Enter the Matrix is based on the trilogy written by the creators of the Matrix movies, Larry and Andy Wachowski. The story line of the game inter-twines with the story line of the movie Matrix: Reloaded and even has film footage from the movie. You have your choice of characters, Ghost or Niobe. Both appear in the second installment of the Matrix trilogy, Matrix: Reloaded. Each is a human whose mind has been freed from the Matrix. Ghost is described as a "Zen-Buddhist-Apache-Assassin" who is very efficient with a firearm. Niobe is the captain of the Zion ship Logos and can out-drive anyone in or out of the Matrix. Depending on which character you choose, the game often follows a much different path. The levels are the same, but the paths are altogether different. While Ghost is aiding a fellow rebel through an airport terminal, Niobe is in the bowels of the airport trying to track down a captured ally. You have to play as both characters to experience the entire game. All the goodies from the movies, bullet time, agents, outrageous ass kicking, are all there.

Niobe facing off against an Agent

Graphics, in most cases, are getting better and better as subsequent games are released. This game is no different. The programmers spent a lot of time on the main characters making them more realistic than ever. All of the characters in the game are the computer-generated versions of the actor/actress counter-parts from the movie. They don't just kind of look like them, they are them. The firebird get-away car is well done; as you steer around corners the suspension responds accordingly. There are also cut scenes throughout the game that are actual movie clips filmed during the making of the movie. These clips add more details and insight to what you saw in the movie. The only glitches I have encountered happened while I was engaged in hand-to-hand combat in a small hallway. The game is in 3rd person view, but while kicking some major ass, the camera couldn't keep up with the movement. Other than this one minor detail the over all look of the game is very well done.

Niobe

The sound throughout the game adds greatly to the overall experience. The sound effects are very realistic. From bullets whizzing past your head to Niobe's high-heeled boots clanking on metal stairs, the background sound is advantageous, but not over done. Effects used in the movie during fight scenes are also used in the game. As for the music, it seems to have the same orchestral score from the first two movies. It does have a suspense "uh-oh I've been spotted" chord that just chimes out every once in a while. It doesn't really seem to mean anything special, but it makes you think you are about to get a whoopin'.

Ghost

The basic controls of movement, shooting, kicking, punching, and so on are elementary. When you get into more advanced moves like circle strafing and cartwheel while shooting you may need some practice. There are three options for the layout of th e controller including inverted or normal control for aiming. Focus is one of your character's abilities that sets them apart from everyone else around you and is the best part of the controls. It is the "slow down time so I can kick more ass" button. Using focus at different times will allow you to jump further, dodge bullets, and even do a slow motion dive spin while firing along with other moves. There are many different attack and counter-attack moves possible when fighting an enemy. You have the basics: punch, front kick, back kick, and block. Then you add some focus and different directions on the joystick and you can split kick, sweep kick, and break the neck of an unsuspecting enemy. Mastering your focus ability will allow you to turn a brawl or firefight into a more manageable situation. Another feature that is new to the gaming world is hacking found in the main menu. There are no instructions so you have to use you knowledge of original DOS to hack into your character's computer. This is where you can enter cheat codes, make weapon drops to different levels and, according to the developer, "download new fight styles." This should greatly add to its replay value.

Ghost flipping off a wall

If you like the Matrix movies you have to get this game. If you don't like the Matrix movies you should still get this game. A mere rental won't do. There is more to this game than a simple shoot-em up. There are the two separate story lines that flow together with each other and the Matrix: Reloaded movie. There is the Neo, Trinity, Morpheus story line in the movies and the Ghost, Niobe story line in the game. You'll be advancing through the game and find yourself smack in the middle of a movie scene then back out into the game. The things you experience and learn while playing the game, gives you a better understanding of what is going on in the movie. Once you finish the game with one of the characters there is an all-new trailer for Matrix: Revolutions that is different from the one in theaters. Hopefully the powers that be will continue with their revolutionary new concept and create a game that coincides with the next movie.

Niobe doing a cartwheel

Niobe with dual pistols

May 27, 2003 | 12 comments
Michael Land