Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition
***Before rambling, I would like to give a special thanks to Brother Tasty and my actual brother, TableTerrorsMatt, for proof-reading this review.
Deus Ex is a stealth action game created by Ion Storm in the year 2000. Now this legendary entry in the gaming industry is considered one of the most innovative of all time to many, included in its theme of stealth, roleplaying, choice, action, exploration, and many other labels, as its popularity has transcended since its creation. In Deus Ex, you play as protagonist JC Denton, an operative for UNATCO who’s primary focus is to thwart a terrorist organization, NSF’s, tactics, such as the theft of a chemical weapon known as Ambrosia. The player given primary and optional objectives during the briefing for each mission, and then are allowed free reign to complete said objectives in, pretty much, any way they wish.
Here are a few items that I found of interest in Deus Ex:
Roleplaying - As protagonist JC Denton, players traverse various stages with given objectives while gaining experience points to enhance aspects of their character’s statistics. The upgrade system is impeccable, and allows the player to proceed in situations in nearly any way possible, which allows for multiple forms of play and progression. Another element of great importance is how choices-both in and out of dialogues-affect an abundance of things within the game. For example, your starting equipment choices and statistics will influence how you manipulate the world and its peoples, allowing you to uncover a multitude of secrets. A touch of realism is portrayed in Deus Ex as well since getting paid actually feels like getting paid. For example, Director Manderly will explain your monetary and experience gains after each mission within a conversational flow, which accentuates a seamless transition between operations and downtime.
Stealth System - It is difficult to entirely describe the sensation that is this title’s stealth gameplay presents. Character augments, statistical upgrades, and player skill all contribute to the experience, yet this game seemingly knows how to also look past these and simply demonstrate a stealth ‘feel’ in comparison to relying on only the said features. Like nearly every other game created in the genre, the player can maneuver while hidden through territories by utilizing the crouch command-activated with the Control key-and by passing silently in the shadows, preferring muffled or melee eliminations over brutal assault. Several useable items such as the stun rod and tranquilizer rounds for the crossbow emphasize the purpose of stealth, but are not so overpowered that it makes the approach simple; player timing and cunning are key to success while dodging enemy forces in Deus Ex.
Player and Non-Player Dialogue - As described previously, many of the actions that JC Denton can perform may be mentioned by non-player characters throughout the game; some of these exchanges can occur randomly-such as in the incident mentioned within the spoiler text-, but mostly appear within conversation with others. There is also a great dialogue selection when speaking with civilians or UNATCO personnel ranging from calm and inquisitive to brash threatening.
Level Design - Though similar themes may be present through individual missions, each level retains its own unique feel and layout that abstains from any two levels being blindly alike. Deus Ex utilizes a multiple-layer design in many of its missions, with street-, basement-, and roof-accessible venues that contribute to the open-ended gameplay; this may not seem like a huge feature, but with so many stealth action games forcing players to endure ‘straight’ level mechanics while claiming its style to be open-world, this ideal is magnificent. Strewn throughout each level are also intricately-placed traps and alarms that Gary Gygax himself would be proud of.
TL:DR - Deus Ex is undoubtedly a legend in the gaming world, and continues to shine in its current age. This title near-flawlessly executes a stealth gameplay experience that all fanatics of the genre must play. There is so much more I would like to say about Deus Ex but nothing anyone could say can truly bring justice to how innovative this game was and still is. I highly recommend this title to individuals who enjoy stealth action, roleplaying, and cyberpunk themes. Thanks for reading.
Do you enjoy these reviews? Please visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews .
Originally posted October 29, 2015. Last edited May 1, 2018.
Deus Ex is a stealth action game created by Ion Storm in the year 2000. Now this legendary entry in the gaming industry is considered one of the most innovative of all time to many, included in its theme of stealth, roleplaying, choice, action, exploration, and many other labels, as its popularity has transcended since its creation. In Deus Ex, you play as protagonist JC Denton, an operative for UNATCO who’s primary focus is to thwart a terrorist organization, NSF’s, tactics, such as the theft of a chemical weapon known as Ambrosia. The player given primary and optional objectives during the briefing for each mission, and then are allowed free reign to complete said objectives in, pretty much, any way they wish.
Here are a few items that I found of interest in Deus Ex:
Roleplaying - As protagonist JC Denton, players traverse various stages with given objectives while gaining experience points to enhance aspects of their character’s statistics. The upgrade system is impeccable, and allows the player to proceed in situations in nearly any way possible, which allows for multiple forms of play and progression. Another element of great importance is how choices-both in and out of dialogues-affect an abundance of things within the game. For example, your starting equipment choices and statistics will influence how you manipulate the world and its peoples, allowing you to uncover a multitude of secrets. A touch of realism is portrayed in Deus Ex as well since getting paid actually feels like getting paid. For example, Director Manderly will explain your monetary and experience gains after each mission within a conversational flow, which accentuates a seamless transition between operations and downtime.
Stealth System - It is difficult to entirely describe the sensation that is this title’s stealth gameplay presents. Character augments, statistical upgrades, and player skill all contribute to the experience, yet this game seemingly knows how to also look past these and simply demonstrate a stealth ‘feel’ in comparison to relying on only the said features. Like nearly every other game created in the genre, the player can maneuver while hidden through territories by utilizing the crouch command-activated with the Control key-and by passing silently in the shadows, preferring muffled or melee eliminations over brutal assault. Several useable items such as the stun rod and tranquilizer rounds for the crossbow emphasize the purpose of stealth, but are not so overpowered that it makes the approach simple; player timing and cunning are key to success while dodging enemy forces in Deus Ex.
Player and Non-Player Dialogue - As described previously, many of the actions that JC Denton can perform may be mentioned by non-player characters throughout the game; some of these exchanges can occur randomly-such as in the incident mentioned within the spoiler text-, but mostly appear within conversation with others. There is also a great dialogue selection when speaking with civilians or UNATCO personnel ranging from calm and inquisitive to brash threatening.
Level Design - Though similar themes may be present through individual missions, each level retains its own unique feel and layout that abstains from any two levels being blindly alike. Deus Ex utilizes a multiple-layer design in many of its missions, with street-, basement-, and roof-accessible venues that contribute to the open-ended gameplay; this may not seem like a huge feature, but with so many stealth action games forcing players to endure ‘straight’ level mechanics while claiming its style to be open-world, this ideal is magnificent. Strewn throughout each level are also intricately-placed traps and alarms that Gary Gygax himself would be proud of.
TL:DR - Deus Ex is undoubtedly a legend in the gaming world, and continues to shine in its current age. This title near-flawlessly executes a stealth gameplay experience that all fanatics of the genre must play. There is so much more I would like to say about Deus Ex but nothing anyone could say can truly bring justice to how innovative this game was and still is. I highly recommend this title to individuals who enjoy stealth action, roleplaying, and cyberpunk themes. Thanks for reading.
Do you enjoy these reviews? Please visit my Curator Page at Spearpoint Reviews .
Originally posted October 29, 2015. Last edited May 1, 2018.
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