PlayStation Plus Gamers Shouldn't Miss This 10/10 Cyberpunk Masterpiece From 2002
The PlayStation Plus catalog is absolutely packed with hidden gems from every generation of PlayStation console, and if you're looking to take a walk down memory lane and revisit some of the older hits from the PlayStation 2 era, it's time to take a deep dive into the Classics Catalog.
Among the PS2 lineup are games like Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy and Jak II, Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus, and cult favorites like Rogue Galaxy, Dark Cloud, and War of the Monsters. Sony's current Classics Catalog also includes PS2 titles such as Gitaroo-Man, Soulcalibur III, and even LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy, giving subscribers an array of different games from every genre.
However, if you're looking for a 10/10 cyberpunk experience, there's an absolute masterpiece for the PlayStation 2 with a PS4 & 5 updated version that's completely free to play for PS Plus Premium subscribers. It's the perfect time to dive in and re-experience one of the most original RPGs in cyberpunk history, and it's one that paved the way for games like Cyberpunk 2077.
24 Years Later, This Sci-Fi Thriller Holds Up
If you're a fan of the cyberpunk genre in general, there's a good chance you've played at least one of the Deus Ex games over the years. While relatively newer entries like 2016's Deus Ex: Mankind Divided had their moment in the spotlight and still remain can't-skip titles, PlayStation 2's Deus Ex: The Conspiracy is a 10/10 cyberpunk masterpiece that is completely free to play for PlayStation Plus Premium members.
Deus Ex: The Conspiracy was the PlayStation 2 console version of the original Deus Ex released for PC, bringing Ion Storm’s acclaimed cyberpunk RPG-FPS hybrid to a new audience in 2002. While the PS2 edition featured redesigned levels, a controller-friendly interface, new cinematics, and some visual changes, it retained the same core story and open-ended gameplay that made the original so beloved.
Players take on the role of JC Denton, a nano-augmented agent drawn into a sprawling conspiracy involving terrorism, secret societies, artificial intelligence, etc. Even decades later, its immersive world still holds up remarkably well.
If You Like Cyberpunk 2077, Try This
If you've never taken the opportunity to try out Deus Ex: The Conspiracy and are looking for a Cyberpunk 2077-like experience, it's definitely worth a playthrough. The game gives you plenty of freedom in how you approach missions, whether you prefer stealth, hacking, exploration, or going in with weapons drawn, similar to Cyberpunk 2077's structure.
It's obviously a bit dated by modern standards and especially compared to the beautifully polished Night City, but the world-building, branching storylines, and conspiracy-heavy story still feel ambitious today. Fans of Cyberpunk 2077 may especially appreciate the focus on augmentations, the corpo-influence plots, various surveillance mechanics, and themes related to transhumanism. Overall, Deus Ex: The Conspiracy is well worth checking out if you want to take full advantage of your PlayStation Plus membership.