The sequel takes place 15 years after the original Deus Ex, on the day after Chicago gets wasted in a terrorist attack. Players take the role of Alex D, who can be either male or female--and who has the capability to upgrade his/her skills and abilities by implanting special biomod chips. Although the plot of the game is carefully guarded secret, it centers around the invisible war hinted at in the game's opening sequence.

With a major development milestone behind them, Smith and company are ready to show off their game--or at least the working parts of it. Right now, the A.I. isn't functioning, and there are some definite problems with pathfinding (one hapless non-player character in a penthouse apartment perpetually runs into his pool table).