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Parents' Guide to

Enter the Matrix

By Dr. David Walsh, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Best for avid, mature fans of films.

Game Windows , PlayStation 2 , Xbox 2003
Enter the Matrix Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 1 parent review

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free_bsd_baby Adult
April 9, 2008
age 17+

Enjoyable individual game, designed for adults and single person play.

Enter the Matrix has a very good graphics engine both smooth and reliable. There is quite a lot of violence, and the game revolves around killing people. This is certainly an adult video game. It does however have a very good selection of weapons, and ones that are realistic too. If you enjoy these types of action, killing games, along with a very good choice of weapons, this is a wonderful game. It also has time altering capabilities, allowing you move and shoot faster than the enemies in the game. This however does not allow for multiple players.
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

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.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (5 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Game Details

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