New Matrix?
The content here is a comprehensive look at some ideas and solutions to generate a stronger fan base and to generate increased revenue for the Matrix Online.
GAMING ENGINE
While the game itself is a masterpiece in design and stability the gaming engine definitely needs rework. My proposal is for an entire new game is created with a new game engine. The new game (we will call it for now Matrix II to prevent confusion) can be created while the original game is still used, however all of the elements of the old game will be incorporated into Matrix II (Streets, landmarks etc etc).
This new game version will allow for players to do a variety of things that were holding them back from the old game.
LOOK AND FEEL
Richland-Westview
These areas are considered “the slums” of the Matrix. The goal here is to make these areas grittier and dangerous. Taking a back alley here should be akin to taking one’s life in his or her hands. Since there is a strong criminal element, all the trappings of that element should be here (i.e. Casinos, Strip Clubs, Drug houses, Safe Houses etc, etc). Only very few areas should be considered “safe”.
International
The “melting pot” of the Matrix although the Asian influence here is very strong. To make the place more of a melting pot we should have other culturally influenced areas (Russian, European as examples).
Downtown
This is a place avoided by most gamers due to the lack of content; one thing that would help is to give it a more “Metro” look and more variety. Some things like a “L” railway would be nice and maybe an attachment to an airport (more on that further down).
NEW AREAS AND BUILDINGS
“The Trainyard”
This should look as its namesake, an assortment of abandoned and derelict trains in a large yard. Some of the cars are open and some are closed, also some of the cars are accessible using a certain key. The gang here is in abundance and the trainyard should be considered as an open air dungeon.
“Metro Hospital”
Although there are hospitals in the matrix, this one is the only one a mission/dungeon roleplay is involved. As soon as you enter the lobby the mission starts. The mission is puzzle solving where you have to interview the patients, doctors and nurses. The goal is to get a special key from the Chief Surgeon. This key will allow you to access an elevator to the basement which is really a dungeon like area (I would like to have it have a “Silent Hill” looking dungeon). After fighting hordes of mutant like doctors, patients and nurses you get to the boss called “9”, a genetic experiment gone wrong (well you can use your imagination here). Special item drop here.
“The Power Plant”
Almost the same as the hospital in that the mission starts as soon as you enter the building but this time you talk to secretaries, managers and technicians until you reach the CEO. Defeating gets you a special key to an elevator that takes you down to a basement (maybe one that almost looks like the interior of a Borg cube). The dungeon is defended by the Reactors. The boss should be some cybernetic monstrosity and again another special item drop.
“Metro Station”
This is a dungeon with a new twist. Every floor completed of the dungeon gives you clues and access to the correct door to the next level. The clues themselves are in the “drops” of the gangs there (still undetermined but would love to hear ideas for it). The final floor leads you to the station platform where you must board the train. The train itself travels above on the “L”. Your goal is to go from car to car and fight any gangs there until you reach the “Boss car”. I was hoping the Boss would be this real tough looking gangster type who uses an assortment of high powered guns.
“Sewer System”
Each game area (Downtown, International, Richland, and Westview) will have a sewer network. Some of these sewers lead to open cavernous areas and some will lead directly out to a new game area. Certain manholes provide direct access to the sewers. Al sewers are protected by a gang called “Sludge”. There is a boss in each sewer network that drops a special item.
“Police Stations”
Scattered throughout Mega City, these station houses are not for the weak. No bosses here but MCP is in full force. The drops contain some special items and one police station is said to have held Neo (from the movie scene). You also get to see the interrogation of Neo on a recorder in that particular station.
“Bars”
The bars are a place where most of the “low level” npc exiles go. Any of the denizens in the bar will pick a fight but the place is a treasure trove of information.
“Strip Bars”
Female or male RSI’s can make money here by stripping or spend it (I don’t have to tell you how). The strip bars are mostly scattered but the rates go higher from game area to game area (Richland being the lowest and Downtown the highest.)
“Drug Houses”
Four in all for each game area, the building is set up as a dungeon (Think of any run down mission area with a lot of rooms). The place is defended by the drug users called “Greeners” Of course at the end of the dungeon/mission the supplier is the boss. Special item drop.
“Casinos”
Players here can make money or lose it all. The casinos are fully functional and you can place bets on the many slot or poker machines there. The dungeons are still there as well.
Points of Interest
“Heart O the City”
This area is accessible and the exact room Neo and Trinity exists (will also be used for event missions).
“The Oracle’s Apartment”
Exactly displayed as in the movies, this area is accessible by invitation only.
“Hell Club”
The club is revamped to more accurately depict the movie version. The club is accessible by invitation only.
“The White Room”
This area is accessible only from the newly constructed buildings from the construction sites. This room is the location of The Architect and is accessible by invitation only.
“General’s Headquarters”
Located in Downtown, it is accessible by invitation only.
“Construction Sites”
New construction sites in all four game areas with one difference. These sites will have an evolution as well, every month for 24 months until the buildings are finished.
“Ookami’s Lair”
Located in Gracey Heights, the old Talbot Building dungeon gets revamped to more accurately depict the werewolf’s lair. Accessible by invitation only.
“Malastus Lair”
The entrance to the vampire’s hideout is just under the altar of The Church of the Disciples. Accessible by invitation only.
“Vela’s Lair”
The hideout is in the Mars Industrial Center. The area is accessible by invite only.
“The Tea Room”
Located in Akasaka, The tea room is a favorite of Flood. The area is accessible by invitation only.
“The Bridge”
The Bridge that spans from Uriah to Industry Square is now accessible. The bridge is defended by gangs. There is an access node that allows you to access the other side of the bridge.
“Government Building”
The building now contains the room where Morpheus was interrogated. The rooftop now depicts the movie version more accurately.
“Neophyte Base”
Located in Mara, “The Kid” commands from there. The area is accessible by invitation only.
“Nirvana”
Seraph resides here; the entrance is at Ascension Monument.The area is accessible by invitation only.
“Le Jubilee” (Merv Restaurant)
Located in Downtown, it is an exact remake from the movie. The area is accessible by invitation only.
“Le Chateau”
The Merovingian’s home has the reception room (where Neo fought) and the dungeon (where the Keymaker was held captive). There are also many more rooms; the entire house is accessible by invitation only.
“The Dojo”
Here the player will encounter Morpheus. The area is accessible by invitation only.
“The Junkyard”
Located in Westview, this new area is inhabited by The Assassin. The area is accessible only by invitation only.
“The Hallways”
This area can get the player to any of the areas that are accessible by invitation. The “invitation” itself is a key that can unlock a specific door in the hallway. To access the hallway you must have a special key which will be explained further down.
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Attributes
From now on you can max every attribute, however attribute points will take longer to get. You must do 100 missions for 1 attribute point (these include the “dungeon missions”.)
Skill Tree
Basically you can fill all skill trees but it’s not going to be easy as the use of certain skills is based on the amount of attribute points you have and level. New skills will be added on to the skill tree.
Martial Arts
For this tree the following new skills:
"Ninjitsu” a different version of the spy tree, it is also one of the most difficult to master due to the high attribute requirements. Some skills noted are “star throwing”, “invisibility” (The gamer disappears in a cloud of smoke), and an “ambush” skill (1 hit kill).
“Shotokan”, “Tae Kwon Do”, and “Jujitsu” all these fighting skills will have special skills of there own.
Coder
“Apparel Maker” One of the best parts of this is now you can change the colors and styles of the close, also you can transfer the attributes of the clothing to other types of clothes so everyone does not have to wear the same thing due to the “buffs.”
“Suggestion box” If there is a style of clothing that you would like to see made you can use this function to send it out (photoshopped pictures of the clothes you would like can be sent here.)
Hacker: Admittedly I don’t have much experience with that tree so any suggestions are welcome.
ROLEPLAY
All roleplay characters (Morpheus, Oracle, Merv etc) will have increased interaction with the players. I would assign 3 LET players to each character for the three servers. They will have a script but also allow for on the spot decision making. The goal is to have a more interactive roleplay experience for all the players.
LEVEL 65 “Path of Ascension”
At level 50 these missions are available; the missions themselves will have certain guidelines.
1- All missions are to be taken alone, no group missions.
2- The missions are ten tier a piece so you have to schedule time to play a mission (most will last 30 minutes to an hour depending on the skill of the player.
3- The missions themselves will have you meet every character from the game and movie.
4- The last mission will be the most difficult of all (it involves a 20 tier mission).
These missions can only be accessed after you have reached level 50. It will involve you using almost all the skill trees. The “Path of Ascension” missions are not for the weary. You have to really put time into this; also you have to use all your skill and knowledge to pass these missions. Not all of these missions are dependent on fighting skills.
The last mission will be designed to be the most diabolical. With twenty tiers to the mission you will have to expect to be there for at least three hours. The other missions you did before this one will be a piece of cake in comparison.
Rewards
Level 65 players will have the distinction of being the Uber-elite of the game but since that isn’t enough here are a few more things…
*Level 65 players get a “Master Key” (delivered by the Keymaker himself). This key opens up any area or door (Including those by invitation only).
*Level 65 players are also included in the storyline of events* (Meaning you will get reference to the event and in some events you will play a pivotal part in it.)
*Level 65 players also have increased interaction with roleplay characters. For example, Morpheus wants to speak to the Zionists. Zion factions show up to the area where Morpheus will speak. At the end of the speech or whatever he will do he will call any Level 65 Zion players to another location where he will roleplay (usually provides information that is TOP SECRET).
*As an added bonus Level 65 players will also be contacted by rival org leaders. If you are a Zionist, you may be contacted by the Architect or the Merovingian for example.
*Level 65 players can also bring one “invite” Level not important, to any meetings.
*LAST NOTES*
While the possibilities of any of these suggestions coming to light is slim to none. I still thought it would be a good idea to share it with the community. Who knows? Maybe some of these ideas might be the basis for some inspiration for the powers that be. The Matrix Online is a game with incredible potential and one of the few online games with a rich and intriguing storyline .Apologies for the long post!
