The Disappointment of Deus Ex Invisible War
Deus Ex Invisible War was released in 2003 as a sequel to one of the best games ever made, Deus Ex. However, it did not live up to the expectations of its predecessor. In fact, it is considered one of the most disappointing sequels ever made. In this article, we will explore the reasons why Invisible War failed to deliver and the impact of consolization on game development.
The Disappointing Sequel
Invisible War was not the only disappointing sequel released in 2003. Devil May Cry 2, another landmark title, also suffered from a rushed development and a shifting team. However, the reasons for Invisible War's failure were different. It was one of the first major victims of consolization. The game was made with consoles in mind first, instead of PC, and it suffered as a result.
Consolization
Consolization is the process of making a game more accessible to console players at the expense of PC gamers. It usually involves streamlining gameplay mechanics, removing complexity, and dumbing down features to make them more accessible. In the case of Invisible War, the game was designed to be played with a controller, which led to the introduction of a universal ammo system and a new inventory system that treated all items equally, regardless of their size or importance.
Streamlining Gameplay
The universal ammo system was a controversial addition to the game. While it did provide an in-game explanation for why this ammo now exists, it puzzled players as to why it was necessary. It can make things easier to balance when you don't have to plan as much for what kind of ammo enemies will drop. However, it takes away from the strategic element of the game. Similarly, the new inventory system, which allowed all items to be equal in the hierarchy of slots, removed the fun of sorting items in a grid inventory.
Impact on Gameplay
The changes to the gameplay mechanics were not the only thing that impacted the game. The HUD also received a makeover, with a curvier design that took up a fair amount of screen space. The impact of consolization on Invisible War cannot be ignored, and it is a cautionary tale for developers to prioritize the needs of all players, not just console players.
Conclusion
Deus Ex Invisible War was a disappointing sequel to one of the best games ever made. Its failure to live up to the expectations of its predecessor can be attributed to the impact of consolization on game development. The game was designed to be played with a controller, and this led to the introduction of new gameplay mechanics and changes to the HUD that removed the strategic element of the game. Invisible War is a cautionary tale for developers to prioritize the needs of all players, regardless of their platform.
