Not worth playing on the playstation. (Deus Ex (PS2))

Member Name: Mutalisk

Product:	Deus Ex (PS2)
Date:	17/08/09 (99 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Its still a great game, improved polygons, addition of pre-rendered cutscenes. RPG elements remain,

Disadvantages: cut down levels, cut down speech, bad lighting, jerky, awkward, barely playable on the PS2.

*** This is a review specific to the PS2 port of the game, and its differences to the PC/Mac OS version. For a full review of the PC edition, see this link; http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/pc-game/deus-ex/1283558/ ***

A outstandingly well-conceived cyberpunk Role playing First person shooter, Deus Ex (2000) has really impressed gamers worldwide. Nonetheless, it strongly shows its limitations on this platform. This game is really only worth buying for the PC. The playstation version has a whole range of shortcomings which, whilst not entirely ruining the gaming experience, detract from it immensely.

Although the storyline and characters are all still present and intact, it is some of the more intricate aspects that are initially the most noticeable when missing, First up, the way in which the player interfaces with computers and keypads is lacking. On the PC version, codes and passwords need to be typed in manually, but for the playstation, simply having read the password or username at some point will allow access, so it really feels like you're identifying less with your environment.

Levels have also been cut down and had parts removed to make room for memory, which really disturbs the game's otherwise excellent flow and design. This, coupled with the much weaker graphical resolution and textures make the game seem clunky as hell, but I think the worst element here is the fact that it the game STILL jerks quite often, and loading transitions between levels still take forever.

Deus Ex: The Conspiracy (The name of the PS2 port) does however, have one redeeming quality. It seems that the character models in this version have received some nice update treatment, and a lot more polygons and even a form of early "skeletal" animation have been added. Also, the in-game cutscenes have been replaced with pre-rendered ones which look nice, but like much of the rest of the game, have had the speech cut down, and for a story-driven RPG that's got to lose some points.

The new inventory interface is generally quite fancy looking, and is now a lot more Playstation friendly, if a little awkward. Its also difficult to see on a television screen, even with HD, as the contrast is BIG problem and, for a game that can rely heavily on stealth in places, not being able to see guards, cameras or security bots is a massive hassle.

This is a classic game, and is held by many to be the best RPG of all time. You should buy the PS2 version ONLY if you are exclusively a playstation gamer, or don't own a PC. Although the human character models look a bit better, its not worth losing the amazing level design over. Cut-down speech is definitely a no-no, and is even a bit patronising. You can get it on either platform for about two pounds, impressive for a millenial game of the year, but the PS2 edition is still just not a good port.

Summary: Buy it for the PC.