Background The original Matrix film, released in 1999, was a revolutionary action film in terms of combining Asian cinema inspired gunplay and kung fu together with cutting edge special effects, particularly the famed "bullet time" effect. With themes that resonate with the nascent late 90s internet and a plot that keeps you thinking, The Matrix was a cultural touchstone for many Western millennials. Of course, with financial success comes a demand for sequels, which was taken a step further by the franchise with the launch of a multimedia universe. 2003 was to be the big year, where two film sequels were released: The Matrix Reloaded in May followed by The Matrix Revolutions in November. If that wasn't enough of a media overload, there was also the anime anthology, Animatrix, and the subject of this post itself, the videogame Enter the Matrix, which was also released in May at the same time as The Matrix Reloaded. While the ambition is admirable, it's clear that the release date of the Enter the Matrix was driven by the requirements of the wider media franchise itself rather than when the game would be in a complete state.

Production Enter the Matrix is a third person 3D action game incorporating melee combat and shooting augmented by the "bullet time" system. The game includes a significant amount of cinematic footage that was shot concurrently with the Matrix sequels. The plot of the game ties in very closely with The Matrix Reloaded, which in game events expanding on scenes within the movie itself. The game even includes a teaser trailer for The Matrix Revolutions as part of its ending. The game has two selectable player characters: Niobe and Ghost. While each of them have slightly different melee movements, gameplay wise they seem indistinguishable. While the overall chapters are similar for both characters, each character has their own unique path through the levels with a few exceptions.

The menu UI is functional and leans heavily on the imagery of the Matrix franchise, from the green digital rain to the sound effects. The whole presentation plus the exclusive footage makes it feel like an integral part of the Matrix franchise, rather than the standard licensed game of the time where the license feels more like window dressing. The in game aspects itself are where the cracks start to appear. While the 3D environment tries to evoke real world locations, the basic geometry and texture work, especially in the latter levels, gives it a previous gen or low budget look. Character models have the early 6th gen console look, with the protagonists benefitting from the bulk of the effort. A lot of works seems to have gone into the animation to account for the various melee and gunplay moves for the protagonists, although animations still appear to be canned and not physics driven. Some particularly egregious examples of bad 3D models include vehicles with angular wheels.

Gameplay

The majority of the gameplay are third person combat sequences through linear levels. Health and Focus, the resource for bullet time, both regenerate on their own after a couple of seconds out of combat so there are almost no resource pickups except for health packs located sporadically throughout the maps. Shooting is similar to the original Tomb Raider games, where the character aims automatically at the nearest enemy, while melee is similar where initiating melee combat locks the camera into a more side on view with nearby enemies, and also seems to reduce or prevent enemies further away from shooting at you. I suppose that's one way indulge the fantasy of melee combat against armed opponents. Melee combat includes punches, kicks, and throws. There's also a disarm move, particularly handy for reducing the threat of armed enemies, while sneaking behind enemies also allows for an insta kill move. Counters are also possible although its only relevant during melee boss fights. There seems to be a lot of depth in the melee system, including light medium and heavy attacks, which depends on your direction inputs when fighting enemies.

Focus is the cornerstone of the combat system. Activating focus puts the world into slow motion allowing you to run quickly while dodging visible bullet trails to close the distance with enemies or giving more time to aim and shoot at various enemies. Jumping while using guns in focus mode also gives you cartwheeling or diving moves which seems to improve bullet evasion. Focus also improves your melee moves, making them less likely to be blocked and also allowing for more powerful focus specific moves. There also certain context specific moves, such as running on walls or wall kicks.

While the combat system is ambitious, it's clear that significantly more polish is needed. The biggest combat issue for me is hit registration. There's little visual feedback when the enemies get hit, apart from some canned animations which seem to get overridden when the enemies move to their next animation. Shooting in bullet time seems inconsistent, with many shots looking like they miss the target. Melee combat has the same issue, particular for melee boss fights where it's hard to tell when your hits are being blocked.

While there are a variety of guns, you'll mostly be sticking with the shotgun or automatic weapons once you get them from the enemies. Grenades are included but using them is inconsistent and potentially dangerous due to unpredictable bounces off level geometry.

The levels themselves are mostly unremarkable indoor areas, although there are certain rooms with columns that are clearly meant to evoke the iconic lobby firefight from the first movie. Progress through the levels are mostly linear, with a few switches to trigger or doors that unlock once an enemy opens them, but otherwise no puzzles or keys to collect. Certain levels require you to run way from pursuing Agents, since they're not beatable except for certain set pieces.

90% of the enemies in the games are armed cops. There's a level midway through the game with a focus on melee enemies, which allows the melee system to shine, but otherwise most of the game involves grinding through varieties of cops, from lightly armed pistol wielding guards to armored SWAT teams that require a lot of firepower to take down. In most instances, closing the distance with bullet time then disarming enemies seems to be the most effective combat tactic. Enemies with firearms do high damage, which encourages you to be evasive and use the Focus system. While there's some instant Focus regeneration if you manage to kill an enemy in melee, there's still a lot of waiting around needed at certain points to get your health and focus up for the next battle.

The game also has a couple of levels which involves either driving or shooting from the vehicle, depending on which character you choose. The latter can be annoying as the AI driver sometimes gets stuck in geometry.

The game has a checkpoint system, with long periods between checkpoints. On occasion it's possible to trigger a checkpoint at low health/focus that makes the next sequence more difficult, but otherwise it's a matter of looking for a safe spot to regenerate. There are no upgrades in the game, so there isn't much of a reason to replay once you've done both the Niobe and Ghost paths.

Technical Note

I played the PS2 version emulated on an Android handheld, so it's possible that certain effects could be more visible on a big screen, but otherwise the game runs fine in ARMSX2. There are some bugs here and there with enemies sometimes getting stuck, but nothing game breaking.

The biggest issue with the PS2 version are the awkward controls. The game is from the era where twin stick 3D controls were still not settled, so it uses the left stick for forward, backwards, and turning, while the triggers are bound to strafing. While it works, it has not aged well.

Conclusion

The elephant in the room for Enter the Matrix is the existence of Max Payne, the 2001 third person shooter which pretty much got bullet time gun play perfect right out of the gate. While Max Payne is more of a conventional third person shooter where you have to actually aim, the crisp gameplay sells the bullet time fantasy far better than Enter the Matrix. Of course, Enter the Matrix also has the whole melee combat system as well, but the shooting and melee system here don't feel seamlessly integrated.

Overall given its uneven gameplay and very weak level design, it's at the bottom tier of mid games.

4/10 Some cool moments but otherwise a janky relic of a bygone era

AFP did an interview with him afterwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8QmRxuM04E

Today's super little article is about a nice new development for the Panasonic 3DO. Developer Todd Gill has released 3DO ODE Menu, a replacement interface for several popular optical drive emulators that makes browsing and managing games stored on SD cards easier.

It introduces cover artwork, favorites, recently played games, faster navigation, customizable themes and some useful improvements for multidisc games like Wing Commander III. Gill has also created a companion Cover Maker utility that can automatically find and prepare game artwork, which is a particularly nice touch. I've included plenty of screenshots showing the new interface and how it all works.

I love seeing developers continue to improve the experience of using original hardware, especially for consoles like the 3DO that don't always receive as much attention as Nintendo and Sega's machines. It's not a new emulator or a replacement console, just a nice, useful quality-of-life improvement for people still enjoying their 3DOs more than thirty years later!

Today’s game is some more 007 First Light. I sunk all my free time today into beating this one. Maybe more time than I should have. I was just really hooked though and wanted to make it to the end.

I liked Greenway and Jame’s bond. It felt like he provided a parental figure to James, and in a way a friend. I like how they chose to have him grow with James and become close to him.

I also liked the Mega Complex that Webb Industries has. I love big ass mega complex’s like this. From just an appreciation view they’re really cool to see and look around.

I would like to go back and 100% it, or at least 100% it as far as Steam is concerned. I find that’s a good way to really experience everything without going crazy and burning myself out. So I might give that a try. Or maybe I’ll move straight too Uncharted 4.

I've been thinking about how Sony, and others, are no longer planning to sell physical games, but fuck! What's next? Next thing you know, they'll be charging a subscription fee for using the software. I hope they don't hear me say that, lest I give them the idea. https://blog.playstation.com/2026/07/01/physical-disc-production-ending-in-january-2028-for-new-games-releasing-on-playstation-consoles/

#gamedev #gameaudio #news #opinion

Hello everyone,

I am Mr. Flightmussy and the creator of the website Movie Scene Map. It is mainly a movie site, but there are also many locations where video games are set.

Maybe I added them since I really liked gaming when I was younger and that I am nostalgic. On the map, there are currently 1826 games with 690 locations.

I am partly posting here because I want everyone to check the website and partly because I want feedback so that I can improve Movie Scene Map.

I am especially struggling with finding posters for video games, because this counts as a commercial project although it does not have any revenue yet.

It will take several months before I earn any money, where I could finally afford better equipment and proper licenses. Meanwhile, I want to make Movie Scene Map better in every single way I personally can.

Every single comment will be considered to make Movie Scene Map better. Basically, I let the community decide the direction of the project while I sit in the basement and do the development.

I understand that this might be a promotion post, so please delete this if you want to.

Best regards, Mr. Flightmussy

Pillars of Eternity II is one of the best RPGs ever made, and I would have loved controller support when I played it (twice in a row, because it was so good!) over a year ago.

I played the demo during NextFest and I will most certainly be buying the Early Access, if nothing else because it is much cheaper than the full release will be. Whether I actually play the EA or wait until 1.0 remains to be seen. And whether I am capable to decipher enough of the game to actually be able to beat said 1.0 release? Who knows.

What I do know is that the art is striking, the music banging and the writing is dense, distinctive and either poetic or lunatically gibberish (jury still out). The arcadey real-time bullet hell type ship combat is also quite fun.

Today’s game is some more 007 First Light. Made it all the way to the museum segment. I’m really liking it so far. I noticed in the chapter list I’m close to the end. Which I kind of like. I feel like the nine chapters are the perfect length. It helps keep them from dragging out too long.

While going through the boat town, I saw the Jaguar in a light beam. The way it was set up I really thought we were gonna have to make a getaway in that. It was almost disappointing it didn’t get used for that. Still. I really liked the boat segment. I know I keep saying it but it gives me major Uncharted 4 vibes.

Anyways. Tomorrow maybe I’ll finish up the game. I’m really enjoying it and considering 100% it. I feel the same kind of affection I felt for Uncharted and Alan Wake 2 for it where I’m just quite not ready to let it go. Of course, not to the same degree as Alan Wake 2 (legitimately that game haunts my every waking moment). But still. I’m not quite ready to go I don’t think.

Archive: https://megalodon.jp/2026-1104-1241-20/https://www.dexerto.com:443/gaming/sony-wants-to-buy-your-ps5-for-up-to-400-if-youre-not-using-it-3424219/

I made this. It's a sci-fi strategy auto battler for Android.

You recruit whole squads and merge matching units into stronger forms during an untimed preparation phase, then the battle runs automatically. There are three squads — Vanguard, Hive and Luminar — plus commanders, gear, formations and trinkets that change how each run plays out. A run is ten victories before your hearts run out. There are four difficulty levels and an Endless mode, and a full campaign you can play offline against the AI. You can also run async battles against saved player armies.

It's free, no ads, no in-app purchases, no login, and it plays in landscape.

It's in Early Access on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.jayweasel.warpfront

Happy to answer questions.

Today's mini article is about Dolphin Depot, a new project from developer Webhdx that essentially gives the original Nintendo GameCube its own homebrew app store.

Publicly announced a little earlier this week, Dolphin Depot allows everyone to browse, download and install homebrew applications directly on their GameCube, rather than having to track everything down individually and transfer files from a pc. There's also a website where you can explore the catalogue, which includes emulators, utilities and homebrew games.

You still need a homebrew-capable GameCube and a network connection, of course, but I think it's a fun addition to the console's homebrew scene. Feels and looks like a true hack! I like how it makes older projects easier to discover, like for people who are only just getting into GameCube homebrew. It's just ...nice seeing these sorts of modern things arrive on hardware that's now twenty-five years old :)

Yet again, this is one of those 'niche-within-a-niche' projects I find and write about!

https://bsky.app/profile/santamonicastudio.bsky.social/post/3mzittnfnxk2g

I've been excited for this game since putting in 8 hours into a 2 hour demo a year ago. Its a kings field like made by a 2 person Dev team with a retro aesthetic. I've got about 20 hours in and I'm absolutely blown away.

It plays very much like a metroid prime game mixed with kings field. Exploration is the star of the show here just like prime. It seems like every corner you turn there is some secret you missed despite having been down this hallway a million times. The main island is stacked vertically and as you unlock power ups you can reach new places. Pretty much everything you can see you can get to eventually if you try hard enough.

The atmosphere is a gloomy fantasy world filled with weird characters and kind of obtuse lore. Very much in line with a dark souls game. Visually its just stunning with the detailed pixely 3d look and dense layering of the world. Everything is in a ruined state enhancing the worn in feel of the world.

Combat is fine. I didn't think I'd like it as I've come to hate souls likes but I actually dig the kings like combat. Its all about spacing and footwork than dodging and parrying which there is a button for neither. Each swing of your weapon drains your stanima bar and does little damage but charging it up unleashes a powerful strike. You also have ranged weapons that you recharge automatically over time and are great for dealing with pesky enemies or luring them away and picking them off.

There are a ton of weapons across three main damage types slash, thrust, and impact. Enemies have strengths and weaknesses to different weapon types. The weapons level up with use, and some have special secondary attacks.

The only downsides are the music and some confusion on where to go sometimes. . Some areas the music is pretty good but a lot of areas its just bad. Either way the tracks are very repetitive. The nature of the game can leads to completing an area then not really knowing the next goal or where to go. The crunchy visuals can also lead item drops and scenery blending together.

Anyway that's my long rant about how much I love this game and I'm trying to get everyone to play it. Seriously worth checking out the demo at least.

NGL he seems like he’s having more fun than I’ve had with a game in decades.

Also “Mario from the future with a business suit” is a phrase that lives rent free in my head now.

Please, stop destroying multiplayer games.

Waiting

What is the worst thing in games in general? To me is having to wait to play like long loading screens, waiting queues, etc, anything that delay the game starting is overall really bad.

I don't want to wait in a queue to join. It is bearable up to 1min at most. But some games put we in a waiting queue that varies from 5 to 30mins and that is totally absurd...

Warmup waiting

They dont even provide a good warmup room to help we stand waiting for the real match, the warmup (if it exists at all) are really bad, meaningless, challenge less, and we get nothing from it, we could get something from warmup rooms, why not?

We could gather something to help on the real match, we could even score a few points like a pre battle!

Bots fillup

Stop trying to fake we are playing against players, we are not that stupid, we know when we are playing against a bot. And you make it very clear when we can't spectate them to confirm our suspicions!

So, if you are going to allow bots, why also force us into a waiting queue? To try to put a few players on the room?

Just start the damn room and let others join mid-game, it could be optional and place some disadvantage on the mid joiners. Invent something! But don't put us in long waiting queues!

Specific games

I will comment about a few games later on how they end up destroying it by not understanding the core problem: do not make we wait!

But I am quite sure you have had to deal with these problems before too.

Today’s game is 007 First Light. I had been holding out on this game because it had Denuevo. But I saw it was on sale and decided to do a double check. I guess they removed it back in July. I still wasn’t assured thought so I did some stuff and got ahold of a copy to test it out first before dipping into the 45$ it would cost me.

My first impressions are? Well first: Fuck this game is pretty. Midway through chapter 3 I suddenly got performance issues but in chapter 1 it was pretty and running well

My second impression is Holy shit this game is buggy. I haven’t played anything quite so buggy in recent times I think. It’s so fucking lucky I like the gameplay.

I will relent. Maybe there’s something going on with the way I’m playing and maybe there’s something else going on with Proton. But damn. So many issues. I’ve gotten:

• Clipped into the ground
• locked in the watch overlay
• locked in the watch overlay again
• thrown through a wall mid fight and fallen into the void.

It is only those 4, in the first 4ish chapters. But damn. When it bugged out it bugged out hard.

Now for the actually interesting part in my opinion. This game scratches all the right itches I had for a new Uncharted game. Like literally the only thing it’s missing is Nathan Drake. And he’s in retirement so fair enough.

But that opening had me nostalgic for the opening of Uncharted 4 all over again. And the combat and action pieces. It just gets me all hooked in the same way Uncharted did.

I was initially hesitant to play this because that’s a 50 Gb download on my slow ass internet, and I have almost no run in with the James Bond franchise. Literally the only other experience I have is Golden Eye 007 for the N64. Besides that, I know he likes martinis and women, and he has a laser wrist watch thing. That’s it. Despite the technical issues I might track down a used copy or just buy it on discount because I’m really enjoying it.