GMDX is a decent, fun mod, but it is not quite the revelatory experience many would like you to believe. I would definitely recommend it, but with some caveats. I would not recommend this mod for first time players, since it fundamentally changes how the game is played. It is often compared to Revision, but this is unfair. Revision is a behemoth of a mod, and its core design philosophy is quite different to GMDX. GMDX is more comparable to mechanics overhaul mods like BioMod, or the Human Revolution mod, since it overhauls the way the game plays. What to expect: The mod overhauls many things completely. Several Augmentations are changed or replaced. Skills are altered and Perks have been added on top of them. New mechanics, that previously did not exist, such as mantling and fatigue, have been added. Maps have changes that impact how you approach them. Several audio changes and additions These are all interesting and fun, and what this all amounts to is a game which plays drastically different to vanilla. The changes are innovative, but they often lack polish and in many cases game balance is negatively affected. For example, due to the mantling, you no longer need to stack boxes or use the Jump aug to reach high areas. Or, the new stealth kill mechanics, which are so overpowered that you may decide to engage in normal combat just to get away from sitting in the corner sniping everybody. This mod is called 'The definitive way to play Deus Ex'. From my experience with it, this is not true at all. If GMDX could be called that, then any mod could, especially Revision. Even the vanilla experience could be called 'The definitive way to play Deus Ex'. GMDX is a great mod, and there are many other overhaul-type mods that are just as good, such as the aforementioned BioMod. Would I recommend GMDX? Definitely. Get it, and play it; you won't regret it. Despite my criticism, I thoroughly enjoyed it. But, just maybe take all the hype with a pinch of salt.
Revision is an excellent mod that respects the base game while adding new depth. It keeps the original Deus Ex gameplay and mechanics and, unlike other mods, does not mess with the core formula. It is one of the oldest Deus Ex mods and the level of polish that it has achieved after those years truly shows. It was obviously made by people who have an endearing love for the original, and it is clear that they truly understand its gameplay and philosophy. The new additions to the maps, whether computer logs, or new rooms, or hidden items etc. are done in such a seemless way that it is impossible to tell what is original and what was added. The maps are now laid out in such a way that all skills and augmentations become relevant and useful. Nothing overshadows anything else. There was clearly great effort made here with lots of playtesting. About the music, I was sceptical at first, but it turned out excellent. The new tracks are longer it seems and really are great at setting the mood. The composers are clearly talented individuals. The only negative critique I have of Revision is that there are some indestructible doors that have a wood texture. The fact that this small nitpick is the most that I could find during my playthrough speaks volumes on the quality of this mod. I dislike calling Revision a “mod”. This is now the Definitive Edition of Deus Ex. I would highly advise new players to play Revision rather than Vanilla. You will get the true Deus Ex experience. Only play Vanilla to see how it used to look. I can almost guarantee that you will switch back to Revision as your default. PS: And for those who want a more heavily modded experience, Revision offers a massive selection of options to tailor your experience, far too many to list in a review like this. It gives you the option to change the game style by selecting to use Vanilla maps, if you want, along with Vanilla music, as well as changing the game mode to the terrific Shifter/Biomod.
