That is a good question many ask when speaking about the FPS and RPG hybrid that graced us with its presence in 2000. Without Warren Spector in the lead role of Producer and Project Director, the series has since then had it's share of controversy and criticism. Writer Declan Burrowes at Bits & Bytes Gaming writes down his thoughts on this question as well as the expectations and some observations on how Square Enix and Eidos Montreal are proceeding with the 3rd game in this series, Deus Ex: Human Revolution:
 
What made Deus Ex so great?  A potent mix of Thief, The X-Files and The Matrix, Deus Ex has always been the game for me. A legend in its own right, Deus Ex had one of the most finely-crafted plots in any game as well as seamless integration of role-playing elements which added up to a fluid and open-ended experience. The ultimate fusion of action and role-playing, it was a unique combination of action-packed close-quarter take-downs and intense shooting, offering a vast array of augmentations and upgrades for the many weapons at your disposal, as well as a multi-solution structure. You could choose how to accomplish each mission using combat, hacking, stealth or social modes to create a customized experience to suit any gaming style. 


Harking back to 2000, the game’ll be utilising distinct ammunition types again, as well as a renewed focus on the stealth aspect which was rendered redundant in Invisible War by the poor aiming and small environments. You won’t be gunning your way to victory in a blaze of glory in this game like you could in Invisible War with a shotgun and a prayer. The skill building system of the original game is also back. Human Revolution, it seems, is returning to the much more RPG-esque roots of the original.
 
I agree: If you don’t jump on someone’s desk and read their private e-mails while they watch, you’re not really playing Deus Ex. 
 
Spotted at: Bits & Bytes Gaming