Deus Ex: Invisible War Demo

Developing a sequel to one of the most critically acclaimed video games of all times is no easy task, especially when it comes to the pressure that’s inevitable going to crush the game when it comes out. However, one might think that just by keeping everything as it was and changing the story along with the graphics engine might be enough, but innovation is always difficult to resist, especially when it comes to Deus Ex, which is all about innovation and science fiction.

Dues Ex: Invisible War talks about a future beyond the events from the first episode, a future in which a great depression throws the world into chaos and terrorism seems to be the only alternative. However, body augmentation and nanotechnology are still an important part of everyone’s life, especially since they transform humans into much more efficient creatures, capable of great things.

The story talks about a man by the name of Alex D., who incidentally also happens to be the protagonist played by you. Alex is one day kidnapped from his bed and taken to a secret training facility, where he becomes a very skilled soldier, capable of operating as a high-class mercenary or even a spy. Thus, you start to get hired for various jobs, which helps you learn about a greater conspiracy going on behind the scenes.

For some reason, the gameplay is not as you might recall it from the first game, since it does not allow you as much freedom or as many options as you would like. There are some alternative routes to choose throughout the levels, but the locations are usually quite restrained and linear, which is really a pity, considering the roots of the franchise. The augmentations also seem to have lost their charm, while the weapons are almost useless sometimes, rather than dangerous and deadly.

One thing that was certainly improved is the graphics engine, since Invisible War does indeed look mighty colorful and nice, especially when compared to its predecessor. The characters are nicely modeled and the levels hold plenty of detail, but it’s a pity you do not really get a chance to appreciate them. The dialogues are voice-acted and there is a smooth soundtrack playing in the background, which is always a nice touch.

All things considered, it’s a shame that Deus Ex: Invisible War was rushed and pushed on the market so soon, when it was clearly not finished and polished. Everything about it seems to hold enormous potential, but the quick release made it almost impossible to enjoy the gameplay and the plot itself quite mundane and not very original.