Everything about Deus Ex is phenomenal -- from the music, to the story, to the gameplay, and especially the atmosphere. There's little I can say that hasn't already been said, but if you're looking for an Espionage game, a Cyberpunk game, or just a damn good RPG or Sim this should be first on your list.
Akalabeth, while historically important, is a game that really isn't very much fun to play today; and was surpassed by titles like Wizardry within a year of its commercial release. It is extremely repetitive and clunky, with very little in the way of tactics or exploration, and is frustrating unless you abuse the use of a certain item. I don't recommend Akalabeth unless you played it as a kid and are feeling nostalgic, or are simply interested in the origins of the Ultima series, but there is nothing in this game that wasn't done far better in Ultima 1. Simply put; it just doesn't compare favourably with most other rpg's.
