The Matrix Online Re-Review - Edit

The game performs well on both high end and average machines. While I wasn't able to get it working on my very low end laptop very well, it did load even though it wasn't playable. The game does have a wide handling graphics-wise and could be run on most machines. As usual, meeting the basics of the graphics requirement is a must.

Unfortunately a let down of the Matrix Online is the sounds. You get to hear all the familiar music and sounds that is in the movies but there is little variety outside of those sounds and music. The ambient music changes when you go into battle, but quickly becomes boring as it's always the same. The fight scenes are missing a lot of sound effects you'd expect, like exaggerated punch sounds and grunts, but you do get the slow down bullet time sound effect when you do an ultra cool special move. There is little else to get excited over with the sound though as it's just average.

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Speaking of the fights, the gameplay is one of my favourite parts of the game, as it should be for most people. The system of 'hardlines' and the fighting system is very well thought out and a lot of fun to immerse yourself into. The gameplay is where the game truly proves it has the right stuff.

The 'hardlines' are phone booths scattered throughout the game world that you have to find in order to easily return to that location. Anyone who has seen the movies will understand the significance of the phones and especially the phone booths. This was a nice little touch that made the world feel like a real part of the Matrix Universe. Also the 'hardlines' serve as a location for you to revamp your skills and to upload parts to make items with. As with the movies and anime, the phone is your connection to the real world and is very important throughout the game.

The other big part of the gameplay for me is the combat. Being as this is the Matrix world I was expecting something visually stunning and fun to do, I wasn't disappointed. Combat has special training that you learn and use in a fight to beat your opponent. You have three options, coder, hacker and operative. Whichever tree you choose you get skills to use in battle that include hacking your opponent's code and Kung Fu. The choices are varied and the special moves make a fight interesting. One well placed special can mean the difference between life and death. Overall combat is enjoyable and can easily be done solo if you pay attention to the level of your opponent.

As an extension to the combat system, there is PvP, or player versus player. PvP isn't mandatory and gives players a chance to pit themselves against each other in one on one combat in duels or in group combat against the other factions. This can be a nice break from the plethora of missions and exploring to be done in the game.

To aid in your ever constant fight against the other factions, you get to look stylish while you fight. Some of the best clothes props I've ever seen are in this game. From slick sunglasses to flowing trench coats, it's all there. You can buy clothes and accessories merely for aesthetics, or you can get clothes and accessories that give bonuses to you stats. These can be immensely useful in a fight or just aid you in your roleplay with friends.

Clothes and accessories can be bought at the market place that you access through the 'hardlines'. Also in the market place you can buy code, for making things, and tools. The market can be accessed from any 'hardline' and is of great use if you're missing that one essential piece of gear. When you loot dead bodies you can also pick up items. Instead of just destroying the items, it never hurts to sell them here instead. Make a little information, the form of money in the Matrix, and help someone else out. The player economy is pretty healthy with this good sized market.