Deus Ex crosses the line between rpg and fps in an awesome way. While the core gameplay is that of a very open-ended shooter, it also has the complexity and depth of an rpg. A skill system allows for improved weapon handling, improval of different methods of interaction with the world, like diving or lockpicking or allowing new ones like hacking. Parallel to the skill system there is also an augmentation system that grants you different superpowers like turning invisible, extremely improved movement speed and jumping height, damage resistance or detatching a spy drone with an integrated emp blast (!) from your head. Crysis certainly took at least some inspiration from this game. The level design is outstanding in its divesity and realism and offers dozens of ways to complete a target. The graphics have(in my opinion) aged pretty well and still deliver the same great atmosphere. The setting is(again, in my opinion) very thrilling and the story stays interresting until the very end. This game is a must have for almost every gamer. PS: The second sequel Deus Ex: Human Revolution still carries the spirit, but it can't be compared to the original.
