Deus Ex (the first) was, I contend, one of the best games ever created. If you haven't yet already played it, I'd strongly recommend doing so before playing the sequel... and in fact, over any first person action/stealth game I can currently think of today (2004).

The Inevitable Deus Ex 1 vs. Deus Ex: IW Comparison

Invisible War is a very good game. Like its predecessor, Invisible War normally has multiple ways to solve any given objective - its main strength in fact, other than the intriguing story line, is its better graphics and interesting physics. However, the engine taxes your processor and video card far more (relatively to the last game upon release), there are longer and more frequent load times and the entire game is in fact, a much simpler version than the first. This is at least in part due to the simultaneous release to Xbox and PC, and the desire to satisfy both crowds. By "simpler" I mean no skill points and RPG-like character building, one type of ammo (rather than individual types for each weapon), less diversity in biomods, one type (well, two) of biomod canister, less tools and weapons, and a more console-oriented and slower interface. Despite these drawbacks when compared with the first, do give it a shot; it may not be up there with DX1, but it's better than most games on the market, and well worth your time. Just try not to compare it too often to DX1 :).

Introduction to Invisible War

Each mission in Deus Ex: Invisible War has GOALS that are divided into primary objectives that must be completed (sometimes at the expense of another faction's objective) and secondary objectives, which may be skipped. It's recommended that you attempt as many secondary objectives as you're able to because you'll not only find more objects, but will likely feel more a part of the world.

Advice

Because I'm not going to list the location of every item in the game in the walkthrough (to keep it fairly concise), be sure to search everywhere for datacubes (that usually contain helpful information and/or codes), ammo, weapons and supplies: this includes under tables, on top of shelves and high places, behind crates, in dark corners, inside vents... virtually anywhere that is not immediately obvious. Invisible War, like Deus Ex, is stuffed with extras and secrets.

Likewise, I'm going to add that you ought to talk to everyone, even multiple times to get all the information extracted. Like in Deus Ex, the amount of varied dialogue is very impressive; it takes awhile for any one person to start to say the same lines over again.

In Deus Ex: Invisible War, there is no character creation. You simply start as Alex D., female or male. Character diversity this time lies solely in your biomod choices, which thankfully can be uninstalled and changed. Regarding these choices, I'd highly recommend the semi-stealth approach your first time through, taking the biomods that involve invisibility such as Cloak and Thermal Masking, and long range attacks such as Spy Drone - these are the most useful mods in the game in my opinion. Unfortunately, the computer hacking (Neural Interface) and Cloak biomods are mutually exclusive, so you'll have to choose one or the other this time around.

As a result of my mainly stealth style of play, by following along with the walkthrough you'll see many "secret areas" but likely "miss out" on one or two more direct approaches in several areas, and of course some of the obvious spoils off of your dead enemies' remains. This walkthrough presents just one of many ways through the game. Feel free to branch off at any time and come back, and likely you'll be able to pick it back up from one point or another.

On to the walkthrough!