The Worst of All Possible Worlds 100 - Deus Ex
23 snips
Aug 16, 2023 In their 100th episode, the hosts cover the game Deus Ex, discussing gameplay styles, iconic dialogue, and the legacy of the first PC game that allowed leg-killing. Topics include Warren Spector's impact on game design, frustrations with robot spiders and greasals, and the satisfaction of overcoming hurdles. They also explore the unique mechanics, weapon retrieval, and backtracking in the game, as well as strategies to avoid boss battles. With diverse voice actors and references to literature, the hosts delve into the paranoia and home design in Deus Ex, concluding with a threatening call from Bob Page.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Genre Fusion Creates New Possibilities
- Deus Ex combined immersive sim, RPG, FPS and adventure into a cohesive whole that felt greater than its parts.
- That blend pushed narrative and player-choice design forward across the industry.
Spector's D&D Seed
- Warren Spector described wanting to make a "real world role playing game" inspired by his D&D experience.
- He wanted players' choices to reveal the person at the controls, not just the in-game avatar.
Plan Resources For True Branching
- When games promise branching outcomes, expect massive writing and production costs that many studios avoid.
- If you want meaningful branching in your project, budget time and money accordingly or narrow scope.