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Matrix Online, The

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7.5 User Score:

Mixed or average reviews

Based on 33 critic reviews
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Based on 36 votes
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Game Info

Publisher: Sega of America / Warner Bros.

Developer: Monolith Productions

Genre(s): Massively-Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game

Players: Thousands

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Release Date: March 22, 2005

Summary

Players of The Matrix Online (Mx0) will inhabit an enormous urban sprawl, which spreads for miles in all directions. There are subways, nightclubs, skyscrapers, and dark alleys that all seem normal on the surface, but beneath this pedestrian exterior, a secret war is being waged for the survival of humanity and machine alike. Here, you and many operatives like yourself, will determine who shall inherit the earth. Gameplay in The Matrix Online will be based on intricate and exciting "wire-fu" combat, an extensive mission structure, social interaction and a completely customizable skill and ability system. [Warner Bros.]

Also On Metacritic

FILM: The Matrix The Matrix Reloaded The Matrix Revolutions

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central

Also On The Web: Games Domain Preview GameSpot Interview GameSpy Preview IGN Preview Official Website

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Game Chronicles

Not only is this an amazing game, as far as games and MMOG’s go, but it is also a unique storytelling experiment. One that has never been attempted before and one that I am extremely excited to be taking part in.

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GamingTrend

Those who are sick of the fantasy settings that seem to be commonplace within the MMORPG world will find this as a breath of fresh air. While the setting may be different, there are enough similarities for MMORPG players to feel at home.

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Play Magazine

Has the market cornered on urban style in the massively multiplayer genre. [June 2005]

PC Gamer

The Matrix Online has done a rare thing: it's taken a movie license and made me feel like a contributor, not a spectator... Captures the feel of The Matrix and delivers a sharp massively multiplayer game. [June 2005]

PC Format

Minor bugs aside, the game works, but lacks an inspired storyline and more content. It will frustrate the casual gamers and won't keep a dedicated MMO player hooked for very long. [May 2005, p.90]

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IGN

Where The Matrix Online scores high is in the flexibility of the skill system and the overall adherence to the franchise. This undoubtedly feels like the Matrix.

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GameZone

The mission structure is a bit simplistic and the game still has some nasty bugs that take away a lot of the joy.

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Game Informer

As one of those perhaps misguided fans, I find myself returning to the game repeatedly, if only to see what happens next. [June 2005, p.134]

Gamers' Temple

The Matrix fans and MMORPG gamers looking for something without dwarves and elves should jack into The Matrix Online. However, like the movies there are disappointments.

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GameSpot

It's got some very good qualities, but you'll need to wade through a lot of potential frustrations to enjoy them.

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Game Over Online

I like the idea of affecting a story experienced by thousands. Problem is, not all of us can afford six hours a day to earn that right.

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Jolt Online Gaming UK

The Matrix Online feels like it might have been released a little prematurely. There are countless bugs cropping up here, there and everywhere, and lag is definitely an issue on occasions.

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Pelit (Finland)

There are some nice, although half-baked ideas, but overall the game is boring and mediocre, and has many design flaws. And it does not even look that good. [July 05]

AltGaming

It isn’t finished for a start: while the game functions, there are way too many bugs, and they often hinder your progress whilst running missions. It’s been a just over a month since MxO’s release and it appears that Monolith are still struggling to get it running smoothly. "There’s a glitch in the Matrix" indeed.

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Computer and Video Games

It feels like The Matrix Online was released six months too early, with an avalanche of bugs and glitches (inaccessible revolving doors, crap camera, malfunctioning mission goals), compounded by poor presentation and somewhat repetitive gameplay and locales.

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Total Video Games

If you’re into MMORPG’s, it’s likely that the flaws combined with issues such as server lag and uninspired level/quest designs will leave you cancelling the subscription after a few months; while those bored of The Matrix and have no interest in this genre, would be well advised to leave this one of the shelf.

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GamePro

Even if the missions are lousy and the combat sucks, there's undeniable appeal in bumping into a real-world actor playing Morpheus or the Architect.

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GameSpy

As it is now, MxO isn't too different from other MMORPGs, and in fact, it's much less immediately exciting and accessible than many of the more recent ones.

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PC Gameworld

Even if you loved The Matrix, the same may not hold true for this MMORPG. We're over it, and by the looks of it so are they.

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My Gamer

The overly cryptic and many-layered interface, particularly the combat and leveling systems might well appeal to the more hard-core gamers out there. However, this facet of the game is so very difficult to learn even the basics of, that it may drive away the casual gamer—quite a strange choice for a game that’s doubtless counting on broad fan appeal for its bread and butter.

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1UP

By hiring a live events team of twenty or so digital actors and writers to plan events and step into the shoes of the familiar main characters they've been providing opportunities for player involvment in unique plot developments on a surprisingly regular basis, with interesting things happening every few days.

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Next Level Gaming

On the whole I would much rather spend my time in another world, an easier more exciting life, but we cannot always have what we want.

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Maxim Online

The unique fighting system keeps things lively—martial arts and gun battles play out by aligning "moves" on an action bar—but whether or not there are enough Matrix fans out there to populate this huge, lush world remains to be seen.

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Cheat Code Central

Unfortunately the gameplay experience also feels fabricated. Glitches and slowdown expose this "matrix" for what it really is: a shoddy attempt at an MMORPG.

GamerFeed

While the fighting engine is unique, and the city large and interesting, there isn't much to keep players glued to the game.

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2404.org

The big problem is the dark and sparsely populated environment. The feel is more akin to running through a Shadowrun RPG than the Matrix.

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AceGamez

Sadly, there is also much the game gets wrong; the bugs, the lack of variety in missions and environments, the flawed interlocked combat system - too much to simply look past and while fans may be more forgiving with these problems, others may find them too much to bear.

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Boomtown

It’s marred by a lethargic combat system, slow level grinding and general lack of polish. My hope is that they will improve it in future patches and expansions but I’m not holding my breath.

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Computer Gaming World

A fairly standard MMORPG that may be too little too late. [Aug 2005, p.80]

Inside Gamer Online

Simply put, only the most dedicated fan of the film franchise will glean any enjoyment from the most recent Warner-produced debacle, and experienced fans of MMO's will find nothing here to concern them.

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Eurogamer

Even if the surface mistakes were removed, its problems are so fundamental to its design that it's hard to imagine it transcending into a serious competitor for the big boys.

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Detroit Free Press

Lacks both substance and style when compared to other online world games like "World of Warcraft" and "Everquest II." Even the fan factor won't keep you coming back.

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Pelaaja (Finland)

At first, The Matrix Online is like a dream come true: your own Matrix. But then the cold, cold flames of its boring concrete hell, known as a game world start to get to you. Authentic, constantly developing storyline and one the best combat systems in the genre just don’t save the game from being monotonous and simply not fun to play. It’s as soulless as the world it tries to emulate. [June 2005, p.76]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 7.5 (out of 10) based on 36 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Masta TY gave it a9:
I've been playing this game online for a while and like it very much. You have so many options to choose from as far as building your character and once you do chose you can always change again. Example you can switch from Proxy Master to Arbalest very easily! Be warned you must go through the ability tree and find out what you would like to be so your character is more powerfull in your chosen ability tree. Yes, the game is addicting. If you dont like conflict please go with a non hostile server! as PVP is always on the hostile servers!! The game is not bug free but you tell me which online game isnt?! Right? Anyway, there are several live events going on that carry the story forward such as Morpheus's Assasination. Vampires and Werewolfs runnin around tryin to kick ur arse! Also, Niobe will jack in once in a while and give you special tips about future events or even special missions! There are so many things to do in The Matrix Online but beware once you reach level 50 all youll want to do is gank people and wait for the next event, maybe recruit some more people to your faction OR start another character in another server. In any event, the exciting thing about the game is that they are still adding on more abilities and activities to do. This game has drastically improved since the BETA and i expect more exciting stuff from it. The Devs are very receptive to the bugs that are reported to them and are diligent to fixing them and to add more content. I cant believe the new Citadel Coder ability, its sick! Last event Redpills had to fight these huge monsters made out of flies it was just chaos in MegaCity. I wonder if they are going to collect all of the live events and make a movie out of it?? Hmmmmm!! and a side note i dont blame anyone for tryng to make a lil extra money. This is America where the dollar is the God most people Trust. Peace!

Joyce E. gave it a9:
I love the cyberpunk world and the events that are taking place with live actors. Add a depth I have not enjoy in other games. The community is great too.

Mike A. gave it a9:
Good game, happy days ahead!

Tom M. gave it a10:
My first MMO and it is really cool. The events that take place are awesome and give me a feel that the world is really alive.

Mykal gave it an8:
This game is a lot of fun to play. Simple as that. It isn't bug free, it isn't the greatest thing since pong, it is a game that you can easily jack into and loose yourself in for a few hours. I'm not a huge fan of the films. (Heck I am a huge Star Wars fan and I can admit that SWG was a POS) So I think my opinion is fairly unbiased. I am a gamer more than anything and there are fun things to do in MxO... I think the game is worth trying.

Russel T. gave it a9:
Best MMP Evah!! Teh graphics are awesome, the interlock system rules over traditional combat in other MMPs. Night clubs are the place to hang out and listen to RFZ. It does have it's problem like most MMPs in early stages of being released, but makes up for it in story content.

Ed T. gave it a4:
I’m actually a bit surprised that people are giving this game such high marks for graphics. I’ve seen MxO in action, and the animation of the characters is quite bad. Sure, the environments are nice - much like the Grand Theft Auto games, still shots of MxO look impressive. But just like in GTA, the character movements are embarrassingly stiff and clunky. Walking, jumping, running, and fighting all look like they are being performed by crash-test dummies. Considering how various forms of combat make up the core of the game play, I was disappointed to see that most of the animation was on par with the very first Virtua Fighter, which was released about 10 years ago. I will admit, however, that my main dislike for this game comes from the fact that the Wachowski Bros. essentially derailed the storyline of the movies in order to cash in even more money from the Matrix franchise. Rather than resolve the conflict between the humans and machines, the Wack Bros. decided that the story should continue online… for a monthly fee. They completely forgot (or worse, disregarded) the promise of the first Matrix – the salvation of humanity. Let’s be honest, folks, “Matrix Revolutions” was a cop out. There was no resolution whatsoever, only an opportunity to make more money. Can you imagine if Peter Jackson had done this with Lord of the Rings? Let’s forget about returning the One Ring to Mount Doom. The Wachowski’s would have had Frodo give the Ring back to Sauron and then fight with Gollum to the death to ensure a truce(!) for the Hobbits. Never mind the billions of other beings inhabiting the rest of Middle Earth. Sure, the rest of the planet would be left devastated, but Frodo did get an exciting truce for the fifty Hobbits who live in the Shire! Cue the sunrise. The End... Coming soon: The Shire Online!

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Matrix Online, The

Game Info

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