Enter the Matrix

"A rushed product, but still a great Matrix experience"

May 15th, 2003. The date millions of Matrix fans finally have the chance to see The Matrix Reloaded, one of the most highly anticipated sequels of the year.
May 15th, 2003. The date millions of Matrix fans can finally live the Matrix experience for themselves with Enter the Matrix.
The Wachowski brothers have done something few people have imagined. Their idea of creating a story that is told not just on one entertainment format, but on practically all of them. The video game format is Enter the Matrix. In this game, you take control of two of the smaller characters in The Matrix Reloaded, Ghost and Niobe, as they aid Neo and the gang in their quest to destroy the Matrix. The game ties directly into some of the events into the game. There are even some things in the movie you might not get unless you play the game. Here is the review of a game unlike anything that has come before.

Graphics......7/10

A little surprised? You should be. The screenshots and movies for the game are much different from the actual game. The tires on cars seem to be squared, the character models look a little dull close up, and there are some scenes where the graphics start to collide. But the animation is above anything I have ever seen. Their are so many different moves and attacks that can be pulled off, it's almost unreal. If they only took a little more time, this could've been a 9 or 10.

Gameplay......8/10

The thing everybody wants to know. The controls seem to fit very well, but some of the moves can be tedious to pull off. But shooting, punching, kicking, and even running on walls can be pulled off in a breeze after a little practice. The targeting can be painful though. Sometimes the person shootin right at you may not be the one you're targeting. Also, first-person mode seemed a little funky. Sniper shooting can be very hard, but not impossible.

Sound.......9/10

Since the game uses all of the actors from the movie for the voices in the game, the cut scenes are top notch. Everything kind of remark you might epect to see in the movies happens in the game. Also, the sounds of bullets and hitting other people is done very well. One of the best parts of the game.

Replayability.....8/10

Although some of the first missions for Ghost and Niobe are similar, their levels later on become much different. Also, their abilities differ. Niobe seems to be the better fighter while Ghost seems to get more powerfull weapons. Also, beating the game gives you a reward that'll make you kiss yourself over and over for buying the game.

Total Score......8/10

Although I can understand why they wanted to release the game at the same time as the movie, perhaps they should've waited a couple weeks not only to polish things up a bit, but to make sure everybody sees the movie before they play the game. Nevertheless, this is the game the Matrix fans have to own......at least, until The Matrix Online comes out.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/20/03, Updated 05/20/03