Enter The Matrix First Impressions: Hamwich
First off I will say that you should see the movie before playing the game becuase they do not introduce the story. You are thrust into the matrix world and find out you are searching for a box. You do not know why though, unless you have seen the movie.
Now, onto graphical impressions. I was expecting this game to make use of bump mapping heck maybe even normal mapping, however, it does not. I guess I should have expected that from a multiplatform game (Xbox, PS2, GameCube and PC). However, it does look pretty nice for a multiplatform game, the character models have some pretty nice textures. The environments are kind of a letdown though, all PS2ish with very little texture work. As well the shadows are poorly done. There is this kind of cool effect when you shoot enemies though. Code spurts out from them. It is in circles though, which is alright but I think it could have been done better. You see the bullet streams when you shoot when using focus. There is definetly some neat effects present. There definetly is worse looking games out on the Xbox. So don't expects wonders in the graphics department from this game. However, it may look better with an HDTV setup. I have not had the chance to try seeing as I only have the advanced AV pack and not the HD pack. That is one great thing about this game though, it supports 1080i, a true HDTV resolution. I think it also uses 720p another true HDTV resolution. I guess I should also mention the real life cutscenes here, they are great.
Sound. This is a part of the game that I thoroughly enjoy. It has decent use of DD5.1 and the original soundtrack seems to be present. I love that title track. As well the sound effects have not even come close to annoying yet.
Gameplay. This is another exceling point of the game. To me it is extremely addictive and fun. At first, yes, it does start out kind of slow as you learn the controls and get use to playing the game. When you have everything down the game is amazing. I am comfortable with playing now and by no means do I have everything under control when I am playing, nonetheless it is awesome fun. Whipping out some bada-s-s throws and such gives you a great rush. You can't help but yell out a phrase like "BOOYAH!" So learn the controls and you will have fun. Kind of like the movie, realise your potential and excel. Now, onto the Hacking. This is definetly a brilliant and innovative element in the game. After playing for about 4 hours and maybe 1 or 2 hours spent on the Hacking I have been able to make the matrix give me a string of beeps that can make out a short jingle. Definetly cool. You can also import weapons and such into your current level although I am nowhere near adept enough to do that yet. I also hear you can chat with Trinity. Isn't that awesome?! There is definetly some bonus and redeeming points for gameplay becuase of the ability to hack the Matrix. BRILLIANT!
Presentation. This is a well done factor in the game. From the opening producer and developer intros to The Matrix title track it is all here. It is definetly a game that puts you into that Matrix mood. High points are scored in this department for sure.
Overall for my first impression rating I would give this game a 7.5/10. It is definetly worth at least a rent. If you like The Matrix, it is a buy. Ofcourse my opinion may change later but usually first impressions give lower scores than final impressions. At least when I give them.
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