Matrix: Path of Neo, The

Stuff

Shockingly enough, is actually pretty damn good. Sure, it looks uglier than Ernest Borgnine in a tutu, and trying to use the controls is like operating the Space Shuttle while wearing oven mitts, but once you get the hang of it, beating the Stove Top stuffing out of agents is terrific fun.

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

As technically astounding as it is inept, Path of Neo is one of the most stylish and empowering games on PS2. Not a game to respect, but one to guiltily enjoy. [PSM2]

Cincinnati Enquirer

An interesting re-imagining of the Matrix story in the form of an action game with OK controls and annoying camera.

GamePro

At first, combat seems too twitchy and simplistic, while the training sequences last too long, but as you grow in power, and unlock your substantial latent wealth of special moves and combination plays, the rich combat possibilities reveal themselves.

Cheat Code Central

A Matrix game that FINALLY got it right. You're able to pull off all the cool moves and abilities that Neo possesses, including fighting off hundreds of Smiths at once, pole and all. With great graphics and great controls, this title will definitely impress with the first and second play through.

Computer and Video Games

For every fault there's another brilliant set-piece or fight just around the corner to make up for it. The game captures the essence of the films, including all the most memorable set-pieces. [PSW]

IC-Games

Fans of the three movies will probably love everything that the Path of Neo throws at them. Essentially it’s just a basic brawler with some pretty linear missions thrown in; but every now and then you cant fail to be impressed with some of the fighting sections you get to play out.

Worth Playing

Whether it's the insane amounts of fighting that you can take part in, wielding Neo's incredible, almost god-like powers, or just having the opportunity to participate in the events of the movies, Path of Neo throws everything the Matrix has at you and more, and you'd be hard-pressed to not find something to love about this game.

GameZone

The combat system is so deep it could be featured in a full-blown fighting game.

PSX Extreme

Practically every Matrix moment has been tucked up this game’s sleeve. It may not a solid fighting game or as fluid as it could be, but Path of Neo will still satisfy the diehard Matrix fans, if there are any left.

IGN

I can't help but feel like the production team bit off more than it could chew by trying to cram in as many gameplay types, graphical effects, and scenes from the movie as possible as opposed to refining and focusing the things the really worked: namely kicking Agent's smith's smirking digital ass.

TotalGames.net

There's little cohesion between one level and another, which makes the whole experience like fast-forwarding between fight scenes while trying to understand the story.

The New York Times

After spawning two mediocre sequels, a collection of dull cartoon shorts and a couple of forgettable video games, there is some life left in the Matrix franchise after all, as this game proves.

Game Over Online

A large number of technical issues and some combat flaws, along with a number of less than stellar puzzle mechanics make this a game for hardcore Matrix fans or some martial arts action buffs instead of for everyone.

Gamezilla!

There’s a level of immersion that’s created flawlessly through the often sharp visuals and impeccable sound, and if I weren’t the observant type, I’d be sure I was in the Matrix myself.

Gamers' Temple

A good brawler that finally allows the player to enter the Matrix as Neo, just be aware that the Matrix is more powerful than your PS2 and at times this causes some irritations.

GameSpot

Path of Neo is a chaotic but pretty good brawler worth the time for those who still think fondly of the Matrix series.

Game Informer

A mixed bag from beginning to end. [Dec 2005, p.161]

Total Video Games

Expanding upon Neo’s story could have been a compelling opportunity for any Matrix fan out there; unfortunately the haphazard approach to the design and storyline are likely to offend the fans the most, leaving a mildly enjoyable beat-em-up at exactly that.

Eurogamer

The combat may lack depth in skill terms - certainly you wouldn't compare it to something like Ninja Gaiden in terms of technique - but in the end Neo's the perfect embodiment of stuff you want to and now can do in a game. It's just the Path that's the problem.

Yahoo! Games

PlayStation2 owners should revel in the fact that Path of Neo looks and feels best on their console. While Sony's hardware generates a relatively smooth framerate, the Xbox suffers a real stuttering problem, and the PC has an absolutely terrible control set.

games(TM)

There’s no denying its flaws – it can feel rushed, glitchy and rough around the edges, but when it does flow, it’s a magnificent spectacle. [Christmas 2005, p.118]

Deeko

Even though it is difficult to master, I highly recommending trying to punch through as best as you can, especially if you are a fan of the trilogy, because there is nothing cooler than fighting a horde of Agent Smiths while realizing you're the one in control.

Play Magazine

In theory, it's great, in execution, it falls short mostly from the lack of impact imparted by the fighting. [Dec 2005, p.64]

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

Fun on a kicking-people-in-the-face level, but below the surface this is as shallow as groping a computer-generated lady. [Dec 2005, p.98]

AceGamez

It's also fantastic to see that the developers have realised that the environments in the films played a passive but important role in enhancing the action and have created a game that doesn't limit the pain you can dish out just to the bad guys, but also allows you to give your surroundings a damn good pasting too.

Gamer's Hell

Roughly six years ago, the man known as Morpheus once said that to know the path is different from walking the path. To all Matrix fans, gamers, and fellow human beings, please take the following advice: steer clear of the Path of Neo.

Gaming Age

The controls are a bit hit and miss. For the most part they seem responsive, but there are a few platform style levels that will have you trying to snap your controller in two with frustration.

GameBrink

A craptastic game. But if you’re a fan of the movies you’ll still enjoy it to some degree even though the idiots over at Shiny decided not to put the freeway scene from Reloaded in the game.

1UP

The core of the game is simply a fun, great looking button-mashing brawler, and there's a good time to be had with it if that's all you expect.

PSM Magazine

Matrix fans will find momentum to finish the game, while everyone else takes the blue pill. [Holiday 2005, p.82]

Electronic Gaming Monthly

While the moves dazzle (slick-looking weapon strips, lightning-fast kicks to the face, dodging--and even stopping--bullets), the game does a poor job of showing you how to link these superhuman abilities together.

netjak

Overall, this game really surprised me. I had initially picked it up during a deep sale and didn't expect much but it turned out to be a lot of fun. The combat system is especially well done given how complex it is. Still it's a bit dragged down by the mangled plot scenes and the sharp increase in difficulty.

Gamenikki

But I still would have to advocate passing, particularly since The Matrix: Path of Neo still hovers at a full MSRP price point for what is essentially Enter the Matrix with a facelift.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

It never seems to target the right enemy, and it often takes too long to circle around and get an enemy in your sights before you're able to use the lock-on.

Gaming Target

I am very done with the Matrix universe and I don't think I want to play games in it anymore. Serious Matrix-philes have probably already given Path of Neo a look and moved on. I suggest the rest of you do the same.

GameCritics

After the credits rolled I sat in my dim room feeling like a betrayed lover, staring at the title screen with empty eyes and worn down by exhaustion. Disbelieving and frustrated, I once again expressed a wish: blue pill, please.

GameShark

I think they should have held the game off for another six months to deliver a real experience, rather than this shell of a game.

Edge Magazine

As chaotic and unrefined as it is, however, it motors on with a definite sense of purpose and provides a solid sense of fulfilment, if not necessarily one of accomplishment. [Christmas 2005, p.110]

GameSpy

A turbulent ride between decent action, half-baked graphics and camera, and occasionally clunky, but undeniably authentic presentation.

PALGN

A real slap across the face to Matrix fans. Do yourselves a favour and take the blue pill.

Gamestyle

The Matrix: Path of Neo does have its moments - but these are limited by the restraints of the medium. In the trilogy, Neo could do almost anything, which included manipulation of time itself. Transferring these abilities in-game has been problematic, and the engine simply can't cope with all of Neo's talents.