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Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

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Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#12

Like most people today, I attempted to get into the game a few dozen times until I finally was able to get past the first level "my own way" that didn't rely on the really finicky stealth mechanics (specifically using a GEP gun to destroy the robot, then walking through the front door). The rest of the game is an absolute marvel of design. Even for a modern game the level design and depth of the story is remarkable.…

I played it so many times around 2000...

Fun fact about stealth mechanic rewards in the original: they don't vanish if you did the offensive approach! You could get the most xp by first killing everyone and then run around through tunnels and obstacles to get the other half of the xp

I remember the escape from his brothers apartment in hells kitchen especially fondly because of that. First you slaughter everyone so your bro is safe for offensive reward, then you run through the level for the discovery rewards such as enabling the turret which shots the now non-existing enemies (the brother dies if you don't block him by standing in the way so risky to do earlier) and finally escape through the window. 3 routes and you get all the xp :)

Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#13

> ‘You can make any game you want, you can take as long as you want, and money’s not an issue’. > ‘Just run the studio, we’ll pay the bills and keep you isolated from anything that’s happening up here in Dallas’. I don't think this can happen today and I also believe this is the reason we don't see anything close to the original Deus Ex.

Anything close in what regards? There are amazing games coming out all the time.

Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#14
I remember, as a 13 year old with newly acquired PC, spending most of my summer playing this game into the early hours of the morning. The conspiratorial story branches and gameplay were so compelling to me at the time, I didn't feel the need to do anything else. No friends, no outdoor time, just Deus Ex- No regrets either.

Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#15
post #2

I really hope they will make a remake of the originals. I loved Deus Ex: Human Revolution when it was out, but it’s a challenges to enjoy older games most of the time.

Have you tried the older games? Maybe I'm biased since I played them when they were new but I believe they're still very much playable.

There are overhaul mods like GMDX, New Vision and Deus Ex: Revision (which I'd rank from best to worst in that order) that are meant to make it a bit nicer too.

Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#16
post #2

I really hope they will make a remake of the originals. I loved Deus Ex: Human Revolution when it was out, but it’s a challenges to enjoy older games most of the time.

What's the oldest viable game to you, now?

I just played the first Mass Effect for the first time, and was really impressed by how well it had aged for a game from 2007.

I replayed the first Bioshock (also from 2007) not long ago, too, and it, too, holds up IMO.

Could we get further back than 2007?

Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#17
I have to mention Ross' Youtube channel Accursed Farms' review [0] [1] [2] of Deus Ex. I would highly recommended watching them:

"I came for a game review and left with a better understanding of the economy and politics. Ross you blow my mind"

[0] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxOKEsBx4NU

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPwpLDvAnvo

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYLEuQrvND0

Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#18

Like most people today, I attempted to get into the game a few dozen times until I finally was able to get past the first level "my own way" that didn't rely on the really finicky stealth mechanics (specifically using a GEP gun to destroy the robot, then walking through the front door). The rest of the game is an absolute marvel of design. Even for a modern game the level design and depth of the story is remarkable.…

> really finicky Is it finicky? The stealth system is very basic and based on line-of-sight and sound (for human enemies). As long as you aren't running, it's actually incredibly trivial to stealth through levels without being seen. Even the bots aren't really a problem, since they have static patrol paths and limited line of sight.

Its really that I'm just more used to modern stealth mechanics that handhold the player more. It's not my style of play in general.

Re: Deus Ex at 20: The oral history of a pivotal PC game

#20
post #9

Like most people today, I attempted to get into the game a few dozen times until I finally was able to get past the first level "my own way" that didn't rely on the really finicky stealth mechanics (specifically using a GEP gun to destroy the robot, then walking through the front door). The rest of the game is an absolute marvel of design. Even for a modern game the level design and depth of the story is remarkable.…

I think it wasn’t until my sixth or seventh play through that I finally felt like I’d found everything in that game. There’s just so much in it, and it’s content to let you miss most of it if you want. IIRC there are a three or so main routes through that first level (in the front, through the tunnel, climb the side), plus a couple optional side-areas.

It was this conversation [0] that convinced me the game was something special (albeit poorly aged today!)

Also in Hong Kong (and a spoiler) was this way of completing an objective that I didn't realize was possible until I saw it on YouTube [1].

[0]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKF0IYwhrjk

[1]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT7sjoH8Sqc

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