SEGA and Warner
Bros. announced that the release date of The Matrix Online, the massively multi-player
online game, will be January 18, 2005. Originally slated for a November ship date, the
January release will allow the co-publishers to implement plans to launch the game
simultaneously in Europe.
As preorder for The Matrix Online begins next week, the
program will offer participants access to an exclusive, closed beta beginning on November
18, 2004; access to the final version of the game three days before it is available to the
public; and an advanced-level Hyper-Jump ability with a special effect. This will be an
opportunity for members of the Matrix community to establish allegiances, join guilds and
plan strategies for the full game. During the pre-order beta, players will experience full
mechanics and abilities of The Matrix Online, however the game's storyline will commence
with the launch in January.
The Matrix Online is a massively multiplayer online game
where tens of thousands of players will be able to jack into the Matrix world to take an
active role in continuing the saga of The Matrix movie trilogy. Monolith Productions is
developing the game in conjunction with the Wachowski Brothers, creators of The Matrix
trilogy. Gameplay in The Matrix Online will be based on intricate and exciting wire-fu
combat, an extensive mission structure, social interaction, and a completely customizable
skill and ability system.
