9: Deus Ex

Back before story driven RPG-FPS hybrids were ten a penny, Deus Ex set the benchmark high. Set in a beautifully realised cyberpunk universe with lashings of Matrix-esque style, the genetically modified J.C. Denton fought against the tides of international conspiracy as he struggled to survive a world he soon found filled with dangerous secrets, untrustworthy allies, and bloody great big robots.

Gradually uncovering nanotech modifications he would eventually evolve into a one man army capable of infiltrating even the most secure of locations, but in the early stages of the game the learning curve was harsh, forcing you to behave with extreme caution when proceeding through the often security-heavy areas. Keeping on the lookout for surveillance equipment and less dangerous alternative routes, the early stages of Deus Ex favoured those who learnt to avoid direct conflict whenever possible.

Can’t remember for the life of me who this chap is, but i’m almost certain I killed him.

Before long however you’d nailed those weapon skills and were happily taking on whatever the game threw at you, prematurely believing yourself to have already evolved into the unstoppable force you were inevitably fated to become. Any pride you’d mustered was soon to be sharply kicked in the teeth however, once you’d had your first encounter with the ‘Agents’.

These pale-skinned sentinels were no strangers by this point, Mr. Denton having passed by them by on numerous occasions whilst they ominously stood guarding high-security locations. With their unsettling gazes and mechanical vocal chords these characters were decidedly creepy and clearly not entirely human, but appearing to be of no immediate threat to you personally this feeling of discomfort was easily brushed off.

Spot the helicopter.

Before long however these chilling drones suddenly became a force you realised you’d been underestimating for too long, their uninvited presence at the hotel you were secretly visiting suddenly exposing a malicious intent almost hidden by the monotone quality of their droning vocals. Unashamedly throwing you suddenly out of your comfort zone, Deus Ex required you to make a snap decision: Fight or flight. Being knocked down a few pegs at a point at which your confidence was already waning, this sudden blend of insecurity and blind panic could easily knock you for six.