Deuce Ex

Posted by Robert Janelle Feb 9, 2007

My apologies to readers for that slight disappearing act I pulled...it's been a very crazy three months, but those details are moot now.

However, I've spent a lot of time revisiting some older games and I have to say, Deuce Ex blew my mind, all over again.

This first-person shooter was released in 2002 for multiple platforms but it goes so far beyond what an FPS can be.

Unlike most games in the genre, the focus isn't on running around mazes blasting anything that moves. In fact, it's possible to get through the game without firing a shot if you're stealthy enough.

Though along with radically different gameplay (the best way to describe it is Half-Life meets Metal Gear) is something else that's generally lacking in FPS games: plot!

Deuce Ex's plot, with plenty of twists, is deeper than most role-playing games. It keeps you guessing and gets downright philosophical at points (one hidden sequence involves the main character debating God with a computer.)

The game casts the player as J.C. Denton, a new government agent whose first assignment is to deal with a hostage situation. But as you quickly discover in the mission, nothing is as it seems, to use a horrid cliche.

Another difference between Deuce Ex and other shoot-em-ups is that almost every action has a consequence. For example, walking around a bar with your gun drawn will cause the bartender to start shooting at you. Should you shoot back and kill her, later in the game there will be a soldier drinking in the bar who'll blurt out: "Someone wasted the bartender! Drinks are free!"

I'll admit it, it's the subtleties that win me over.

To top off all that is my favourite feature in any game, regardless of genre: multiple endings.

So few games focus on replay value, even older ones, so it's refreshing to find one from any era that keeps you going after the usual 25 hours.

Now to sit down with the sequel, which I've never played.