Forum Handle: Soul of Fire
Main Character Handle: JeanMarie
Main Character Bluepill Name: Jean Marie Rousseau
Server: Syntax
Organization: Zion
Where in the real life world do you live?
Anaheim, California.
How long have you played The Matrix Online?
I've been playing for almost four years now. I began just after the server merge in late 2005.
What other MMOs have you played?
The Matrix Online is my first MMO.
What type of work do you do?
Over the last couple of years, I've worked primarily doing administrative and clerical in the real estate, mortgage, banking and most recently, automotive fields. On the side, I'm also a freelance artist. One of my ongoing projects is penciling and inking for independent comic publishers. Whenever I'm not at the office, I strive toward making my self-taught craft into my career.
What got you into gaming and what sort of games do you like the most?
I've always loved videogames - whether on a home console or at the arcade. I'm especially fond of fighting games, shooting games and beat 'em ups. The Guilty Gear series, with its anime-style graphics and characters, holds a very special place in my heart and being the Matrix fan that I am, Enter the Matrix and Path of Neo naturally remain two of my all-time favorites.
What other hobbies or activities do you take part in, other then playing The Matrix Online?
I'm a HUGE anime fan - one reason the original Matrix film caught my attention. Among my favorite titles are Fullmetal Alchemist and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. I regularly attend anime conventions, particularly the Anime Expo here in So Cal, where I always get myself a table in the Artist Alley. I also practice martial arts, I hold a second-degree black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate. I've trained in Aikido and Krav Maga as well.
What is your highest character level in The Matrix Online?
JeanMarie is Level 50.
How or why did you choose your main character's name?
When I designed my RSI, I wanted to recreate one of my original characters; although the MxO character ended up taking on a life all her own!
What Branch (Coder, Hacker, Operative) and ability tree is your main character?
JeanMarie is an Operative - primarily an Expert Rifleman. Depending on the situation at hand, I'm ready to switch to Duelist or SMG Specialist if need be.
Why did you choose the Branch and ability tree that you did?
The Operative Branch captured the classic feel of being an Awakened in the Matrix films. At the time I was building my character, the majority of my faction members were either martial arts initiates or hackers. So, I decided to build JeanMarie as a gunman. Expert Rifleman became my primary discipline since I often found myself providing backup for my friends who would engage the enemy in close combat. I would eventually build the Duelist and SMG Specialist trees for those times I need to get "up close and personal". In my opinion, the whole gunman tree remains the most versatile of all in terms of combat.
Is your main character in a crew, if so, what rank is the character?
JeanMarie is Captain of the hovercraft Rosenkreuz.
Is your main character in a faction, if so, which one and what is their faction rank?
JeanMarie has been a member of the Vixens ever since I began play. Today, I'm second-in-command of the faction.
What was your favorite chapter?
My favorites were the Unlimit and Elite Commando story arcs. Zion's betrayal by Anome and, later, the General, were two of the most memorable moments in the story. Both the Unlimit and Elite Commandos proved formidable adversaries.
What is your favorite neighborhood?
My favorite neighborhoods would be Murasaki, for Yeung Park and the Dawei Sculpture. I'm actually quite fond of all the International District; it must be my love of Asian culture.
Who is your favorite NPC?
Ghost, Zion's resident "Zen Buddhist Apache assassin"…need I say more?
What is the most $info you have ever spent at one time and what did you purchase?
The most $info I ever spent at one time was $100 million for my Zion outpost key.
Do you have an item you no longer use but keep around for nostalgic reasons? If so, what is it and why do you keep it?
I still have an Agent tie clip, which I keep as a testimonial of having helped bring down a Level 100 Agent.
What do you like best about The Matrix Online?
I've always loved how the game recreated the setting of the Matrix films and expanded the entire mythos. More than anything, however, I enjoy the company of all the wonderful people I've met - especially my fellow Vixens.
How would you describe your best experience playing The Matrix Online?
My most memorable experience was helping Ghost and my fellow Zionites fight off Halborn and his Accelerated Programs as we were all searching for the Oracle. Just being in the midst of all the action, fighting alongside Ghost, made it the most exciting session I've ever played.
Do you run or work for an MxO Fan Site or Radio Station?
Unfortunately, no I do not. As much as I would love to, my projects in the Real keep me quite busy when I'm not jacked in.
Discuss this article here.
