Conduit 2 Review

These are dark times for Wii owners. Sub-standard multi-platform ports aside, there just isn't much to do with the system. Nintendo's own development teams seem to be MIA and third party support has all but evaporated. Yet Sega and developer High Voltage Software have returned to Nintendo's motion-based console for a sequel to The Conduit, one of the few examples of a traditional first-person shooting game really working on Wii. Conduit 2 still struggles in a few key ways, but the overall experience is one that many will find satisfying, particularly those who only own a Wii.

The story of Conduit 2 picks up where the last game left off, with lead character Michael Ford chasing the villainous John Adams through a portal-like "conduit." The single-player game, which lasts about five to six hours, not counting a few bonus levels, focuses mostly on this pursuit. Adams wants more power, and seeks to exploit an alien race's abilities to get it. Ford must stop him. The concept isn't exactly complicated by any means, despite a couple twists, and both Ford and Adams never evolve beyond a very generic hero/villain dynamic. In other words, you're here for the action.

Sarcastic in-game banter between Ford and his mentor Prometheus does give the game a bit of humor that is missing from some FPS games. The developers' also frequently insert nerdy, insider jokes about gaming design and even pop culture in general, reminding you not to take a game about presidential conspiracies and alien invasions too seriously. That won't stop you from groaning at some awkward dialogue, dull plot developments, and a truly "WTF" ending, but it helps.

The art direction in Conduit 2 is truly excellent, and the chase between Ford and Adams will take you from the stunning caverns of China to snowy Siberian hills. The game's brevity is the only thing holding back more diversity, it would seem, which is unfortunate since one of the most thrilling parts about Conduit 2 is seeing what the artists think of next. Creature design is generally well done, though you'll start to feel like you're fighting the same guys even though they look slightly different.

Particularly annoying is High Voltage Software's obsession with small, ankle-biter enemies that swarm you and more or less require a physical beating to defeat. If you're playing with a Wii Remote, you're going to get annoyed because doing melee attacks isn't all that convenient. Though a slight push forward with the remote will cause Ford to swing his rifle, it's tough to do so without causing your aiming reticule to move. Those of you used to running, gunning and hitting might be a bit disappointed.


While the locales you're fighting in feel fresh and creative, the actual game progression isn't quite so fortunate. The designers deserve an immense amount of credit for keeping things moving and allowing you to find your way through levels reasonably fast. Barring searches for various bonus items that can earn you unlockable items or cash for the in-game store, you'll always either know exactly where to go or find your way reasonably fast. But the vast majority of your time in this game is spent doing the same thing. Hit the switch, blow something up, get to the cutscene. This is a complaint that could be leveled at many FPS games, so it's not as though Conduit 2 is alone in this regard, but the lack of variety does make things feel generic at times.

What's most disappointing is that the game does feature a cool, on-rails shooting sequence towards the very end that made me wonder why we didn't see more like it -- and earlier. You will also certainly remember the boss fights -- particularly the game's first one, which is thrown at you earlier than you might expect. They're big, they're epic, and they're a lot of fun. More, please.