My (hopefully) comprehensive summation of playing styles (**Spoilers!**) - by Velasco
Velasco on 24/9/2003 at 07:45
Playing DX for the third time, I was struck for the first time by the subtlety of the different possible approaches to the game. Whereas I was initially under the impression that the only two choices were non-lethal stealth, or the not so non-lethal killing spree, I have discovered that both these approaches actually have several possible sub-divisions. Note that these are not self-imposed playing styles, but more the approaches I believe the designers had in mind when designing DX's "puzzles".
For those who are still interested, my Deus Ex playing style compendium:
Psycho Bastard: Excessive force is the order of the day. Kill every terrorist you can get your hands on! Execute their commander! Clean out Castle Clinton, etc. etc. Rifles and pistols are your primary "problem solving skills", with some heavy weapon and explosives training to deal with locked doors and the occasional 'bot.
Minimum Force Stealth Killer: Weapons are, again, the primary skill, but is only used when neccesary. Confrontation is avoided whenever possible. On Liberty Island, for instance, only the guards keeping Gunther captive and the two guarding the steps to the command post would need to be killed. Also, lethal-force is used in hostage situations, etc. Explosives is again used for opening doors when a more subtle solution is not forthcoming.
Electronics manipulator: Minimal weapon or other skills specialisation, except electronics and hacking. Will rarely kill anyone in person, but will often turn 'bots against their masters or take control of turrets in order to deal with enemy resistance. Or, on one occasion at least, release poisoned gas into a facility to eleminate its personell. :ebil:
Infiltrator: The ultimate "nice-guy" (or girl) approach. Lockpicking is the primary skill. Confrontation is always avoided. Swimming training is (surprisingly) essential, since the best way to infiltrate many secure locations is through a lenghty underground swim.
I've found that the game reacts to every one of these styles in some way, some obvious and some very subtle. Hats off to the designers for creating such an open-ended and endlessly fascinating game.
This topic has probably been discussed to death, but I do hope my humble list was of interest to someone. Comments? Any styles I've missed?
Loké on 24/9/2003 at 12:04
You forgotten a few:
Ninja: See 'Minimum Force Stealth Killer', except for one rather important point: They won't hesitate to kill someone if it's quite.
Samuri [Yes, i know, too many oriental themes! :p ]: These guys NEVER leave home without their Dragon's Tooth sword. They very seldom use ranged weapons if at all, though a gep or law for that bot isn't unusual, and they use their augs alot, ballistic protection, speed legs and cloaking being very popular with these types of player.
Child of Karras on 24/9/2003 at 12:15
The two guys at the command post can be avoided you know...
tripwood on 24/9/2003 at 14:38
Pacifist: Will try to never use lethal force. Usually specializes in Pistol (Crossbow) and Low Tech (Prod and Baton.)
Taffer: Hides from enemies whenever possible. Carries nothing but a Baton.
Velasco on 24/9/2003 at 15:22
Quote:
Originally posted by Loké You forgotten a few:
Ninja: See 'Minimum Force Stealth Killer', except for one rather important point: They won't hesitate to kill someone if it's quite.
Samuri [Yes, i know, too many oriental themes! ]: These guys NEVER leave home without their Dragon's Tooth sword. They very seldom use ranged weapons if at all, though a gep or law for that bot isn't unusual, and they use their augs alot, ballistic protection, speed legs and cloaking being very popular with these types of player.Thanks.
Quote:
Originally posted by tripwood Pacifist: Will try to never use lethal force. Usually specializes in Pistol (Crossbow) and Low Tech (Prod and Baton.)
Taffer: Hides from enemies whenever possible. Carries nothing but a Baton. I think these two are covered by the "infiltrator" category. It was probably somewhat misleading to say that they "always avoid confrontation", since some enemies
have to be KO'd.
Quote:
Originally posted by Child of KarrasThe two guys at the command post can be avoided you know...How so?
Alneyan on 24/9/2003 at 18:11
Run! That is the solution to avoid these two guards. :) (Or you could use a Gas Grenade or perhaps another tactics) That could maybe be another play style, the runner, always storming through the enemy lines and leaving them puzzled on what had just happened. Erh, no, bad idea I think. ;)
Lytha on 24/9/2003 at 18:26
Just wait on the stairs until they are done with their chat, then sneak past them. They will be looking out of the window when they are silent.
James Sterrett on 24/9/2003 at 19:19
Jack of All Trades: You put points in all the skills, but don't specialize in any. You approach each problem a little differently, depending on your current stash of ammo, lockpicks, and patience. You are a great sneaker, you aren't a great killer, you aren't always taking the pacifist route. Your key is versatility: you master no skill, but you're trained in practically all of them and Advanced in several.
Loké on 24/9/2003 at 19:36
I'll have to try that one. Sounds interesting.
dormcat on 26/9/2003 at 02:44
Quote:
Originally posted by Velasco How so? Flares are nice distracters. Just throw one at the balcony and they'll investigate. However, avoiding them also means that they'll be killed by UNATCO; any NSF terrorist you didn't kill/KO will be killed by UNATCO after you've talked with their leader.
