Deus Ex: Invisible War

Deus Ex: Invisible War is an action role-playing video game developed by Ion Storm and published by Eidos Interactive for Microsoft Windows personal computers (PC) and the Xbox home console. The game released in 2003 in North America and 2004 in other regions. It is the second game in the Deus Ex series, and a direct sequel to the original game. The gameplay—combining first-person shooter, stealth and role-playing elements—features exploration and combat in environments connected to multiple city-based hubs, in addition to quests that can be completed in a variety of ways and flexible character customization. Conversations between characters feature a variety of responses, with options in conversations at crucial story points affecting how some events play out. Invisible War takes place twenty years after Deus Ex. The game follows a scenario where the first game's events led to a period of war and economic depression dubbed the "Collapse", which resulted in several factions attaining power and influence across the world. The player character, Alex D, is evacuated from Chicago to Seattle following a terrorist attack, soon becoming embroiled in a network of plots as the world's factions fight for control of the world. In addition to the series' recurring cyberpunk setting and conspiracy theory motif, the story focuses on the theme of terrorism. Development of Invisible War began following the success of Deus Ex. The aim was to create a more accessible version of the original game's systems while preserving its essentials. Original designer Harvey Smith directed the game, while Alexander Brandon and Sheldon Pacotti returned respectively as composer and scenario writer. Additional music and voice work was provided by the rock band Kidneythieves. Due to being developed for PC and Xbox, the game's environments needed to be designed with the console's hardware limitations in mind. In later interviews, members of the team have faulted their decisions for the title. At its initial release, the game was acclaimed for its graphics and the freedom of choice in both gameplay and story. Criticism was directed towards below-par enemy artificial intelligence, controversial design choices, and issues with the PC port. The game has sold over one million copies worldwide as of 2011. Later opinions from both journalists and the game's staff have been mixed, with several websites calling Invisible War the weakest entry in the Deus Ex series. After several unsuccessful attempts at creating a third Deus Ex title prior to Ion Storm's 2005 closure, a prequel to the first game titled Deus Ex: Human Revolution was developed by Eidos Montréal and released in 2011.