Deus Ex

 PC
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 1559 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,419 out of 1559
  2. Mixed: 76 out of 1559
  3. Negative: 64 out of 1559
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  1. Stanko
    May 19, 2011
    10
    Deus Ex is the best PC game of all time. It perfectly blends shooting and stealth elements with RPG mechanics. Its multi-path level design still remains unsurpassed by any other game. All time classic. 10/10
  2. Matseb2611
    May 17, 2011
    10
    Despite being over 10 years old, Deus Ex is still one of the best games around in my opinion. It has everything a video game should have. The story itself already makes it very interesting and captivating. The environments are beautiful and atmospheric, the music is fantastic, the characters are very deep and well-developed. The gameplay is very varied, giving plenty of room for replaying.Despite being over 10 years old, Deus Ex is still one of the best games around in my opinion. It has everything a video game should have. The story itself already makes it very interesting and captivating. The environments are beautiful and atmospheric, the music is fantastic, the characters are very deep and well-developed. The gameplay is very varied, giving plenty of room for replaying. Together with the PS2 version of this game I have completed it over 10 times and I still keep coming back to it. Not only is the game varied in terms of weapons and skills chosen by the player, but also by the storyline choices made, for each choice bears consequences. If you have not saved a major character, he will not appear later on in the game, or even something you've done earlier in the game will cause a certain character to say something entirely different to you much later on, or some characters to like you more and some less. Deus Ex gameplay consists of multiple ways of solving the same problems, meaning that each time you play it you discover a new secret entrance or an area. It's very unlikely that you'll explore the entire game on the first playthrough (or even the first half a dozen playthroughs). And finally the game also has three different endings, posing a moral dilemma to the player of making the best choice. Deus Ex is a revolutionary game and should appeal to many gamers.… Expand
  3. smiffy
    May 12, 2011
    9
    One of the best and arguably most important games for the PC. Great story and gameplay that lets you choose either with stealth or brute force to complete missions. Only problems I have with it is it's ropey graphics (even at the time) and the weapons feel limp and lifeless. This is the template for so many of today's games.

    Dragon's Tooth Sword FTW!
  4. notverycreative
    Mar 18, 2011
    10
    This game is excellent, simply put. Sure, it's really hard, but all games of the time were. When you got a game then, it was all about the single player. If it were short and easy, like most current games are, then it wouldn't have much substance and wouldn't be much fun. The controls take literally a minute to change to modern FPS controls, so you can't really complain about them. UnlikeThis game is excellent, simply put. Sure, it's really hard, but all games of the time were. When you got a game then, it was all about the single player. If it were short and easy, like most current games are, then it wouldn't have much substance and wouldn't be much fun. The controls take literally a minute to change to modern FPS controls, so you can't really complain about them. Unlike many current games, it actually has a decent story and good atmosphere. The game has aged surprisingly well over eleven years. To get an idea of what I mean, go back and play the original Half-Life. Amazing game, but looks so bad it's almost impossible to play. The RPG elements are implemented really well, and any level-ups make an immediate difference in the game. While the inventory system is kind of a pain, it's realistic and works well. There's a reason this game is often hailed as the best PC game of all time: it's excellent. If you don't like it, you don't know a good game when you play it!… Expand
  5. tar73
    Feb 20, 2011
    10
    The best game I have ever played. It got a great story, wonderful gameplay with multiple path choices and a lot of rpg elements from exploration xp to a great skill system. I have played it at least 4 times and today no game I have played or know about is even close in the enjoyment this game have given me.
  6. Pelu
    Jan 6, 2011
    9
    One of the best games I've played. Too much of action and long levels in the end part, but I guess you can run through it with the correct augmentations, so that isn't necessarily a problem. What I liked most was the plot and the illusory freedom of choice.
  7. barry2680
    Dec 26, 2010
    4
    For its time it must have been a good game, compared to games we have now its laughable, horrible graphics, chunky gameplay, characters that look like wooden puppets. Nostalgia really has pulled the wool over many peoples' eyes. Though i wouldn't call it a bad game it is merely outdated, it was a major step forward for FPSs but if you try to hold it against modern titles it falls toFor its time it must have been a good game, compared to games we have now its laughable, horrible graphics, chunky gameplay, characters that look like wooden puppets. Nostalgia really has pulled the wool over many peoples' eyes. Though i wouldn't call it a bad game it is merely outdated, it was a major step forward for FPSs but if you try to hold it against modern titles it falls to pieces. Just take peoples word it was a good game for its time but don't believe this "best game ever" hype, games have drastically improved over time. But i'll give you it has a great story and many (for its time) revolutionary features, but most FPSs have these as a staple benchmark.… Expand
  8. JasperDonoven
    Dec 21, 2010
    3
    This game is like so overrated. Played the 1st mission and already didn't like it. its like playing an upgraded version of doom 1. The ai was horrible, the controls was all over the keyboard. Horrible mix of RPG keyboard layout & fps genre. The inventory is too small to hold much items. Gotta agree with AnonymousMC that maybe someone paid people to write those good review because its likeThis game is like so overrated. Played the 1st mission and already didn't like it. its like playing an upgraded version of doom 1. The ai was horrible, the controls was all over the keyboard. Horrible mix of RPG keyboard layout & fps genre. The inventory is too small to hold much items. Gotta agree with AnonymousMC that maybe someone paid people to write those good review because its like so much different when playing it. I really suggest that you try a demo or something 1st if you still want to trust all those good & maybe fake review?… Expand
  9. parallaxed
    Dec 20, 2010
    10
    It's conceivable that they could just remake this game everytime the graphics industry moves up a notch. I'd still replay from start to finish and probably find a piece of conversation or alternative mission strategy that hasn't cropped up the last 20 times.

    Best. Game. Ever. Hardcore and badass throughout. Nothing has compared since.
  10. Unstoppable
    Nov 25, 2010
    10
    If you have been searching for a game that is truly revolutionary and changed the gaming industry as we know it then search no more. Deus Ex short for "Deus Ex Machina" meaning from Latin for "god out of the machine, in itself is a masterpiece. Do not let the old school graphics deter you from experiencing a game that can potentially change your life and how you see the world for ever.If you have been searching for a game that is truly revolutionary and changed the gaming industry as we know it then search no more. Deus Ex short for "Deus Ex Machina" meaning from Latin for "god out of the machine, in itself is a masterpiece. Do not let the old school graphics deter you from experiencing a game that can potentially change your life and how you see the world for ever.

    Journey through the New York streets, Hong Kong, Paris, and so much more. Determine how you want to solve complex social situations and missions, earn experience for actually exploring and completing things in different ways. Meet interesting characters and decide what kind of person you want to become.

    I won't spoil the plot for you but just know that the game lets you decide how you want to play. Do you want to be a master hacker while also shooting people from 100 yards away? How about taking a low tech approach with non lethal weapons while breaking with masterful lockpick skills? If you want to go in gun blazing with flame throwers and rocket launchers then go ahead. Truly however you decide to experience the game is up to you. The plot is deep and rich filled with conspiracies and will open your eyes and make you question the society we live in today. I dare say this game even has some prophecies tied to it. Just look at the world today and compare it to the game which cam eout in 2000 but is set in the time period 2052. Why are you even reading this? If you got this far it's time to play the game. Download it directly from your favorite online retailer. This is a must play game for anyone who likes videogames.    … Expand
  11. Tubie
    Oct 23, 2010
    9
    An experience in RPGs you can never forget. This game probably inspired most of the modern open ended RPGs. We can all thank this game for the great games of our generation.
  12. dwbmb
    Oct 16, 2010
    9
    I have spent many hours, days and weeks playing this. Excellent storyline and atmosphere, many ways how to play it - with a rocket launcher or hidden in shadows, just how you like it.
  13. JohnH
    Apr 21, 2010
    10
    Easily the single best FPS/RPG/Adventure hybrid, this game set the standard for next-generation RPGs a decade ago (a standard which, sadly, few have approached since). With gameplay mechanics that found the magic balance between player skill and character attributes, intricate-yet-accessible character customization (skills, augmentations, weapon customization, limited inventory forcing Easily the single best FPS/RPG/Adventure hybrid, this game set the standard for next-generation RPGs a decade ago (a standard which, sadly, few have approached since). With gameplay mechanics that found the magic balance between player skill and character attributes, intricate-yet-accessible character customization (skills, augmentations, weapon customization, limited inventory forcing you to choose equipment suited to your play style), and a strong multi-linear (generally linear plot with multiple routes from start to 3 similar-but-narratively-distinct endings) story that invokes some of the most popular global conspiracy theories of the post-cold-war West, Deus Ex adapted the RPG genre to the FPS interactivity model in a way fans of both genres can appreciate (particularly impressive with respect to RPG fans). The graphics and audio (short loops for ambient sound, rudimentary environmental audio, short soundtrack) are dated, though well-implemented, and the AI scripting is more-or-less the 3-D version of Space Invaders AI (all guns blazing and weave as you CHARGE!), but even today the game is fun and engaging. In fact, despite having played through the story a dozen times or so, I'd gladly shell out another $50 for the same plot and mechanics on a contemporary rendering engine with slightly tweaked AI scripting; I've always wondered why the sequel(s? I haven't checked-up on DX3 recently) decided to mess with a winning formula when they could have kept all of the mechanics and simply made new stories on next-gen engines. Anyway, I can't recommend this highly enough.… Expand
  14. ShadowProxy
    Apr 3, 2010
    10
    One of the games that turned me into a life time gamer. Everything in Deus Ex just clicks. The story, atmosphere, characters and game play are all woven into each other so well that despite its shortcomings you will get sucked into its world and feel like you are Alex Denton. Even over a decade later with all the enhancements video games have made Deus Ex stands the test of time. A true One of the games that turned me into a life time gamer. Everything in Deus Ex just clicks. The story, atmosphere, characters and game play are all woven into each other so well that despite its shortcomings you will get sucked into its world and feel like you are Alex Denton. Even over a decade later with all the enhancements video games have made Deus Ex stands the test of time. A true masterpiece in video game design.… Expand
  15. AA
    Mar 5, 2010
    10
    How do you rate a game based on how good it actually is? Replace the graphics with poor graphics and see how well it plays. In this case, Deus Ex plays excellently, and I'm not just talking about the shooting, the sneaking, the RPG, I'm also talking about the storyline. It motivates you to continue further into the game, so when you are playing it, you want to run through it How do you rate a game based on how good it actually is? Replace the graphics with poor graphics and see how well it plays. In this case, Deus Ex plays excellently, and I'm not just talking about the shooting, the sneaking, the RPG, I'm also talking about the storyline. It motivates you to continue further into the game, so when you are playing it, you want to run through it like a bullet, and when you are not playing it, you crave it like cigarettes. There are usually at least 2 ways ( most of the time 3 ways) to approach a problem, adding diversity. There are so many professions you can have, and this game works on the skill tree system so you can make hybrid classes and stuff. Sneaking around without anyone noticing you definitely takes brain work, like figuring out a puzzle and setting up the plan. Of course, you could just go heavy weapons, as this game lets you choose. The plot, most of all, was fantastic and intelligent. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!! Oh yeah, Cincinnati Enquirer ever heard of a SAVE BUTTON?!!! And GameSpot, GRAPHICS ARE'NT EVERYTHING YOU KNOW!… Expand
  16. MkeJ
    Jan 23, 2010
    10
    Easily one of, if not "the", greatest PC games ever made. The gold of this game is the plot line. The graphics are dated as of now (2010), but the story line is unparalleled. No other game has come remotely close to having as compelling a plot as Deus Ex. This game is on a very short list of games that must be played if you consider yourself a serious gamer.
  17. JoshC
    Jan 16, 2010
    10
    This game is as good as a fps game can get in storyline and complex gameplay. I had this game since it came out, and I played through Deus Ex like 25 times? And yet, no matter how many times I play through this game, I always find something new all the time. This game was a revolutionary piece when it came out, but yet not much praise? It truly deserves so much more. Also playing through This game is as good as a fps game can get in storyline and complex gameplay. I had this game since it came out, and I played through Deus Ex like 25 times? And yet, no matter how many times I play through this game, I always find something new all the time. This game was a revolutionary piece when it came out, but yet not much praise? It truly deserves so much more. Also playing through the storyline, Deus Ex reacts to every decision you make in gameplay. And you come across major plot twists and for every choice you make, there comes a consequence. Deus Ex is a phenomenal game, I can't think a game with a better storyline than this game, its truly a epic experience. I still get goosebumps everytime I play this game. Best game of all time, truly. And I hope they don't mess up Deus Ex 3. Oh please:(… Expand
  18. KevinS
    Dec 31, 2009
    10
    i like that last 75 review... i think somebody doesnt understand the concept of saving your game. in fact, real time saving (as in, being able to resume your game EXACTLY where you left off) is one of my favorite features a game can have, because you DON'T have to wait through the plot again. The storyline and gameplay should have easily set the standard for all new games, but sadly i like that last 75 review... i think somebody doesnt understand the concept of saving your game. in fact, real time saving (as in, being able to resume your game EXACTLY where you left off) is one of my favorite features a game can have, because you DON'T have to wait through the plot again. The storyline and gameplay should have easily set the standard for all new games, but sadly it hasn't… Expand
  19. JosephM
    Dec 29, 2009
    10
    A simply amazing example of what a action/fps/rpg should be like. While the graphics are extremely dated by today's standards, the story and gameplay are still great. In my opinion, Deus Ex is in the top 10 RPGs of all time. Really is sad that they dumbed the sequel's gameplay mechanics down.
  20. AdamF
    Dec 18, 2009
    10
    Favorite game of all time. Above any other game I have ever played. It has been on my hdd for almost a decade. Most games never get a second look after the first play through. I will be playing it for a long to come. I even have the original box signed by the devs. Amazing.
  21. UbayO
    Nov 6, 2009
    10
    What more can be said? Just that I'm reinstalling it again. Let's hope that we can get an appropriate sequel to this game. It haven't appeared yet...
  22. MikeC
    Oct 24, 2009
    10
    Nearly ten years after its initial release, Deus Ex is still the greatest PC game of all time. No other game gives you the power to approach every situation in whichever way you choose. The story provides a frightening view of what our world could become if we continue to allow ever greater consolidation of power and money. As for interaction, you can be an alpha dog superhero in every Nearly ten years after its initial release, Deus Ex is still the greatest PC game of all time. No other game gives you the power to approach every situation in whichever way you choose. The story provides a frightening view of what our world could become if we continue to allow ever greater consolidation of power and money. As for interaction, you can be an alpha dog superhero in every enemy encounter, or you can choose to think out your missions to avoid needless blood spillage. You can alter your body in ways that actually impact your gameplay experience. All this means that your decisions are more than just a novelty. They matter, and all of this will happen as you are unfolding a mystery that will leave you trusting no one. Please don't miss this experience!… Expand
  23. StevenH
    Sep 24, 2009
    9
    I don't think I've played another RPG completely through as many times as I have Deus Ex (although Mass Effect must surely be in a close second if not overtaking it). The most remarkable thing about this game is that it actually had a fairly strong story for 2000; a story you wouldn't have to be embarrassed of. The detailed and thoughtful story legitimized the game as art I don't think I've played another RPG completely through as many times as I have Deus Ex (although Mass Effect must surely be in a close second if not overtaking it). The most remarkable thing about this game is that it actually had a fairly strong story for 2000; a story you wouldn't have to be embarrassed of. The detailed and thoughtful story legitimized the game as art rather than just a product. Insightful and surprisingly relevant story elements make up the majority of the story. Gameplay is also fairly interesting, although dragging a bit in areas. This usually depends on the mood of the level designers in each area - most levels are very streamlined and flow well with multiple approaches and solutions, although some can be sparse and amateurish, clashing with the semi-espionage gameplay. Music is mostly electronic - appropriate for the game, and occasionally catchy. Most people that remember this game well will recall the music when entering the Wan Chai market in Hong Kong, or the subtle beeping of the UNATCO HQ theme. The game was an appropriate length for its time, but would probably be considered short today, lasting between 10 and 25 hours depending on your involvement in the game, strategy, and your ability to overcome the objectives. There are a few problems with the game, however. Graphics were not that great, even for its time, but the economy of the art is such that the graphics engine's limited resources aren't wasted much. Level geometry tends to be fairly blocky even compared to Unreal Tournament, and especially compared to Quake 3 Arena. Although this could be tweaked if you were familiar with the Unreal engine, it was also difficult getting the game to play in resolutions much higher than 1024 x 768 or in colors higher than 16 bpp. Some of the voice acting is truly pathetic, which I must admit freely despite being an avid fan. The faux-French and Chinese accents are some of the most poorly stereotyped and absurd things I have heard out of a serious video game. Other voices are okay but JC's and Walton Simons' voices have the emotive range of a 2x4. The game didn't ship with multiplayer and it was tacked on in a later patch. Some enjoyed it, but I believe the general consensus was that it was completely awful and the game didn't lend itself to adversarial multiplayer at all. There are some ponderous gameplay elements as well, such as the concept of lock picks and electronic security hacking tools being disposable and expendable. Skill advancement is also based on exploration and objective completion rather than usage, meaning you could swim around in a sunken freighter somewhere and suddenly be an expert sniper (!?), which I thought was strange. A common dispute about the game's story among my friends is whether or not the augmentations that JC picks up are plausible or not. As a helium atom (an incredibly tiny element) is one angstrom across, and the machines described in the game are in the range of nanometers, they could only be a few thousand atoms across, tops, if the packing efficiency of the atoms and their clouds was 100%. Normally the game is more science than fiction - in fact, my bringing this up should tell you the level of expertise you would need before having to suspend disbelief - but this element of the story is somewhat clumsy. Overall, Deus Ex is probably one of the games closest to being "art" that I've played in the past 10 years. People who entered the market since then really missed something by not playing this game. Many will act like Bioshock has a masterful story even though it's essentially Doom but underwater and with dialogue (or more like monologue). If you have not played Deus Ex, then you have missed a very large portion of PC gaming and its history, perhaps equal with not playing Doom, Quake, the blockbuster Blizzard and Valve games, Wing Commander, etc.… Expand
  24. LaurenceM
    Aug 14, 2009
    10
    You can't call it an FPS, you can't call it an RPG, you can't call it a Sim. But it combines the absolute best features of all those genres into a single, amazing piece of gaming history. I fell in love with this game 9 years ago when it first came out, and absolutely nothing since has been close. Sure, graphics technology has gotten much better, but this game is so You can't call it an FPS, you can't call it an RPG, you can't call it a Sim. But it combines the absolute best features of all those genres into a single, amazing piece of gaming history. I fell in love with this game 9 years ago when it first came out, and absolutely nothing since has been close. Sure, graphics technology has gotten much better, but this game is so immersive due to its incredible story-line and gameplay, that the graphics simply don't matter. The sequel was no where near as good -- I'm hoping that the game developers learned their lesson from that, and will make DX3 as amazing as DX was. But they have some VERY big shoes to fill. DX was the absolute best game of all time! If you've never played it, go grab it on Steam for $10 -- it's SO worth your time. You will see that this game is the best PC game ever released, despite the graphics technology that is 9 years old now.… Expand
  25. ChristianS
    Jun 22, 2009
    10
    Deus Ex is the absolutely best game i have ever played! It is right that its in the beginning harder then later but dont give up it gives you a very good Story, Gameplay, great Atmosphere and so on ;) Deus Ex is not an Action-Game, but a very good rpg-shooter.
  26. SonOfA
    Apr 21, 2009
    10
    One of the best games I have ever played and a game I have judged all other games to since. No game has ever had me so engrossed and engaged as this one. Amazing and captivating story line and so many different ways to get to your destination or finish off you enemies depending on items, weapons, or ammunition. The graphics are very dated by todays standards but it is the story line that One of the best games I have ever played and a game I have judged all other games to since. No game has ever had me so engrossed and engaged as this one. Amazing and captivating story line and so many different ways to get to your destination or finish off you enemies depending on items, weapons, or ammunition. The graphics are very dated by todays standards but it is the story line that will get you. This was one of the first video games I got for my Mac about 10 years ago and I am itching to play it again on Steam...so so tempting!!… Expand
  27. ShawnS
    Apr 3, 2009
    10
    This is possibly the best game I've ever tried. I like the gameplay mix of both First-Person Shooter and RPG, as it is very original. You also need to be like a master marksman, because to kick the game up a notch they decreased the accuracy of the guns a little. If you're interested in RPG/FPS games, this is the one for you.
  28. ML
    Mar 23, 2009
    10
    Hands down my favourite game of all time. While the core gameplay mechanics can seem unwieldy or slow, and the difficulty curve is askew (starting hard then getting easier) the intelligently written and challenging plot more than makes up for any shortcomings. Gaming is the future of art, and this is it's foundation.
  29. DeeJay
    Mar 4, 2009
    10
    no game yet have been this brilliant in every aspect... gameplay, storyline, atmosphere, unforgettable characters, that's what makes games - games, not graphic. with only few to stand up to this standard (systemshock2 and fallout series maybe) i honestly doubt that one will ever get close to dx, regarding the money making politics in gaming industry today. who knows, maybe dx3 can no game yet have been this brilliant in every aspect... gameplay, storyline, atmosphere, unforgettable characters, that's what makes games - games, not graphic. with only few to stand up to this standard (systemshock2 and fallout series maybe) i honestly doubt that one will ever get close to dx, regarding the money making politics in gaming industry today. who knows, maybe dx3 can set a new standards in gaming, like dx did in it's time... but i think that's a challenge that can't be acomplished. playing nowdays games, seems to me that there's no creativity and enthusiasm anymore.… Expand
  30. S.Woodman
    Jan 29, 2009
    10
    I agree with Jared J. that the game is over-ratted - there are too damn many rats! every other trashcan or garbage bag, when broken open, has at least one rat inside. Is the NYC of the future really so badly infested? Seriously though, this game is immensely awesome. I bought it when it came out, and was too little (11) to get past even the stealth part of the training exercise, much less I agree with Jared J. that the game is over-ratted - there are too damn many rats! every other trashcan or garbage bag, when broken open, has at least one rat inside. Is the NYC of the future really so badly infested? Seriously though, this game is immensely awesome. I bought it when it came out, and was too little (11) to get past even the stealth part of the training exercise, much less the first level. I've come back to it after all these years, though, and I am absolutely drowning in awesome. The graphics hold up pretty damn well for a game its age.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best PC Game of 2000
2
#2 Most Discussed PC Game of 2000
4
#4 Most Shared PC Game of 2000

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Eurogamer
    100
    Moody and atmospheric, compelling and addictive, this is first person gaming in grown-up form, and it truly is magnificent.
    Read full review
  2. CNET Gamecenter
    80
    Oftentimes brilliant, sometimes frustrating, and always riveting, "Deus Ex" could be game-of-the-year material if not for its many glaring flaws.
  3. Game Revolution
    91
    It is, as a game, everything you could ask for... and it's absolutely a blast to play.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »