Some gamers refer to Deus Ex: Invisible War as a first- person shooter. But the game is more of a science-fiction-based RPG. As such, it?s more about character development and story progression than about running around and shooting everything that moves. The game?s story actually develops in response to the gamer?s decisions and actions. In this game, you come across a world that works logically, allowing gamers a chance to find their way rather than simply following a preset path.

In the initial stages of the game, you need to work for all the factions you can, not only to build up a considerable amount of loot but also to figure out and decide whom you want to work for. Meanwhile, as the game progresses, you are forced into an either-or situation. Past that point you need to make some genuinely hard decisions.

The game is set in 2072. The character you play, Alex D, is enrolled as a student in Tarsus Academy in Chicago. In the very first cutscene, Chicago is under terrorist attack. Immediately, you along with your class mates are whisked away to a shelter in Seattle. That too comes under attack and before you know it, you?re sucked into a conflict that pits capitalists and spiritualists against each other.

As far as the graphics are concerned, the gorgeous lighting deserves mention. The shadows are softer and pliant. But there?s a problem with the barrel fires. Despite the futuristic setting, the images look realistic. However, the heads-up-display (HUD) reflects limitations, despite Ion?s best intentions of creating a HUD that mirrors the shape of a human iris. The problem is that the game is played on monitors. So, the circular conception of the health bars and more such elements are distracting.

The biggest issue of Invisible War is the performance factor. There are definitely some serious hiccups from time to time but the game is fairly consistent. Other things, like ugly animations for bullet hits and a mannequin-like way of the dead boys perching upon your shoulder, definitely prevent the game from looking as good as it ought to.

In terms of sound quality, Deus Ex: Invisible War is a treat to the ears. The musical score both suits and sets the tone of the game. A wide range of in-game applications make for good sound effects.

What?s new about this game is that it gives you a sense of playing an active role in shaping the world. Starting off as a pawn in the game of powers that be and then moving up to be one who actually makes or breaks them is the essence of the game. And this gradual growth of the character is what excites and inspires the gamer.

If you are a braveheart with enough passion to change the world, go ahead and play the game for a great experience.

Minimum system requirements: Operating System: Windows 98/2000/ME/XP; Processor: 1.5 GHz or higher; RAM: 256 MB or higher; Free hard disk space: 2 GB or higher; Video card: ATI 8500; NVIDIA GeForce 3TI or higher.