6 reviews
A great cyber-punk themed MMO-RPG game of its time with so noble and interesting players, live radio (Radio Free Zion), nice community, nice scenario; some could say as interesting as the movies & official matrix comics.
It's a shame it was shut down and not given to public like so many other games of the past....
There are a few groups/pages and websites for nostalgic reasons out there and everyone in these seems to hope for a rerun or a free2play opportunity.
It should be brought back to life given free to play with registration and advertising for profit or perhaps be sold to steam for gamers to buy.
Bring MxO back to life!
It's a shame it was shut down and not given to public like so many other games of the past....
There are a few groups/pages and websites for nostalgic reasons out there and everyone in these seems to hope for a rerun or a free2play opportunity.
It should be brought back to life given free to play with registration and advertising for profit or perhaps be sold to steam for gamers to buy.
Bring MxO back to life!
- beheritchapel
- Feb 23, 2016
- Permalink
Before I get into this, you should know I'm not into playing these MMO games, and this was my first time playing one. I was warned that I would not like it, I went in with an open mind, gave it about a month, and man, I really wanted to like it, but it's just not what a fan of the Matrix is looking for.
The one big positive is the graphics. They really are pretty incredible, and even though it's all sort of cartoonish, it's still impressive and about as realistic looking as it can get. There's all sorts of eye candy everywhere you look, and like Agent Smith said in the first film, you could just sit and stare at it for hours. Unfortunately, that's all I can really say for the game in general.
The biggest problem with the Matrix Online is that it's 100% aimed at people who play games online. If you're just a fan of the Matrix series, this is definitely not for you. If you're a huge fan who's too stubborn to listen to reason (like I was), go ahead and download a free trial and see for yourself. Once you 'jack in' and go through a process of creating a character, you're thrown into the game with what seems like maybe a couple dozen other people who pretty much spend their days fighting with each other and typing lots of acronyms.
The object of the game, seemingly, is to 'level up' from 1 to 50 via missions, fighting, that sort of thing. It's a lot like, well, playing a video game: time consuming and repetitive. And again, unless you joined up to play a game, you will grow both frustrated and bored to tears within an hour.
The next problem, and really the most important one, is the story, which is paradoxically billed both as the "official continuation" and something you can help shape or affect in some way. Well, that's all just plain old false advertising. You literally have zero effect on the story, which is presented to you via a series of graphic novel type video clips, as well as typed to you during missions. Yes, I said typed. There is also something called live events which take place occasionally, but until you get to a level where you're not just a walking target, you'll never be able to attend one, let alone find one.
The story itself is extremely disappointing for many reasons. For one thing, it's terribly silly and doesn't have much to do with what was in the films other than by proxy. Morpheus was killed off early on by a gun-toting swarm of flies, if that tells you anything. Some of the other minor characters show up now and then. People seem aware of all the story's goings-on, but they don't seem to care; life goes on, they just keep standing around phone booths and chatting like Myspacers. There's no real sense of being 'in the Matrix'.
Apparently the Matrix creators have sort of outsourced the story to a comic book writer named Paul Chadwick, and it shows. Frankly, I find it difficult to believe the brothers had anything to do with most of what's in the game, and I now understand why Matrix fans hate this game. It's like going to Spago's expecting some of Wolfgang's acclaimed cuisine and getting some sous chef's whim-du-jour instead. And again, the whole selling point of being able to take part in the story is just plain not there. I saw lots and lots of interviews and hype about this game when it first came out, and it pains me to say that's all it was: hype.
To sum it up, if you like playing games, I guess it's worth trying, but don't go in expecting it to have anything to do with the movies.
The one big positive is the graphics. They really are pretty incredible, and even though it's all sort of cartoonish, it's still impressive and about as realistic looking as it can get. There's all sorts of eye candy everywhere you look, and like Agent Smith said in the first film, you could just sit and stare at it for hours. Unfortunately, that's all I can really say for the game in general.
The biggest problem with the Matrix Online is that it's 100% aimed at people who play games online. If you're just a fan of the Matrix series, this is definitely not for you. If you're a huge fan who's too stubborn to listen to reason (like I was), go ahead and download a free trial and see for yourself. Once you 'jack in' and go through a process of creating a character, you're thrown into the game with what seems like maybe a couple dozen other people who pretty much spend their days fighting with each other and typing lots of acronyms.
The object of the game, seemingly, is to 'level up' from 1 to 50 via missions, fighting, that sort of thing. It's a lot like, well, playing a video game: time consuming and repetitive. And again, unless you joined up to play a game, you will grow both frustrated and bored to tears within an hour.
The next problem, and really the most important one, is the story, which is paradoxically billed both as the "official continuation" and something you can help shape or affect in some way. Well, that's all just plain old false advertising. You literally have zero effect on the story, which is presented to you via a series of graphic novel type video clips, as well as typed to you during missions. Yes, I said typed. There is also something called live events which take place occasionally, but until you get to a level where you're not just a walking target, you'll never be able to attend one, let alone find one.
The story itself is extremely disappointing for many reasons. For one thing, it's terribly silly and doesn't have much to do with what was in the films other than by proxy. Morpheus was killed off early on by a gun-toting swarm of flies, if that tells you anything. Some of the other minor characters show up now and then. People seem aware of all the story's goings-on, but they don't seem to care; life goes on, they just keep standing around phone booths and chatting like Myspacers. There's no real sense of being 'in the Matrix'.
Apparently the Matrix creators have sort of outsourced the story to a comic book writer named Paul Chadwick, and it shows. Frankly, I find it difficult to believe the brothers had anything to do with most of what's in the game, and I now understand why Matrix fans hate this game. It's like going to Spago's expecting some of Wolfgang's acclaimed cuisine and getting some sous chef's whim-du-jour instead. And again, the whole selling point of being able to take part in the story is just plain not there. I saw lots and lots of interviews and hype about this game when it first came out, and it pains me to say that's all it was: hype.
To sum it up, if you like playing games, I guess it's worth trying, but don't go in expecting it to have anything to do with the movies.
- BarryOneill
- Jan 24, 2008
- Permalink
Tired of the same old, tired, fantasy MMO genres? Are you maybe a little too old to be playing around with Elves, Pixies and Hobgoblins? The Matrix Online presents players with a refreshing change in about as cool a setting as you can get.
Players start out as newly-awakened "Redpills" entering the virtual world that was so vividly realized in Matrix Trilogy of films. Chronologically, the game world begins where the last film of the Trilogy, The Matrix Revolutions, left off. Because of Neo's efforts there exists a fragile truce between Zion and the Machines, whereby a limited number of redpills are allowed limited freedom within Mega City, the geographic area where the bulk of the Trilogy was set. After almost two years of story (the game was officially released in March 2005), a constant theme is the recurrence of various threats to not only the human-machine truce but in some cases threats to the stability of the Matrix itself. Layers of intrigue upon intrigue make the storyline continuously exciting.
As choice was a predominant theme in the Trilogy, so you are given many choices within the game. The first major choice you will make is to whom you will ally yourself with and work for. Probably the most common choice players make is to work for Zion, although players can also work for the Machines, or work for The Merovingian, who is the de facto leader of the "Exiles" (rogue programs). These three groups are the main "orgs" in the game, although there exists two sub-groups within the Zion and Machine orgs respectively. The first, E Pluribus Neo (EPN), are more radical from their parent org Zion, and seek to free more minds from the Matrix. They are led by The Kid, who appeared in the second two films. The second, the Cypherites, are a more radical offshoot of the Machine org, and they seek to give give more people the option to return to the "Bluepill" state. They are led by Cryptos, who did not appear in the Trilogy.
Choice again manifests itself in what roles or class players choose for themselves. Players may be Operatives (Martial Artists, Gunmen, Spies or Assassins - analogous to Fighters and Rogues of other MMO's), Hackers (analogous to Wizards or Clerics in other MMO's), or Coders (players can craft everything from simulacra to abilities to clothing to weapons, among other things). The best part about The Matrix Online, however, is unlike other games you aren't locked into one class for the rest of your online career. If you, for example, are unhappy being a Hacker, you can unload your Hacker abilities and load up Martial Artist abilities. Players are given a finite number of "memory slots" from which they can custom-build loadouts of whatever Ability Tree they choose.
The look of the game is fantastic. Firstly Mega City itself is very well realized, and players have access to four distinct districts of the city and the thousands of buildings within. Secondly the combat graphics are amazing, complimenting well with the Matrix franchise. Lastly the look of the players themselves is uber-cool. People look really ultra-hot and ultra-stylish. Style is important in the game, with literally tens of thousands of clothing combinations one can wear.
There are lots of things to do in-game. You can simply hang out, look cool and chat; you can explore dangerous neighborhoods laden with Exile gangs; you can collect rare items; go to special Archive Constructs; or test your fighting skills against other players. However, the best way to advance in level is to go on Missions (analogous to Quests in other MMO's). There are several types of missions you can go on. You can choose a standard mission, which are generic missions that are always available to you. Or you can choose a critical mission, which serve to advance the storyline in some way. New critical missions come out on average once a week.
If you are lucky, in the right place at the right time, you may be able to participate in a Live Event. This is when major characters from the story step into the world of The Matrix to interact real-time with players. Previous Live Events have featured such well-known characters as Morpheus, The Merovingian, Niobe, Ghost, Persephone, The Kid, The Architect, The Oracle, The Twins, and Seraph. They have also featuerd new major characters such as The Assassin, The General, Agent Pace, Agent Grey, Anome and Cryptos.
In summation, this game is a delight on all levels. I personally have never been a huge video gamer....never had an interest nor played MMO's before this....but with The Matrix Online I have a blast. I look cool and kick ass all for a very marginal monthly fee. I've been playing now for over two years and the game is just as exciting as its ever been. I give this game an enthusiastic ten stars and encourage everyone to check it out!
Players start out as newly-awakened "Redpills" entering the virtual world that was so vividly realized in Matrix Trilogy of films. Chronologically, the game world begins where the last film of the Trilogy, The Matrix Revolutions, left off. Because of Neo's efforts there exists a fragile truce between Zion and the Machines, whereby a limited number of redpills are allowed limited freedom within Mega City, the geographic area where the bulk of the Trilogy was set. After almost two years of story (the game was officially released in March 2005), a constant theme is the recurrence of various threats to not only the human-machine truce but in some cases threats to the stability of the Matrix itself. Layers of intrigue upon intrigue make the storyline continuously exciting.
As choice was a predominant theme in the Trilogy, so you are given many choices within the game. The first major choice you will make is to whom you will ally yourself with and work for. Probably the most common choice players make is to work for Zion, although players can also work for the Machines, or work for The Merovingian, who is the de facto leader of the "Exiles" (rogue programs). These three groups are the main "orgs" in the game, although there exists two sub-groups within the Zion and Machine orgs respectively. The first, E Pluribus Neo (EPN), are more radical from their parent org Zion, and seek to free more minds from the Matrix. They are led by The Kid, who appeared in the second two films. The second, the Cypherites, are a more radical offshoot of the Machine org, and they seek to give give more people the option to return to the "Bluepill" state. They are led by Cryptos, who did not appear in the Trilogy.
Choice again manifests itself in what roles or class players choose for themselves. Players may be Operatives (Martial Artists, Gunmen, Spies or Assassins - analogous to Fighters and Rogues of other MMO's), Hackers (analogous to Wizards or Clerics in other MMO's), or Coders (players can craft everything from simulacra to abilities to clothing to weapons, among other things). The best part about The Matrix Online, however, is unlike other games you aren't locked into one class for the rest of your online career. If you, for example, are unhappy being a Hacker, you can unload your Hacker abilities and load up Martial Artist abilities. Players are given a finite number of "memory slots" from which they can custom-build loadouts of whatever Ability Tree they choose.
The look of the game is fantastic. Firstly Mega City itself is very well realized, and players have access to four distinct districts of the city and the thousands of buildings within. Secondly the combat graphics are amazing, complimenting well with the Matrix franchise. Lastly the look of the players themselves is uber-cool. People look really ultra-hot and ultra-stylish. Style is important in the game, with literally tens of thousands of clothing combinations one can wear.
There are lots of things to do in-game. You can simply hang out, look cool and chat; you can explore dangerous neighborhoods laden with Exile gangs; you can collect rare items; go to special Archive Constructs; or test your fighting skills against other players. However, the best way to advance in level is to go on Missions (analogous to Quests in other MMO's). There are several types of missions you can go on. You can choose a standard mission, which are generic missions that are always available to you. Or you can choose a critical mission, which serve to advance the storyline in some way. New critical missions come out on average once a week.
If you are lucky, in the right place at the right time, you may be able to participate in a Live Event. This is when major characters from the story step into the world of The Matrix to interact real-time with players. Previous Live Events have featured such well-known characters as Morpheus, The Merovingian, Niobe, Ghost, Persephone, The Kid, The Architect, The Oracle, The Twins, and Seraph. They have also featuerd new major characters such as The Assassin, The General, Agent Pace, Agent Grey, Anome and Cryptos.
In summation, this game is a delight on all levels. I personally have never been a huge video gamer....never had an interest nor played MMO's before this....but with The Matrix Online I have a blast. I look cool and kick ass all for a very marginal monthly fee. I've been playing now for over two years and the game is just as exciting as its ever been. I give this game an enthusiastic ten stars and encourage everyone to check it out!
In this world of LOTR-cloned games domination cyber-punk genre has vanished and never really got the chance to breathe.
This game had a unique atmosphere, much more scenarios from the Matrix movies & comics, events, missions, real online radio station..
This game should be brought back in any way, be given to its fans to run it, since none of their owners kept it open or make it free to play somehow; or perhaps through steam with a reasonable amount?
Whoever has the IP rights of this game:
Cmon.... Bring Matrix Online back!
We might be a small community but a dedicated one.
This game had a unique atmosphere, much more scenarios from the Matrix movies & comics, events, missions, real online radio station..
This game should be brought back in any way, be given to its fans to run it, since none of their owners kept it open or make it free to play somehow; or perhaps through steam with a reasonable amount?
Whoever has the IP rights of this game:
Cmon.... Bring Matrix Online back!
We might be a small community but a dedicated one.
- theoathofthegoat
- May 4, 2015
- Permalink
Sadly, I was never able to experience this MMO like it was intended. During the time this game was active, I knew next to nothing of The Matrix, and I was too busy playing RuneScape to care about starting another MMO game. So, because of that, I will only be reviewing all of the cinematic cutscenes, plus I'll take a few looks at actual gameplay. There's really only one true reason I'm reviewing this and that's because this is canon the the Matrix universe. Taking place after The Matrix Revolutions, hopefully it somewhat bridges a gap between Revolutions and Resurrections. Here's my review:
Regarding the cinematic cutscenes, it was interesting.... at first. We have an appearance of The Oracle consulting your character, where she's also seen with Sati. There's also a few missions with Morpheus, Niobe, and Seraph. It was interesting to hear Morpheus discuss with The Oracle about Neo's body and why the machines haven't gave his remains to Zion yet (which is a big plot point in Matrix Resurrections). I found it dumb to have Morpheus die by a dude made up of flies; missed opportunity there. Eventually, the cutscenes all turn to storyboard segments that just seem cheap, and partially finished. But omg the last 2 chapters have got to be the worst artwork I've seen in a video game. I could barely comprehend what I was watching half the time. So bad. The gameplay itself was not that great either, and if you've ever played an MMO before, you can picture what the combat looks like. I do not recommend this to Matrix fans; leave this lore in the past. Matrix 4 explains everything you need to know.
Regarding the cinematic cutscenes, it was interesting.... at first. We have an appearance of The Oracle consulting your character, where she's also seen with Sati. There's also a few missions with Morpheus, Niobe, and Seraph. It was interesting to hear Morpheus discuss with The Oracle about Neo's body and why the machines haven't gave his remains to Zion yet (which is a big plot point in Matrix Resurrections). I found it dumb to have Morpheus die by a dude made up of flies; missed opportunity there. Eventually, the cutscenes all turn to storyboard segments that just seem cheap, and partially finished. But omg the last 2 chapters have got to be the worst artwork I've seen in a video game. I could barely comprehend what I was watching half the time. So bad. The gameplay itself was not that great either, and if you've ever played an MMO before, you can picture what the combat looks like. I do not recommend this to Matrix fans; leave this lore in the past. Matrix 4 explains everything you need to know.
- ajneeago96
- Jan 30, 2022
- Permalink