Deus Ex : the PC Game

[kinnygraham]

Playing through this again just now.

It rocks, does it not ? I'm three missions in, and so far I haven't killed a soul.....most unusual for the genre

And what's more - it's fairly good source material for conspiracy / cyberpunk type role-playing shenanigans.....

[Jais]

I usually go out of my way to kill everything that moves.


In a most stealthy manner, 'course.

[reedins]

Loved it. I read someplace that the sequal is due out this summer. I'm there, baby! Yeah!

[Underdog]

Great single player game. Shame the multiplay is absolute pants.

[kinnygraham]

Re multiplayer...

Never tried it ....

If I'm looking for that kinda action - then there's Unreal Tournament or CS...

The 'Joy of DEx' is in the stealth............strictly a one-player affair.

[Leif]

Yeah, I just recently started on it for the *first* time, having missed it when it was new and just picked it up when it came out as a budget title. It's pretty damn spiffy, though it seems to provoke some sort of memory leak in my old puter (after playing for a decent while, things begin to slow down and there is much disk-swapping noise, eventually the game crashes and the only cure is to reboot the machine). Probably something wrong with a hardware driver or something, 'cause the game itself is obviously the latest patch version.

[Mikey Boy]

Originally posted by kinnygraham
Playing through this again just now.

It rocks, does it not ? I'm three missions in, and so far I haven't killed a soul.....most unusual for the genre


Hmmm, I tried that approach, but ended up having to use good old-fashioned lethal weaponry during the first level. Then again, I was pretty anal about incapacitating every bad guy I could - I could probably have just gotten away with avoiding more of them, I suppose



And what's more - it's fairly good source material for conspiracy / cyberpunk type role-playing shenanigans.....

If anything, I felt they laid it on a ltitle too thick with the conspiracy/distopian aspects. It all seemed bit too depressing at times.

It's an excellently made game, although I didn't find it quite as much fun to play as some other, less complex games. I think "impressive" is the word I would use.

Mike

[aiwendel]

I haven't played it yet.

Question to those who know: PS2 or PC version? Which should I go with?

Thanks.

[kinnygraham]

Despite your sig (!)

I'd say PC all the way.

Can't remember the review exactly - but I think the PS2 version is a lot 'simpler' = less good in my book....

[Rutherford]

Originally posted by aiwendel
I haven't played it yet.

Question to those who know: PS2 or PC version? Which should I go with?

Thanks.


PS2.

But, that's just cause the multiplayer sucks and I like to sit on my couch. Controls / gameplay works fine.

[Underdog]

Originally posted by aiwendel
I haven't played it yet.

Question to those who know: PS2 or PC version? Which should I go with?

PC version is cheaper and you get a soundtrack disc, plus mouse and keyboard control. PS2 version, like Rutherford said, lets you sit on the couch.

[Rutherford]

Originally posted by kinnygraham
'simpler' = less good in my book....

Pong?


You're right, however. The interface is very different between the two versions. But, I like the PS2's.

Keyboard vs Controller, and all that.

The maps are also a little smaller on the PS2 version and split up differently.

There are 4 FMV sequences in the PS2 version which are game-engine sequences in the PC version. But, the graphics overall are a little worse on the PS2 side because of TV screen resolution and all that.

[kinnygraham]

Can't remember the review exactly - but I think the PS2 version is a lot 'simpler' = less good in my book....

Sorry - should have clarified. By that I meant that I understood that the overall plot had been abridged.......

[aiwendel]

Originally posted by Underdog
PC version is cheaper and you get a soundtrack disc

The soundtrack is a non-trivial issue to me-- is the standard game disc the soundtrack disc? Or did it come with a separate disc? I'd choose a PC version if the soundtrack was guaranteed to be included. Otherwise, I'll go for the PS2 version in my La-Z-Boy.

[Mr Adventurer]

It is indeed a member of Spiff Hall Of Fame International. I played through it again recently (I had exams, you see), and was amazed all over again. And yes, it is really good source material.

[Underdog]

Originally posted by aiwendel
The soundtrack is a non-trivial issue to me-- is the standard game disc the soundtrack disc? Or did it come with a separate disc? I'd choose a PC version if the soundtrack was guaranteed to be included. Otherwise, I'll go for the PS2 version in my La-Z-Boy.

If you pick up the Game of the Year Edition, which is what I was basing the price on, the soundtrack is a seperate disc. It's also really, really good.

[Taerkar]

The GOTY edition is the only one out now, really. And it retails for $9.99-$19.99, depending on the store.

It contains the latest (I think) version of the game, along with a seperate audio CD that has the most popular musical tracks on it (UNATCO HQ, NY harbor, Hong Kong, to name a few)

On the first mission, I knocked out all of the 'Terrrorist/freedom fighter guys) and killed all of the regular mercenaries. That way you get good reactions both from the supply guy and from the borgs.

[Jason Panella]

Deus Ex was one of the best game experiences I've ever had. And I've had a LOT.

One little spoiler tip....


















In the 'Ton Hotel, avoid travelling into and out of it via window. Going through the entrance can...uh....how should I put this...save a certain important NPC.

[Paradoxish]

I lost my Deus Ex disc recently and haven't been able to find it anywhere. Very very depressing. :(

[Hurtfulpotato]

Originally posted by WordsAmpersand
Deus Ex was one of the best game experiences I've ever had. And I've had a LOT.

One little spoiler tip....


















In the 'Ton Hotel, avoid travelling into and out of it via window. Going through the entrance can...uh....how should I put this...save a certain important NPC.

ELABORATION ON QUASI-SPOILER
You want to avoid wasting valuable resources while using the door? Plant a LAM or two in the hallway. The trick works just as well, with careful placement, in the graveyard.

[Sentinel]

Originally posted by reedins
Loved it. I read someplace that the sequal is due out this summer. I'm there, baby! Yeah!

Indeed

http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/26447/

Out in Juli, for all i know.


I played the first few levels also without killing anyone, but later it`s just impossible.

With dozens of guards, you eventually have to us the pump-gun or rifle.


But i could play Thief I + II play without killing anyone, thats much more fun.

[RedFox]

Originally posted by Sentinel
But i could play Thief I + II play without killing anyone, thats much more fun.

I disagree. I loved beaning guards over the head with a blackjack, then hauling them away quietly to a well and dumping them.

It's fun to listen to them drown.

[Jason Panella]

Originally posted by hurtfulpotato
ELABORATION ON QUASI-SPOILER
You want to avoid wasting valuable resources while using the door? Plant a LAM or two in the hallway. The trick works just as well, with careful placement, in the graveyard.

Absolutely. It's amazing, too, that the game is totally different every time I play it.

[Sentinel]

Originally posted by RedFox
I disagree. I loved beaning guards over the head with a blackjack, then hauling them away quietly to a well and dumping them.

It's fun to listen to them drown.

Now thats...well...a bit rude, don`t you think?

Do you also kick little cats and kill puppies?

[RedFox]

Originally posted by Sentinel
Now thats...well...a bit rude, don`t you think?

Do you also kick little cats and kill puppies?

I cross the street to kick puppies, man. I don't mess with cats, they're vengeful fuckers.

[Jason Panella]

Originally posted by Sentinel
Now thats...well...a bit rude, don`t you think?

Do you also kick little cats and kill puppies?

Well, I HOPE YOU KNOW, Mr. Smartypants, that I've even hit ancient tapestries with my sword in Thief. I'm a mean guy.

[Dr. Thirteen]

Originally posted by Sentinel
With dozens of guards, you eventually have to us the pump-gun or rifle.

I finished Deus Ex on the PS2, on Hard, without killing anything human that couldn't be somehow knocked unconcious or avoided.

That it was stupidly hard to do, and probably took more time than any one man should spend on a video game, I'll concede.

Shooting kneecaps to soften things up for the traqs or frap stick is key.

I'm currently taking the same approach in Hitman 2. It is way tougher.

[Sentinel]

Originally posted by RedFox
I cross the street to kick puppies, man. I don't mess with cats, they're vengeful fuckers.

But they`re so kyoot.

<img src="http://vicphoto.newmail.ru/kitti/kit_02.jpg">

Awwww, look at that little fella...

[Jason Panella]

I actually felt bad when I accident trod over the cats in Deus Ex. Then they attacked me. Then I shot them.

[Professor Phobos]

I could never get into it, for some reason. The training level with the robot (never figured out how to get past the robot) and the first level I never survived.

I liked System Shock 2 enough to buy Deus Ex, but, I can safely say I failed in every respect to play Deus Ex successfully.

System Shock 2 was great, though.

[Jason Panella]

Originally posted by Professor Phobos

System Shock 2 was great, though.


One of the best games ever, in my opinion. I'm itching to play co-op with my roommate come fall. Any clue on how that is?

[kinnygraham]

System Shock was, if not the father, then certainly a close relation of Deus Ex...

Probably the most atmospheric game I've ever played - genuinely creepy.

Never knew it had a co-op mode though..........

Thinking of re-playing the Thief games as well in preparation for the third...

Deus Ex 2, Thief III, Half Life 2 - much meaty gaming goodness coming along......... :D

[Taerkar]

Originally posted by Dr. Thirteen
I finished Deus Ex on the PS2, on Hard, without killing anything human that couldn't be somehow knocked unconcious or avoided.

That it was stupidly hard to do, and probably took more time than any one man should spend on a video game, I'll concede.

Shooting kneecaps to soften things up for the traqs or frap stick is key.

I'm currently taking the same approach in Hitman 2. It is way tougher.

I killed everyone that deserved it, tranqed everyone that didn't.

Normal UNATCO guys? Tranq.

MJ12? Bullet to the head.

NSF guys? Tranq.

MIB (with few exceptions)? LAW


Fun thing, the tranqs are GREAT against the 'bosses' since you just tranq them and run. They'll eventually 'die'.

[Mr Adventurer]

Originally posted by Taerkar
Fun thing, the tranqs are GREAT against the 'bosses' since you just tranq them and run. They'll eventually 'die'.

Not quite, AFAIK it does a certain amount of damage (albeit a lot), but does run out eventually. Otherwise you'd be fucked when you got hit by one. I found the MJ12 commandos took about 4 or 5 to take down. But yes, they are great.

[kinnygraham]

Is it essential that you DO NOT enter or leave by the window in order to save Paul ?

Playing this just now - have entered by the window, and have made my way out - past at least three MIBs and scores of UNATCO troops - but are my efforts doomed ?

[JamesCat]

I'm pretty certain you only have to *leave* by the front entrance.

What are people's favourite weapons? Personally, I've always found a combination of the sniper rifle and the rocket launcher solve all of life's little problems.

J.

[Korimyr the Rat]

You can save Paul!?!

Goddamn, I've got to start over now.

[Vitriol]

I'm pretty certain you only have to *leave* by the front entrance.

Think that's right; I used the window a couple of times and still managed to save him by leaving through the front.

What are people's favourite weapons? Personally, I've always found a combination of the sniper rifle and the rocket launcher solve all of life's little problems.

I was inordinately fond of the tranqs and the Dragon's Tooth sword.

My favorite part was (eventually) managing to save the guy on the aeroplane's life (by bodily hurling myself into the way of the gunfire) and then killing the attacker. Took a few attempts to get it right though, but I loved to see that, when I managed it, the game actually responded to my actions (as opposed to the normal choices of kill the guy/walk away and let someone else do it/let him die and kill his attacker, all of which also affect the course of the story).

[Korimyr the Rat]

Another NPC I have to try and save now.

[kinnygraham]

Originally posted by Vitriol



My favorite part was (eventually) managing to save the guy on the aeroplane's life (by bodily hurling myself into the way of the gunfire) and then killing the attacker. Took a few attempts to get it right though, but I loved to see that, when I managed it, the game actually responded to my actions (as opposed to the normal choices of kill the guy/walk away and let someone else do it/let him die and kill his attacker, all of which also affect the course of the story).

I managed this as well.....after some experimentation I found the most efficient way was to plant a LAM in the corridor for Navarre to encounter when she turns up - ruthless, but very effective. (She was the first person I killed so far - and even then it wasn't necessary....)

Of course, the story isn't completely adaptable. I've tried taking Gunther on - but he's completely impervious to damage in the early stages and simply ignores any assault on him....

[kinnygraham]

Originally posted by Vitriol
I'm pretty certain you only have to *leave* by the front entrance.

Think that's right; I used the window a couple of times and still managed to save him by leaving through the front.



I'm still confused by this - I did this last night. Paul disappears somewhere when we go down stairs (there are hordes of UNATCO troops down in the foyer so things are difficult to keep track of.....No sign of his body anywhere).

I then made my way to the subway and on to Battery Park - where I was informed by Gunther that Paul was already dead. This true ?

[delor]

I could never get into it, for some reason. The training level with the robot (never figured out how to get past the robot) and the first level I never survived.

There was at least one route in without having to go anywhere near the robot (the "look for an alternate way in" route that gets mentioned several times). Alternately, watch it's path, wait until it is away from the front door, then just run up to the front of the building and use the password or hack the panel to open the door (and convert the turret inside the building to your side). If you chose the GEP then a single shot with it should also work.

aI'm still confused by this - I did this last night. Paul disappears somewhere when we go down stairs (there are hordes of UNATCO troops down in the foyer so things are difficult to keep track of.....No sign of his body anywhere).

Are you sure you killed/incapacitated ALL of the UNATCO troops? I'm fairly certain you have to get all of them for Paul to survive.

[solabusca]

Well, it may not come as a big surprise, but ALL these games come from (in essence) the same creative team.

System Shock 1 & 2, Thief I & II - all put together by Looking Glass Studios. Due to some mismanagement, LGS fell apart, much to the dismay of their rabid fans.

Deus Ex was developed by the same team - after they got incorporated into ION Storm.

Through The Looking Glass (http://www.ttlg.com) will provide you with more information.

.j.

[Fade]

AFAIK:

After the MIBs attack you must not leave through the window. Even if Paul has already left. Incapacitating all (or any) of the troops is not required. Note that these troops are trying to capture rather than kill you, so if you take out the first wave then go down fighting in the lobby you will wake up in prison and Paul will be alive.

[Arkaengel]

Originally posted by solabusca
Well, it may not come as a big surprise, but ALL these games come from (in essence) the same creative team.

System Shock 1 & 2, Thief I & II - all put together by Looking Glass Studios. Due to some mismanagement, LGS fell apart, much to the dismay of their rabid fans.

Deus Ex was developed by the same team - after they got incorporated into ION Storm.
Further trivia: Warren Spector has done development work for the Toon RPG, and written some supplements for it.

[solabusca]

Originally posted by delor
Are you sure you killed/incapacitated ALL of the UNATCO troops? I'm fairly certain you have to get all of them for Paul to survive.

You can come in through the window and NOT lose Paul. All you have to do is not let him charge off alone. Or, if you REALLY want to be sneaky, creep around him and head for the hallway. Place a few gas mines (if you're feeling merciful) or the nastier variety along the wall leading up to his room, then go back and talk to Paul.

All you have to do is ensure that he doesn't die.

I set gas mines in the hallway and whipped/tranqued the UNATCO agents there. MIBs you can KO or snipe as you see fit, but if you KO them, you can get some gear.

UNATCO - usually I let them live (stun/baton/tranq)
MIB - Stun for gear, or kill for pyrotechnics
M12 - Kill them. Kill them with a spoon.

.j.

[PhishStyx]

Originally posted by kinnygraham
Re multiplayer...

Never tried it ....

If I'm looking for that kinda action - then there's Unreal Tournament or CS...

The 'Joy of DEx' is in the stealth............strictly a one-player affair.

Uhm, Deux Ex doesn't have a multiplayer part.

[Ninjafingers]

Originally posted by PhishStyx
Uhm, Deux Ex doesn't have a multiplayer part.

Yes it does, at least the PC version does. IIRC you had to download the multiplayer patch, but don't waste your time because it sucks donkey balls.

[Ninjafingers]

Originally posted by Leif
Yeah, I just recently started on it for the *first* time, having missed it when it was new and just picked it up when it came out as a budget title. It's pretty damn spiffy, though it seems to provoke some sort of memory leak in my old puter (after playing for a decent while, things begin to slow down and there is much disk-swapping noise, eventually the game crashes and the only cure is to reboot the machine). Probably something wrong with a hardware driver or something, 'cause the game itself is obviously the latest patch version.

Are you still having this problem? Give me your system specs and I'll see what I can come up with.

[PhishStyx]

Originally posted by Ninjafingers
Yes it does, at least the PC version does. IIRC you had to download the multiplayer patch, but don't waste your time because it sucks donkey balls.

OOooohhh, ok. Got it. :cool:

That's ok, I gave the game away a couple months ago because it kept crashing on me and reinstalling didn't help.

[solabusca]

Originally posted by Arkaengel
Further trivia: Warren Spector has done development work for the Toon RPG, and written some supplements for it.

Further FURTHER trivia. Track down a copy of Citybook 3: Deadly Nightside, by Flying Troll games (maker's of Grimtooth's Traps).

Basically, it's a collection of seamier locales for any fantasy RPG. One of the best parts is the chapter on sewers. Guess who wrote it? Warren Spector.

It's like a preview of the Thief games.

.j.

[Ninjafingers]

Originally posted by PhishStyx
OOooohhh, ok. Got it. :cool:

That's ok, I gave the game away a couple months ago because it kept crashing on me and reinstalling didn't help.

Kept crashing? What are you system specs?

[PhishStyx]

Originally posted by Ninjafingers
Kept crashing? What are you system specs?

Athlon 1500, 512 MB, ATI Radeon 8700, & Windows 98.

Yeah, I got through the whole game and went back for a 2nd try when it started crashing everytime I tried to run the game.

[Arkaengel]

Originally posted by solabusca
Further FURTHER trivia. Track down a copy of Citybook 3: Deadly Nightside, by Flying Troll games (maker's of Grimtooth's Traps).

Basically, it's a collection of seamier locales for any fantasy RPG. One of the best parts is the chapter on sewers. Guess who wrote it? Warren Spector.

<geekNitpick> Another reason to pick up the remainder of the fine Citybooks published by Flying Buffalo, who also put out Tunnels & Trolls. </geekNitpick>

Odd how much computer games benefit from the involvement of P&P game designers, isn't it? Sandy Petersen's work with iD, Spector's work throughout his career...and I'm probably missing a few.

[Leif]

Originally posted by Ninjafingers
Are you still having this problem? Give me your system specs and I'll see what I can come up with.

Alas, I'm not currently having any problems with that computer, as it is now officially dead. And I'd rather save up for a newer and more gameworthy system than spend any money on trying to fix the old one, even if it means waiting until some time next year (school is in session again anyway, so I don't really need the distraction either).

[Ninjafingers]

Originally posted by PhishStyx
Athlon 1500, 512 MB, ATI Radeon 8700, & Windows 98.

Yeah, I got through the whole game and went back for a 2nd try when it started crashing everytime I tried to run the game.

Which detonator pack you running? Believe it or not, I had a similar problem with Dungeon Siege. The older detonator pack 12.63 I think ran the game fine, but the 2800s would lock up the game. They finally fixed it with the 4000 set of drivers.

Other things to remember:
Update DirectX
Check the video drivers
Update your chipset drivers - This helped me with Medieval and Mechwarrior 4.

Have you installed any new hardware, memory, motherboard, processor, video or sound card between plays?

And when you say crash, do you mean lock up, crash to windows or what? Will the game even boot?

[PhishStyx]

Originally posted by Ninjafingers
Which detonator pack you running? Believe it or not, I had a similar problem with Dungeon Siege. The older detonator pack 12.63 I think ran the game fine, but the 2800s would lock up the game. They finally fixed it with the 4000 set of drivers.

Other things to remember:
Update DirectX
Check the video drivers
Update your chipset drivers - This helped me with Medieval and Mechwarrior 4.

Have you installed any new hardware, memory, motherboard, processor, video or sound card between plays?

And when you say crash, do you mean lock up, crash to windows or what? Will the game even boot?

It locks up. But like I said, I gave the game away (although I could get it back from the guy). Right now, I'm playing JKII: JO anyway, so I'm not hurting for game.

Actually, you know I think I had the ATI Rage 128 in when I got the Deus ex and upgraded to the Radeon later, so yes, I've got all new equipment compared to then.

[RedFox]

Originally posted by Arkaengel
<geekNitpick> Another reason to pick up the remainder of the fine Citybooks published by Flying Buffalo, who also put out Tunnels & Trolls. </geekNitpick>

Odd how much computer games benefit from the involvement of P&P game designers, isn't it? Sandy Petersen's work with iD, Spector's work throughout his career...and I'm probably missing a few.

Jess Heinig, who used to be the line developer for Mage: The Ascension, also did work on the Fallout games.

[Ninjafingers]

Originally posted by PhishStyx
It locks up. But like I said, I gave the game away (although I could get it back from the guy). Right now, I'm playing JKII: JO anyway, so I'm not hurting for game.

Actually, you know I think I had the ATI Rage 128 in when I got the Deus ex and upgraded to the Radeon later, so yes, I've got all new equipment compared to then.

JKII is one good game too, though not as deep as Deux Ex. Are you playing JKII online any?

As for DE, the video card switch could have been it then.

[PhishStyx]

Originally posted by Ninjafingers
JKII is one good game too, though not as deep as Deux Ex. Are you playing JKII online any?

As for DE, the video card switch could have been it then.

I've just started playing JKII online this week actually. I like it pretty well, but the point of "clans" completely escapes me.

I suppose the problem with DE could have been caused by the card switch, but I completely uninstalled and reinstalled the game, and the card specifically showed up on the game's list of supported cards.

I'm not complaining though; I had a lot of fun playing it the first time around. And JKII is pretty good.

When you play Jedi Knight online what do you usually play?

[Ninjafingers]

Originally posted by PhishStyx
I've just started playing JKII online this week actually. I like it pretty well, but the point of "clans" completely escapes me.

I suppose the problem with DE could have been caused by the card switch, but I completely uninstalled and reinstalled the game, and the card specifically showed up on the game's list of supported cards.

I'm not complaining though; I had a lot of fun playing it the first time around. And JKII is pretty good.

When you play Jedi Knight online what do you usually play?

I've played Free for All, Capture the Flag and Jedi Master. Mostly I play FFA simply because it's the most plentiful type of game being hosted. CTF sucks because there's very little teamwork among sides. JM is a lot of fun (that's the game where one person has the lightsaber and everyone else tries to kill him), but there's very few servers hosting this type of game.

You can usually find me lurking in one of the FFA rooms, probably a Bespin or Death Star map. I go of course by the name of Ninjafingers.

[PhishStyx]

Originally posted by Ninjafingers
I've played Free for All, Capture the Flag and Jedi Master. Mostly I play FFA simply because it's the most plentiful type of game being hosted. CTF sucks because there's very little teamwork among sides. JM is a lot of fun (that's the game where one person has the lightsaber and everyone else tries to kill him), but there's very few servers hosting this type of game.

You can usually find me lurking in one of the FFA rooms, probably a Bespin or Death Star map. I go of course by the name of Ninjafingers.

Yeah, I usually end up in the FFA games, too, but I like the CTF games much better. Teamwork is a problem there, but mostly it's caused by a lack of scheduled games, which means no pre-planning at all. The ability to work out tactics would help considerably there. One of the biggest problems that I've had there is that half the time, as I'm trying to hit the guy with my flag someone shoves me out of the way to get his own hit in, so nobody gets the hit.
I haven't seen a CTY game server yet, but I think it'd be really interesting to get on.

Oh yeah, when I'm on, I've been Phishstyx, but I've been thinking vaguely about changing to another nickname.

[Mapache]

I personally love the Dragon Sword. On normal difficulty, at least, it's a one-hit kill on an unaware target even without strength boosters on, doesn't raise any alarms, and never runs low on ammo. All ninja and stuff. And those MJ12 bastards deserve being decapitated anyway. Since they're the only enemy you meet near the end, you don't even feel bad about ditching the stun baton for the inventory space.

[PhishStyx]

Yeah, I used it for that, but I was always concerned about the its glow giving me away.