I base this on the release for the PC. I'm not ruling out that some of the problems have to do with that, that this was geared towards consoles. Hey, I won't claim that this is all negatives, it isn't. This does recreate many favorite scenes, almost all they could(albeit hardly any flying). It does, of course, expand on them, otherwise this would be even shorter than it is, and not all of this is bad. There are also new levels, the quality of which varies, but, honestly, there are several(not all of them) nice ideas, and done well, to be found in them. At any time, you can replay an earlier one, and twice, you're given a Mission Selector, and can choose the order of the next handful of them. The story-telling is OK, the worst part of it is the hideously, and oddly, cut up and stitched together Frankenstein's Monster of the trilogy that is the series of clips they use(a couple of times, it even seems like they just thought "well, this was funny, let's put that in there"). Don't get me started on the crappy music they put to it. The sound is well-done, though the acting can be awful, and the voices do not always fit. Link, for example, and can someone tell me when The Merovingian became German? The new plot has good to it. The acrobatics, shooting and fighting are probably the biggest attractions to this. They are a mixed bag. There are cool moves, but it is truly sad that they had to be taught how to make a VG taking place in this universe by the new Prince of Persia ones(of 2003, '04 and '05), and incredible that they still managed to screw it up. And the guns are fine, if often useless(and why so few?). Aiming, well, it can be done, they actually put a cross-hair in this time, though the mouse doesn't move right. Now, the martial arts system, when you get past how clumsy it can be, as well as how sluggish and either too fast or overly slow(that's a theme with this one, it hits the extremes, and goes back and forth between them) it often reacts to your commands, it can be entertaining. There are a lot of combos, if you can activate them, with how similar they are to do, and on account of them making up most of the powerful attacks, the Free Form thing didn't entirely work, and you wind up typically taking them on one at a time. There are not enough buttons devoted to it. Meleé weapons range, but tend to be a positive in this. The Bosses... do not. Defending by striking could be fantastic, but it wasn't really, here. The camera is free, with zoom and 360 degree turning. The abilities are decent enough, the main thing here is that each you get is helpful a little, and that's it. The adventure portions are nothing but a method of prolonging this. They were happy to make it possible for characters to be tossed about, and objects(as well as walls) around you to break, so it's happening all over the place, and it quite frankly looks preposterous. This makes the astounding occurrences in the three commonplace, and they lose their impact. The bugs and glitches are all over this, and stability could be better. The graphics are great, with fluid animation, if at least one of the faces(Smith) come out looking ridiculous. Cut-scenes are, with one exception(which is CGI, and gorgeous), in-engine, and fair. This does manage to put a lot of you-know-who's in one place, up against you, lets you squeeze the trigger in the chopper, and features aerial combat. This is either too easy, or annoying, depending on what specific portion you're playing. Replayability is essentially nonexistent. There is bonus stuff, including an extraordinarily unfunny outtake reel. Saving is still automatic, and offering only four slots. The puns are gag-inducing. The altered continuity is reasonable. This takes some of the best moments in the original film and makes gimmicks out of them. Why all the silliness? The changed ending(cheap attempt at getting audiences to purchase this, contact me and I'll let you know what it is), which I actually don't consider to be a poor concept, it's merely wrong for this? My guess would be that the brothers saw the reception the sequels got, and got scared, gave up trying, or perhaps both. Thus they almost invariably(there is philosophy in this, and situations that could really be impeccable) didn't try to make this serious. I would hate to think that they belong in the group of people who refuse to believe that games can be complex and innovative, after what they did to the action flick genre, and reinvigorating the science fiction cinema. A tremendous lot can be achieved in this medium, and the only cause for alarm at these being less than stellar is the sheer fact that done right, an effort of this kind, inside the Matrix universe could be excellent. This, however, is downright stupid. Superficial and empty aren't off the wall as words to describe it. Not to mention ammo for those who claim that the 1999 movie was nothing but a stroke of luck. It's a terrible waste of potential. In case you weren't sure, I've been comparing this to Enter the Matrix(so much that I didn't write where I did so). All in all, I'm sorry, I find that to be the superior title. Less frustration, comes closer to you being able to count on it to deliver, and while both overreach, the result here is at times painful. This has, well, not direct sexuality, but adult material, as well as language, relatively strong, not in copious amounts. I recommend this to fans of the franchise, if you prefer the visuals and battles to the exploration and the food for thought(perfectly acceptable, I simply feel that what the Wachowski's made deserves more). 7/10
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Batkid120 October 2007This is undeniably a good "movie-to-game" adaptation of the hit trilogy and is also written/ directed by the Wachowskis and edited together by them as well.
It's action-packed, allows the player options on how to advance Neo, you play in training missions set before the film and even when you're playing a level from the movies, it's totally not like the movie. For example, in one mission where you're in a chopper trying to save Morpheus, from the 1st film, the player ends up having to shoot at other people/things besides the Agents like other helicopters and S.W.A.T. team soldiers.
There are tons of missions that explore the vast universe/time line of the films and allow the player to use several "combo" attacks w/ mêlée attacks, guns, swords, staffs, axes,etc. You can even hit people back with your guns, then punch them in slow-motion while they're falling backwards.
The only voice from the series returning is Laurence Fishbourne, but that's not bad because all the voice actors have better voices then the actors that portrayed them in the films ( with the exception of the person who voiced Agent Smith, who is so not Hugo Weaving) !
While I kinda liked "Enter the Matrix" better, this is still a "must-play!" -
travis-32614 March 2009After waiting to be able to play this game for a while I finally had a chance. After playing the first bit, I was really starting to enjoy it, but it started to go downhill after a while. It's a fun game, no doubt about that, but it isn't something that I think I would play twice. If you enjoyed the Matrix, and want to play it, go ahead! It's fun and enjoyable. However if you haven't seen the Matrix and want to play this game, go see the movie (preferably all 3) first. As the movies really tie into the game, it would be best if you saw at least the first one before playing.
The game is okay for graphics (could be better) and the sound/audio is okay, but there are some bugs that you may run into, and some of the levels are just ridiculously annoying. But aside from these minor setbacks, it's a pretty good game. -
enos930 November 2005Go with enter the matrix? That game was worse than Path of Neo. I'm a huge fan of the series and I was very disappointed in both games, but I do like the fact that the movie was recreated in PoN. In fact, it looks like Atari built PoN on the same infrastructure as EtM. Now however, you get to train in the construct (more believable) instead of running through a post office that is 4 square miles (not believable). And don't get me started on the hovercraft or car driving, that was incredibly horrible. Sure PoN fudges the continuity a little, but the overall plot works great. (the helicopter scene was ridiculous though- Trinity takes off on the roof and Neo just stands there. Then SWAT comes out and you have to run and leap onto the helicopter. Why didn't he get on board?)
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Before you play Keanu Reeves in the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 next spring, play him as Neo in this, the final Matrix console game that takes place during the events of the matrix movies, specifically the first one. Whereas Enter the Matrix took place before the events of the third matrix movie, Path of Neo takes place after the events of the matrix shorts and ends in a climatic battle that worth playing. If you still have a ps2 or gamecube or xbox then get this game for cheap. It's worth it and much better and easier to play.
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Rupert_Tippens17 February 2007For the uninitiated, the ants are a reference to the work of the late M.C. Escher, the worlds foremost artist on optical illusionist art. The château that you are running around in is a representation of his art work, an indirect copy to be exact of one of his most popular works, and the ants, much like Salvador Dali's signature melting clocks feature prominently through-out most of his illustrations. The man created numerous artworks where one would never be quite sure of what was really the ground or the ceiling in a piece, or if what you perceived to be both were actually the walls. M.C. Escher designed bank notes in his later years for some of the worlds most prolific banks and transaction companies as the work that went into his pieces could not easily be forged or reproduced by forgers. If you consider the train scene earlier in the game, where the carriage is sitting differently every time you enter it, and the scene from the movies where Seraph, Trinity and Morpheus are in the lobby of the Frenchman and his henchmen (no poetry intended) are running up walls and on the ceiling, one would have expected to see the ants later in the game, as the worldly Frenchman is full of mind bending tricks and illusions...
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chrichtonsworld13 January 2007After reading several bad reviews I felt compelled to at least give a more positive view on "Path of Neo". First I will point that this game does what most players wanted from "Enter the Matrix". And that's to be Neo. You will play the adventures he experienced in the trilogy. But you will also play the training levels,they skipped in the first movie (only the fight between Morpheus and Neo was also in " The Matrix"). These training levels are great,since they are a homage to several Asian action movies in general (mostly Japanese and Hong Kong). If you look closely the first stage of the shooting level is a reference to "Hard Boiled". The sword training is a reference to several samurai movies. And the first fighting level is a reference to Bruce Lee in "Enter the dragon" So for fans of this genre this is a must see. Being Neo is really cool. Most of his moves he does in the movie you can do in the game (special mention: the round twist kick with his pole in "Burly Brawl" where he fights 100's of Smith's,really satisfying move to do in the game). Only you can not fly at will,you can jump high and very high but not fly like he does in the movie. I think this is a missed chance,but is not necessary to enjoy the game fully! The graphics in general are not that bad,but could have been much better. (The PS2 has even worse graphics as the xbox but it can be improved with a component cable and lcd TV.) Although the action sometimes get confusing and chaotic and the controls are not great,the game play is more than fantastic and satisfying. There is an alternative ending which is a reference to Japanese Monster movies. This game like the matrix trilogy is pure entertainment. It is fun being Neo in this game and that is what it is about. Go play it! (Addendum Aug 2010: I am still enjoying the game even when it is full of flaws. The huge fun factor makes up for all of this).
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luiandrew11 January 2006When i first played it i was swept off my feet. What a game........the levels were impressive. Neo was so 'cool' to play as and some levels not in the films proved to be the best (Time trial is so fun) However!!!! There are some huge flaws and annoyances in the game. Firstly, why are there GIANT ANTS? That nearly made me strangle myself. Ants????? Why not werewolves or soul reavers? Why Ants? Then there is the last level against the Mega Smith. WHY? Why ruin the whole storey and that little piece of practically garbage from the Wachowski brothers about why they made this weird ending level.
(Oh, you have to destroy a huge metallic Smith!) I don't think it would have made any difference if Neo died in the end. Would gamers care? Nope. Hey would be going " Yes i did it!" Not like this: " What the hell? A giant Mega-Smith? That nearly ruined the game! " They could have scrapped the Ant level and the last level. It would have been just as phenomenal without them. -
Robin_forfan29 November 2005I did not really have so high hopes for this game, but still it is always fun to use your kung-fu in slow-motion. Anyway, the game starts of with a challenge that will test your skills and match the difficulty accordingly. I started with Normal,and that was just right for me. Now I'm playing "The one path (Hard)" and it is really hard.
The graphics are pretty cool, although they seem to be an upgrade from "Enter the Matrix", this game would have been really good looking if they had spent more time on the graphic tweaking and so on.
It has some great parts, some boring parts and some mediocre parts.
The worst thing about this game is the sound, i don't think that it is just my computer but the voices seemed so... not alive, and hollow. And some of the final skills, are quite weird. The "Spoon" skill for example, i have never figured out what it actually does, but do not worry you will still get all the other skills.
But still, a fun game and worth playing 2 times, at least! -
camdbz25125 November 2005Coming from a huge Matrix fan, this is one of the best action games I have played. The graphics are very well done, definitely one of the best on PS2. The combat system is wide and varied, and the skilled player should greatly enjoy replicating the action from the films. Beating Smith to a pulp before bashing him into the ceiling and pulling a spinning aerial throw on him just can't get old.
This game gives you not only the classic battles from the films in all their glory, but also adds in a monumental amount of new 'director's cut' missions, from saving Redpills from the Matrix, to bailing out your friends after the meeting at the beginning of Reloaded.
The voice acting is impressive, with the sound-alikes doing a wonderful set of impressions (except for Morpheus, who is actually voiced be Fishburne once again), and the scattered humour and various secrets - including a hilarious Jack Thompson parody that simply cannot be missed - are well worth the effort. The film's cut-scenes may seem schizophrenic at first, but they are simply cut together following the story's themes, not it's chronology. As for the ending...
Don't listen to the detractors. Whilst the ending is not exactly faithful to the storyline like the perfect ending of Revolutions, it is instead an absurd and hugely funny kick-in-the-butt to all the cheesy Hollywood endings. One might also consider that the Wachowskis are saying, "We tried the intelligent ending, but you were obviously too dumb to get it, so, we'll sink to your level" - which I would heartily agree with. It also boasts a pair of sweet FMVs - the only two in the game.
Overall, if you are a Matrix fan, I can't stress how quickly you should buy this game. If not, I would still recommend it, but if you're strapped for cash and need some vicious 3rd-person bashing, then you might prefer Devil May Cry 3 or God of War - more blood. Go for it. -
Lets face facts. Enter the matrix was a decent action game hosed down in matrix juice. But it lacked one key thing, NEO! Who the hell wanted to play as 2th rate background characters when everyone and there mother wanted to play as the one? The path of neo, corrects this error but still gives us a lot of the same old thing that was in Enter the matrix. The only real thing thats different is that we are Neo and we have a video game style conclusion to the game. You still spend a good 90% of the game in slo mo mode beating the crap out of countless police officers, S.W.A.T Team members, solders, and agents, oh yes, and giant ants. And half the time your on some sort of training or escort mission. I HATE ESCORT MISSIONS. worse form of gameplay you can have in my view, because you can work your butt off doing everything your suppost to and still fail because the person your suppost to be protecting does something stupid like stand there as a bad guy shoots him in the face. its just annoying and frustrating. Thankfully most of the AI in this game has some common sense to hide or take cover, or even fight back, which is a plus. But for most of the game its still the same old beat em up matrix style done over and over again with a very weird ending.
In closing, its a decent game but not worth 50 dollars. thankfully i got it on a after xmas sale for only 30 and for 30, its worth it. Its no GTA, but if you overlook some flaws, it can be fun, just like Enter the Matrix -
XxJackSpadexX20 November 2005This is easily the better Matrix game when compared to Enter the Matrix, a rushed game in a box. The targeting system is MUCH improved, and the storyline, while altered, still makes plenty of sense if you pay attention. The comment before me stated it's one of the worst games ever. Not true. The person before me honestly couldn't type for beans to begin with. Anyways, the game is great, the only real flaw is the sometimes choppy animations. Graphically it's incredible, and it looks best on the Xbox, the PS2 version however, is nowhere near a pushover. As Neo, you must fight and sneak your way though a large amount of very interactive levels. You slowly gain more powers as the game goes on.
Overall, it gets a 4.5/5 -
CrowBat20054 January 2006"The Matrix: Path of Neo" was actually a decent game despite reviews I've read. It has qualities that will be liked by some and be disliked by others. It all depends on your preferences.
First of all, it seems that the Wachowski brothers strayed from the dramatic feel of the movies and made the game strictly a video game. I say this because of several things you encounter as you play. You run into these giant ant things in the Château level, a glitch in the Matrix that shows the fight between Neo and Seraph on a movie screen with an annoyed audience member as you fight Seraph, the infamous change to the ending: "Monster Mega Smith," and of course: "We Are The Champions" playing when you win.
In my opinion, these things don't make the game worse; they show the brothers' sense of humor. There were differences from the movie that made the game fun to play, such as the extended roof escape in the beginning, rescuing Red Pills, and even the training levels. I've read that the training levels were annoying, but I actually like them.
All depending on preference, making this game without the drama of the movies may not be very appealing. I happen to be someone who likes to play movie-based games that are very close to the feel of the film, plot to music. I also was disappointed when I didn't hear the original actors' voices. I'm sure they were too busy, especially Mr. Weaving since he has a movie coming out this year that's by the Wachowski brothers.
However, the Wachowski brothers made a very smart move: 'release a Matrix game while the movies are still in theaters that isn't solely based on main characters. Give them side characters first.' When I played "Enter the Matrix," I craved to play Neo. They waited 2 years before they released the second Matrix game so that nearly every Matrix fan and gamer will rush to the stores and grab every "Path of Neo" copy they can get their hands on.
"Is this game better than 'Enter the Matrix?'" There are several noticeable differences. First of all, "PON" has much more to unlock and it seems like more time was put into it. However, "ETM" had a more polished look with its characters and settings, whereas "PON" has a very fog-like appearance. Also, the music for "ETM" was extremely bombastic but very "Matrix"-like. "PON"'s music is more subtle and lightly touches "The Matrix" theme.
Effect-wise, "PON" definitely has cooler effects. Being able to fly in mid-air and jump so high has its rewards. Also, "PON" has a target lock that enables you to shoot with more accuracy. It makes you work more where "ETM" had your character aim automatically when you're not in 'first person mode.' The addition of mêlée weapons and the bigger variety in fighting combinations makes "PON" more exciting and less repetitive. I also enjoy the qualifying challenge in "PON" that requires you to defeat as many enemies as you can in order to determine which level of difficulty you're best suited to play.
But I can't help but wish that this game that I waited 2 years for adhered more closely to the movies. The cut scenes were nicely done, but they weren't exactly in sequence. The Wachowski brothers basically said: 'you know the story. You're an avid fan. You know what happens.' This is alright, but I would have preferred it if I was taken through the movies step by step with the cut scenes in order.
There is always room for improvement and I would have probably done the following:
1. put cut scenes in sequence
2. add 2 more levels, one where Neo fights Bane and one when Trinity and Neo are flying through the Machine World
3. keep the musical score exactly from the movies
4. choose NOT to play Queen's song at the end
5. keep the ending the same
These are merely suggestions on how I would have approached this project. I feel the game was too short and I don't think Neo's sacrifice could have hindered the game that much. Afterall, that's what happened in the movies.
I DO like how "PON" turned out. I feel you have to play it for yourself to develop your own opinions. I recommend it is at least rented so you can walk in the shoes of the One.
I rate it a 7 out of 10. -
muman3327 November 2005I would like to consider myself a professional gamer after playing computer games for almost a decade, and I would just like to say that I enjoyed the game! OK the graphics sucks, but there is more to the game than graphics, the fact that they didn't follow the exact scenes as they were displayed in the movie is something that I liked, and the fighting.. oh man the fighting is awesome.. there are A lot of combos, and the kung fu style of fighting is captured great, gun fights are not needed in this game, i swear.
Although I was disappointed that they didn't make any levels not concering the one, I cant blame them cuz the game is about the one after all.. (defending zion could have been some cool ass level) But overall, I liked this game and I recommend it.
8/10 -
MovieCriticMarvelfan21 December 2005It is as good as the commercials imply the next "big thing to hit console system is not an ape". LOL
This game is pretty awesome, just like "Enter the Matrix" it never gets too boring and thus live up to expectations for the most part. OK there are some drawbacks but really the graphics, controls and cool Matrix moves you can pull out along with playing Neo for the first time are all bonuses!!!!
That was the major complaint two years from Matrix fans, now Neo is the main character.
Let's see how the games builds up shall we folks:
Graphics:
The graphics were quite excellent if I must say so, I really don't know what geeks complain about saying it sucks. The characters look just like they did in the Matrix including Neo. The movie looks spectacular in full color. On a big screen TV , the graphics rule. Lots of detail everywhere showing the Matrix Very nice.
Sound
Yep great here as well, the actors from the movie do provide some of their voices, the game itself uses clips and audio for the movie so you really feel like you're in the movie!!!!! How cool is that. That has to be very cool.
Controls
The controls OK we're perhaps the weakest part to some gamers, but I thought they were good. You have a whole can of butt-kicking matrix combos to do here. The most powerful ones will keep you alive especially when you meet up with the Agent Smith and others.
Extras
OK some OK extras following the game including a Making of extra.
Challenge
The challenge is pretty cool. It is sub-par but only because I consider myself a veteran gamer with decades of experience here. Most vets will pass the game within a week or two. However, that doesn't take away too much from the pleasure here. The game is pretty challenging when it needs to be. The battles with the Agents have to be the highlight. There are some spectacular battles that make this game buying or rent.
I would recommend this game to any fan of the movie, or Matrix universe. You will not be disappointed and it would make a great Christmas gift.