The Matrix: Path of Neo

"Great for the fans"

Path of Neo is one of those games that only a handful can appreciate. Much like the movies, it can be great fun, but it's much better if you look beyond what is simply put in front of your eyes. And, my guess is this game isn's so much more about being Neo as it is the Brothers poking fun at media, and themselves. Now that that's out of the way, what does PoN have to offer?

Well, for starters, the biggest draw is no doubt the fact that you can be Neo. If you're a fan of The Matrix, then this is very exciting. After all that has taken place with the series, it's about time too. And playing as Neo is great fun. As Neo, you will get to do practically all the great things he does, including kicking the butt of more than a dozen agents. In fact, you'll probably end up fighting a good hundred or so. The controls to perform such super feats aren't that challenging either. You have a single attack button, which is used to perform both your attacks and your blocking, you have your stun button to know opponents off balance, a jump button, and a dodge button. In addition, you have the ever popular Focus button, which allows you to slow down everything around you (or speed up Neo, however you see it). This gives you ample opportunity to do more crazy things, like running up walls, performing stronger attacks, and even super jumping at some points. All of this is performed simply, if a little jumpy.

All of this will take place in stages that fit the movies. The best scenes from the films are taken, and a few more, and you will get the chance to do what Neo did, from his humble beginnings of avoiding the agents in his old job, to the burly brawl, to the battle in the sky against Smith. All of it is here for your enjoyment. Not every level is as exciting, and some could have been longer, but overall, it's a pretty fun fare for fans to play as their favorite Martyr .

The graphics are a bit of a failure. In game, they look decent to decrepit, and the ingame cinematics are god awful, but they are decent enough to warrant continued play. They shouldn't mar your playtime, unless you get upset over choppy graphics. The sound is excellent, with a new soundtrack that works well for the game.

Now, I know I have discussed both good and bad, but one thing that should be taken note is that this game isn't a serious one. Years after the Matrix Trilogy is finished, it seems the Wachowskis have decided to poke at their own creation. So, if you're expecting something uber serious and as epic as the pictures that it takes after, you may find yourself disappointed. Several jokes are put in throughout that take a jab at everything from video games to movies, to The Matrix itself. Even the ending, as you might have heard, is something of a joke. So, it's evident this wasn't an entirely serious project. But thats okay. If you're a Matrix fan, you should do just fine playing through this game.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/15/05