"Matrix Online" Is Two Years Old -- You Could Have Some Cake, But There Is No Spoon!

"The Matrix Online" is two years old, and SOE has announced an anniversary event:

Disturbing rumors are circulating about recent viral outbreaks inside the Matrix. This "Smith Virus" apparently appeared after pieces of Agent Smith's viral code were found inside the Matrix. Data Miners have located odd objects at the center of each outbreak; however, we have lost contact with all Operatives dispatched to investigate.

Reports have also come in of programs called "Smith Virologists" that have appeared near the various city monuments. When approached, they state that they carry a message from the Oracle. All available Operatives are requested to contact the Smith Virologists and obtain whatever information they can from the Oracle.

The anniversary event takes place March 29 - April 10. Get "luggable" items and new t-shirts; fight new NPCs, and meet The Oracle. The new update also allows you to make changes to your Residual Self Image, aka your avatar.

Update 50, containing the new content, was released on March 8th.

Link.

The Coming Pirate MMO Glut

We've got "Voyage Century." "Grenado Espada" is coming, retitled "Sword of the New World." And "Pirates of the Burning Sea" is on the way.

But if you feel your pirate-based MMO needs still aren't being met, don't fret -- "Pirates of the Caribbean Online" is in the pipe.

Just some thoughts:

• MMOs based on films invariably do great. Like "The Matrix Online." And "Star Wars Galaxies." Oh wait, never mind.
• Disney's "Virtual Magic Kingdom" solved the potty-mouth problem, not by having a list of words you can't use, but a list of words you can use. It was pretty much impossible to say anything. Will PotCO use the same excellent system?
• Will Drug-Addled Effeminate Captain be a player class?

PotCO was originally slated to launch at the same time "Dead Man's Chest" opened last summer. They are now promising it before "At World's End" opens in May. (Chow Yun Fat! w00t!)