Neowin.net

After missing its previously announced January 18 launch, the Matrix Online now has a new release date. The massively multiplayer online role-playing game is now set to go online on March 22 in North America. It was scheduled for a simultaneous launch in Europe, where it will now launch in April.

Developed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's now-in-house studio, Monolith Productions, the Matrix Online is set in the titular artificial reality of The Matrix films. Players will create a character that belongs to one of three factions: Zion, the Machines, and the rogue programs known as the Exiles. Each faction will be spotlighted in nine trailers for the game, three of which launched today on its official Web site (one is viewable below). The game will feature many characters from the films, and feature the voices and likenesses of Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), Monica Bellucci (Persephone), Mary Alice (The Oracle), Lambert Wilson (The Merovingian), Harold Perrineau Jr. (Link), Harry Lennix (Lock), Nona Gaye (Zee), and Collin Chou (Seraph).

The Matrix Online is rated "T" for Teen, and will retail for $49.99, with a subsequent monthly subscription fee of $14.99. Gamers who preorder the game will also get access to the game three days ahead of the general public, and their in-game characters will receive and advanced-level "Hyper Jump" ability.

Screenshot: View Screenshots
News source: GameSpot

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The Wachowski brothers, creators of the Matrix films, will be heavily involved in the game. According to Atari, "The path the player takes to resolve each scenario and the resulting consequences will be scripted and directed by the Wachowski Brothers." The game will also feature the likenesses of the actors portrayed in the films--Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Ann Moss, and Laurence Fishburne and more will be included--as well as footage from all four films of the franchise.

The game is being developed even though its predecessor was little more than a virus in critic's lists. Released in 2003, Enter the Matrix received mediocre reviews. Despite the critical drubbing, it has sold nearly six million units worldwide, and featured an original plotline which took place alongside the events of Reloaded.

While The Matrix: Path of Neo won't be released for around nine months, Matrix-mad gamers will be able to jack into the favorite artificial reality much sooner. The Matrix Online, a massively multiplayer online role-playing game being published by Sega and Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment, hits PCs March 22.