Matrix Online launching March 22

After missing its previously announced January 18 launch, the Matrix Online now has a new release date. The massively multiplayer online role-playing game is now set to go online on March 22 in North America. It was scheduled for a simultaneous launch in Europe, where it will now launch in April.

Developed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's now-in-house studio, Monolith Productions, the Matrix Online is set in the titular artificial reality of The Matrix films. Players will create a character that belongs to one of three factions: Zion, the Machines, and the Merovingian. Each faction will be spotlighted in nine trailers for the game, three of which launched today on its official Web site (one is viewable below). The game will feature many characters from the films, and it will also feature the voices and likenesses of Laurence Fishburne (Morpheus), Monica Bellucci (Persephone), Mary Alice (the Oracle), Lambert Wilson (the Merovingian), Harold Perrineau Jr. (Link), Harry Lennix (Lock), Nona Gaye (Zee), and Collin Chou (Seraph).

The Matrix Online is rated "T" for Teen, and it will retail for $49.99, with a subsequent monthly subscription fee of $14.99. Gamers who preorder the game will also get access to the game three days ahead of the general public, and their in-game characters will receive an advanced-level "hyper jump" ability.

For more on the Matrix Online, check out GameSpot's previous coverage of the game, including our new preview of its combat system.