The Ps2 version uses a port of the original Unreal Engine of the PC version. The developers introduced several improvements, like the completely new skeletal animations and rebuilt many polygonal models. For this reason, all the characters in Deus Ex: The Conspiracy move and look definitely better than their PC counterparts, and that’s immediately noticeable. Many of the in-game cutscenes, then, have been replaced by beautiful pre-rendered FMVs, realized with great skill.

On the other hand, the Ps2 version also shows the hardware limitations of the system. The Unreal Engine can show enormous environments with medium and high quality textures on a good PC but with the Ps 2 limited RAM, it was impossible to obtain in certain situations the same result. That’s why the massive PC levels have been divided into many sub-levels. This leads to the loading times I spoke of in the gameplay section, and to many minimum but necessary modifications to the level design. The textures are quite dull, especially when compared to what we have seen in other recent titles expressly designed for Ps2.

But overall, the Ps2 and PC versions convey very similar visual experiences. The real problem is that the Unreal Engine definitely shows its age. This becomes evident during the in-game cutscenes, which are definitely old looking when compared to the ones seen in Metal Gear Solid 2 or Soul Reaver 2. Light effects look also simplistic; this Ps2 version could have shown at least some good particle effect, but probably the developers didn’t have the time to create them. There are also occasional bad slowdowns, and the average framerate is less than stellar.

Thankfully, the core of the game remains its gameplay and the perfect level design. After two years from the release of the PC version, Deus Ex is still able to absorb the player into its futuristic world.

The original Deus Ex had magnificent sounds, but this Ps2 version is even better, also thanks to the Dolby 5.1 support. The main, beautiful theme of Deus Ex has been re-recorded with a full-orchestra, and it’s a pure powerful pleasure for the ears. The in-game music has remained the same, but it’s simply excellent, with influences from Hollywood symphonic soundtracks, techno songs and classic music. The music is dynamic, it changes accordingly to the on-screen action. For example, if an enemy finds you while you are trying to stealthily move in the shadows, the music will change, just like it happens in Metal Gear Solid and in good part of next generation titles.

Sound effects play a primary role in the gameplay of Deus Ex: The Conspiracy. Since stealth action is fundamental, enemies’ footsteps and voices can help you move without being detected. And you also have to take great attention to your own sounds. Using a pistol is not always a good idea, because enemies in the surroundings will immediately detect – and kill - you, and your own footsteps can make the difference when you are trying to save some hostages. Move slowly, and most of the enemies will be unable to hear you. I assure you, it’s extremely realistic, and exciting. The quality of the sound effects is above the average. Each weapon, each surface you’ll hit produce a different, extremely realistic sound.

Dialogues are another strong point of Deus Ex. Acting is always excellent, both during cutscenes and actual gameplay. During the game you’ll have to talk with dozens of non playable characters, just like in every good RPG. Each character has something to say, and he/she says it well. From the little and big personal tragedies the poor people in Manhattan will narrate you to the dialogues between the terrorists that you’ll be able to hear while hidden in the shadows or behind a crate, the dialogues in Deus Ex: The Conspiracy recreate a realistic world of sadness and hope, death and fear, that is difficult to forget once you’ve turned off your console.

Playing Deus Ex is like playing Metal Gear Solid or Grand Theft Auto. You have certain main goals to accomplish but you can do it in so many different ways that playing the whole game more than once is simply natural. The main quest will take at least 25-30 hours to be completed, but I repeat, if you like Deus Ex, you’ll play and replay it for weeks. Unfortunately, Deus Ex:The Conspiracy doesn’t include a multiplayer mode.