"Deus Ex" is easily one of my favorite games of all time.

I'm reminded of Warren Spector's classic shooter RPG because it's free on GameTap this week. If you haven't played "Deus Ex" -- or think its sequel "Deus Ex: Invisible War" is representative of the original's greatness -- it's worth your while to check it out.

There are few modern games that allowed the kind of true freedom and consequence that was afforded to players in "Deus Ex." Actually, I can't recall feeling the same measure of choice until "Grand Theft Auto IV" forced me to choose between killing two people.

The choices in "Deus Ex," however, were different. While you always made them, often times "Deus Ex" never made you aware there were other options.

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Contrary to some reports, you can play "Grand Theft Auto" games without behaving like a virtual sociopath.

Well, at least, you can tone it down a little.

I'm 16 hours into "GTA IV" and I tried, in the early hours, to keep Niko as reasonable and peaceful a man as possible.

I was also classy:

• Niko has dated only one woman so far and treated her to nice dates at the cabaret.
• I've returned most of Niko's friends' calls, though now that they call really often, I'm beginning to blow them off.
• Most importantly, I tried to take the non-violent route as often as possible and attempted to respect the Liberty City Police Department. The game didn't let me keep that up. But to compensate, I've apprehended many of the city's Most Wanted criminals.

If you "GTA" gamers can tear yourself away from the game for a moment, tell me, how are you playing Niko Bellic?