The Logos Crew

By Danny Chihdo

Spoiler Warning:Seems the Wachowski brothers made a game that’s so integral to The Matrix Reloaded that we had to include some plot info from the movie. But seriously, you haven’t seen it yet?

You could fill a Zion-sized cavern with the sheer volume of movie tie-in video games that have hit the market since E.T.first blighted my Atari 2600 those many years ago. All have ranged in quality, from brilliant to bloody awful, but it’s safe to say that none have attempted what Atari, Shiny Entertainment, and the Wachowski brothers have pulled off with Enter The Matrix™.

Niobe takes center stage in the game.

Enter The Matrix fills in vital plot points not included in the already jam-packed Reloaded movie, written by the Matrix creators and performed by the full movie cast. The Wachowskis, who wrote and directed the game as well as the Matrix movies, included more than an hour of new full-motion video and animated cut scenes in the new video game. This valuable content provides important background information for the story and generally fills all conceivable gaps in The Matrix Reloaded. In essence, the game doesn’t just support the film, it’s partof the film—put it all together, and it’s a massive director’s cut.

This car won’t explode at less than 55 MPH.

Enter The Matrix puts you aboard the good ship Logos, a hovercraft like Morpheus’s Nebuchadnezzar, with its own Matrix-hopping crew of heroes that play crucial parts in the Matrix sequels and take starring roles in the Xbox game. And, I do mean starring—the movie cast doesn’t just appear in full-motion video segments or provide voice work, the game creators modeled and motion-captured everyone from Jada Pinkett Smith to Hugo Weaving in exacting detail. This makes the transition from film to game both cinematic and authentic. More importantly, I can fulfill my lifelong dream of putting on Jada Pinkett Smith’s pants and shooting my way through a post office.

But that’s probably too much about me. Let’s get to know our Enter The Matrix heroes, shall we?

Explore the “real world” in Niobe’s ship.

Niobe
“Can you shut up and hit the button?”—Captain Niobe of the Logos

Portrayed by Jada Pinkett Smith, of Demon Knight fame, Niobe’s not just one of the movie’s major heroes, she’s also Morphy’s ex and “the best damned driver in the Matrix.” Niobe’s story focuses on using her speed, stealth, martial arts, and piloting skills. First up, she’ll need to retrieve the last desperate broadcast drop from the lost hovercraft Osiris. After that broadcast proves to the leaders of Zion (the last human city on Earth) that the machines are drilling, Niobe and the rebel captains supporting Morpheus must fight on the home front and in the Matrix to help Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus reach the source of the Matrix—and, just maybe, stop what’s coming.

Niobe, meet Agent Smith.

Ghost
“You know me, Niobe. It’s not a choice, it’s a way of life.”—Ghost, Logos First Mate

Absolutely devoted to his captain, Ghost (played by Australian actor Anthony Wong, last seen Stateside on Xena: Warrior Princess) learned long ago never to question Niobe after she’s made up her mind. And, usually, they’re both proven right. Niobe and Ghost have saved each other’s lives more times than either can count, and now Niobe needs Ghost watching her back more than ever. If you choose to play through Enter The Matrix as Ghost, your missions will focus on weapons of all kinds. While Niobe is no slouch with a handgun, Ghost can pick the earpiece off an Agent at 400 yards. During driving segments, Ghost rides shotgun, literally, taking aim at pursuing vehicles while Niobe takes the stick.

Niobe’s right-hand man and master of arms.

Sparks
“A lot of time? Wrong. We don’t have a little time.”—Sparks, Logos Operator

Australian writer/actor Lachy Hulme (recently seen in Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course) plays Logos operator Sparks—cynical, insubordinate, and to all outward appearances, a roiling meatball of pessimism, with a bitterly dark sense of humor. I’m guessing Sparks paints the worse possible scenario for his people in the field to ensure that they survive. Despite his aura of negativity, Sparks is completely loyal to Niobe and has been her operator (the guy who watches the green screen and guides the heroes through the Matrix via cell phone) for three years. Sparks will continually update you on dangers, important objectives, and those all-important exit points.