Enter the Matrix (PS2/Xbox/Gamecube)

By JON MINIFIE

(Herald Rating: * * * * *)

Enter the Matrix is a 3-D action title (written and directed by the brothers Wachowski) that allows players to take control of two secondary characters - Niobe and Ghost - from the film Matrix Reloaded.

The plot weaves itself around and runs parallel to that of the film and includes more than an hour of exclusively shot footage.

The story picks up where the animated short The Last Flight of the Osiris left off. If you didn't catch that at the movies, it involved the delivery of a package containing details of a deadly threat to Zion.

Once you have chosen your character and hacked into the Matrix, your first mission is to pick up that same package and alert your comrades.

The levels (around 60 in total) are vast, challenging and full of action. Most of the gameplay takes place within the Matrix so it is leather trench coats and cool sunnies all round. When your character engages an enemy, the camera switches from the traditional over-the-shoulder view to a more appropriate side-on perspective, providing a much better vantage point for the ensuing brawl.

The motion-captured combat is a definite highlight, especially with the focus feature that slows the action to a crawl. While using this, players can see individual bullets flying towards a target, plus they can pull off some phenomenal kung fu.

Your character runs along walls, does flips, flying kicks, disarms the bad guy and beats him with his own weapon. Focus, like health, will deplete quickly but soon builds up again for the next round.

Graphically, ETM is a major achievement. This cross-platform title was built using a single ingenious 3-D engine that can fine-tune to the specs of each platform.

So far, I have seen the PS2 and Xbox versions, which looked superb. Expect a high polygon count and sweet texturing from the PC and Gamecube instalments as well.

As well as level exploration and combat, ETM features a driving element where, depending on the character you choose, you will be either behind the wheel of a muscle car or leaning out the window with an automatic weapon. Later, you can pilot and defend a hovercraft against swarms of Sentinels.

Enter The Matrix is available now, so choose the red pill and enjoy the ride.

* Email Jon Minifie