by Kyle - December 11, 2005

As you begin in One, you create your fighter to set out and work your way to the top. Your objective is to become the best or otherwise known as �the one.� To obtain your goal, you challenge opponents, win fights, and increase your overall ranking.

Simplified But Amusing

One seemed to be more like a simplified version of Mortal Combat. The key elements of Mortal Combat were there; similar levels, work your way up through fighters, and the way you enter each round. You enter each round with the traditional, �Ready� Fight!� like in Mortal Combat and other fighting games. The voice even sounds the same.

The controls in One were very easy. You simply move your character with the directional pad and use buttons 5 and 7 to punch and kick. Small attack combos were available but nothing fast paced.

However, in One, the rounds of fighting are more customizable. You can vary the time, your life, number of rounds, etc. On the hand, the actual fighting in One was very limited. Not only is it too slow paced to hold a decent battle, but it�s also too restricted on fighting combos. There are very few attacks that afflict a good amount of damage, but those are hard to figure out with the proper timing and button combination.

A Picture above Expectation

One�s graphics were surprisingly good compared to the other categories. On the loading screen, a nicely detailed picture of you and your opponent is displayed. The only downfall is the scenery of each level. Its background could have been improved with more detail.

While in a fight, each players� movements were very realistic. While creating your character you can customize everything from his/her skin color and ethnicity to their clothing and apparel, all of which look nicely detailed and displayed through your NGage.

Not Enough Audio Variance

One could have used better sound variation and production. In some levels, it�s just a simple rush of wind or water, I couldn�t tell but it was on a beach. The players don�t make much noise either. You hear a simple moan or grunt when you strike your opponent.

The introduction music sounds like you�d be stranded in a tribal jungle. However, when the game is loading, a more pleasant enjoyable tune is played. Fighters don�t even converse to each other except to express a hit. Every time you hit your opponent it sounds as if you�re really striking a pillow or a mattress.

Not Too High But Passing

One isn�t the type of game I�d classify strongly under the fun category. At times it�s more like a movie without a story line. As we all know, those aren�t entertaining but just time consuming. On the other hand, if you like games without a theme and something you can just pick up and play, maybe One is for you.

One feature I enjoyed and found fun was the training One had to offer. I could choose any mode of training I wanted to, from lower dodges and sparring to blocking grabs and floor hits. Its training was a much easier way to gain skill in One.

Rest is Revealed

I never got the opportunity to test out One�s multiplayer mode as I don�t have Bluetooth or NGage Arena connected. I�m sure playing against someone in real life or even someone that you know would be more fun than sitting at home playing the simple programmed opponents.

One has several other modes of play not mentioned above including survival and story. Story is basically fighting who challenges you while working your way up the ranks to the boss.

All Based On Your Own Preference

One had its ups and downs. Mainly lacked a better storyline and sound but its gameplay was decent and its graphics were much better. For a mobile game, One put forth a decent presentation although it needed some improvement. If you�re one who doesn�t like simpler games, maybe one isn�t exactly for you. However, if you enjoy simple pick up and play games, why are you still reading this? Go begin your quest to become the �one.�