Approximately 20 years after the events depicted in Deus Ex, The World is only beginning to recover from a Catastrophic worldwide depression. In the Chaotic period of recovery, several religious and political factions see an opportunity to re-shape a worldwide governament to their agendas, understanding that the right moves now could determine the shape of human society for decades- even centruries- to come. In this techno-nightmare, take part in the dark struggle to raise the world from its own ashes.
It had it's flaws, sure, but seeing the scathing reviews it attained, I thought people were just overreacting.
But looking back at the first game, I realized it would have been way too hard trying to make it better then the last Deus Ex. The first game had such a following and was incredible to boot, it must have been a daunting task making the game on the heels of another that some fans have labeled perfect.
You can't build upon perfect easily, and sometimes you slip up, more often then others at times.
It's not bad, really, but it has flaws that many people have already pointed out. But it could have been done better.