The Hype: Even if you've not played the original Deus Ex, you're probably aware of its status as one of the most influential and acclaimed PC games ever made, right? This sequel promised even more choice than the original game, along with superior visuals and a continuation of the original game's plot, albeit with a new protagonist. What Happened?: It would be unfair to call Invisible War a bad game, because it absolutely isn't, but there's a reason why most people forget it even exists: it never feels like anything more than a cheap imitation of the original. Yes, the emergent gameplay is satisfying on occasion, but the game is hampered by hilariously awful AI, scaled-back customisation elements despite the game promising more freedom, a dubious "universal ammo" system, smaller levels and an overwhelming feeling that basically everything was dumbed down in order to appeal to a wider player base. In trying to rake in more sales, Ion Storm ironically alienated those who made the original such a success, and had those very fans soon enough returning to the vastly superior original. Despite decent sales, the franchise evidently stopped being a priority after IW, as the next game, Human Revolution, took another eight years to reach gamers (but hey, it turned out to be pretty damn good).
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
