Release Date - June 22, 2000
Publisher - Eidos
Developer - ION Storm
Requirements - Minimum: 300 MHz Pentium II or equlivalent, Windows 95/98, 64 MB RAM, DirectX 7.0a compliant 3D accelerated video card 16MB VRAM, Direct X 7.0a compliant sound card, Direct X 7.0a or higher (included), 150MB uncompressed hard drive space, Keyboard and Mouse
$9.99 on Steam -
http://store.steampowered.com/app/6910/
It's impressive how well this game has held up over the decade. While the graphics are dated, the core gameplay remains impressive. Before games like Oblivion or Fallout 3 were allowing you to make decisions as to how you wanted to approach a problem, Deus Ex made that its central tenent. Trigger finger to slow for an action gamer? Devise a devious trap to bring the bad guys to you and let your explosives do the work. This extends beyond just how you want to approach a singular objective, but also gives you numerous paths if you want to go around the objective entirely.
These decisions, both the ones you make regarding your character and the environment, have long lasting impacts. Deus Ex is one of the first games I remember (well, FPS wise) where my choices would have a long last effect. Make the wrong one, and a friend who could have made a later battle a whole lot easier ends up bleeding on the floor.
The biggest problem with this game now is, obviously, the graphics. Even when the game was released people thought they were too dark and blocky. Compared to today's games, they look even worse. The key point though, is they are functional. Deus Ex is a game where graphics aren't everything. And since you will be spending so much time in the world of Deus Ex, this is something you are going to have to accept.
The story is vast. I think it took my around 20 hours to finish my first time, and while I have shrunk the playtime with experience, I've still found new things to do, and new ways to approach problems. Essentially, it's your typically alternate future conspiracy story, but it sucks me in. I've seen some say its a little overcomplicated, but I have to disagree. When playing, I feel like the main character in a show like Alias, constantly finding new layers to what I thought was a simple coverup.
Overall, I'd have to disagree with PC Gamer calling it the best PC Game ever (I'll review my pick some other time). But I think if console players are tired of the same kind of shooter, this is a great alternative to pick up cheap and play the hell out of.
Rating - 9.5/10
Other reviews from the era
Adrenaline Vault - 'The title has a great storyline, full of intrigue, back-stabbing, secret agendas, political struggles, and social commentary that is so powerful that it will surely overpower the free time of its players. It doesn't matter what style of game you prefer — action, RPG, or tactical combat — since Deus Ex has enough of each of those to please even the most prejudiced user.'
