Matrix Online: First Look: The Matrix Online PvP Dueling System

Player versus Player (PvP) combat has become a staple within the gaming community for many years. From Doom to Star Wars Galaxies, PvP combat has come in many shapes and forms as developers have struggled to find the balance that would satisfy both powergamers and roleplayers alike. The Matrix Online is no exception.

In their quest for balance, The Matrix Online team has devised distinct methods for players to "beat the brakes" off of one another. One is a completely open PvP environment which is entirely separate from the rest of the gaming world, enabling players to enter and exit the danger zones whenever the mood suits them. Then, there is the Team versus Team or, "faction war," aspect. This article, however, will focus on the personal PvP dueling system.

Conflict is at the heart of any story, in one form or another. The Matrix itself is a story built upon a strong foundation of conflict. The themes are endless and cover a multitude of topics as players swear loyalty to the varying Organizations to whatever degree their hearts desire. Some of the most intense scenes, however, come from personal conflict.

The Matrix Online dueling system is a method by which players can resolve their differences. Regardless of the instigation, one player may challenge another at virtually any time and at any place. The challenger would target the person they would like to duel, enter the in-game command and await the decision of the other player. If they accept the duel, the battle commences immediately.

The largest problem with many dueling systems in other games is that there is little to motivate one to duel. The consequences of death often outweigh the thrill of the fight itself. Too much emphasis is placed on the grind to obtain experience points or other in-game benefits which are often lost or impaired due to death. In The Matrix Online, there is no penalty for dying during a duel. Therefore, the leading cause of denied duels has been rectified. At the same time, there are no loot rights for the victor nor do they gain the satisfaction of having ruined the other player's day by causing the loss of anything except, perhaps, a little pride. That would make this system one of the most roleplayer friendly PvP systems to date.

This system for dueling is not limited to settling in or out of character differences either. Since there is no penalty for death, the system offers an excellent opportunity for sparring. It offers the chance to try different skills and techniques without the fear of losing anything in the process. At the same time, players who feel the need to show off their skills will find more than willing combatants of all levels.

In The Matrix Online, dueling can be more than just clicking a button and watching the sparks fly. There are a variety of tactics and techniques one can employ to give themselves an edge as well. A Hacker, for instance, often relies of hacking the code that makes up their enemy's RSI (Residual Self Image) in order to weaken and damage them. They would not stand much of a chance against a fully trained Kung-Fu Grandmaster head to head. So, they have to duck and dodge, trying to stay beyond arm's reach if they expect to win. Coders must employ similar techniques, except they can use the Simulacra they create to hold off the would be attacker and shoot from a distance.

Alternatively, dueling in Matrix Online does not always deal with direct melee confrontation. Combatants can fire at one another with their choice of firearms. Combat of this nature often has the combatants running around, diving for cover as they scramble to take advantage of the scenery around them. Firing a gun does not rely on simply clicking on the target and letting the computer take over. With each shot, the player has to target the other player by right clicking on them and selecting the Fire option from the radial menu that appears.

The system becomes unique when the techniques involved vary and characters change from ranged attacks to melee attacks and possibly even to close quarter ranged attacks. The possibilities and tactics are as endless as the imaginations of the combatants themselves. It is clear that the developers have studied and learned from the PvP systems of the past and may have found that precarious balance that can satisfy players of any style.