Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critics What's this?

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Mixed or average reviews- based on 215 Ratings

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 44
  2. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. 100
    Not only the proverbial sequel-better-than-its-original, but it’s also deep, challenging, and intelligent on a level that action games usually don’t reach.
  2. 90
    A must-play for anyone looking for a fun, intelligent action/adventure game. Is it as great as its forebear? I'll say no. That said, Invisible War is still an excellent sequel to Deus Ex, which, while lacking its scope, smooths over many of its roughest edges and provides a decent conclusion to the current story arc. [Note: GameSpy's revised 5-Star conversion scale - see site]
  3. Judged on its own merits, Invisible War is a great example of a game that offers meaningful freedom of choice, that rewards different approaches and that creates a coherent, intelligent world wrapped up in a very well paced and expertly written plot.
  4. It has been said that you’re supposed to be able to finish the game without killing anyone, but I can promise you that you’re in for a world of frustration if you try that yourself.
  5. Some of the AI responses seem pretty stupid. Enemies don't appear to be very good at fighting, and will generally stand in place to shoot you. They won't duck behind cover or retreat.
  6. The ability to explore and choose how you want to approach each obstacle is great, albeit a bit simpler this time around. It’s also much shorter, clocking in at around 15 hours, but again, you can play each level in various ways.
  7. It absolutely defines mediocrity.

See all 44 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 93
  2. Negative: 36 out of 93
  1. Bass
    Jan 15, 2006
    Brisk's review (see below) is spot on. Although not completely the perfect sequel that we hardcore fans were hoping for, this is still one of the most enjoyable titles that you will ever play. Any game bearing the Deus Ex name is going to be undisputably brilliant, and Invisible War is yet another masterpiece from gaming iconic Warren Spector. In my opinion the original Deus Ex is arguable the greatest game ever made, and those who do not play this sequel are missing out on what is the continuation of a truely outstanding francise. Expand
  2. SovietUnion
    Aug 24, 2003
    Deus Ex the first kicked ass and so shall Deus Ex: Invisible War.
  3. J.L.V'Tar
    Jan 27, 2004
    I really cannot think of much more to say than simply; this is one of the best games created recently. It is not the "glorious breakthrough" of its progenitor, but in that regard only about 10% of any games produced in this day and age have anything to do with storyline or a real decision-making process on the player's part. Compare DX2 to other games currently on the market, and tell me it warrants any rating below a 7. This game holds a magnificent story, allows the player to actually think instead of pull the trigger and jump excessively (which is probably why a lot of imbeciles out there are griping), and said story is actually rather daring considering the recent state of world politics. Bravo, Ion Storm. Expand
  4. Mar 16, 2011
    Enjoyable but terribly shallow - like going into the kiddie pool as an adult. The levels are atrociously tiny and the art direction looks like a saturday morning cartoon in the worst way possible, but there's just enough plot and other fun mechanics (biomods, scavenging, etc) to keep it worth playing. Expand
  5. Dec 19, 2012
    While IW is good compared to most shooters of it's time, it's just horrible compared to first DX due clear console-lobotomization. Level design is dull, combat is dull, pretty much everything is dull and monotonic. Collapse
  6. BlutiF.
    Jun 29, 2007
    This game has so many bugs it crashes, fails to reload games, freezes up, gets stuck in loops when replaying dialogue....completely frustrating and ruins the play. Expand
  7. PaulS.
    Jun 22, 2008
    This is the worst shooter I have ever played, bar none. The original Doom was more sophisticated. I am glad I only paid $15 for it. Deus Ex was awesome, but this is a steaming pile. Expand

See all 93 User Reviews