There are over 1,000 downloadable games at pcgameworld.com, one of the major sources of PC Game Demos. My goal for this column is to provide the reader with a guide to these demos. Specifically, I will tell you which ones are worth
your time and your hard drive space and which ones are not.

You are JC Denton, an augmented (uh, bionically assisted) agent who has been sent to NYC to combat NSF terrorists, who have apparently whipped some local cop ass and taken off with a shipment of Ambrosia, which you can worry about when you play the demo.  No, Ambrosia is not that fruit-cocktail & marshmallows-in-jello that your mom used to make and take to cookouts.

As Denton, you are given a job to find the terrorist leader and get the man to talk.  He's hiding somewhere near the Statue of Liberty, and between you and him is a whole slew of NSF terrorists, who are a little pissed off because they apparently were left behind when the Ambrosia was swooped out of the area via the harbor.

Fortunately, you have your choice of weapons, my boy, and if I were you, I'd choose the 30.06 Sniper Rifle.  Or get the cheat codes and get all the weapons.  

Make your way through the enemy like a scythe through wheat, or you can take the quiet approach and just tranquilize those that get in your way.  (Right.)   

There are several different skills you can learn by earning "skill points."  You can become a better shooter or more proficient with computer hacking, or, my favorite, talented with high explosives.  

After you find the head terrorist guy, you have to go back to "the office" for debriefing with your boss, Mr. Manderley.  His secretary Janice will speak to you with a descending tone, indicating that she has no love for augmented men.  Bring her some plants to show her you have a sensitive side.

While you're bringing the plants, she tells you constantly that Mr. Manderley is waiting for you.  Keep bringing her plants.  Give the woman all you can.  Fill the room with your love for her.

Now you have to see Manderley, and it's time for business.  Whip out your GEP gun (aka - room broom and chopper whopper) and clear a path to Manderley's door.

Now be prepared to listen to the Big Cheese and what he thinks about you, you bio-genetic-freak!  There's a lot to discover in the office area, and a lot to learn as well.  Soak it all up.  Get ready to go on part II of the demo with some other cyber whacko, provided you have downloaded the second part and installed it.

Part II takes us to the mainland, where we'll encounter Hell's Kitchen, hookers, subways, booze hounds, bums, snippy fellow employees, drugged-out children and several enemies. Just another day at the office.

Just like Part I, you've got a helluva lot of ground and stuff to explore.  Part II will tell you a little more about the overall story, but mostly it makes a fine demo almost twice as long.  I'm impressed that they went to the extra effort to do this.  These guys want to sell some games, methinks.  They've definitely sold me on an outstanding demo.

Playability: Learning curve is about 30 minutes with all of the different things that the character can do, but there is a great training session to help you out.  The demo will last you at least an hour, possibly longer.  If you play both missions, you'll soak up a couple hours of unrivaled entertainment.  Play this thing with the lights very dim and the phone unplugged.  Get immersed in it.

Graphics / Sound: Great textured environment, wonderful views from high ground that aren't too taxing on the 3D card.  Sound is pretty good, but the music is just satisfactory.  There's a lot of black colors in the demo, as everything seems to take place at night.

Computer Specs: Doesn't require a nitrogen-cooled GHz Pentium or anything, but a 3D card will really help out.  If you have a 56K modem, this will take some time to grab.  Interface is good, and the in-game help and status screens (F1) are easy to navigate.

Fun Factor: Outstanding.  All sorts of new things to do every time you play it.  You can be stealthy on your approach, or go in guns blazing.  You affect the outcome of the game with your actions and interaction with the characters in the world, as well as the behavior of your fellow agents and the enemy.  There are numerous  things to discover in the demo's world - so keep looking around!

Screenshots
from
Deus Ex
(click to enlarge)

NYC at night.

He's in there somewhere.

Instant Tracheotomy.

En Fuego

The big cheese.

Bring her a lot of plants.

Fire in the hole!

Sorry about the mess.

Part II on the mainland.

Part II Bar Scene.