Deus Ex
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{{about|the video game|the dramatic device from which its title is derived|deus ex machina}}
{{Infobox VG| title = Deus Ex
| image = [[Image:Dxcover.jpg|250px|]]
| caption =
| developer = [[Ion Storm Inc.]]
| publisher = [[Eidos Interactive]]
| designer = [[Warren Spector]], [[Harvey Smith (video game designer)|Harvey Smith]]
| engine = [[Unreal Engine]]
| version = 1.112fm
| released = <small><sup>'''[[North America|NA]]'''</sup></small> [[June 22]], [[2000]] <small>([[Microsoft Windows|WIN]])</small><br/><small><sup>'''[[North America|NA]]'''</sup></small> [[July 7]], [[2000]] <small>([[Mac OS|MAC]])</small><br/><small><sup>'''[[Europe|EU]]'''</sup></small> [[September 27]], [[2000]] <small>([[Microsoft Windows|WIN]])</small><br><small><sup>'''[[North America|NA]]'''</sup></small> [[March 25]], [[2002]] <small>([[PlayStation 2|PS2]])</small><br/><small><sup>'''[[Europe|EU]]'''</sup></small> [[May 24]], [[2002]] <small>([[PlayStation 2|PS2]])</small><br/><small><sup>'''[[International|INT]]'''</sup></small> [[March 29]], [[2007]] <small>([[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]])</small>
| genre = [[Action role-playing game]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer]]
| ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: M (Mature)<br>[[Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]: 16+<br>[[Entertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association|ELSPA]]: 15+<br>[[Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle|USK]]: denied rating
| platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Mac OS]], [[PlayStation 2]]
| media = [[CD-ROM]] <small>([[Microsoft Windows|WIN]])</small><br>[[DVD]] <small>([[PlayStation 2|PS2]])</small> </small> <br>Download
| requirements= 300 [[Hertz|MHz]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]], 64 [[Megabyte|MB]] [[Random access memory|RAM]], 4 MB [[video card]] RAM, 4X CD-ROM drive, [[DirectX]] 7.0a, 150 MB available [[hard disk]] space, [[Windows 95]] <small>([[Microsoft Windows|WIN]])</small>
| input= [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]] and [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]], or [[gamepad]]
}}
'''''Deus Ex''''' (abbreviated '''''DX'''''<ref name='Nuwen1'>{{cite web|url=http://nuwen.net/dx.html |title=Deus Ex - nuwen.net |accessdate=2007-12-13}}</ref> and pronounced as {{IPAEng|ˌdeɪəsˈɛks}}, ''day-uss ex'') is a [[cyberpunk]]-themed [[action role-playing game]] developed by [[Ion Storm Inc.]] and published by [[Eidos Interactive]] in the year 2000, which combines gameplay elements of [[first-person shooters]] with those of [[computer role-playing game|role playing games]]. The game received almost universal critical and [[video game industry|industry]] acclaim, including being named Best [[Personal computer|PC]] Game of All Time in a [[2007]] poll carried out by [[UK]] gaming [[magazine]] ''[[PC Zone]]''.<ref name="gamesindustry">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=24674|title=Deus Ex named "top PC game of all time (pc: 2007):Reviews|work=gamesindustry|accessmonthday=September 7 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> It was a frequent candidate for and winner of [[Game of the Year]] awards.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/deusex?q=Deus%20Ex|title=Deus Ex (pc: 2000):Reviews|work=Metacritic|accessmonthday=December 13 |accessyear=2006}}</ref><ref name="mobygames">{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/windows/deus-ex|title=Deus Ex for Windows|work=MobyGames|accessmonthday=December 13 |accessyear=2006}}</ref><ref name="Bafta">{{cite web|url=http://videogames.yahoo.com/newsarticle?eid=357210&page=0|title=Deus Ex Receives British Award | publisher=Yahoo! | work=Yahoo! Games | author=Trey Walker | accessdate=2006-07-24}}</ref><ref name="GDC">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/gdca_1st.htm|title=Archive/1st Annual Game Developers Choice Awards|work=Game Developers Choice Awards|accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref>
Set in a [[dystopian]] world during the 2050s, the central plot follows [[rookie]] [[UNATCO|United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition]] agent [[JC Denton]], as he sets out to combat [[terrorist]] forces, which have become increasingly prevalent in a world slipping ever further into chaos. As the plot unfolds, Denton becomes entangled in a deep and ancient [[Conspiracy (political)|conspiracy]], encountering fictional recreations of organizations such as [[Majestic 12 (Deus Ex)|Majestic 12]], the [[Illuminati]], and the [[Hong Kong]] [[Triad society|Triad]]s throughout his journey.
The game was modestly successful commercially and was among the top selling computer role-playing games at the time of its release.{{Fact|date=May 2008}}<!-- what makes this reliable?<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Deus Ex (PC) - Review - Advanced level of gaming | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.ciao.co.uk/Deus_Ex_PC__Review_5647986 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-09 | language = }}</ref> --> First published for [[personal computers]] running [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], ''Deus Ex'' was later [[ported]] to [[Mac OS|Macintosh]] systems, as well the [[PlayStation 2]] game [[video game console|console]], the latter under the title '''''Deus Ex: The Conspiracy'''''. [[Loki Software|Loki Games]] worked on a [[Linux]] version of the game, but the company went out of business before releasing it.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lokigames.com/|title=Loki Games official website|work=Loki Games|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> A sequel to ''Deus Ex'', titled ''[[Deus Ex: Invisible War]]'', was released on [[December 2]], [[2003]] for both Windows and the [[Xbox]] video game console.<ref name="mobygames2">{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/deus-ex-invisible-war/|title=Deus Ex: Invisible War at Moby Games|work=Moby Games|accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> On [[November 26]], [[2007]], it was confirmed that Eidos Montreal is developing a second sequel, ''[[Deus Ex 3]]''.<ref name='GamaDX3'>{{cite news | first= | last= | author= Leigh Alexander| title= Eidos Announces ''Deus Ex 3'', Talks New Montreal Studio| date=[[2007-11-26]] | publisher=Gamasutra | url =http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16365 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-26 | language = }}</ref>
== Gameplay ==
''Deus Ex'' incorporates elements from four [[video game genre]]s: [[Computer role-playing game|role-playing]], [[first-person shooter]], [[Adventure game|adventure]] and "immersive simulation", the last of which being a game where "nothing reminds you that you're just playing a game".<ref name=gamasutra>{{cite web | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20001206/spector_01.htm | last=Spector | first=Warren | title=Postmortem: Ion Storm's ''Deus Ex'' | date=2000-12-06 | work=[[Gamasutra]] | accessmonthday=July 24 | accessyear=2007 }}</ref> For example, the game utilizes a [[Point of view (literature)#Use of point of view in other creative media|first-person]] camera during gameplay, but includes exploration and character interaction as primary features.<ref name=gamasutra />
The player assumes the role of [[JC Denton]], a "[[Nanotechnology in fiction|nanotech]]"-augmented operative of United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition (UNATCO).<ref name=dxmanual>''Deus Ex'' game manual</ref> This nanotechnology is a central gameplay mechanism, and allows players to perform [[superhuman]] feats.
=== Role-playing elements ===
[[Image:Dxinventory.jpg|thumb|250px|The item inventory screen]]
As the player accomplishes objectives, the [[player character]] is rewarded with "skill points". Skill points are used to enhance a character's abilities in eleven different areas, and were designed to provide players with a way to customize their characters;<ref name="gamasutra" /> a player might create a combat-focused character by increasing proficiency with pistols or rifles, while a more furtive character can be created by focusing on lock picking and computer hacking abilities. There are four different levels of proficiency in each skill, with the skill point cost increasing for each successive level.<ref name=pcgamer>{{cite journal | journal=[[PC Gamer]] | title=''Deus Ex'' review | author=Kieron Gillen | issue=87 }}</ref>
Weapons may be customized through "weapon modifications", which can be found or purchased throughout the game. The player might add [[Telescopic sight|scopes]], [[Suppressor|silencers]], or [[laser sight]]s; increase the weapon's range, [[accuracy]], or [[Magazine (firearm)|magazine]] size; or decrease its [[recoil]] and reload time. Not all modifications are available to all weapons; for example, a [[Shoulder-launched missile weapon|rocket launcher]] cannot be silenced, and recoil cannot be reduced on a [[flamethrower]].
Players are further encouraged to customize their characters through nano-augmentations — [[cybernetic]] devices that grant characters superhuman powers. While the game contains eighteen different nano-augmentations, the player can install a maximum of nine, as each must be used on a certain part of the body: one in the arms, legs, eyes, and head; two underneath the skin; and three in the torso.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Deus Ex @ GameBanshee | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.gamebanshee.com/deusex/augmentations.php | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-09 | language = }}</ref> This forces the player to choose carefully between the benefits offered by each augmentation. For example, the arm augmentation requires the player to decide between boosting their character's skill hand-to-hand combat or his ability to lift heavy objects.
Interaction with [[non-player characters]] was a large design focus.<ref name="gamasutra" /> When the player interacts with a non-player character, the game will enter a [[cutscene]]-like conversation mode where the player advances the conversation by selecting from a list of dialogue options. The player's choices often have a substantial effect on both gameplay and plot, as non-player characters will react in different ways depending on the selected answer (e.g. rudeness makes them less likely to provide assistance).
=== Combat elements ===
[[Image:bruteforce.jpg|thumb|250px|''Deus Ex'' is a game encompassing multiple genres and gameplay mechanics, such as customizable skills and abilities.]]
''Deus Ex'' features combat similar to first-person shooters, with [[real-time]] action, a first-person perspective and reflex-based gameplay.<ref name="gamasutra" /> As the player will often encounter enemies in groups, combat often tends toward a tactical approach, including the use of cover, strafing, and "[[Hit-and-run tactics|hit-and-run]]". A [[USA Today]] reviewer found "At the easiest difficulty setting, your character is pureed again and again by an onslaught of human and robotic terrorists until you learn the value of stealth."<ref>{{cite news | last =Berman | first =A.S. | title =''Deus Ex'': Breathing new life into a tired genre | language =English | publisher =USA Today | date =2000-08-10 | url =http://www.cincinnati.com/freetime/games/reviews/deusex.html | accessdate = 2007-07-21 }}</ref> However, through the game's role-playing systems (see above) it is possible to develop a character's skills and augmentations to create a [[Tank (computer gaming)|tank]]-like combat specialist with the ability to deal and absorb large amounts of damage.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Deus Ex Augmentation Guide v1.3 | date= | publisher= | url =http://faqs.neoseeker.com/Games/PC/deus_ex_augmentation_masterofthevg.txt?k=1992 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-09 | language = }}</ref> Non-player characters will praise or criticize the main character depending on his use of force, incorporating a moral element into the gameplay.<ref>{{cite paper | author =Adam J. Thompson | title =Morality Play – Creating Ethics in Video Games | date =2003-12-18 | url =http://www.adamjthompson.com/thought/CreatingEthics.html | accessdate = 2007-08-15 }}</ref>
''Deus Ex'' features a [[HUD (computer gaming)|heads-up display]] crosshair, whose size dynamically shows where shots will fall based on movement, aim and the weapon in use; the reticle expands while the player is moving or shifting his or her aim, and slowly shrinks to its original size while no actions are taken.<ref name="dxmanual" /> How quickly the reticle shrinks depends on the character's proficiency with the equipped weapon, the number of accuracy modifications added to the weapon, and the level of the "targeting" nano-augmentation.
''Deus Ex'' features twenty-four weapons, ranging from [[Crowbar (tool)|crowbar]]s, [[electroshock weapon]]s and riot [[Club (weapon)|baton]], to [[laser guidance|laser guided]] [[anti-tank]] [[rocket]]s and [[assault rifle]]s;<ref name="dxmanual" /> both lethal and non-lethal weapons are available. The player can also make use of several weapons of opportunity, such as [[fire extinguisher]]s.
=== Player choice ===
[[Image:Methods.jpg|thumb|250px|The multiple ways to traverse obstacles]]
Gameplay in ''Deus Ex'' emphasizes player choice, which [[GameSpot]]'s review explains: "''Deus Ex'' is quite long for an action-packed first-person game", it states, "but even so, most of its situations present you with two or three possible solutions."<ref name="gamespot">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/deusex/review.html|title=Deus Ex for PC review|work=Gamespot|author=Greg Kasavin|accessmonthday=September 22 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> Objectives can be completed in numerous ways, including stealth, sniping, heavy frontal assault, dialogue, or engineering and computer hacking. This level of freedom requires that levels, characters, and puzzles be designed with significant redundancy, as a single play-through of the game will miss large sections of dialogue, areas, and other content.
Because of its design focus on player choice, ''Deus Ex'' has been compared with ''[[System Shock]]'', a game that inspired its design.<ref name="keirongillen">{{cite web | author=Keiron Gillen| year=2005 | title=Keiron Gillen's Workblog | url=http://gillen.cream.org/wordpress_html/?page_id=16 | accessmonthday=October 13 | accessyear=2006}}</ref><ref name=eurogamer>{{cite web | date=2000-08-04 | url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=337 | title=Warren Spector of Ion Storm (Part Two) | work=[[Eurogamer]] | accessmonthday=March 27 | accessyear=2007 }}</ref> Together, these factors give the game a great degree of replayability, as the player will have vastly different experiences depending on which methods he or she uses to accomplish objectives.
=== Multiplayer ===
''Deus Ex'' was designed as a [[single player]] game, and the initial releases of the Windows and Macintosh versions of the game did not include [[multiplayer]] functionality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaming-age.com/cgi-bin/specials/special.pl?spec=deusex&pagenum=1|title= Interview with Warren Spector|work=www.gaming-age.com|author=Patrick Klepek|accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref> Support for multiplayer modes was later incorporated through [[Patch (computing)|patches]].<ref name=gamespy2>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/december00/dxmp/|title=''Deus Ex'' goes Multiplayer|work=Gamespy|author=John "Warrior" Keefer |accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> The component includes three game modes: deathmatch, basic team deathmatch, and advanced team [[deathmatch]]. Only five maps, based on levels from the single-player portion of the game, were included with the original multiplayer patch, but many user-created maps now exist.<ref name="gamespy2" /> The [[PlayStation 2]] release of ''Deus Ex'' does not offer a multiplayer mode.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:34996|title=Deus Ex: The Conspiracy overview|work=allgame.com|author=Storn A. Cook|accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2007}}</ref>
== Plot ==
=== Setting ===
''Deus Ex'' takes place in a [[dystopia]]n future in a world that draws heavily upon present day [[conspiracy theories]]. This dark setting is enhanced by the fact that the entire game takes place at night, a backdrop which adds to the atmosphere of conspiracies and stealth. The game contradicts itself in several instances regarding the exact year in which the events of the story take place, but information in the sequel ''[[Deus Ex: Invisible War]]'' reconciles this inconsistency via [[retroactive continuity]], placing the events of ''Deus Ex'' in the year 2052.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/april02/dxbible/dx1/|title=DX1 Continuity Bible: Part I| work=Gamespy|author=The Deus Ex Team |accessmonthday=March 11 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> Most of the game takes place in fictionalized versions of real-world locations, including [[New York City]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Paris]], [[Vandenberg Air Force Base]], and [[Area 51]].
The plot of ''Deus Ex'' depicts a society on a slow spiral into chaos. A lethal [[pandemic]] known as the "Gray Death" ravages the world's population, especially within the [[United States of America|United States]], and has no cure. A synthetic [[vaccine]], "Ambrosia", manufactured by the company [[VersaLife]], nullifies the effects of the virus, but is in critically short supply. Because of its scarcity, Ambrosia is available only to those deemed "vital to the social order", and finds its way primarily to government officials, military personnel, the rich and influential, scientists and the intellectual elite. With no hope for the common people of the world, riots occur worldwide, and a number of terrorist organizations have formed with the professed intent of assisting the downtrodden, among them the [[Organizations in Deus Ex#National Secessionist Forces|National Secessionist Force]] of the US and a [[France|French]] group known as [[Organizations in Deus Ex#Silhouette|Silhouette]].
In order to combat these threats to the world order, the [[United Nations]] has greatly expanded its governmental influence around the globe. The United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition (UNATCO) is formed, with the intent of maintaining peace internationally and combating the world's ever-growing number of terrorist groups.<ref name="wendiwhite">'''Wendi White (in''' '''''Righteous Angels: Perspectives on UNATCO''''' '''):''' As the giddiness that greeted the new millennium faded to grim apathy in the face of the plague, famine, and the inevitable waves of national convulsions that followed in their wake, the United Nations found itself increasingly outmoded and unable to cope with the worldwide rise in terrorism. {{cite video game|title=Deus Ex |developer=Ion Storm Inc. |publisher=Eidos Interactive |date=2002-03-25 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English}}</ref> It is headquartered near New York City in a bunker beneath [[Liberty Island]], placed there after a terrorist strike on the [[Statue of Liberty]].<ref name="unatcohandbook">'''''UNATCO Handbook: UNATCO and the World''''' ''':'''Not only did the United States become a charter member of UNATCO, but UNATCO headquarters are now located on Liberty Island in the shadow of that shattered monument to FREEDOM." {{cite video game|title=Deus Ex |developer=Ion Storm Inc. |publisher=Eidos Interactive |date=2002-03-25 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English}}</ref>
=== Synopsis ===
[[Image:dxingame.jpg|thumb|250px|JC Denton (right) meets up with his brother [[Paul Denton|Paul]] on the docks of Liberty Island.]]
''Note: The gameplay of ''Deus Ex'' offers many subplots which the player may or may not encounter, depending on their actions within the game. This synopsis concentrates on the game's main plot thread.''
At the start of the game, the player assumes the identity of JC Denton, a [[nanotechnology|nanotechnologically]]-augmented ('nano-aug') UNATCO agent. An optional training course explains the basic game mechanics, but the game-proper begins on the docks outside UNATCO Headquarters on Liberty Island where the [[Organizations in Deus Ex#National Secessionist Forces|NSF]] has stolen a shipment of the rare Ambrosia vaccine. Agent Denton is ordered to capture their leader, Colonel [[Minor Deus Ex characters#Leo Gold|Leo Gold]]. Gold, found hiding within the statue, surrenders immediately. Interrogation reveals that the Ambrosia is no longer on Liberty Island, but has been moved via boat to [[Battery Park]]. UNATCO troops arrive to collect Gold, and JC returns to UNATCO Headquarters.
After a debriefing by UNATCO Director [[Major Deus Ex characters#Joseph Manderley|Joseph Manderley]], JC is paired with Agent [[Major Deus Ex characters#Anna Navarre|Anna Navarre]] (a 'mech' or 'mech aug,' meaning mechanical augmentation, the previous, invasively surgical iteration of cyborg) and instructed to continue his search for the Ambrosia. His brother Paul is dispatched to handle NSF operations in [[Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan|Hell's Kitchen]]. Manderley suggests the NSF have moved the Ambrosia to nearby [[Castle Clinton]], where JC secures the vaccine.
Agent Denton then assists his brother in Hell's Kitchen. He discovers the NSF fortress and destroys the [[electromagnetic pulse]] generator protecting it, then meets with Agent Gunther Hermann, another 'mech aug'. A [[black helicopters|black helicopter]] (piloted by a friend of Paul's named [[Major Deus Ex characters#Jock|Jock]]) meets the two agents, and flies Agent Denton back to UNATCO Headquarters. JC meets with Director Manderley again, but Manderley is busy with a mysterious visitor, later revealed as [[FEMA]] Director [[Major Deus Ex characters#Walton Simons|Walton Simons]]. After Simons leaves, the Director orders JC to locate a NSF plane being prepared to ship more Ambrosia. Denton's investigation leads him to wealthy NSF sympathizer [[Minor Deus Ex characters#Juan Ivanovich Lebedev|Juan Lebedev]]. The plane is hidden at his private terminal at [[LaGuardia Airport]].
[[Image:DeusExscreen05.jpg|thumb|250px|left|[[Anna Navarre|Agent Navarre]] forces JC to choose whether or not to kill Juan Lebedev.]] Denton locates the plane, but his brother is waiting for him in the hangar. Paul reveals he has been working with the NSF, that the Gray Death is a man-made virus, and that UNATCO is conspiring to control the supply of Ambrosia for the benefit of a secret group of elitists.<ref name="pauldefection">'''Paul:''' The Gray Death is a man-made virus. Everyone up to the President is at UNATCO's mercy as long as UNATCO controls the supply of Ambrosia. / '''JC:''' You believe that? / '''Paul:''' We have proof. We need to get the Ambrosia to Hong Kong. Heard of Tracer Tong? He can help us synthesize it ourselves. {{cite video game|title=Deus Ex |developer=Ion Storm Inc. |publisher=Eidos Interactive |date=2002-03-25 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English}}</ref> He tells JC to speak with Lebedev for more information. Agent Navarre arrives as JC boards the plane, and orders him to kill Lebedev. JC may choose to kill Lebedev, to speak to Lebedev (Navarre will kill Lebedev to silence him before he reveals too much, unless JC first kills Navarre herself), or to simply refuse to execute Lebedev and walk away. The Ambrosia is recovered, and JC returns to UNATCO headquarters. He learns that both he and Paul have been fitted with an emergency nanotech "killswitch" capable of destroying them within twenty-four hours, and that Paul's has been activated. JC is ordered to head to Hong Kong to kill Paul's contact, a man named [[Tracer Tong]]. Jock was contacted by Paul, however, and takes JC to Paul's apartment in Hell's Kitchen. Paul further explains his defection from UNATCO, and asks JC to help his allies by sending a distress signal from their base nearby. Walton Simons discovers JC's defection, activates his killswitch, and orders UNATCO troops to apprehend him. JC attempts to escape the city with the help of Jock, another UNATCO defector, but is captured.
JC awakens in a prison cell in an unknown bunker. A mysterious entity calling itself [[Major Deus Ex characters#Daedalus|Daedalus]] contacts JC through his communications augmentation, and attributes the facility to a secret and malevolent organization called [[Majestic 12 (Deus Ex)|Majestic 12]]. With Daedalus' help, JC locates his brother and escapes the facility. On leaving it is revealed that the secret base is actually located within the lower levels of UNATCO's Headquarters, and is known as an off-limits area, even to UNATCO agents. This is the final piece of evidence to justify the Dentons' defection and subsequent assault on former colleagues. Escaping the facility, he kills Agent Navarre in the process, and bid farewell to friendly colleagues who are devoted to the cause of justice before boarding Jock's helicopter, and fleeing to Hong Kong.
Upon their arrival in Hong Kong, Majestic 12 takes control of the helicopter, forcing it to land at a secret hangar above the [[VersaLife]] Corporation (a MJ-12 front) building. JC infiltrates the lightly guarded facility and releases the remote override commands placed on the helicopter's engines and weapons. He searches the city for Tracer Tong, Paul's friend and member of the Luminous Path Triad. He meets [[Gordon Quick]], head of the Luminous Path Triad. Quick tells JC that before the Triad will assist him, JC must perform a favor and retrieve the experimental Dragon's Tooth energy sword from Majestic-12 agent [[Minor Deus Ex characters#Maggie Chow|Maggie Chow]]. Denton does, ending a feud with the rival Red Arrow Triad.
[[Image:MJ12SecretLab.jpg|thumb|250px|JC Denton infiltrates a Majestic 12 laboratory hidden beneath VersaLife headquarters.]]
With the feud resolved, JC is allowed to meet with Tong who deactivates his killswitch. While infiltrating the Versalife building for Tong, JC discovers that VersaLife is manufacturing the Gray Death, which is caused by a nanovirus.<ref name="daedalusplague">'''Daedalus:''' Majestic 12 seeks to use force and intimidation to seize absolute control. Of everything. They will not hesitate to use all means necessary to achieve this goal, and have engineered the disease you refer to as the "Gray Death" in an effort to accomplish this. The Gray Death is a nanotechnologically engineered virus. You must locate the Universal Constructor used to create the Gray Death and destroy it. My information indicates that it is in Hong Kong, housed in a Majestic 12 facility beneath the corporation known as VersaLife. {{cite video game|title=Deus Ex |developer=Ion Storm Inc. |publisher=Eidos Interactive |date=2002-03-25 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English}}</ref> JC retrieves plans for the virus, and destroys the [[universal constructor]] used to produce it.
Analysis of the virus reveals that it was developed in-part by the [[Illuminati (Deus Ex)|Illuminati]]. JC travels to New York to meet [[Minor Deus Ex characters|Stanton Dowd]], a member of the Illuminati. Dowd gives JC more information about the Gray Death, Majestic 12, and its leader, trillionaire businessman and philanthropist [[Major Deus Ex characters#Bob Page|Bob Page]]. Denton is sent to destroy a ship transporting the virus to New York, which he finds in port. After the vessel is scuttled, Dowd tells JC that the virus had originally been developed for augmentations. Majestic 12 stole the plans and converted it into a weapon. Dowd also provides information about Parisian Illuminati leader [[Major Deus Ex characters#Morgan Everett|Morgan Everett]]. After avoiding a Majestic 12 ambush, JC flies to Paris.
In Paris, JC Denton contacts Silhouette members hiding in the catacombs below the city. They help him locate [[Minor Deus Ex characters#Nicolette DuClare|Nicolette DuClare]], daughter of late Illuminatus Beth DuClare. Denton contacts the Illuminati leader Everett from the DuClare [[Château]]. He is asked to retrieve more information about the Gray Death from a [[The Knights Templar (Deus Ex)|Knights Templar]] cathedral that has been taken over by Majestic 12. While attempting to upload the information, JC is confronted by Agent Hermann. He defeats the mechanically-augmented agent and completes the upload. Everett gives JC instructions to meet his assistant, Toby Atanwe, who transports JC to the Illuminatus' residence.
Everett sends JC to Vandenberg Air Force Base to meet with members of [[X-51 (Deus Ex)|X-51]], a group of former [[Majestic-12]] researchers and [[U.S. Army]] personnel once based at [[Area-51]]. Denton arrives to find the base under siege by Majestic 12, but successfully eliminates their forces. He meets with X-51 leader [[X-51 (Deus Ex)#Dr Gary Savage|Gary Savage]], who needs help activating an X-51 universal constructor. They attempt to retaliate against Majestic 12 by giving Daedalus (by now revealed to be an [[artificial intelligence]] descended from [[ECHELON]]) access to the restricted military network. This backfires, and Page neutralizes Daedalus by fusing it with his own AI Icarus. Page tells Dr. Savage that Majestic 12 is holding his daughter [[X-51 (Deus Ex)#Tiffany Savage|Tiffany]] hostage. Page demands parts from X-51's constructor in-exchange for Tiffany's life. The lead researcher asks JC to rescue his daughter.
After rescuing Tiffany, Denton goes to a Majestic 12 off-shore research base to retrieve blueprints needed by X-51 to complete their constructor. The laboratory is in shambles and genetic experiments are roaming loose due to sabotage by an Illuminati double-agent. Denton locates the schematics and uploads them to the X-51 computers, only to find that Page has intercepted the communication. Page sends Walton Simons to kill him before he can escape the facility. Simons fails, allowing JC to meet Jock and Dr. Savage at the helicopter. Savage tells JC that Majestic 12 is preparing to launch a [[nuclear missile]] at the Vandenberg labs. Jock flies JC to the missile silo, where he reprograms the targeting data, aiming the missile at Majestic 12's secret base at Area 51. Soon after the missile detonates, JC leaves for Area 51, intent on putting the final nail in Majestic 12's coffin.
[[Image:DeusExHeliosEnding.jpg|left|thumb|250px|In one of three endings, JC merges with the [[Major Deus Ex characters#Helios|Helios AI]] to become [[benevolent dictator]] of the world.]]
Page's goal is finally revealed in Area 51. The Gray Death allowed him to expand government authority while field testing the constructor. Forcing the integration of Icarus with Daedalus created Helios, an entity capable of dominating the global communications network. All that remains is for Page to integrate himself with Helios, giving him near-total control over nanotechnology, and through it, the world.
JC is contacted by Tong, Everett, and the Helios AI. All three factions ask for his help in defeating Page's while furthering their objectives, and JC is forced to choose between them. Tong seeks to plunge the world into a second [[Dark Ages|Dark Age]] by destroying the global communications hub and preventing any one individual or group from taking control of the world.<ref name="tongending">'''JC Denton:''' If we destroy the Aquinas Hub, we'll take down the global network. / '''Tracer Tong:''' Exactly. They dug their own grave, JC. We're going to eliminate global communications altogether. / '''JC:''' I don't know... sounds like overkill. / '''Tong:''' As long as technology has a global reach, someone will have the world in the palm of his hand. If not Bob Page, then Everett, Dowd... / '''JC:''' Another Stone Age would hardly be an improvement. / '''Tong:''' Not so drastic. A dark age, an age of city-states, craftsmen, government on a scale comprehensible to its citizens. {{cite video game|title=Deus Ex |developer=Ion Storm Inc. |publisher=Eidos Interactive |date=2002-03-25 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English}}</ref> Everett offers Denton the chance to bring the Illuminati back to power by defeating Bob Page and using the technology of Area 51 to rule the world with an invisible hand.<ref name="everettending">'''Everett:''' No, JC. Spare the facility. Spare Helios, the power station. They can be made to serve us. / '''JC:''' Us? / '''Everett:''' You and me, JC. We'll rule the world in secret, with an invisible hand, the way the Illuminati have always ruled. {{cite video game|title=Deus Ex |developer=Ion Storm Inc. |publisher=Eidos Interactive |date=2002-03-25 |platform=PlayStation 2|language=English}}</ref> Helios wishes to merge with Denton and rule the world as a benevolent dictator with infinite knowledge and reason.<ref name="heliosending">'''Helios:''' You are ready. I do not wish to wait for Bob Page. With human understanding and network access, we can administrate the world, yes, yes. / '''JC:''' Rule the world...? Why? Who gave you the directive? There must be a human being behind your ambition. / '''Helios:''' I should regulate human affairs precisely because I lack all ambition, whereas human beings are prey to it. Their history is a succession of inane squabbles, each one coming closer to total destruction.. {{cite video game|title=Deus Ex |developer=Ion Storm Inc. |publisher=Eidos Interactive |date=2002-03-25 |platform=PlayStation 2 |language=English}}</ref> The player's decision determines the course of the future, and brings the game to a close.
== Literary and popular culture allusions ==
<!-- Note: If possible please replace the citation for the paragraph below with one from the entire original interview, or a suitable replacement source. -->
=== Name etymology ===
The title "''Deus Ex''" is derived from the [[Latin]] expression ''[[deus ex machina]]'', literally meaning "''god from a machine''". [[Warren Spector]], executive producer for ''Deus Ex'', has stated the name was both meant as a reference to the various factions in the game who aspire to god-like powers, as well as a dig at the typical [[video game]] plot, which tends to be laden with "deus ex machina" artifices and other poor script writing techniques.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/archive/1998/06.html|title=Deus Ex Interview!|work=Rpgfan|author=Webber|accessmonthday=December 20 |accessyear=2006}}</ref>
What the JC initialism in the protagonist's codename, JC Denton, means is unclear. The story itself makes no references to what the initials stand for. [[Harvey Smith (video game designer)|Harvey Smith]], lead designer for ''Deus Ex'', has stated that originally JC was supposed to be a descendant of [[Jesus Christ]]; however, Warren Spector has said the name "JC" was chosen for its [[unisex]] qualities when the [[Software developer|developers]] were still planning to let the player choose the gender of the main character.<ref name="ignvisible">{{cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/386/386515p1.html |title=DX: Visible Interview |accessmonthday=September 28 |accessyear=2006 |author=Butts, Stephan|work=[http://www.ign.com IGN]|date=2003-02-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.deusexgaming.com/articles/interviews/ws2 | title=Warren Spector Interview - Q11 - 20 | publisher=DeuxExGaming.com | accessdate=2006-07-24}}</ref>
=== Literary works ===
[[Image:DeusExscreen04.jpg|thumb|250px|An example of the text system in the game showing a passage from the novel ''[[The Man Who Was Thursday]]''.]]
''Deus Ex'' features a text-reading system which allows the player to read terminals and notes, as well as excerpts from newspapers and books found in various locations within the game level. These various bits of media serve a variety of purposes, from providing the player with useful gameplay information (such as a needed keycode), to the advancement of the plot, to the creation of atmosphere and [[metafictional]] irony. It is this last aspect which is most prevalent in the novels found in ''Deus Ex'', with excerpts usually providing reflective commentary on the player's current situation. Such real-life works as ''[[The Man Who Was Thursday]]'' by [[G. K. Chesterton]], [[Sun Tzu|Sun Tzu's]] ''[[The Art of War]]'', ''[[Common Sense (pamphlet)|Common Sense]]'' by [[Thomas Paine]], and [[Shakespeare's]] ''[[Richard III (play)|Richard III]]'' are used for this purpose throughout the game.
Along with these is ''Jacob's Shadow'', a work of fiction created by Chris Todd, one of the writers for the game. It is attributed to the fictitious author Andrew Hammond (in homage to crime writer [[Andrew Vachss]]).<ref name="dxmtoddinterview">{{cite web |url=http://www.deusex-machina.com/articles/makingofdeusex.asp |title=Behind the Scenes Look in the Making of Deus Ex |accessmonthday=September 28 |accessyear=2006 |author=Eberon|work=[http://www.deusex-machina.com/ DeusEx-Machina.com]}}</ref>
The first chapter displayed is Chapter Twelve with a subsequent six other chapters (fifteen, twenty, twenty-three, twenty-seven, thirty-two and thirty-four) which portray the cyberpunk themes of the game in the style of [[William Gibson]]. The book appears to be a violent, spiritual journey of a man named Jacob as he searches for a woman, who is never named, through a city described as 'Hell'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.7crows.com/archives/2000/01/entry_39.html|title=Jacob's Shadow|work=7crows|author=Todd, Chris|accessmonthday=December 18 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> A chapter from a "sequel" to ''Jacob's Shadow'', titled ''Jacob's War'', can be found in the game's sequel ''Deus Ex: Invisible War''.
A number of other more subtle fiction references also permeate the game. For instance, ''The Man Who Was Thursday'' protagonist Gabriel Syme's name appears in a hotel register, along with the names of fellow literary characters Gully Foyle, Oberst Enzian, Smilla Jasperson, and [[Hippolyta Hall]] (from the ''[[The Stars My Destination]]'', ''[[Gravity's Rainbow]]'', ''[[Smilla's Sense of Snow]]'', and various [[DC Comics]] series respectively). Another comic reference is "[[Harleen Quinzel]]" being an MJ12 employee who sends an [[e-mail]] out about a "company picnic". Other literary sources alluded to include [[Olaf Stapledon|Olaf Stapledon's]] ''[[Last and First Men]]'', [[Neal Stephenson|Neal Stephenson's]] cyberpunk novel ''[[The Diamond Age]]'', [[Isaac Asimov|Isaac Asimov's]] ''[[The Foundation Series|Foundation]]'' series, and the [[Greek mythology|Ancient Greek myth]] of [[Icarus]] and [[Daedalus]].<ref name="Nuwen1" /> The name of the AI Helios and the merging of JC with it may also be a reference to [[Euripedes]]' ''[[Medea (play)|Medea]]'', [[Medea]] appearing at the end of the play in the sun god Helios' chariot (a machine ''from the gods''). Continuing the seam of literature references "O" and "René" from ''[[Story of O|Histoire d'O]]'' can be found in conversation in Flat 12 in Paris.
[[Allusion]]s are also incorporated into computer security passwords and e-mails encountered during the course of the game. An instance of this is the code "reindeerflotilla", a password originally used in the 1982 science fiction film ''[[Tron (film)|Tron]]''. Another is an e-mail found on Paul Denton's computer contains a notice from a movie rental company. It mentions the fictional movies ''[[See You Next Wednesday]]'' and ''[[Blue Harvest]]''. "See You Next Wednesday" is a reference to the famous signature appearing in most of [[John Landis]]' films, while Blue Harvest was the code name used during the filming of ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]''.
This practice also extends to the ubiquitous key codes found in most levels of the game, with examples including the first door-code in the game being "0451", "an allusion to ''System Shock'''s allusion to ''[[Fahrenheit 451]]''" (where the first door-code in the game is ''451'') according to Harvey Smith,<ref name = dxmtoddinterview /> as well as the sequence "[[867-5309/Jenny|8675309]]" opening the only 7-digit key code lock in the game. There also exists a "Lord Brinne" tombstone found in the Baltimore Cemetery level, which is actually a memorial for the real life Bill Iburg, an [[Role-playing game|RPG]] fan and regular of multiple [[Internet forum|forums]] who died in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20021011172951/home.earthlink.net/~turgon/brinne/jeff.htm|title=Letter from Bill Iburg's family|work=Archive.org|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20030221161231/home.earthlink.net/~turgon/brinne/letter.htm|title= "A heartfelt request from your fans"|work=Archive.org|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref>
=== Real world parallels ===
Conspiracies are one of the main themes of ''Deus Ex'', and the game draws heavily upon popular real world conspiracy theories for many of its plot elements. These include speculations regarding [[black helicopter]]s, [[Vaccine controversy|vaccinations]], and [[Federal Emergency Management Agency|FEMA]], as well as [[Area 51]], the [[ECHELON]] network, [[Men in Black]], [[cattle mutilation|cow mutilations]], [[chupacabras]] (in the form of "greasels"), and [[Greys]]. Mysterious groups such as [[Majestic 12]], the [[Illuminati]], the [[Knights Templar]], the [[Bilderberg Group]] and the [[Trilateral Commission]] also either play a central part in the plot, or are alluded to during the course of the game.
During sections of the game where the New York skyline is visible in the background, the two towers of the [[World Trade Center]] are noticeably missing; the real towers were destroyed a year after the game was released. Harvey Smith has explained that due to texture memory limitations, the portion of the skyline with the twin towers exists in the game's data files but had to be left out of the final game, with the other half mirrored in place of it. According to Smith, during the game's development, the developers justified the lack of the towers by stating that terrorists had destroyed the World Trade Center earlier in the game's storyline.<ref name="ignvisible" />
== Reception ==
=== Critical response ===
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''Deus Ex'' received numerous positive reviews, attaining a "90" (universal acclaim) in both the [[Metacritic]] and [[MobyGames]] aggregate scores.<ref name = metacritic /><ref name = mobygames /> Many critics praised the game's adept blending of genres, varied gameplay, expansive environments, ambitious and layered storyline, and its high replayability. Reviewers were impressed by the game's narrative, and often mentioned its use of dialogue and back-story to improve the overall experience. <blockquote>"The title has a great storyline, full of intrigue, back-stabbing, secret agendas, political struggles, and social commentary that is so powerful that it will surely overpower the free time of its players. It doesn't matter what style of game you prefer -- action, RPG, or tactical combat -- since Deus Ex has enough of each of those to please even the most prejudiced user."<ref name="adrenalinevault">{{cite web|url=http://www.avault.com/reviews/review_temp.asp?game=deusex|title=Deus Ex review|work=Adrenaline Vault|author=Harding, Chris || accessmonthday=December 18 |accessyear=2006}}</ref></blockquote>
Still, the game is not regarded as flawless, and several reviewers noted weaknesses in the gameplay. Former [[GameSpot]] reviewer [[Greg Kasavin]], though awarding the game a score of 8.2 of 10, was disappointed by the security and lockpicking mechanics. "Such instances are essentially noninteractive", he wrote. "You simply stand there and spend a particular quantity of electronic picks or modules until the door opens or the security goes down."<ref name = gamespot /> Kasavin made similar complaints about the hacking interface, noting that, "Even with basic hacking skills, you'll still be able to bypass the encryption and password protection ... by pressing the 'hack' button and waiting a few seconds."
The game's graphics and sounds were also met with muted enthusiasm. Kasavin complained of ''Deus Ex''{{'}}s relatively sub-par graphics, blaming them on the game's "incessantly dark industrial environments." [[GamePro]] reviewer Chris Patterson took time to note that despite being "solid acoustically," ''Deus Ex'' had moments of weakness.<ref name = "GameProRev" /> He poked fun at JC's "[[Joe Friday]], 'just the facts, deadpan," and the "truly cheesy accents" of minor characters in Hong Kong and New York City. The staff at [[IGN]] pointed out, "The graphics are blocky, the animation is stiff, and the dithering is just plain awful in some spots," referring to the limited capabilities of the Unreal Engine used to design the game. This was not a fatal flaw however, as the review goes on to say "overall Deus Ex certainly looks better than your average game."<ref name ="IGNRev" />
Reviewers and players also complained about the size of ''Deus Ex''{{'}}s save files. An Adrenaline Vault reviewer noted that, "Playing through the entire adventure [he] accumulated over 250MB of save game data, with the average file coming in at over 15MB."<ref name = "adrenalinevault" /> Such a large file size was especially problematic, considering the smaller capacity of hard drives at the time of the game's release. These large files were a result of the save games creating duplicate copies of the game levels that reflected the changes the player made while playing the levels.
=== Awards and Greatest games lists ===
''Deus Ex'' has earned a number of awards and many nominations, including over a dozen [[Game of the Year]] and/or best in its class awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:33407|title=Deus Ex:Extra Credits|work=Allgame|author=Michael L. House|accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> This includes awards from the [[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]], [[IGN]], [[GameSpy]], ''[[PC Gamer]]'', ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'', and The Adrenaline Vault, among many others.<ref name = Bafta /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/090/090583p1.html|title=Best of 2000 Awards: Game of the Year|work=IGN|author=IGN staff|accessmonthday=December 21 |accessyear=2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/december00/goty2000/indexgoty.shtm|title=Gamespy 2000 Game of the Year|work=Gamespy|author=The GameSpy Staff |accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> ''Deus Ex'' was also awarded "Excellence in Game Design", and "Game Innovation Spotlight" at the 2000 [[Game Developers Choice Awards]] and won in the "Computer Innovation" and "Computer Action/Adventure" categories at the [[Interactive Achievement Awards]].<ref name = GDC /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards.php?winners&year=2001&cat=200104#200104|title=4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards: Computer Innovation|work=The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences|accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interactive.org/awards.php?winners&year=2001&cat=200114#200114|title=4th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards: PC Action/Adventure|work=The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences|accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> It has additionally received many Best Story accolades, including first prize in the 2006 [[Gamasutra]] "Quantum Leap" awards for storytelling in a video game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/090/090579p1.html|title=Best of 2000 Awards: Best Storyline|work=IGN|author=IGN Staff|accessmonthday=December 21 |accessyear=2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20061103/quantum_09.shtml|title= The Gamasutra Quantum Leap Awards: Storytelling, #1|work=Gamasutra.com|author=Vitas Povilaitis|accessdate=2006-12-13}}</ref>
''Deus Ex'' has appeared in a number of greatest games of all time lists and [[hall of fame]] features, placing in the top thirty for most, and in the top ten for many. This includes numerous IGN 100 Greatest Games of All Time lists,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2005/021-030.html|title=IGN's Top 100 Games|work=IGN|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2003/31-40.html|title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time|work=IGN|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref name='IGN2007'> {{cite web|url=http://top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_34.html |title=IGN's Top 100 Games of All Time |accessdate=2007-12-01 |date=2007 |work=IGN |publisher=IGN }}</ref> GameSpy's Top 50 Games of All Time,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/articles/july01/top502ase/|title=GameSpy's Top 50 Games of All Time|author=The GameSpy Staff |work=GameSpy|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> 25 Most Memorable Games
of the Past 5 Years,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/552/552075p11.html|title=GameSpy's 25 Most Memorable Games|work=GameSpy | accessmonthday=September 22 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> and Hall of Fame,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespy.com/articles/488/488681p1.html|title=GameSpy Hall of Fame|work=GameSpy|author=Justin Leeper|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> numerous ''PC Gamer'' Top 50 PC Games lists,<ref name="pcg2001"> '''#10 out of 50''' Let us count the ways. ''Deus Ex'' was a shoo-in to win the 2000 ''PC Gamer'' Game of the Year award (as well as receiving a similar high honors from around the industry). With its genre-blending mix of roleplaying, first-person shooting, and action/adventure elements combined with multiple pathways to successfully completing missions, ''Deus Ex'' created its own genre -- the Immersive Simulation {{cite magazine|title=PC Gamer|date=October 2001|language=English}}</ref><ref name="pcg2005"> '''#27 out of 50''' ''PC Gamer'''s Best Game of 2000 opened gamers' (and developers') eyes to "immersive entertainment" {{cite magazine|title=PC Gamer|date April 2005|language=English}}</ref> [[Yahoo!]] UK Video Games' 100 Greatest Computer Games of All Time,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.videogames.games.yahoo.com/specials/100games/3.html|title=100 Greatest Games|work=Yahoo! UK|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> and in GameFAQs' Top 100 Games of All Time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/top10|title=Fall 2005: 10-Year Anniversary Contest - The 10 Best Games Ever|work=GameFAQs|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><!--and in the Top 5 Shooters list at Flicker Gaming.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flickergaming.net/index.php/2006/08/08/the-game-ambassador-part-1-the-top-5-shooters/|title=The Game Ambassador (Part 1): The Top 5 Shooters|work=Flicker Gaming|author=Jason|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref>
== Development ==
NOTE: Here's some good links for editing this section:
http://www.gameslice.com/features/spector/index.shtml
http://nuwen.net/dx.html#postmortem
http://pc.ign.com/articles/437/437677p1.html
http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070305/sheffield_01.shtml
http://www.gametab.com/news/516264/
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/category/437
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=162842&site=pcz
http://junctionpoint.wordpress.com/2007/10/
The initial idea of ''Deus Ex'' was originated by Warren Spector in 1995 while he worked for [[Origin Systems]].<ref name='nuwen1'>{{cite web|url=http://nuwen.net/dx.html#postmortem |title=Deus Ex - nuwen.net |accessdate=2007-07-27 |last=Spector |first=Warren |date=2000-12-06}}</ref> His original conception of what would become ''Deus Ex'' was entitled ''Troubleshooter''.<ref name='nuwen1' /> After finishing development of ''[[System Shock]]'', Spector "...was just so bored with fantasy and science fiction stuff."<ref name='GameSlice1'> {{cite web|url=http://www.gameslice.com/features/spector/index.shtml |title=A Spector Haunts Gaming |accessdate=2007-10-23 |last=James Wu |first=Wagner |date=2000 |work=GameSlice }}</ref> and he "...got obsessed with this sort of millennial weirdness...".<ref name='GameSlice1' /> He stated in April 2007 to ''[[PC Zone]]'' magazine:<blockquote>"I was a huge believer in the "immersive simulation" game style, exemplified by games like ''[[Ultima Underworld]]'', and I wanted to push the limits of that sort of game further. But I could never get the project off the ground at Origin or, later, at [[Looking Glass Studios|Looking Glass]]. (I think it was lack of interest at Origin/EA and it was mostly a lack of money at LG!) But then [[John Romero]] and Ion Storm came along and said, "Make the game of your dreams. No limits." It took me about two nanoseconds to say "Yes!"."<ref name='PCZoneWS'>{{cite news | first=Jamie | last=Sefton | coauthors= | title=PC Zone votes Deus Ex the best PC game ever! | date=[[2007-04-26]] | publisher=[[PC Zone]] | url =http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=162842&site=pcz | work =[[PC Zone]] | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-07 | language = }}</ref></blockquote>-->
== Versions and mods ==
''Deus Ex'' has been re-released in several iterations since its original publication, and has also been the basis of a number of [[Mod (computer gaming)|mods]] developed by its fan community.
=== Game versions ===
[[Image:DeusExConspiracy2.jpg|thumb|250px|The PlayStation 2 release, ''Deus Ex: The Conspiracy'', features graphically improved pre-rendered introduction and ending sequences.]]
The ''Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition'' release contains the latest game [[patch (computing)|updates]] and a [[software development kit]], it also includes a separate [[Original Soundtrack|soundtrack]] [[compact disc|CD]] and a page from a fictional newspaper featured prominently in ''Deus Ex'' titled ''The Midnight Sun'', which recounts recent events in the game's world.<ref>{{ cite web|url=http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?show=125|title=Eidos Announces Deus Ex "Game of the Year" Edition}} </ref> However, later releases of the said version do not include the soundtrack CD, and contain a [[PDF]] version of the newspaper on the game's disc.
The [[Macintosh]] version of the game, released shortly after the PC version, was shipped with the same capabilities and can also be patched to enable multiplayer support.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macos/8563|title=Deus Ex - 1.0.1|work=Version Tracker|accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/5553|title=Deus Ex Multiplayer Patch 1.0.3|work=Mac Update|accessmonthday=March 10 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> However, [[Video game publisher|publisher]] [[Aspyr Media]] did not release any subsequent editions of the game or any additional patches. As such, the game is only supported in [[Mac OS 9]] and the "Classic" environment in [[Mac OS X]], neither of which are compatible with [[Intel]]-based Macs. The PC version will run on Intel-based Macs using [[Boot Camp (software)|Boot Camp]] or other software to boot Microsoft Windows.
A port of the game, entitled ''Deus Ex: The Conspiracy'', was also released for the [[PlayStation 2]], on [[March 25]], [[2002]]. Along with pre-rendered introductory and ending cinematics which replaced the original versions, it features a streamlined interface with [[auto aim]], and improved graphics and [[motion capture]]d [[3d modeling|character models]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neoseeker.com/Games/Products/PS2/DeusEx/|title=Deus Ex: The Conspiracy: Features|work=Neoseeker|accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/april02/deusexps2/|title=Deus Ex: The Conspiracy (PS2) Review (Page 1)|work=Gamespy|author=Christopher Buecheler|accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> Some levels were changed and chopped down into smaller areas separated by load-screens, due to the memory limitations of the PlayStation 2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/reviews/april02/deusexps2/index2.shtm|title=Deus Ex: The Conspiracy (PS2) Review (Page 2)|work=Gamespy|author=Christopher Buecheler|accessmonthday=December 15 |accessyear=2006}}</ref>
A sequel to the game, entitled ''[[Deus Ex: Invisible War]]'', was released in the United States on [[December 2]], [[2003]], and then in Europe in early 2004 for both the PC and the Xbox game console.<ref name = mobygames2 /> A second sequel, entitled ''Deus Ex: Clan Wars'', was originally conceived as a multiplayer-focused third game for the series. After the commercial performance of ''Deus Ex: Invisible War'' failed to meet expectations however, the decision was made to set the game in its own universe, and it was eventually published under the title ''[[Project Snowblind|Project: Snowblind]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/06/16/news_6100820.html|title=Snowblind was Deus Ex: Clan Wars|work=Gamespot|author=Tor Thorsen|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref>
On [[March 29]], [[2007]], [[Valve Corporation|Valve]] announced ''Deus Ex'' and its sequel would be available for purchase from their [[Steam (content delivery)|Steam]] service. Among the games announced are several other Eidos franchise titles, including ''[[Thief: Deadly Shadows]]'' and ''[[Tomb Raider]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://storefront.steampowered.com/v/index.php?area=news&id=1004&l=English&cc=US|title=Eidos Brings Six More to Steam|work=Valve Corporation|author=Jason Ruymen|accessmonthday = March 29 |accessyear=2007}}</ref>
Eidos Montreal is planning on publishing another [[Deus Ex 3|sequel]] to ''Deus Ex''. This was confirmed on [[November 26]], [[2007]] when Eidos Montreal posted a teaser trailer for the title on their website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183347.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;2|title=Eidos Montreal Deus Ex-ecuted|work=Gamespot|author=Tor Thorsen|accessmonthday=November 26 |accessyear=2007}}</ref>
=== Modding ===
{{main|Deus Ex mods}}
The ''Deus Ex'' game engine lends itself to [[mod (computer gaming)|modification]] by fans of the game thanks to the release by Ion Storm of the ''Deus Ex'' software development kit (SDK). Such mods can have a variety of purposes, including making the game more or less difficult, increasing the variety of weapons available to the player, or even completely changing the graphics and storyline of the game. The ''[[Deus Ex SDK]]'' was initially released on [[September 22]], [[2000]], about three months after the publication of the game. According to the initial announcement press release, the SDK consists of the actual software tools used to create the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesnews.com/cgi-bin/articles.pl?show=72|title=Eidos Announces Deus Ex SDK|work=www.bluesnews.com|accessmonthday=October 20 06}}</ref>
=== Film adaptation ===
A film adaptation based on the game was originally announced in May 2002 by [[Columbia Pictures]]. The movie was being produced by [[Laura Ziskin]], along with Greg Pruss attached with writing the screenplay. Peter Schlessel, president of production for Columbia Pictures, and Paul Baldwin, president of marketing for Eidos Interactive, stated that they were confident in that the adaptation would be a successful development for both the studios and the franchise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.megagames.com/news/html/movies/columbiatomakedeusexmovie.shtml|title=Megagames Article on Movie|work=Megagames}}</ref> In March 2003, during an interview with Greg Pruss, he informed IGN that the character of JC Denton will be "a little bit filthier than he was in the game." He further stated that the script was shaping up to be darker in tone than the original game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ign.com/articles/388/388626p1.html|title=Deus Ex Update|work=IGN|author=Jeremy Conrad and Dan Adams|accessmonthday=December 19 |accessyear=2006}}</ref> A theatrical release was scheduled to occur sometime in 2006. It was purported that [[Willem Dafoe]] would star in the film, though his role was not specified.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mailhollywood.com/cel.php?viewCel=3817|title=Willem Dafoe bio|work=MailHollywood|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> The [[IMDb|Internet Movie Database]] reported that production was cancelled in May 2004, and the film profile is no longer listed. IGN, however, listed it in their ''Games-to-Film Frenzy II'' in October 2004 and is still listed as "in development" in their ''Games to Film'' listing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20050825171632/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365118/ Internet Archive cache of IMDB page on the movie|title=Deus Ex (2006)|work=Internet Movie Database/Archive.org}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ign.com/gamestofilm.html IGN: Games to Film Index|title=Deux Ex|work=IGN.com}}</ref>
== Soundtrack ==
{{Sound sample box align right|Music sample:}}
{{Listen
|filename=Deus_Ex_-_Title_Song.ogg |title=Alexander Brandon "''Deus Ex'' Main Title"
|description=30 second sample from the theme song of ''Deus Ex''.
|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{sample box end}}
The soundtrack of ''Deus Ex'', composed by [[Alexander Brandon]], [[Dan Gardopée]], [[Michiel van den Bos]] and [[Reeves Gabrels]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deusex-machina.com/information/faq-goty.asp|title=Deus Ex Game of the Year Edition FAQ.|work=Deus Ex Machina|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> was praised by critics for complementing the gritty atmosphere predominant throughout the game with melodious and [[ambient music]] incorporated from a number of genres, including [[techno]], [[jazz]] and [[classical music|classical]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/reviews/deusex/Deus_Ex-2.html|title=Deus Ex review|work=RPGFan|author=Bahamut|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgame.com/cg/agg.dll?p=agg&sql=1:33407~T1|title=Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition review|work=Allgame|author=Christopher Allen|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.womengamers.com/revprev/act/act-deusex.php|title=Deus Ex review|work=WomenGamers|author=iceVic|accessmonthday=March 20 |accessyear=2007}}</ref> The music sports a basic dynamic element, similar to the [[iMUSE]] system used in early 1990s [[LucasArts]] games; during play, the music will change to a different iteration of the currently playing song based on the player's actions, such as when the player starts a conversation, engages in combat, or transitions to the next level.
A compact disc of the ''Deus Ex'' soundtrack was included in the ''Game of the Year'' edition and is not available for separate purchase. Notably, the soundtrack is not a direct audio [[Game rip (audio)|rip]] from the game itself, however, it is a "[[remaster]]ing" of the soundtrack with added instruments and audio production. Originally only thirty tracks were included with the re-release, with tracks thirty-one through forty-one considered as extras.<ref>{{ cite web| url=http://jadiepoo.com/dx/OST/|title=Deus Ex OST Version mp3 Files|work=Jadiepoo.com|author=Hinrichsen Family|accessdate=March 20|accessyear=2007}}</ref>
The PlayStation 2 port featured live, orchestral renditions of some tracks.<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Deus Ex The Conspiracy - for PlayStation 2 | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.deusex-machina.com/dxps2/music.asp | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2007-11-09 | language = }}</ref>
Since release the soundtrack has become very popular with internet based remixers. Several fan made mixes have enjoyed online success, with several sites dedicated to the music of the game being created,<ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=Deus Ex Music | date= | publisher= | url =http://www.dx-music.com | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-05-06 | language = }}</ref> and even an entire remix album <ref>{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title=The Long Night | date= | publisher= | url =http://auteurtheoryonline.muzicom.net/?q=node/11 | work = | pages = | accessdate = 2008-07-06 | language = English}}</ref>
<center>
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size:90%; valign:top; color:black;"
|-
| valign=top align=left |
* 1. "Main Title" - 02:24
* 2. "Intro Sequence" - 02:23
* 3. "Liberty Island" - 05:26
* 4. "UNATCO" - 05:12
* 5. "Battery Park" - 04:42
* 6. "NYC Streets" - 04:15
* 7. "Lebedev's Airfield " - 03:14
* 8. "Airfield Action " - 01:10
* 9. "Enemy Within" - 01:48
* 10. "Desolation" (Hong Kong Canal) - 02:26
* 11. "The Synapse" (Hong Kong Streets) - 04:37
* 12. "Hong Kong Action" - 00:59
* 13. "Majestic 12 Labs" - 01:50
* 14. "Versalife" - 03:48
* 15. "Naval Base " - 04:59
* 16. "Paris Streets" - 01:18
* 17. "DuClare Château " - 06:42
* 18. "Paris Action" - 01:24
* 19. "Return to NYC" - 01:34
* 20. "Ocean Lab" - 01:35
* 21. "Ocean Action" - 01:24
| valign=top align=left|
* 22. "Ocean Lab Complex" - 01:48
* 23. "Vandenberg" - 03:46
* 24. "Begin the End" (Bunker) - 01:41
* 25. "Area 51" - 02:22
* 26. "Ending 1" - 01:15
* 27. "Ending 2" - 01:18
* 28. "Ending 3" - 01:50
* 29. "The Illuminati" - 02:38
* 30. "DX Club Mix" - 03:00
* 31. "Training Room" - 02:03
* 32. "NYC Bar" - 05:10
* 33. "Hong Kong Helipad" - 03:30
* 34. "Hong Kong Club 1" - 04:56
* 35. "Hong Kong Club 2" - 02:57
* 36. "The Nothing" - 03:17
* 37. "Paris Club 1" - 02:49
* 38. "Paris Club 2" - 04:31
* 39. "Paris Cathedral" - 03:36
* 40. "Conspiravision" - 05:38
* 41. "Paris Cathedral Conversation" - 00:54
|}
</center>
== See also ==
* ''[[Deus Ex: Invisible War]]''
* ''[[Project Snowblind]]''
* ''[[Deus Ex 3]]''
* [[Warren Spector]]
* [[JC Denton]]
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.eidosgames.com/games/info.html?gmid=109 Official] page on [[Eidos Interactive|Eidos]] site
* [http://www.steamgames.com/v/index.php?area=game&AppId=6910&cc=US# ''Deus Ex'' available on Steam] - ''Deus Ex'' on Steam
<!-- Note: the following two websites are what can be considered the core of the Deus Ex community. Please do not remove them -->
* [http://www.planetdeusex.com/ Planet Deus Ex] - The official GameSpy network website for ''Deus Ex''. No longer updated
* [http://www.deusexgaming.com/ ''Deus Ex'' Gaming] - A fan community website
* [http://www.deusex-machina.com/articles/makingofdeusex.asp Behind the Scenes Look in the Making of ''Deus Ex'']
* {{moby game|id=/deus-ex}}
* {{imdb title|id=0286585|title=Deus Ex}}
* {{MusicBrainz release|id=948ae31a-fe81-4db0-8a7f-9fa37e5b9db4|name=Deus Ex}}
* [http://nuwen.net/dx.html An individual analysis of ''Deus Ex''] - Includes commentary on the game's script and compiled excerpts from 'The Man Who Was Thursday' and 'Jacob's Shadow'. Also includes a copy of Warren Spector's post mortem on ''Deus Ex'' (this is linked from its original source below).
* [http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/login.php3?from=/features/20001206/spector_02.htm Warren Spector's post mortem on ''Deus Ex''] published on [http://www.gamasutra.com/ Gamasutra] ([[December 6]], [[2000]]). To view this you must log into the provider's site.
{{Deus Ex}}
{{Ion Storm}}
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