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Enter the Matrix

(2003, Video Games - Role Playing Games, Rated T, Play it on: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Best for avid, mature fans of films.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–17

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Very little. Some philosophical elements may interest older players.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Violence against authority figures.
  • Violence:

    A lot of violence, including violence against police, FBI and other authority figures.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Enter the Matrix was written by Dr. David Walsh

Parents need to know that although this game is rated for ages 13 and older, it contains a lot of violence, including violence against police, FBI and other authority figures. It should also be noted that the Matrix films are rated R, and that both the game and films contain complex and mature themes.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about movie tie-ins. Can this game be enjoyed without having seen the movies? If you've seen The Matrix or its sequels, does this game enhance your appreciation of the movies? Do you prefer movies to stand on their own, or do you like exploring them further with games?
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More on Enter the Matrix

What’s the Story?

In ENTER THE MATRIX, players begin by selecting one of two minor characters from the films -- Niobe or Ghost. Although each has some unique missions, essentially the same storyline is used with both characters.

Players either fight or run past resistance in the form of police, FBI, and notorious agents, who are essentially indestructible. Occasionally, the player may have to drive a car or pilot a hovercraft, but much of the time is spent punching, kicking and shooting through a variety of scenarios. The only more strategic element of the game is an add-on segment, in which the player can "hack" the system by entering cheat codes permitting bonuses, including a multiplayer option, to be unlocked.

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Is It Any Good?

The game attempts to be an integral part of the popular sci-fi Matrix film series. The game's design is interwoven with the movies' style and storyline, and contains an hour of movie footage. Players are expected to gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the films' plot and characters. Many characteristics of the films shine through: the fancy martial arts moves, the slow/stop motion spins, leaps and shooting sprees, and a complicated plot.

It is possible to play the game without seeing the films, but the full effect will not be appreciated. It is, therefore, troubling to see that although the game is rated T for teen, both films are rated R. In the end, the game is essentially nothing more than another first-person shooting game.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 08/07/2003, price $45-50, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T

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See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    The storyline is rubbish and only really makes sense to movie fans. The startling realism makes it too adult for kids, with two terrorist dressed individuals rebelling against police and such. However, if you're an adult and don't give a stuff about a story, this game is a fun one, with plenty of punch and abilities that can enable you to run on walls and kick the sh-t out of a cop. The only real problem with this game is that it gets slow at times and is difficult to complete.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    the matrix kicks ass allright

    With a huge gun selection,endless awsome matrix stile fighting moves,an involvative story line,and great graph- ics,this may be one of the best games on the PS2 even to this day. Athough it is a little to violent, it is also a little to fun.It makes a great sidestory to the movie which you wont find enywhere else, and (today) you can find it at most Game -stops for only 5 dollars.Athough you can't aim your guns without going into first person mode (in which you can't move)and their are some bugs,especialy when you have some cheats on,it is a highly recomended game,especally at on- ly 5 dollars.On the whole i'd rate this game 9.5 of 10(7 being the average).Re- play value: modarately high

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i love this game!

    this game is so cool! you can fight in slow motain combat!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    This game is pretty good...

    This game is realitively clean. It's not as good as Path Of Neo, but, descent. It's not bloody, or strewn with language.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Fun but hafd

    Fun game if you like the movies. But it is hard.

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