"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.
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.