In a surprise move, Eidos plc has shipped Deus Ex: Invisible War to American retailers. Directed by former Looking Glass Studios head, Warren Spector, ION Storm’s Deus Ex: Invisible War is the sequel to the 2000 award winning PC/XBox title, Deus Ex. Invisible War casts the player in the role of Alex D., an anti-terrorist agent much like the previous game’s protagonist, J.C. Denton. It is rumored that Denton will actually make an appearance in Invisible War.

The title promises improvements on its precursor. According to Mr. Spector, "Invisible War players have more freedom than ever to interact with people and events however they choose. They have more freedom to determine who their friends and enemies are, more freedom to pick which missions to go on (as well as how to accomplish those missions), more ways to customize their character—and, therefore, their experience. No two players of Invisible War will experience their adventure the same way."

Deus Ex: Invisible War should be in stores Friday and will carry a retail price of $49.99 on both PC and XBox

• Eidos Interactive