`ENTER THE MATRIX' RAISES THE BAR FOR VIDEO GAMES.

Byline: Addison Pate Staff Writer

The revolution has finally come for the video game. No longer must gamers feel like second class citizens in the world of entertainment thanks to the efforts of avid gamers Andy and Larry Wachowski, co-writers and co-directors of ``Enter the Matrix'' and upcoming ``Matrix Reloaded.''

``Enter the Matrix'' goes beyond what standard movie-based video games because it is the first movie to have complete access to its film counterpart. The Wachowski brothers wrote an entire script specific to just the game. They shot over an hour of original footage while also shooting the upcoming ``Matrix'' sequals as well as used all the original stars from the movies. They, in essence, took the film experience and recreated it into a game which can be played over and over again.

The film quality is stunning. The extra Matrix scenes are equal to what you would find on a DVD, even when jumping in and out of gameplay. Combine it with the surround sound, and you almost expect to find bullets holes in the living room once you've finished.

As the game begins you make a choice as to which crew member of the hovercraft Lagos to play:``Niobi'' (voiced by Jada Pinkett-Smith) or ``Ghost'' (Anthony Wong). These two, along with the help of the ship's operator ``Sparks'' (Lachy Hulme), are looking to save the human race.

The first level alone took me more than two hours, and every choice I made could have had an effect on the outcome of a scene, level, or even the ending. Meaning that even if after you beat the game your first time out, there is still a large amount of unseen footage and adventure to be discovered.

Gameplay, like the movie, is sleek and crisp. Each button on the controller has a purpose, but don't get button happy when in combat. There is a skill required to master the ``bullet-time'' technique. All seven levels are engaging and extremely detailed. Many of the background in the game are exact replications of sets from ``The Matrix Reloaded.''

All of you old school gamers and programers should know that this game was made by people just like you. Be sure and check out the ``Hacking'' option on the start screen where you will find a DOS based interface. For those who don't know computer code, the cheats are sure to be out soon enough.

ENTER THE MATRIX - Four stars

Starring: Jada Pinkett-Smith, Anthony Wong, Lachy Hulme, Keanu Reaves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving.

Written & Directed by: Andy and Larry Wachowski

Publisher: Atari

Rating: T for Teen: violence and language

Released: May 15.

Price: $49.95 (XBOX, GAMECUBE, PS2, PC)

In a nutshell: The ultimate movie/video game marriage that will set the new standard.

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- cover -- color) Re-enter the Matrix

(2) Players can chose to be the character Niobi (Jada Pinkett Smith)

(3) Crisp, DVD-quality imagery separates ``Enter the Matrix'' from the previous generation of video games.