Deus Ex is one of those legendary game series that would undoubtedly break the internet if a new installment were ever announced. We apparently came close, with reports suggesting that Embracer shelved a new Deus Ex project in 2024 before it even hit full production. The original game famously laid the groundwork for countless brilliant immersive sims and stealthy shooters that followed, fostering a passionate desire among fans for more from its iconic universe.
Given this strong demand, a modernized version of the 2000 classic seemed like a guaranteed success. Enter Aspyr, a studio well-versed in updating and re-releasing beloved older titles. However, when Deus Ex Remastered was revealed in September, the reception was far from the warm welcome one might expect. Fans largely slammed it, and now, even the art director of the original Deus Ex has shared his thoughts – and he’s not exactly thrilled.
Slated for release early next year, Deus Ex Remastered follows Aspyr’s previous work on titles like Star Wars Bounty Hunter, early Tomb Raiders, and Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver. The remaster promises enhancements such as “reimagined lighting, dynamic shadows, water physics, particle effects, and fully updated textures.” It also boasts “brand-new character models with smoother lip-sync animations and ragdoll physics.” Yet, these changes are perceived by many as not quite bringing Deus Ex into the 2020s, and critics argue they strip away much of the original’s unique charm. The result is a visually awkward middle ground that seems to satisfy no one.
This includes Jerry O’Flaherty, the acclaimed art director behind the original Deus Ex. During a recent interview, he was shown the trailer for the upcoming remaster, seemingly for the first time. His unfiltered reaction spoke volumes:
“Oh, what the f*ck,” he exclaimed. “No. This did not need to happen. Sorry to whoever was involved in this. Oh man, yeah, no. If you’re gonna do it, yeah, alright, why not? Why am I judging?” This moment of raw disappointment was captured in a widely shared video discussing his reaction.
In the same interview, O’Flaherty fondly recalled his time working on the game at Ion Storm. He described it as a truly rare project, where the perfect group of people converged and pushed each other in incredibly specific ways. He spoke highly of Warren Spector, calling him an “amazing guy” and praising designers who bring a “million ideas” that are then expertly refined by a supportive team. It was a creative synergy that, he suggests, is hard to replicate.
Deus Ex Remastered is set to launch on Thursday, February 5, 2026. For those unbothered by the visual changes, pre-orders are currently available for $26.99 / £22.49. Alternatively, fans can still purchase the Game of the Year Edition of the original classic for a fraction of the price, at $6.99 / £5.99.
If you’re a long-time Deus Ex enthusiast, consider exploring other great stealth titles and first-person shooters. We also encourage you to join gaming communities and share which remasters or remakes you believe were truly done right.