Enter the Matrix

About Enter the Matrix

Enter the Matrix is a 2003 action game developed by Shiny Entertainment and published by Atari Europe. Set in the Matrix universe, it runs parallel to The Matrix Reloaded and features original footage directed by the Wachowski brothers. You play as either Niobe, a close-combat specialist, or Ghost, a sharpshooting pilot. The game blends shooter, adventure, and beat-'em-up elements with over an hour of live-action cutscenes starring the film’s cast. Released on PC, Xbox, PS2, and GameCube, it sold 5 million copies but received mixed reviews. Best for fans of the Matrix films looking to explore side stories through its stylized, if uneven, gameplay.

Gameplay

As Niobe, you’ll climb buildings, punch enemies, and navigate the Matrix using parkour-like movement, running up walls, sliding under obstacles, and dodging fire. Ghost’s path focuses on gunplay, with quick-time aiming sequences and vehicle-based combat. Both characters fight swarms of Agents and human enemies in levels tied to Reloaded’s plot. Combat is chaotic but repetitive, mixing melee brawling with platforming challenges. Missions often shift between stealth, shooting, and hacking, but the controls feel dated by modern standards. The game’s pacing leans heavily on cinematic cutscenes, which sometimes interrupt gameplay to push the story forward.

What Players Think

PlayPile community ratings average 59.4/100 on IGDB, with 157 votes. Most players finish the game in 8, 10 hours, though completion rates hover around 35% due to its grindy combat and technical flaws. Reviews highlight the Wachowskis’ direction of the cutscenes but criticize the inconsistent gameplay and clunky mechanics. Moods are mixed: 40% “Nostalgic,” 30% “Disappointed,” and 30% “Curious.” One user wrote, “The story is solid, but the combat feels like a rushed B-movie sequel.” Others praised the integration of film footage, calling it “a unique time capsule of early 2000s gaming.”

PlayPile's Take

Enter the Matrix is a flawed but fascinating relic of 2003. Its cinematic ambition outpaces its gameplay polish, making it a must-play for Matrix lore fans but a chore for newcomers. The $10, $15 price tag for older versions is reasonable for collectors, and the 300+ achievements add some replay value. Skip if you prioritize tight mechanics, but grab it for the Wachowski-approved story and a window into early 2000s action design.

Storyline

The game was written and directed by the Wachowski brothers, and its plot is intertwined with that of the second movie, The Matrix Reloaded. Enter The Matrix casts the player as Niobe or Ghost, captain and first mate of the rebel ship Logos, respectively. Niobe is a master combatant, capable of beating up everyone in her way. She is an excellent pilot, both in the real world and in the Matrix. Ghost is very adept at firearms, and his marksmanship is a mastery. Both characters are very athletic, and throughout the game the player will have to walk, run, jump, strafe, peek, run on walls, climb ladders and pipes, and fight various enemies.