In the movie The Matrix, Cypher asks, “Why, oh why didn’t I take the blue pill?” The Matrix Online doesn’t really drive players to ask that question, but it does resemble the trilogy in that it starts out better than it ends.

In the game you play a Redpill—someone who has chosen to “wake up” inside the artificial world of the Matrix. You begin as an agent of Zion, but over time you might choose to ally yourself with the Agents or the exiled Merovingians.

The missions, leveling, and exploration are standard MMO fare, and as such are nothing special. The game world has the look and feel of the movies, from the lighting to the actual locations you’ll visit.

What’s always been intriguing about the Matrix is the way “awakened” operatives could manipulate reality, and some of this manipulation made it to the game. Running fast, leaping far, and mastering complex fighting styles are in the game, but you won’t be running across walls or dodging bullets. As for the bullet-time effect, you’re able to use it for fighting, but it’s nowhere near as satisfying as in the movies.

The game’s worst fault is its buggy, repetitive nature. The early levels are especially tedious.

One thing that MxO gets right is the turn-based combat system. It’s unique in the history of massively multiplayer games and allows for elaborate, exciting-to-watch combat animations. Unfortunately, poor camera controls and the complete inability to fight more than one enemy at a time (though multiple enemies can attack you) ruin the experience. The game has potential, but there are just too many faults and missteps to hold our interest.

The lack of players to populate the massive game world just makes things worse. Low population is a death knell for MMO games. Sony Online Entertainment (the makers of EverQuest and Star Wars Galaxies) acquired The Matrix Online, which will certainly have an impact on the game.

While the SOE buyout might eventually improve the game, as it stands, we just can’t recommend The Matrix Online.
–Mike De Lucia

Month Reviewed: September 2005
Verdict: 5
URL: www.thematrixonline.com