Enter the Matrix
International distributor: Infogames
Taiwan distributor: Atari Taiwan
Platforms: Chinese and English for PC, X Box and PS2
Taiwan release: June
A gaming extension of Matrix Reloaded, Enter the Matrix has created a fighting game with some of the minor characters of the film and developed its own new story, though drawing inspiration from the movie.
One of the most exciting aspects of the film is the hand-to-hand fighting, and this has been focused on in the game development, with ample opportunity for small arms and knife fighting coupled with kung fu moves. And a simplified combat system keeps the keystrokes relatively simple, giving the game a low entry barrier. This is helped by the stop action and slow motion features that have also been drawn form the film gamers can slow everything down, with only their character moving in real-time, so dogging bullets is made easy. Watch them as they come, their trajectory clearly visible.
Rise of Nations
International distributor: Microsoft USA
Taiwan distributor: Taiwan Microsoft
Platforms: Chinese and English for PC
Taiwan release: Next month
Real-time Strategy (RTS) enthusiasts have long been awaiting the release of Rise of Nations, which is scheduled for simultaneous international release next month. Designed by Brian Reynolds, who produced Civilization II, the game extends RTS from the concepts of rapid movement combat and command of resources, to incorporate trade and the development of international relations characteristic of strategy games.
An increased emphasis on tactical fighting makes the combat more interesting than the usual undifferentiated melee of RTS.
Moreover, the concepts of national boundaries have never before been a part of RTS gaming. But with Rise of Nations, it is only possible to develop within recognized borders, so that from the get go, gamers must take into account their long term development aims.
Another departure from traditional RTS gaming is the game's time span, which covers over 6,000 years divided into eight time periods.
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