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The Matrix Online (MxO) is a MMORPG currently in development by Monolith Productions. It is set in the fictional universe of The Matrix and is supposed to continue the story told in the Matrix series. The game began closed beta testing in June 2004, and saw a special closed beta test for pre-orders beginning in November 2004. Warner Bros. and SEGA plan to officially release MxO in Spring 2005.
Ubisoft originally planned to co-publish the game with Warner Bros., but backed out of the deal in February 2004 [1] (http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/matrixonlinetentativetitle/news_6090026.html). Many gamers believe that this was done in response to the poor audience reaction to The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions, but it was also part of a wider trend for Ubisoft to drop its support of MMOGs. This opened the door for SEGA to become the new co-publisher.
Overview
Gameplay
The Matrix Online is as close to an Action-MMOG as the game as any manufacturer has come. Even still in Beta-Phase, The Matrix Online (MxO) has a streamlined and unique combat system, consisting of several different types of attacking methods, and special abilties. Combat is where The Matrix Online excels.
Questing, a major part of any MMORPG, is hugely different from most other games in this genre. Quests, while randomly generated, are complex, multi-step affairs that contain realistic elements of the Matrix storyline. However, this system is still being created, and is unfinished as of yet.
The game consists of 4 major zones, each of which has its own difficulty level and where you have to fight in a secret war Between Zionist Humans, Exiles, and Machines. These zones are called the Slums, the Barrens, Downtown, and the International District, and it is clear that more zones (each of which contains a massive sprawl of cityscape) will be added some time after release. Players can travel through any zone by Subway, electronic Hardlines, or walking. One can move from one zone to another easily, though if one uses a Subway or a Hardline, a small loading time is required.
Rumors (Uncomfirmed)
It is at this moment entirely unproven, but it is rumored that the characters from the Matrix movies, Neo and Agent Smith will be revived.
The development team has confirmed that within the first six weeks of the game's launch, a character very important to the Matrix storyline will die. Most likely, this is Morpheus, as no other important characters remain to be killed off. Some speculate if other characters will be brought back, but no indication has been given of this.
External links
- The Matrix Online (http://thematrixonline.warnerbros.com/web/index.jsp) (The official site with news, screenshots, and a forum)
- Megacity Online (http://www.megacityonline.com/index.php) (The largest fansite, with news commentary, exclusive screenshots, and more)
- The Matrix Online Vault (IGN MxO Vault) (http://mxovault.ign.com) (The Matrix Online fansite and community resource at IGN. News, interviews with community and developers, guides, screenshots, and special features. )
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