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Enter The Matrix Review |
by Dan
7/7/2003 |
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 History tells us that a game based on a movie is usually rushed to the market and totally sucks. For example, The Terminator, xXx, and just about every other game made from a movie. Well, Shiny Entertainment and the Wachowski brothers have changed all of those preconceptions that you may have with their game based in the world of the Matrix: Enter the Matrix.
ETM (short form that will be used throughout the review) is not like your normal movie based game. Unlike most, where you play your way through the game as the main character, in ETM you play as one-of-two supporting characters; Niobe and Ghost. Niobe is the pilot/commander of the Logos, and also the ex-lover of Morphues. Ghost is her shipmate and fellow “freedom fighter” as it were. The “operator” of the Logos is called Sparks, a witty soldier a little on the negative side. The game starts out with a little clip and then you get to pick which character you want to play as. There really is no difference except Niobe does all the driving, and Ghost will do all the shooting when that time of the game comes.
The basic story of the game takes place parallel to The Matrix Reloaded. The game fills you in to what you missed while watching the movie. You find out how they got the last clip from the Osiros and also how everyone got away from the meeting, among other things. Remember, the entire time your playing this everything that happens is part of the Matrix universe, and the Wachowsk brothers have included parts into the script of the next movie.
Speaking of the script, this game has a large one, over 250 pages. It may not seem that big compared to movie scripts but keep in mind that most game scripts are 50 pages long. However, the lengthy script doesn’t mean the game is like Metal Gear Solid 2. There is more game time then there is watching time, that’s for sure. But the good thing about the theatrical elements is that they are a mix of in game cinematics using the games engine and never before seen footage, shot especially for the game, and movie clips. That’s right, over 1 hour of additional footage was shot for the game, along with the 1 hour of in game cinematics with the actors voices.
Now that the story is out of the way, let’s get to what everyone wants to know about, the gameplay. Though many have stated that the game is too easy, and the fighting gets tiresome I did not find this to be true. The difficulty of the game is really perfect, not so hard you get frustrated, but not to easy that it gets boring. The game is meant to be beat, because if you don’t then you miss out on the entire Matrix story, which is what the Wachowsk brothers don’t want. Some parts of the game, like the helicopter fight or any sniping, will take 2-3 tries to complete, but once you figure out the trick to beating them it becomes easy.
As for the fighting, I will admit that the game is repetitive. For the most part it is - run into a room full of cops or agents, fight them - continue on - do it again. To some this may seem boring, but believe me it is not by any means. The fighting in the game is so much fun you won’t care how many times you do it. Sure you can defeat an enemy by pressing only two buttons, but the combinations and moves that are pulled off are just so awesome that really you won’t care. Everything from jumping off a wall or crate and kicking someone to pulling out your gun and sticking it to someone’s gut, there are just new moves popping up all the time. Basically everything you have seen done in the 2 movies can be done in the game, in real-time. With bullet time these moves just look even better.
That’s right; Max Payne style bullet time is in the game, though it is called focus when you’re using it. Basically the entire game slows down, yet you can still aim without the slowdown. Learning to mix between focus and real time will land you some awesome moves, and also keep you very healthy throughout the game. This brings me to my next point, the game's health meter. Instead of running around looking for those health packs and such, the meter will automatically recharge. If you are really low on health it will rapidly get up to around 65% then slowly go up till 100, and the same applies to that of the focus meter. This is very helpful, especially after a gunfight. You will usually be down to 25% health and thusly would need to find a health pack immediately. The only time the health meter will not recharge is when you are driving a car or the Logos.
 While driving you will get to do one of two things, either drive or shoot while the other drives. If you choose Niobe you will always be driving, if you're Ghost you will always be shooting. Driving is actually very fun, and the controls respond perfectly. All driving physics apply, making it possible for a burnout and power slide. You will need both to avoid the cops that will be trying to ram you and shoot you. The ramming will not hurt your health as much as the shooting will, so I suggest you get a good head start and don’t crash. If you're ghost then learning where to aim on the car and what to blow up is key. You don’t have to worry about ammo since you will never run out, just make sure that you aim for the engine of any car. A few shots and that car is going for a ride. Also, be sure to take out some cars to act as roadblocks to the people chasing you. The controls for shooting are a little choppy; you don’t really get that precise feel, more of a random area placement. This little annoyance doesn't amount to much, and the driving/shooting parts are short.
Speaking of the controls, they are pretty well done considering the amount of things that can be done in the game. The X button is your Action button, used to open doors and anything else for that matter. It also pulls double duty by being a counter attack button, a disarm button, holster you weapon and when pressed in bullet time will perform moves to avoid bullets. The Y button serves as the punch button and when pressed repeatedly will go into a combo. The B button is used to kick and does the same as the Y for combos. The A button is used to jump; while in bullet time you will do a long Matrix style jump; in real time the jump is mostly pointless. The left trigger uses your focus and the right lets you strafe left and right. Finally the white button is used to throw a grenade of some sort and the D-Pad is used to switch between guns. While playing the game I found myself never looking down at the controls after about 5 minutes. As soon as you start to play you will use every button and it becomes very easy and fluid. The only problem I had with the controls was that they were a little unresponsive. At points I would hit kick then punch but the punch wouldn’t be carried out.
The sound in the game is very impressive. Of course using the real actors for the voices makes the game so much more enjoyable to hear. They are carried out perfectly, just as good as hearing it from the persons themselves in the movie. The music is done very good as well. The original scores from Reloaded are in the game and give it that real Matrix suspense feel. The music will switch from a quiet, soothing noise to a suspenseful fast-paced beat in a matter of seconds depending on the situation. Really, the music just gets you into the game right away. The only problem is sometimes it will go from that quiet to loud very fast, continually repeating this pattern, which can get annoying.
One of the coolest aspects of the game is the little hacking program that comes along with the game. This is like am old style of DOS, and is fun. You use it to enter cheats, view music files and a lot more. Sadly, I couldn’t figure everything out, but from what I have read it is very fun, though I don’t want to ruin it for people. I suggest if you can’t figure it out then go find a FAQ, or if you know how to use DOS then it may be a little easier for you right away.
 
Lastly there is the camera and the graphics, probably the two biggest downfalls of the game. The graphics are really nothing special, not pushing the Xbox by any means what so ever. If anything they are pushing the PS2, with no real lighting effects or bump mapping. Now this isn’t to say that they are horrible, the game still looks good, but it is easy to see that the game was a multi-port release since none of the systems were used to the full potential (limited as some are). As for the camera, well it can go into weird positions sometimes. Usually it centers behind you, but in some instances it goes to a side view, which makes it hard to see who you’re fighting. When in a close space, it is also hard to see whom you’re fighting. Nonetheless the game is still a blast to play.
In the end, if you’re not a Matrix fan then the game probably isn’t for you. The game is really meant for people who want to learn more about Reloaded and the Matrix in general. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t play it if you don’t like the Matrix, though you may tire of the game quickly. Finally, go out and watch Reloaded before you play the game or you will be totally lost.
Graphics - 6
Nothing great, not really pushing the Xbox. Not so bad that it’s chopping everywhere, but still not great. Runs smooth though
Sound - 9
Awesome, just great. Voice acting is some of the best ever. Only problem is the constant switch between the two modes of music.
Gameplay - 7
Fun, with some killer moves and gunplay. Gets a little repetitive but still fun nonetheless.
Replay Value - 7
You can play as both characters, on three difficulty settings, and also the hacking adds some new modes into the mix.
Overall Review Score - 7
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caddysittinon20s
X365 Member
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i am waiting for this one to be 19.9 then i might buy
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Mr. Big Black Box
X365 Member
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RENT THIS GAME @!*%!
Dan was way to nice to the game. It is boring and tedious. Does nothing for the Xbox.
MADE FOR THE PS2 AND PORTED TO ALL THREE SYSTEMS.
At the most it is worth $19.99 just to add to your MATRIX collection of DVD´s and now games if you are a collector of such things.
I bought it on release day. Played through it as Niobe and was glad it was over. Game play sucks, Camera sucks, Control sucks, GRAPHICS SUCK. If it was not for the little arrow at the top of the screen when you play the game you will have no idea where to go. Everything in the levels look the same.
The game is rushed to cash in on the movie hype.
If anyone wants the stratagy guide that goes with the game I have it. You can have it foe free! I returned this game to EB games and picked up RTCW:TOW = GREAT GAME! They would not take back the stratagy guide, but you do not need it to beat the game!
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Mr. Big Black Box
X365 Member
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FYI: Block Buster Video has the Freedom Pass back for $19.99 a month. You get to rent one game on the pass and keep it for as long or as short as you want. If you rent a game, go home find out it sucks. Then you can go right back if you want and get a different game the same day. If the game rocks you can keep it till you tire of it. The pass renews each month for $19.99. Great way to give alot of games a spin and not get burned on a bad purchase.
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Lil Rob
Heckler
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This is a goo game. I enjoyed it very much. We need an online matrix game and include the bullet time and all.
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Mad Gamer 2
X365 Member
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I think that the game is on par with the movie with the blatant exception of the absence of the ´Chosen One´ himself. I mean look at it, the movie´s fight scenes are similira tons of cops opr agents, bullet -time fight scenes. And just like a fight scene it isn´t a suprise just like a sex scene in a typical Micheal Douglas movie. This game is the best movie to game translation ever.
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TFC’s:Men Hunter
X365 Member
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I liked the game and all, but they shouldof included more fighting moves in it.Or I mean better moves.I don´t know-mabe it is in the perfomance of their moves were I see the lacking.They can be seen kinda stiff sometimes.
[ONLY ON XBOX365]
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mtbaird5687
X365 Member
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XBN gave this game a 3 out of 10 and i totally agree. This game is a pile of garbage. It has horrible graphics, even as a ps2 graphics they are not good. The shooting is horrible because yuo cant aim in 3rd person.
No camera control,,,wtf is that. you have a second analog use it!
This game is just shiiiiiiiiiit rent it if you really are thinking about buying it, youll be glad you saved 50 bucks
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doodx
Heckler
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HOLLYWOOD! PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE GAMEING BUISNESS!!!90% of the stuff they push is really bad! And the only way I would play this game is if someone paid me!(or if I got it for free).
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Mr. Big Black Box
X365 Member
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It´s not Hollywoods fault. Its ATARI´S fault! They should of hired a better publisher of games. ATARI is not known for AAA games. They should of hired BUNGIE, UBI SOFT, or RARE!
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zion
Heckler
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this game sucks real bad... i bought it only because i´m a big matrix fan... i wanted to see the extra movie clips... rent it if you like but i would advise you not to buy it.
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MidiVox
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Hi All, ETM is the best movie to video game yet. For fun factor alone, combined with the great presentation, I give it a 9. The focus time slo mo fighting and focus shooting is much better than Max Paynes bullet time or any other games slo mo. Like all multi platform level based games, some parts have XBox quality graphics, lighting, etc, while some others look like PS2, but very clean and detailed, better than Metal Gear games. The Enemy AI is also much better than Metal Gear games. Enemies will chase you through levels, gang up on you, find you if you spend too much time in one place, ambush you, and set traps. It keeps the fighting and shooting fresh. As far as moves go, there are 3000 different fighting moves, and combinations of moves. The more you play, the more things you try, the more of them you discover. The animation of the main characters is the best ever in a 3rd person fighting and shooting game. In the entire history of video games, only Laura Croft moves near as well. If you are a Matrix fan, you will have a great time playing and unlocking everything. For a single player 3rd person action game, its one of the best ever, and does many new things never seen before in a video game. ETM deserves a Game of the Year nomination next year. Its a lot of fun, and a bargin at fifty bucks. You even get to do a little dos type hacking. Like many games used to have years and years ago. I give ETM a 9 all across the board.
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Mr. Big Black Box
X365 Member
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Midivox, you know NOTHING about a good game!
Enough said.
ONLY ON XBOX!!
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pyrogyro
Heckler
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I have to agree with Mr. BBB´s thoughts on Midivox. Game of the Year? I think not. This game is garbage. Essentially, the gaming equivalent of a complete rectal examination and then finding out you have polyps or something. I played this game
i rented this with the Hulk. While I was a bit dissapointed with the Hulk, it was immmaculate compared to this shoddy attempt to cash-in on suckers and saps who don´t read reviews or rent @!*%. I agree that this guy was a bit too nice to the game(nice review though). Just wait out 4 more months for Revolutions to get your Matrix fix, or wait till it goes Greatest Hits...not worth $50
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Captain Pimp
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Midivox.............. ur acting like ur high
Enter the Matrix is only for a week, no no, 2 DAYS rental unless u want to do everything in the hacking program but its all a waste of time, it does nothin for u excpt for geting the sword or some weapons droped of here or there but theres no BIG DEAL, u can just put in a code for infinite fire power(all weapons),besides it ruins the game play a little. If ur looking at this right now and u dont have the game.........rent it only! ull be sorry! unless ur just going to wait for ur friends all day so u can play multiplayer cheat.
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tum tum
Heckler
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You can look at it both ways it is fun but not reallistick but it´s you´re .10 cent
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news-
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<a href=>news </a>
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