Recent reviews by Peter Oak

Zoiks scoob, that rabbit looks scary

My favorite worm eating simulator.

10/10 would greg again

I was expecting Excalibur.

I got Ichimaru Gin's Bankai instead.

10/10, would achieve Bankai again.

10/10 for all the hidden references on descriptions.

This is a mostly enjoyable and fun game to play, under the condition that you ignore its title, specifically the first two words.

As a standalone game, it is a fun stealth fps with minute rpg elements. The story is alright, there is some lore to read and hear and there are some interesting characters. What is somewhat annoying is that the game keeps crashing. It is interesting to note that these crashes are not bugs, but, and I’m not kidding, an intended feature. Whenever loading a new area, the game will close itself and reopen. This was the only way they could think for the game to work properly. I admit it is as much ingenious as it is a red flag. But positive feelings! It’s an average standalone after all.

So, inside these arbitrary metrics, it’s an okay generic game.

However, this isn’t a standalone game, is it?

Now, to the crux of the matter. As a sequel to Deus Ex, with the exception of the better graphics, better voice acting (the male protagonist, for instance, is voiced by Vegeta) and some sparse good tweaks; It falls short. Unbelievably short.
Invisible War is inferior in almost every conceivable way. Plot, music, game design, level design, characters, lore, dialogue, among others. You can pick, there is a plethora of detractions from the first game.
It is far more streamlined, less immersive and massively less cerebral. You can have more meaningful conversations with bartenders on the original than with faction leaders on the sequel. The only two moments I felt this was actually a Deus Ex was during the Coffee Wars mission in Trier (which could have been done better and serves as a hint to a plot point which is already obvious to the average Deus Ex player at this point) and the first encounter and subsequent conversation with JC Denton.

As a sequel to Deus Ex, this is a monumental step back. I honestly feel bad for the developers that had to bend to the corporate desires and mangle this. It’s ironic. What went down behind the scenes between the devs and executives is, most likely, far more Deus Ex than this game itself even attempted to be. (It was originally developed for the Xbox, because money.)
This is, most likely, the worst of the main Deus Ex games. I say most likely because, as of the time of this review, I have only played the original and Invisible War. The only things I know of Human Revolution and Mankind Divided are opinions and reviews of friends, so I have a gist of the overall quality, but am biased due to not actually knowing.

So, I give this game a positive review. Under certain boundaries, I enjoyed this game. And you will, or could, enjoy it also, if:
-You never played any Deus Ex. If this relates to you, you will have a good time, it is a fun game. But it would be best if you played the original first. For any reason whatsoever.

-You only played the prequels/newer ones. If this relates to you, you might find this fun. It is still far less cerebral and nuanced, but there are some traits that you could find familiar. But then again, if you are stepping your toes onto the waters of the old ones, play the original, for the love of g..

-You played the original, but you came expecting nothing of it and try to see the game as something else, disconnected, from the original. If you manage to do this, you will have fun with a good game that, to its unfortunate predicament, sits at the shadow of one of the greatest games of all time.

In summation, Invisible War is a good game, but an awful Deus Ex.

As a wise man once said,

“I am completely biased, and I don’t care.” - SsethTzeentach

Once more, I recommend anyone to see Ross’s essay on the game. It is far more detailed, well conveyed and entertaining than this review. Like the difference between the OG and Invisible War!
“Ross’s Game Dungeon: Deus Ex - Invisible War” on Youtube.

glow1:wave2:Trimming armour for free and doubling money

There was indeed no game. None at all. Nothing.
Didn't have fun.
Nothing to see here. Move along.

This game is a fascinating deconstruction of the RPG genre. Its simplicity has a weird allure.

The point of the game is to be a joke at RPG games overall. It makes fun of tropes and stereotypes. Like the hero of the world being mostly the world’s only mail carrier.

It has mountains, wastes, dragons, blacksmiths, huge swords that are oddly familiar and lore.

It was a fun experience. You can 100% this deeply immersive game in a little more than two hours. The lore of the game tells the story of the world, but most importantly, makes references, homages and some slight jabs at other popular RPGs.

Give it a shot. I mean, why not? It’s free real estate.

This is, without exaggeration nor hesitation, the greatest game I've ever had the pleasure of playing. Seriously. I can say that without being blinded by nostalgia. This year was the first time I ever played it.
Everything you might have heard or read about this game so far, it is all true. This is one of the best games ever made. It truly is a masterpiece. And all that even with its dated graphics (which were not the best even when it was launched), clunky A.I and questionable voice acting for most non major characters. The game does have flaws, but most of them are the result of limitations, be it technological or financial.
Gameplay wise, it is really fun and it still holds up today. It all comes down to choice and great game design. You have the liberty to advance through the level in a multitude of ways, be it by lurking in the shadows and avoiding enemies (which is the smartest and most fun way of playing it) or by kicking the front door open like Rambo. However, even when playing guns blazing, the game forces you to think. Ammo is scarce, so if not careful you can run out of it easily. Furthermore, just because you have a gun in your hand it does not mean you know how to use it. Although the skills involving guns do improve damage, the real reason you will be taking them is accuracy.
Exploration is heavily encouraged. The more you explore, the better your overall experience is. You can find alternate entrances or routes, helpful loot and important information like passwords. Most secondary quests and objectives feel they actually serve a purpose, and they often do. More than once my life was made easier just because I helped or merely talked to someone. Like “Oh, you’re Denton aren’t you? (X) told me about you, here you can do (Y) and that will help you avoid (Z), (Z) and (Z).”
From a gameplay standpoint, it is a great game. But that’s not the reason why it is a masterpiece. Which brings us to my final and most important point. The story.
The story of Deus Ex is brilliant. I tried writing this paragraph explaining why five times. I decided against it. Trying to explain it in so few words would be a disservice against the game. Regarding that, you can do one of two things:
1- Just take my word it’s amazing and see it for yourself. (Like I did)
2- Read or watch an essay on it and risk having spoilers.(“Ross's Game Dungeon: Deus Ex” is a great one for example)
Overall, the game is amazing, and I can guarantee that you will enjoy it. Whether or not you agree to the claim that it is the greatest game of all time.
In the end of it, your own vision about reality will be augmented. And if not, well, what a shame.