action rpg

Deus Ex

A fantastic blend of stealth, shooter, and story.

4.83 / 5 from 18 player ratings

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8.0GreatDFG score

DFG Exclusive Review Summary

A superior game, one of the very best in its category.

Pros

Adjustable difficulty so the user can play at their own level.
Large amount of customization. (Ability augmentations, skills, gun mods...)
Excellent tutorial to get you acquainted with the controls.
Levels have several paths that can be taken, adding to the replayability.
Clever blend of shooter, role playing, and stealth game types
Awesome conspiracy based story that is tremendously engaging.

Cons

Game can glitch, occasionally your toolbar with weapons and other items will lock not allowing you to change between them.
Game can be very hard even on the easiest setting.

Read Full Deus Ex Review

About this game

Editor's Update (10/21/14) - There is no longer an official free trial for this game. However, you can get the full version download at Steam

Game of the Year Edition of an award winning game!

It is the future. The US government has developed a new breed of agents no longer enhanced by machinery but by nanotechnology. These agents are now the next wave of counter-terrorist enforcement designed to keep the world safe - or are they?

Deus Ex is one of those games that is so good and so unique it is no wonder it is on almost every all-time greatist game lists in existence. A perfect blend of 1st person shooter, adventure, and role playing - Deus Ex is a ground breaking achievement never matched.

You play JC Denton, fresh from the academy and ready to test your nanotech augs to the limit. You are dispatched to take care of a terrorist group responsible for blowing up the Statue of Liberty and stealing the latest shipment of vaccine for a global epidemic.

As you dispatch the terrorists and capture the leader, you realize things aren't what they seem.

Nanotech Abilities

JC Denton is no ordinary agent. As you progress through the game, you will find enhancements that give you resistence to bullets, add to your strength, increase speed and jumping ability, let you see through walls, restore health, and even a personal spy drone you can release to scout ahead. You will get to choose what augments to upgrade JC with, letting you personalize this agent to your playing style.

Nanotech augmentations include:

Invisible to people
Invisible to security
Bullet resistance
Healing
Power Management
Spy Drone
RPG detonation
Speed boost
Silent running
Increased strength

Augmentation use drains power so you won't be wandering through the entire game invisible. Also, each attribute has levels of ability so level 1 invisibility will only give you so much protection compared to level 4.

Customized Skills

When you accomplish missions, find hidden areas, or achieve secondary goals you will receive skills points to spend on your character.

Do you like to play nice and stealth like? Use your skills to upgrade computer and security system hacking ability. Are you more of a heavy weapons player? Upgrade this and use rocket launchers and explosives more effectively. Would you rather snipe from a distance? Upgrade your rifle ability to Master and you will be getting headshots from ridiculous distances.

Here are just a few things your skills will influence:

Computer hacking
Electronics
Lock picking
Medic skills
Swimming
Environment resistance (fire, acid etc.)
Hand to hand combat
Pistols
Rifles

Upgradeable Weapons

Not only can you upgrade your nano augs and skills, you can upgrades weapons too. Get scopes for your rifles, extra clip capacity for more ammo, range and recoil modifiers for your rifles, and speed loading for your auto shotgun. Fun stuff like this really makes Deus Ex a deep and enjoyable game to play.

One Incredible Story

If you are one of those gamers often dissatisfied by weak plots in games, Deus Ex will not dissappoint. Created by blending many popular conspiracy theories together, you will have a hard time not playing this game through as fast as possible to see what happens next.

From the Illuminati to alien technology to more surprises I shouldn't tell you, Deus Ex's story is just a whole heap of fun. If you are X-Files fan, let's say you will put this game on the very top of your favorites list!

Deus Ex Review

Review by Mick

You are an advanced secret agent genetically modified with nanotechnology. Deus Ex is a combination first person shooter (FPS) and role play game (RPG). JC Denton is the main character you will be playing as and upgrading throughout the many missions. Every decision you make can change the game so decide carefully and it could make your life that much easier.

The Future of Anti-Terrorism

The year is 2050 and you are JC Denton a United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition agent. You have been genetically modified by nanotechnology to be a super agent. Using your nanotechnology you can use specialized equipment that will unlock doors or even turn you invisible. Battling various terrorist groups and ancient secret societies, you will make use of a variety of different weapons and tools.

Trick Out Your Character

For each mission you accomplish you will be awarded skill points. Skill points can be used to upgrade various skills like handgun, hacking, sniper rifles, lock picking and more. Even weapons can be upgraded with silencers, scopes, special ammo and more.

Not a Straight Up Shooter

The gameplay is similar to most FPS games, but Deus Ex also incorporates elements of RPG's. For example, you earn skill points that upgrade your abilities. You can also modify your character with nano-augmentations. Nano-augmentations can increase your health or the damage you deal or personal cloaking ability.

The controls are fairly simple, WASD keys to move and the mouse to aim and fire. There are also several interaction buttons that need to be used on a regular basis. You will be able to use several types of weapons including lethal and non-lethal options. On the lethal side you will have handguns, crossbows and rocket launchers. On the non-lethal side you can use batons, pepper spray and a weapon similar to a stun gun.

Sometimes Stealth is Better

Stealth is a huge element of this game. Many times you must sneak past guards or security bots that will slaughter you if you are spotted. Communicating with non-player characters can be interesting, many times you are given options of how to respond. Your responses can affect how the level will play out since you may miss vital information if you respond incorrectly. It is also possible to play online although there is a minimal online community to play against.

Older Graphics

The graphics in Deus Ex are similar to that of Nintendo 64 games such as Perfect Dark or Goldeneye. They are not the greatest but this game was also released in 2000. If you are looking for cutting edge graphics the newer versions of this game might be a better choice. The music and sound is very well done. All the music adds to the suspense of being a secret agent.

A Couple Drawbacks

The game does have a few minor glitches, the most prominent being the item tray locking. During play your item bar may lock. This wouldn't be a problem if your guns weren't also stored there. Not being able to change weapons, especially if you are on a non-combat tool, can be frustrating when you suddenly find yourself in combat. Also this game can be very hard until you master all the stealth techniques you need to get around. Alerting one guard can often lead to a massive swarm of guards you must kill or subdue.

Conclusion - A Good Reason Why It's Won So Many Awards - It's Awesome

Deus Ex is an excellent combination of FPS and RPG that will surely offer something for everyone. With all the violence this game may not be suitable for the younger audience. The few minor glitches don't even come close to detracting from the level of depth this game provides. With the multiple ways to complete a mission you can replay this game again and again.

Player Reviews

Deus ex
A typical game but a good one . It is on top of the list of the top games of all time at pc games.com.Everyone must play it once.
by Jayankant on Nov 23, 2012
Deus ex
Best game ever. I restart the game almost every time i beat it and i still cant get enough.
by Samuel on Jun 8, 2011
Deus Ex
i think Deus ex is a brilliant game and i would highly recommend it to anybody that likes 1st person shooters/adventure.Not the best game ever though. top 10.definitely!!!
by sam lee on May 31, 2010
It's definately one for the books
Yes, this game rocks. It offers a great deal for multiple genres. Is it the best ever? No. Top 10? Absolutely.
by Nathan on Feb 10, 2010
awesome, mindblowing, best game in the world
Dues Ex is the best game I've played there isn't, and never will be, a better game. It combines mystery, action, and conspiracy. I recommend this game to every one and I love the sequel, Invisible War, but Dues Ex is so better, no offense Eidos people. I love your work bring on number 3. You've never played a game until you play Dues Ex. It's an experience of a life time. Okay, gotta go play Dues Ex. You have to play it, bye.
by jacob manderely on Aug 17, 2009
a very good game
One of the best game created by eidos interactive. A very good game for those who like action and fighting games. Each level proves to be harder than the first.
by ADITYA GARUDKAR on Aug 5, 2009
Deus Ex review
Hello. This week I played Deus Ex, I only had enough time to play the trial version for 60 minutes. I found the games story line very easy to follow and the graphics will easily impress you. If your type of gaming is first person shooters, then throw out all those others and buy this, it will not disappoint you.
by joey jones on Jul 25, 2009
Great
This game is great for fans of Halo and such games. It offers all the fun for a lower price. There is shooting along a storyline. I loved playing Deus Ex. I bought it as soon as i ran out of the free trial time. It had several levels and offered a challenge instead just shooting at everything for no reason. My suggestion is buy and have the time of you're life.
by Tanner Smith on May 9, 2009
Deus Ex, Bestwinning Game Of The Year.
Deus Ex takes place in the future, where Nano-Tech agents are the new police force. You are JC Denton, an augmented Nanotech agent, is supposed to get the Ambrosia Vaccine, a cure to a global epedemic. About as good as F.E.A.R, Doom, and Quake, this game stands above the rest. A handful of hours of gameplay! The download is very, very long. But, is it very reasonable, because of the outstanding graphics. After you beat/get bored of the campaign, go multiplayer! Play with up to 32 people, in a Team Deathmatch, Deathmatch, or any other customized game-type such as RPGs. In Team Deathmatch, two teams battle. The UNATCO, and The NSF Terroists. There are many weapons, and there is also a HUGE amount of fan-made weapons. Also, when you zoom with the sniper rifle, it now does 3X as much damage! In Deathmatch, you can either play as a Majestic-5 Agent, JC Denton, A UNATCO Trooper, or a NSF Terrorist. Deus Ex is a godly game, so buy it, or you wont acess all of the awesome stuff in it.
by Wintersun on Jul 25, 2008
THE BEST GAME EVER!
This is no doubt the greatest game ever. I've played it and beat it so many times that I can't even count, but every time I play it I find something new. It's just got so many different things you can do, any tons of ways you can do it. That's what makes this game the best one ever made in my opinion. That and because of all the action!
by Huseton Blalock on Jul 9, 2008
Excelent game with great story/action line
as a student i find that the most addicting games are not those of the next gen systems but those of online or downloadable rpg's i have searched for a game that i can call my own and i found it with deus ex. It had an easy to understand controls and i enjoyed playing it i would compare it to runescape and the oblivion series. The full version caught my attention after i played the free trail i think that it is worth every penny and would encourage any one who likes rpg's to play/ buy the game. I recommend to any one above 12 just my preference. So to conclude this review BUY IT!! PLAY IT!! Just Check it OUT!!
by john doe on May 26, 2008
A true 'Classic'
Some games earn the title 'classic' as soon as they are published. Deus Ex is one of those games. Even more so then its successor it succeeds in delivering a true blend of a traditional First Person Shooter and Stealth-game with the genres of adventure and RPG. The player, a nano-enhanced special agent must make choices throughout the game which ultimately will alter its outcome. The graphics may be a bit dated compared to nowadays games, but the overall story and gameplay still stand out. With Deus Ex you are put into the shoes of a special government agent. You will be able to develop your character by using your experience to upgrade certain skills. By upgrading security or speed, you will enhance your gameplay and open up new ways of finding solutions to your obstacles. Also you will be able to upgrade your body with nano augments which will give some stats a great boost. And after finishing the game you can play it again, and experience a different game. Great value for your money
by Eagle on Feb 6, 2008
Deus Ex - Game Of The Year Review
Deus Ex-Game of the year is a need for all those sci-fi based players.You start as JC Denton, a nontech agent that's on a mission to find a terroist group that blew up the Statue Of Liberty and stole a vaccine the world needs to cure a global epidemic.It takes time to download the game, but its worth it.The game is like F.E.A.R Extraction Point,Half Life,Counter-Strike,and Quake Arena combined.Also, the price is reasonable as you can see. You can also play in multiplayer, with modded servers that have weapons that are not featured in the campaign. Also, there are diffrent kinds of maps,like deathmatch maps, and role play maps.In multiplayer, if your in a team deathmatch, you and choose between the UNTACO and the NSF. In deathmatch, you can be JC Denton,UNTACO Trooper,NSF Terroist,and Majesty-12.You can have augumentations, and upgrades. Augumentations let you have spectacular abillity, while upgrades lets you be more skilled in certain things.Obviously, Deus Ex is a fantastic game.
by Nightsong on Jan 18, 2008
Deus Ex game review
I've played this game several times, and there is just no beating it (except actually beating it). Nothing else compares to the variety available. You can make the lead character any type of personality, the cold blooded killer, the fair hardcase who just might kill you, a ninja style guy who is rarely seen, etc, etc. A game for 14+ and readed m (MATURE), the game is my most precious favorite game, i have the game in PS2 and PSP, when, i play this game for my first time, i say ' WOW! mom come and look at this game, it's so cool' and everyday i'm playing always this game.
by gueldon on Oct 3, 2007
Great Adventure Game
This is one of the best adventure games I have ever played. It is absolutely fantastic game. The number of levels and choice available are really impressive. Its worth to give a try and experience the thrilling game. I would certainly recommend this game to others. Although the tutorials is not up to the mark, it is OK !!. The best part is that you have multiple levels and choices and will experience a different ending depending upon the choices you made before. Good Job Guys !!
by Praveent on Sep 29, 2007
Vesatility is the magnet
I've played this game several times, and there is just no beating it (except actually beating it). Nothing else compares to the variety available. You can make the lead character any type of personality, the cold blooded killer, the fair hardcase who just might kill you, a ninja style guy who is rarely seen, etc, etc. That, along with the (i think its 5) different endings available, and different ways of accomplishing a task, PLUS pretty fair amount of roaming for just fun stuff to do, steal, or see, AND the detail given in the plot (there are REAL national and international conspiracy theories and REAL secret societies involved, plus you accumulate information that describes REAL events and theories in detail)makes this game one that should be on the top 5 list of games for all time.
by Tunesha Keeton on Jul 21, 2007
Deus Ex Game review
Deus Ex Is defiinitley in my top ten games of all time it rocks. First of all it provides you with the choice of what secondary weapon you start off with as well as in game cheats. Sound:5 The Sound was excellent. Graphics:3.5 The graphics were okay, but could use a bit of touching up here and there. Gameplay:5 The gameplay was excellent and couldn't have got any better. Difficulty:4 The difficulty was okay due to the choosing of it by the player but even the first laevel on easy was quite challenging. Overall:4.5 Most of it was okay but things could have improved. For example even a head shot is only 50% positive to kill and the tutorial/training was a bit shabby. I would recommend this for teens. Trivia: -Deus Ex has been voted game of the year. -it has been considered the brother to half life 2
by el mepo(Scott Gardner) on Jul 12, 2007
a classic
Not to be missed, as it says a classic game can be played by children 8+ and adults. It is also worth playing again from scratch and chose a different path.
by Pete on Mar 23, 2007