Matrix Online: It's Hardcore, Baby

Ah, the Matrix Online is all the rage these days, and the New York Times has a piece about the nature of this particular game -- which goes against the nature of many recent massively multiplayer games. The Matrix Online appears to be aimed directly at the hardcore player.

Recently, game companies have been courting a much wider, more general interest, audience. And, with the unfavorable response from fans about the final two installments of The Matrix movies, it's maybe a good choice to aim directly at those who have bought into the mythology of this. After all, those with lukewarm experiences in the theater are probably not all that likely to shell out the money -- and the time -- to play.

From the article:

The general story line was planned by Larry and Andy Wachowski, the brothers who wrote and directed the films, much as a story is plotted at the beginning of a television season. Mr. Chadwick will script various events, and players will determine the exact way in which they occur.

Moving forward, new players will be able to catch up to speed, the article continues, by interacting with players from the actual movies.