The Matrix: Path of Neo

"A moderately good action game, a nice addition to the matrix franchise."

Before I begin the review I just wan't to remind you that I have seen all three films, and, like the majority of viewers, was dissipointed after seeing the last two. I'm not really a major fan of the matrix, I just like action games.

Story: 4/10. I have to say that unfortunately the story was poorly explained in Path of Neo. Before each level, random scenes from the film, hardly ever in the right order, would play in an effort to explain why you were about to play this mission, and what part of the film it was supposed to re-enact. If you have never seen the films then you are going to have a very hard time understanding even a basic overview of what the matrix trilogy is about. Neo hardly ever talks during the in-game cutscenes, which is ironic since he is supposed to be the main character. To prevent spoilers, I won't talk about the alternate ending.

Graphics: 7/10 The graphics are actually quite acceptable in Path of Neo. The indoor areas are not bad, but not particularly impressive. The outdoor areas, on the other hand are done quite nicely, with some urban areas like the Chinatown done very well with great lighting effects. Some of the individual characters lack detail on their faces during in-game cutscenes, but apart from that they are done quite well during gameplay.

Gameplay: 8/10 I have to say that this game has some of the most impressive combos I have ever seen, with running up a wall and striking the enemy from above, to tying two enemies in a knot using their arms and slamming a third through. Basic grunts like swat teams and soldiers, which like all enemies become more tenacious and battle hardened as you progress, can be dealt with basic six hit combos which invole several double roundhouse kicks and punches, while agent smiths near the end of the game can be dealt with by grabbing them, punching them several times in the face and stomach, launching them up into the air and slamming them into the ground, and finally climbing up on to their shoulder and send them flying with a kick to the head. Enemies with guns can also be disarmed and have their guns turned on them and their comrades, all in one move. Although this sounds like a lot of button bashing, it actually isn't. Whenever you activate one of the mentioned combos, usually starting with a grab, the game enters a cutscene with button prompts, similiar to God of War. Apart from the martial arts moves, there are also melee weapons like katanas, bo-staffs and axes that can be found in various levels. The guns are alright, with pistols, smgs, assault rifles, c4 and grenade launchers all coming into play. The controls for them are horrible. To fire your weapon, you have to hold down R2 and press R1 simultaneously, after you have killed your target you have to switch your target with R3, which never actually worked for me.

Sound: 7/10 Path of Neo does not have the official voice actors from the films, nor the official soundtrack, but the VA's are so similiar that you can barely tell the difference, while the music is still good. Weapon sounds are fairly realistic.

Buy or rent: If you are a matrix fan and was dissipointed with enter the matrix you will definitely enjoy this, so you probably should buy it. If you simply like action games then rent this, as it won't take you that long to beat.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/05/06