This is truly a game that doesn't just live up to the hype, it really does surpass it imo. If I didn't love action games this really might be my favorite PC game ever atm.

From the minds of Ion Storm came and went this masterpiece. Deus Ex (2000) is a innovative and epic journey through the mind of JC Denton. I can't believe how much this game's level of detail and interactivity destroys almost all titles out now. The amount of play styles/ways you can approach combat/situations is really is next to none especially for the time period. It's so good in fact I really want to replay this game again trying a different playstyle/build.

The RPG systems/mechanics in this game definitely will take some learning and research but after they feel very integral to the game's core. This game really had me wincing at what upgrades to take permanently in the story. I never played a game with such hard decision making tbh. With the amount of skills/augmentations you really can approach the levels and enemies in almost any fashion.

The atmosphere of this title as well is truly next to none, outside of Unreal Gold and Quake 1 I really haven't played many games that lived up to the immersion and sheer desolation/grime/decay of a world so well. The events you watch and go throughout the game really motivate you to save the world.

The story was very interesting all around, lots of twist at every corner & really left me on edge. People aren't joking when they say this game predicted a lot of things. I can't believe this game's story from 2000 really had a whole world virus being spread and also the fear of AI taking over the world back then. Super duper ahead of it's time it's scary.

I also hadn't really connected with a protagonist this much in a game since Niko in GTAIV. JC may seem like a blank slate to some but his intelligent/sharp cold demeanor really add to the game's mood/tone. He can be as badass or funny as you want him to be depending on your actions Every character and piece of dialogue was absolutely amazing and well written.

I really was immersed in the game's world and setting. Thirteen levels seems like a small amount to today's games but man these are huge levels/worlds/hubs for a game from 2000 it's really crazy. Compared to other unreal engine 1 games this one definitely has the biggest scope and sense of direction to me. I loved going from NYC, Hong Kong, Paris (The Catacombs were so cool to me since i've been there irl ) and area 51. Each level looked very distinct and all have multiple songs to listen to which further added to the atmosphere/immersion.

The combat i'll admit starts out very rough, you have to learn what skills to specialize in and how to approach enemies the correct way or else things will go completely wrong, The amount of times i've died in this game was uncountable. But every death I got up and picked back up again and figured out a solution. When you plan an enemy encounter/combat situation in this game and it works out, it really might be the best feeling in any video game i've played. The stealth in this game may seem a bit clunky same with the enemy AI but just be careful and slow and don't rush things. (Also SAVE OFTEN !!!) Usually every time I tried to make an encounter quick I came across a better solution to be stealthier or safer after. Just make sure to read up on the augmentations and skills, it truly does help a lot to figure out your build.

Now onto the music, every song made by Alexander Brandon, Michiel van den Bos, and Dan Gardopee are absolute masterpieces. I really cannot think of or name a SINGLE track I disliked in this game which is really insane. (Even my favorite game ever Unreal Gold there's 1 or 2 songs I don't like.) This soundscape of atmospheric pads/synths/arps/electronic drums really make for some of the most beautiful video game songs i've ever had the pleasure of hearing. They all fit the desolate, scary & truly adventurous nature of the game. I love all of the techno and jazz influence with some rock thrown in there too. It really is a perfect video game soundtrack to me and I'm so thankful we live in a world with it's existence.

In conclusion, I really don't think I have any complaints or faults for the game outside of it's jank and sometimes hit or miss AI. But those are things you can get around and adapt to. Just save often in case an enemy or boss encounter doesn't go your way (:

Overall, I give this game a 10/10. I urge everyone I know to give this game a chance if you like older games, stealth titles, sci-fi, cyberpunk, or are curious about why this game is considered one of if not the best PC games of all time.