Deus Ex: Invisible War Preview

I still cannot pronounce Deus Ex correctly, but that does not really matter. The first game was a huge hit three years ago when it was released; due largely to the ability to tackle each level in the fashion you thought would work best. People who craved the old run and gun approach could go in, balls to the wall and guns blazing. On the other hand, players could move from shadow to shadow, using stealth as they tried to accomplish their objectives. A wide variety of weapons and equipment were available to help you along the way but the most compelling customization was the fact that you were able to upgrade yourself by using Biomods. The story had different factions that were at odds with each other, each trying to lure you to their side. This created situations that forced you to make choices that would follow you through the end of the game. The groups and their motivations added a level of intrigue and mystery to the story.

Eidos shipped us the latest build of Dues Ex: Invisible War (DX: IW) and we have been putting it though the paces. This time around, game allows you to choose the sex of the hero you will control. After choosing our Hero and customizing the interface color, a rendered movie begins and gives us a glimpse into the current situation. Fifteen years have passed since the end of the original game. You are a trainee of an organization called Tarsus. As you check out the new training facility, you will encounter other trainees and staff members who give you more background information on the story and will get you familiar with controls and how to use the items you will find throughout the game. Soon a catastrophic series of events occurs that requires you to get the hell out of Dodge if you want to stay alive. After escaping the facility, you are soon contacted by the various political factions that would love a young, naïve, Biomoded super hero to further their plans. This is where the real fun starts.

Each faction has different political ideologies and requests dramatically different resolutions to the situations you encounter. This makes for incredibly engaging game play as while you are trying to decide which weapons you want to use, which Biomods you wish to install to fit your style of play, you must also decide which faction best suits your character's moral and political views. As in any good mystery, factions usually never give you the whole story when they are trying to recruit you. As the game progresses, you begin to uncover more of the true motivations of the people you are working for. Expect many twists, turns and surprises.

Graphically, the lighting effects make for very tense game play as you move from shadow to shadow to get the drop on a passing guard. Or, as you move through a vent shaft and the light ripples through the blades of a slowly rotating fan. As I played, I got goose bumps and could not help drawing parallels to the Thief series or System Shock II. Not bad company to be grouped with. Obviously, the stealth I employed and guards' reaction to noises or opening doors reminded me of Thief. The way I was able to customize my character using Biomods so I could increase my speed, mask my passage to security bots or cameras, and customize my weapons reminded me of System Shock II. Each mission in the game can be accomplished by stealth, combat, or bribery. Don't have enough cash to get the building entry codes from the janitor? Hack the security system and shut down the cameras so you can enter through the sky light undetected. You don't have the hacking skills to access the computer system? Then lob a grenade at the door when the guard is passing by, blowing both wide open. Messy sure, but it gets the job done and has that satisfying *crunch*. (Yeah, um, crunch... - 2Lions) Audio is another area DX: IW reminds me of System Shock II and Thief. Audio clues let you know when security bots are hovering near by or when guards are coming. In addition, all in game dialog is voiced in a very convincing and professional way helping to immerse you in the story.

In the past couple of months, we had a chance to play a lot of good and not-so-good shooters. Sadly, most of them were very linear, even though that doesn't necessarily mean they weren't fun. Deus Ex has a chance to break this streak. When you look at the number of combinations of weapon, Biomods and faction allegiances, Deus Ex: Invisible War promises plenty of fun and replay value when it ships the first week of December.