Enter The Matrix Review - Xbox

Gameplay

Enter the Matrix (ETM) is unique to other movie license games. Unlike most movie games that just follow the movie, ETM integrates with the story of Matrix Reloaded to gives the gamer more information of what happened in the movie and how it happened. This is done by following the crew aboard the Logos being Niobe (captain) and Ghost (first mate). This is where it begins. Your choice is too choose either Ghost or Niobe, as each takes a slightly different path throughout the game each facing different challenges. The player is rewarded by playing both, by getting all of the cinematics unlocked that the game has to offer, which is a nice bonus for matrix fans. Each has their strengths and weaknesses with Niobe being the driving expert and Ghost the top notch shooter. Add too the two different paths a hacking feature to uncover some goodies which will keep you occupied as you try and unlock the different hacks available.

Controls are very easy to pick up, no difficult button combinations, with explanations along the way on how to do certain moves. The combinations are one of the highlights and it is where ETM excels. Using the martial arts team that trained the cast, with the use of motion capture technology, there is a wide range of stunning moves that can be performed at a press of a button. The controls are as simple as pressing B to kick, Y to punch and X to defend. However it's not just a one standard move, within all of that depending on your position to the enemy, how close you are to the wall and other variables you will find you will get a range of different styles in which they perform those functions. Vibration in the controller was used at appropriate times, when explosions occurred or when crashing through windows, giving that extra impact to the particular scenario.

Most of the game will be played from a third person view, with options for first person view when at the helm of a sniper rifle. Other than that first person view is somewhat of an annoyance as you cannot move around in this view, only to take a closer look around. There were apparent camera troubles, which you would lose sight of enemies as the camera duck behind a pillar, or another obstruction in which you were left (continued next page)