyve slayed sony this time around.....and mad props to ed boon for jumping in ater his comments on the wii and giving it a chance, i would like to see more exagerated gestures for some moves but we are sitting in the right direction for MK and fighting games as a whole on the wii. Oh and one more thing for those of you blasting online and wii being a kiddy machine, remember nintendo is new to online, it is jes slow, need i refrence xbox live launch?! And as far as the wii being a kiddi system......that was N64 and cube you numbnuts, wii is a FAMILY system!!!!
Conceptshado, did you even PLAY any of those games? Zelda is 40 hours long, Red Steel and CoD3 are fun to play (even though they are really badly done) and the "gimic" system has the potential to revolutionize how people play games. Motion sensing... remember?
i am really looking forward to playing this
These type of fighting games is better on a 360 or a PS3 controll.
This game would be crap on the Wii just because of the controls. Th Wii is a gimic system and a fad. DBZ sucked, Red Steel sucked, Splinter Cell Sucked and Call of Duty 3 sucked (all mostly because of the crappy controls and dated graphics). Only good game on the Wii is Zelda (it's amazing) and unfortunately it's a rather quick game. I'll wait to play this when it comes out but from playing the other MK (including Arm.) it jsut seems that a guy using a standard controller will kick anybody's ass w/ a Wii-Mote.
No online = Garbage Yes, I own a Wii60.
Meh, I want to see more innovative ORIGINAL games to start coming for the Wii, it seems like there are a lot of minigames and ports so far.
To YDS: There's nothing wrong with the video, the characters aren't doing anything because the remote is pointed away from the screen. I'm excited that MKA is coming to the Wii I was hoping it would have alternate control schmes and I didn't think that motion sensing would fit in this game but it looks good and to top it off the Wii is getting some exclusive content. It's shaping up alot better than I thought and i'm looking forward to it.
"sho565 sho565 So why nintindo GC did'nt get this GAME" Because the Wii is getting it, and if it weren't for Zelda Gamecube would be comepletely dead right now.
This got is going to be a good game...expect the upper cut movement to be done with the WIi mote...now that is cool fighting!
wow. never been a fan of MK games, but i will definitely be renting/buying this one (wherever i see it first) the next time i see it
Maybe this will alleviate MK of the suckage it's suffered recently. The games are 7.0-ish.
wait didnt one of the guys who created mk say the wiimote is stupid?guess they finaly saw the light.
Sounds like an interesting and Innovative way to get your Kombat on. I'm especially excited as a Nintendo fan at the fact that for once the Nintendo Console Version is going to get the exclusive content instead of the short end of the stick. im looking forward to this game.
I am not interested at all
too bad there's no online. that always makes the game better. still i love the idea of controlling these characters with the wii-mote