Subscription-based PC gaming service GameTap announced today that Ion Storm's shooter-RPG hybrid Deus Ex (PC, PS2) will be available to play free of charge on the platform beginning next week.

Often regarded as one of the most influential shooters ever developed, Deus Ex blended first-person shooter gameplay with a branching, complicated storyline, upgradable stats and skills and extensivecharacter interaction. A sequel, Deus Ex: Invisible War, was released in late 2003.

The title will be playable via the service's free-to-download launcher program, which allows users to browse and download a variety of PC and emulated console games. Those players who don't shell out the $9.95 per month for the "Gold"-level subscription can expect a 15 second video advertisement to air before each play.

In addition to Deus Ex, GameTap also offers Ion Storm's Thief: Deadly Shadows and Doublefine's Psychonauts among some 120 other titles in its free game roster.