The long-rumored, finally-announced Deus Ex Remastered was supposed to be a moment of celebration for fans of the iconic cyberpunk series. Instead, its reveal during Sony’s September 24, 2025, State of Play has ignited a firestorm of criticism, culminating in a brutal takedown from the game's original art director, Jerry O’Flaherty.
The announcement trailer, intended to showcase updated visuals for the 25-year-old classic, has been met with a wave of disappointment online. Fans and critics alike have described the new character models as "blocky," "unfinished," and a surprising step backwards, with many dubbing the project a "demake" rather than a faithful remaster. But the most damning critique came not from the audience, but from one of the very architects of the original game's distinctive look.
"Oh, what the f**k. No." – The Original Visionary's Blunt Reaction
Jerry O’Flaherty, the art director behind the 2000 masterpiece, was shown the remaster during a recording of the FRVR Podcast. His immediate, unscripted reaction was captured on mic and has since gone viral, perfectly encapsulating the sentiment of a dismayed fanbase.
“Oh, what the f**k. No. This did not need to happen,” O’Flaherty stated bluntly. “Sorry, whoever was involved. Oh man, yeah, no. If you’re gonna do it, yeah, alright, why not? Why am I judging?”
But his criticism extended far beyond initial shock. O’Flaherty proceeded to dissect the approach taken by the development studio, Aspyr, suggesting they missed the fundamental point of the original's art direction. He argued that a successful remaster should lean into the strengths of the original's aesthetic, not work against it.
“You wanted to lean into what the ending did well and don’t do the sh*t that it doesn’t do well,” he advised, implying that Aspyr’s push toward a more realistic style clashed with the game's intentionally stylized, low-poly charm.
In the full conversation on the FRVR Podcast, O’Flaherty reflected on the unique alchemy that made the original Deus Ex so special, calling it “one of those rare projects… where the right group of people come together.” He credited director Warren Spector and lead artist Jay Lee for masterfully blending the strengths of the Unreal Engine with elements from Id Tech, creating an immersive and influential cyberpunk simulation that has stood the test of time.
A Painful Context for Fans
The controversial reveal of Deus Ex Remastered arrives at a sensitive time for the franchise’s dedicated community. In January 2024, Embracer Group—the parent company that now owns the IP—canceled a new Deus Ex project in development at Eidos-Montreal and laid off 97 employees. This remaster was seen by many as a stopgap, a way to keep the IP alive. Instead, the backlash suggests it may be doing more harm than good.
The project is in the hands of Aspyr, a studio with a long history of porting and remastering classic games, including early Tomb Raider titles and the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver series. According to the official announcement, the remaster promises a suite of technical improvements, including:
- Updated lighting, shadows, and water physics
- Enhanced particle effects
- Overhauled textures and character models
- Improved lip-syncing for dialogue
However, the current visual evidence presented in the trailer has led fans to question the execution of these very promises.
What’s Next for Deus Ex Remastered?
Currently, Deus Ex Remastered is slated for a February 5, 2025, release on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders are already live on Steam, priced at $26.99—a stark contrast to the original Deus Ex: Game of the Year Edition, which routinely sells for a modest $6.99.
You can still experience the original, unaltered classic on Steam.
Amid the growing chorus of disapproval from both players and foundational figures like O’Flaherty, Aspyr has remained silent. With just a few months until the scheduled launch, the question now is whether the studio will acknowledge the feedback and implement significant changes to the character models and textures. For a fanbase still grieving the loss of a new Deus Ex game, this remaster was supposed to be a welcome homecoming. Instead, it risks becoming a cautionary tale about the delicate art of revisiting a legend.