Enter the Matrix

"Despite being riddled with bugs, still an entertaining experience."

The Matrix was originally made in 1999, with the sequels Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions in 2003. Enter the Matrix is a game that parallels the events as told in Matrix Reloaded, even intersecting at some points. You play as either Niobe or Ghost, who are working with the remaining inhabitants of Zion to prevent against an attack from the machines. To do so, they enter what is known as the Matrix, where they can focus their minds to bend the computer generated world and pull of some really nifty-looking kung fu moves.

Gameplay - At first glance, it might appear to be a rip-off of Max Payne, ironically a knock-off of the first Matrix. But when looked at deeper, we begin to see noticeable differences. In Enter the Matrix you have two main ways of dispatching enemies, either via guns or hand to hand combat. Guns are the ordinary, but reliable way to take out humans that may not look special, but they are much better in dealing with large crowds. Physical combat is definitely the more refined of the two, sporting some great animations, graphics, and a fun experience. Also of drastic importance is focus, which slows down the game to ''bullet time'', where your character can pull off some inhuman moves trademarked by the series. Instead of a normal leap kick, your character might run up the wall and do a spinning kick that will leave your enemy dazed. Overall it makes for a very pretty experience.

However, some levels, namely the driving levels have huge bugs that makes apparent the rush job done by the porters from the console versions. When playing as Ghost, the AI controlled Niobe is supposed to drive while you shoot various cars, agents, etc following you. But Niobe's AI is comparable with that of a brick, as it is difficult to move more than five feet without her crashing into a girder, often making for a frustrating experience. But when you overlook the obvious flaws, it still leaves you with a fairly solid gameplay experience.

Story - The story is what draws many to play Enter the Matrix. Who wouldn't want to have another five hours of delicious Wachowski storyline? And Enter the Matrix doesn't disappoint, giving some nice scenes both from the movie and on it's own. However, some of the FMV scenes are obviously low on budget, as instead of seeing the heroes dissolve when answering the phone, the screen instead darkens and comes back, with the hero gone. But all in all, the game gives you good insight into the workings of Zion as well as the characters of Niobe and Ghost, who obviously still have a role to play in Matrix Revolutions.

Play Time/Replayability - Suffice to say, kicking ass never gets old, and with Enter the Matrix this is especially true. You will find yourself repeatedly beating the bosses and bad guys and ultimately finding new ways to cause havoc. Also good for replay is the hacking feature, in which you use old DOS-style prompts to unlock hidden secrets in the Matrix, such as unlimited life, and a sword that you can use in the game. Not to mention you have to play the game twice, once as each character, to get the full game. Overall, very good.

Final Recommendation - The disparity between lovers and haters of this game is wide, and I would strongly recommend that you try this game first. Some machines simply aren't capable of running this hasty port, while other have problems with lag (usually due to the sound card).

If you can stomach the poor driving levels and occasionally jumpy graphics, then this game is for you, especially if you are a fan of the Matrix.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/25/03, Updated 05/25/03