Deus Ex: Revision is more than a chance for an old game to have a graphics upgrade, but a true restoration that will introduce one of the most iconic titles to a new audience.
The original Deus Ex was a ground-breaking cyberpunk-themed espionage game that redefined the concept of both the First-Person Shooter and Role-Playing Game genre. Today it’s best remembered for its unique story, innovative gameplay and for predicting many major international events that took place in the 2000 decade (like the 9/11 attack).
Yet, like most games of the era, its graphics have not survived the test of time and may not be visual appealing to some. Deus Ex: Revision is a fan project that attempts to visually enhance one of the greatest games of all time.
The Conspiracy
For those who missed out on the original game, here is a quick recap.
Set in the year 2052, the world has been plagued into chaos due to the rise of global terrorism, an economic depression and a deadly virus. Players take on the role of J.C. Denton, an Agent of UNATCO (United Nations Anti-Terrorism Coalition) who has undergone nanotechnological augmentation. On his first night, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy being plotted by a secret organization to take over the world. However, since this group is led by a business tycoon with influence in several government organizations, Agent Denton must work alone and only trust a few selected friends.
It’s story was based on popular conspiracy theories regarding shadow organizations like Majestic-12 and The Illuminati along with common tropes such as Black Helicopters, anti-UN sentiments, Area 51, G-men, and the Men In Black. It’s obvious that great works of science fiction like Blade Runner, The Matrix and The X-Files played a major role in crafting this unforgettable gaming experience.
The Deus Ex story is one of the most memorable but its graphics aged poorly. Having been released in mid-2000, it was built using the Unreal Engine 1 just as it was about to become outdated by the Unreal Engine 2. Yet given its popularity and the influence it had on gaming, it was only a matter of time before someone decided to give it a visual upgrade.
Augmented For A New Era
Enter Deus Ex: Revision, a Square Enix approved fan project that brings a much need visual upgrade and redesign.
Not only are the upgraded graphics much crisper and visually appealing, but they also add a new level of detail to the environment. A lot of attention has been given to enhance the feeling that you’re in a dystopian future with no promise of hope or salvation.
Adding to the new experience is that most of the levels have also been redesign and expanded. One’s memory of the original game will now be useless as pathways and secrets have been moved around to give players a brand new gaming experience.
This is not the same Deus Ex that gamers played back in 2000 but a new experience that will remind a gamer why this is an icon. An old school gamer should take time to explore this redesigned future to once again appreciate what has been achieved.
Deus Ex: Revision is a testament to how the legacy of a video game can survive for so long and that there is always a community of loyal fans wiling to take the time to visually enhance it for a new audience. The game is available on Steam and it requires Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition.
Did you play the original Deus EX and Deus Ex: Revision? If so then share your thoughts in the comments below.
