The Matrix: Path of Neo Critic Reviews

Shockingly enough, is actually pretty damn good. Sure, it looks uglier than Ernest Borgnine in a tutu, and trying to use the controls is like operating the Space Shuttle while wearing oven mitts, but once you get the hang of it, beating the Stove Top stuffing out of agents is terrific fun.

As technically astounding as it is inept, Path of Neo is one of the most stylish and empowering games on PS2. Not a game to respect, but one to guiltily enjoy.

An interesting re-imagining of the Matrix story in the form of an action game with OK controls and annoying camera.

At first, combat seems too twitchy and simplistic, while the training sequences last too long, but as you grow in power, and unlock your substantial latent wealth of special moves and combination plays, the rich combat possibilities reveal themselves.

A Matrix game that FINALLY got it right. You're able to pull off all the cool moves and abilities that Neo possesses, including fighting off hundreds of Smiths at once, pole and all. With great graphics and great controls, this title will definitely impress with the first and second play through.

For every fault there's another brilliant set-piece or fight just around the corner to make up for it. The game captures the essence of the films, including all the most memorable set-pieces.

Fans of the three movies will probably love everything that the Path of Neo throws at them. Essentially it’s just a basic brawler with some pretty linear missions thrown in; but every now and then you cant fail to be impressed with some of the fighting sections you get to play out.

Whether it's the insane amounts of fighting that you can take part in, wielding Neo's incredible, almost god-like powers, or just having the opportunity to participate in the events of the movies, Path of Neo throws everything the Matrix has at you and more, and you'd be hard-pressed to not find something to love about this game.

The combat system is so deep it could be featured in a full-blown fighting game.

I can't help but feel like the production team bit off more than it could chew by trying to cram in as many gameplay types, graphical effects, and scenes from the movie as possible as opposed to refining and focusing the things the really worked: namely kicking Agent's smith's smirking digital ass.

Practically every Matrix moment has been tucked up this game’s sleeve. It may not a solid fighting game or as fluid as it could be, but Path of Neo will still satisfy the diehard Matrix fans, if there are any left.

There's little cohesion between one level and another, which makes the whole experience like fast-forwarding between fight scenes while trying to understand the story.

After spawning two mediocre sequels, a collection of dull cartoon shorts and a couple of forgettable video games, there is some life left in the Matrix franchise after all, as this game proves.

A large number of technical issues and some combat flaws, along with a number of less than stellar puzzle mechanics make this a game for hardcore Matrix fans or some martial arts action buffs instead of for everyone.

There’s a level of immersion that’s created flawlessly through the often sharp visuals and impeccable sound, and if I weren’t the observant type, I’d be sure I was in the Matrix myself.

Path of Neo is a chaotic but pretty good brawler worth the time for those who still think fondly of the Matrix series.

A mixed bag from beginning to end.

A good brawler that finally allows the player to enter the Matrix as Neo, just be aware that the Matrix is more powerful than your PS2 and at times this causes some irritations.

PlayStation2 owners should revel in the fact that Path of Neo looks and feels best on their console. While Sony's hardware generates a relatively smooth framerate, the Xbox suffers a real stuttering problem, and the PC has an absolutely terrible control set.

The combat may lack depth in skill terms - certainly you wouldn't compare it to something like Ninja Gaiden in terms of technique - but in the end Neo's the perfect embodiment of stuff you want to and now can do in a game. It's just the Path that's the problem.