Enter the Matrix

The Basics:
Platform: All (PC, X-Box, Gamecube, PS2)
Developer: Atari and Shiny Entertainment
Price: $45-50
ESRB rating: T-Teen (13+)

Summary: This game parallels the popular Matrix films. The player uses a variety of Kung Fu moves and weapons to battle past resistance to save the human race.

Note: Although the game is rated T- Teen (13+), parents should be aware that it contains a lot of violence, including violence against police, FBI and other authority figures. It should also be noted that the Matrix films are rated R, and that both the game and films contain complex and mature themes.

Further Breakdown:

Overall rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Best for ages: 16+
Playability: Not too difficult.
Graphics: Acceptable. The graphics replicate the mood of the film, but are not groundbreaking.
Entertainment value: Acceptable. Fairly repetitive, even with two different characters.
Educational value: Very little. Some philosophical elements may interest older players.
Reading Level: 5+ Minimal reading required
KidScore Rating

Violence: Red
Sexual content: Yellow
Language: Yellow
Drugs: Green
Scariness: Yellow
Social behavior: Red
Commercialism: Yellow
Humor: Green

Review:
Enter the Matrix ushers in a new era in game-film integration. The game is more than an add-on to the film. It attempts to be an integral part of the popular sci-fi Matrix film series (The Matrix and The Matrix Reloaded). The game's design is interwoven with the movies' style and storyline, and contains an hour of movie footage, filmed during the creation of The Matrix: Reloaded. Players are expected to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the films' plot and characters. This integration is of no surprise, as the directors of the films are avid videogame players, and always intended to create a game as part of the project.

The player begins by selecting one of two minor characters from the films-Niobe or Ghost. Although each has some unique missions, essentially the same storyline is used with both characters. During play, many characteristics of the films shine through-the fancy Kung Fu moves, the slow/stop motion spins, leaps and shooting sprees and a complicated plot that leaves viewers/players scratching their heads. It is possible to play the game without seeing the films, but the full effect will not be appreciated, since there are many references to the films in the game. It is, therefore, troubling to see that although the game is rated T for teen, both films are rated R.

Challenges throughout the game are very simple. The player either fights or runs past resistance in the form of police, FBI, and notorious "agents", who are essentially indestructible. Occasionally, the player may have to drive a car or pilot a hovercraft, but much of the time is spent punching, kicking and shooting through a variety of scenarios. The only more strategic element of the game is an add-on segment, in which the player can "hack" the system by entering cheat codes permitting bonuses, including a multiplayer option, to be unlocked.

In the end, both the films and the game are very popular. However, the game may be simply living off of the reputation of the film, since it is essentially nothing more than another first person shooting game.