Craig has an issue with certain things in this industry, and Deus Ex is just another target
I can sympathise with the overall sentiment - but really, let's try removing blinders and seeing the response the game gets from even the most enthusiastic veteran gamers.
Since we are so many old-school gamers around here loving it, one has to wonder if Craig might be a bit too passionate about this, or if we're really all just blind fanboys?
Anyway, DE remains one of the strongest games in the "modern industry" and one that truly brought the subgenre forward.
Then again, what KIND of game is it really?
Maybe that's where the misconception lies.
Personally, I think it's a stealth shooter with adventure and RPG elements. It's not like Thief - which is a lot more "pure" and perhaps the "father" of this new offspring, along with Metal Gear Solid?
Not really sure - and Deus Ex borrowed a lot from the Shock games - probably based on Spector's involvement with Looking Glass.
One thing it is NOT, though, is a true CRPG - and maybe if you expected that kind of thing, you'd be very disappointed. I certainly recall reading several previews going into detail about the game, and what they tried to do with it - and I think they succeeded brilliantly. It remains unsurpassed, actually, and it has a fantastic combination of elements, even if the shooter aspect is somewhat weak.
Splinter Cell was sort of the same genre, but focused a lot more on being "cool" and having streamlined mechanics. To me, it was too tight and did away with many of the RPG elements that I so enjoy.
Nah, Deus Ex was and is absolutely fantastic, and in my opinion not a game meant for mass consumption - what with the convoluted story and tons of flavor-text found in books, notes, and computer consoles. Also, the gameplay was complex enough to convince me they didn't make this for just monetary gain as seems to be suggested by some of the people not liking it.