| ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. | |
| OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. | |
| NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
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.
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.
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.
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?
| Platforms: | PlayStation 2, Windows, Xbox |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Role Playing |
| Developers: | Atari, Shiny Entertainment |
| Release date: | August 7, 2003 |
| Price: | $45-50 |
| ESRB rating: | T |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.