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"Enter the Matrix - the first propah review"

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Thu 15/05/03 at 00:25
Regular
Posts: 787
So, I finally got my hands on a copy of Enter the Matrix today after months of waiting. First time I saw the screenshots I thought it looked dump, then I saw the fight footage and went all wibbly inside. And now I own it. And am I pleased.

Thing is, if you don't much like The Matrix films, you probably won't get a kick out of the game. I was gonna get the Xbox version but ended up with a PS2 copy, nonetheless, it's still a very good game, or from what I can gather from playing for a few hours or so. The first level sees you attempting to retrieve a package from... the Post Office. As exciting as it sounds, it's actually a great little level and you really get the chance to get to grips with all the moves. Combat is simple, one button for punch, one for kick, both together for a throw. Press any button with a combination of any direction, and you'll get a different style of punch/kick etc. To be honest, sometimes it feels like pot luck which move you pull off, but it looks very, very cool.

And then there's the Focus button. Oh yes. Hold down L1 and the action slows down, just like bullet-time - run alongside a wall and you'll run up and cartwheel off. Run and push the action button and you'll do an acrobatic cartwheel. More importantly, combine the Focus with an offensive move, and the action swings to the side and you act out a  badass martial arts move, complete with swooshing noises. Man it's fun. If you perform a Focus attack on an enemy near a wall or table etc. your character sticks one foot on the surface and leaps into the air, smashing your opponent hard where it hurts. This feels brilliant, right up there with classic gaming moments.

But it's not without flaws. The graphics, at least on the PS2 version, are ropey at best. They're functional, they do the job and they're faithful to the Matrix world (ie. fairly drab and workaday) but they're not brilliant by any means. Likewise the camera, it will occasionally go walkabout in the middle of a multiple-enemy fight, but then almost every game has camera troubles and with something as advanced as this, it was kind of expected. The controls are, on the whole, fine, although I miss having the right stick to strafe, instead I have to settle for the shoulder buttons. The fire button also feels wrong on R1.

But after 5 minutes, you'll forgive the odd flaky polygon and camera shake because this IS the Matrix, it's got MATRIX stamped all over it. From the opening loading screens to the way the characters move and fight, everything screams quality. The music in particular is excellent, and helps build up the awesome atmosphere that envelops the game from the word go. The first level sets the scene very well, with a cool escape plot making you escape from a familiar looking lobby from many mental armed guards. Damn man, it's so cool. If you like your Matrix stuff, I reckon you'll feel right at home here.

So, first impressions - not brilliant, but certainly great fun, and has the potential in later levels to be awesome. The bullet-time is superb, the music stirring and the storyline straight out of the Matrix universe. I reckon I'm onto a winner here.
Thu 15/05/03 at 11:22
Regular
"Infantalised Forums"
Posts: 23,089
http://www.gamerankings.com /itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=183661

A decent review as well. Not the best game in the world, but solid fun.
Thu 15/05/03 at 11:17
Regular
Posts: 11,875
Stop plugging your own work.

Have you no shame?
Thu 15/05/03 at 11:13
Regular
"Infantalised Forums"
Posts: 23,089
A review from, I'm guessing, a kid
"This game is probably going to be of the bestgames. If you can't tell that then you r gay . The only bad thing about this game is that it is on GameCube which is also gay"

Excellent
Thu 15/05/03 at 10:39
Regular
"Infantalised Forums"
Posts: 23,089
Then I shall shopwards at lunchtime and purchase me the Xbox version.
If it's rubbish, I'll...well...post moody for a bit then forget about it.

A bit like UT2003. But not like Lylat Wars, I shall never forget the utter arsecandle that was Lylat Wars.
Thu 15/05/03 at 10:35
Regular
"TheShiznit.co.uk"
Posts: 6,592
I'd imagine the XBox version is slightly sharper than PS2, yes. Played it for a mo in the shop, probably still on the Xbox pod today so you can have a go.
Thu 15/05/03 at 10:22
Regular
"Infantalised Forums"
Posts: 23,089
Ba-donk a donk-donk
Thu 15/05/03 at 10:22
Regular
Posts: 18,775
Thong tha thong thong thong
Thu 15/05/03 at 10:21
Regular
"Infantalised Forums"
Posts: 23,089
Pft
*waves hand*

Bras. I'd buy bras.
Thu 15/05/03 at 10:17
Regular
Posts: 18,775
Oo clothes...matrix game...clothes...matrix game...
Thu 15/05/03 at 10:15
Regular
"Infantalised Forums"
Posts: 23,089
*Peers at score*

Well..that's alright then. Go on, have a quick go of the Xbox version and tell us if it's better would you?
Go on.

Is it like Max Payne? Does it smell like children?

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