Replayed this game recently and enjoyed it this time as well, and indeed more than Dishonored, as I thought I would. Especially the setting is more compelling to me, as I really like cyberpunk and futurism and the themes and questions and aestheics that naturally emerge from those. The sneaking is also better, esp the fluid system to cover behind things and move seamlessly between covers or around corners. I like Dishonored too, but while I’m sure I’ll play the upcoming sequel to Deus Ex I’ll see about playing the upcoming Dishonored 2.

Unlike last time I went all in on sneaking, and man that really improved the game. It’s a lot more fun sneaking and getting the related augmentations, and not killing anyone. It’s also more challenging. Nothing is easier than killing the guards one by one from a distance and with a character (partly) optimized for that. Sneaking past them is harder, and if you make them unconcious (rather than killing them) they will be awoken again if found by other guards, so you often can’t just pick them off from a distance or leave them laying around. I went for a “no kill” run and was disappointed when I didn’t get the “pacifist” trophy. Must have killed someone by accident without noticing.

Got to say though that I still enjoy open world games such as the Fallouts and Elder Scrolls a lot more than Deus Ex: HR. The sense of freedom, discovery, non-linearity and massive amount of interesting content and options on all levels in those games are just spectacular, as well as the rich and deep game worlds, whether the main story holds up or not.

By comparison Deus Ex feels more like a classical game while they feel like stepping into a different world. But Deus Ex shouldn’t feel bad about that; it’s better than most games and its tight and tactical sneaking is something you can’t get in New Vegas, however much I love that game. I want to play a variety of games and that includes games that are great but aren’t my absolue favorites, as long as they offer something those favorites don’t.

So yeah. Great game: nice aestehtics, interesting and thought-provoking themes, exciting and fun sneaking, fun augmentations to play around with. Looking forward to the sequel coming early next year.

(Quick note: currently playing and midway through the first Mass Effect, and I really enjoy it! Otoh I stopped playing Icewind Dale, though not by conscious choice and I might continue.)