Plasma rifle (DX)

"An experimental weapon that is currently being produced as a series of one-off prototypes, the plasma gun superheats slugs of magnetically-doped plastic and accelerates the resulting gas-liquid mix using an array of linear magnets. The resulting plasma stream is deadly when used against slow moving targets."

- Deus Ex description

The Majestic-12 Plasma rifle is a weapon in Deus Ex.

Background
The Majestic-12 Plasma rifle is an experimental plasma gun that is produced by Majestic-12 and supervised by Aston Greer, the director of security for FEMA and MJ-12.

It was launched in 2052 with one being wielded by UNATCO nano-aug agent Paul Denton during a mission against NSF forces on Liberty Island. This weapon was to be phased into use first by MJ-12 special operations teams, then by selected elements of military and security organization throughout the world. The first prototype of the weapon was sent to the Liberty Island MJ-12 laboratory.

Characteristics
The Plasma Rifle uses the same damage type as the Flamethrower, which means it does quarter damage to robots, half damage to Commandos and no damage to Grays. However, what Plasma Rifle loses in damage modifiers it makes up for in sheer damage values - it deals more damage per second than any other weapon in Deus Ex, and the projectiles have surprisingly large splash damage radii. Furthermore accuracy is very good (second only to the sniper rifle) and it accepts a wide array of mods. When using the Plasma Rifle against common grunts just aim at their feet - the splash damage from hitting the ground will be enough to evaporate them.

To rely on the Plasma Rifle you will need to invest in your Heavy Weapons skill, as it slows down your movement just like the GEP gun, but unlike the GEP gun it is not a situational weapon to be used from a safe distance. Also keep in mind that the ammo is pretty rare unless you're knocking out Men in Black with the prod, as they're usually the enemies wielding the Plasma Rifle.

Locations

 * Liberty Island, Paul Denton carries one at the very beginning of the game.
 * Liberty Island MJ12 lab, in a security container in the armory.
 * Maggie Chow's apartment, on one trooper of the Majestic-12.
 * Tracer Tong's laboratory, on pedestal in the shooting room.
 * 'Ton Hotel, third Hell's Kitchen visit, in Paul's secret closet.
 * Paris street, in a combat supply crate in the flat of an arms dealer, If you have Shifter, however, it will be a Railgun.
 * Sub base, 2nd floor after taking minisub. It's in a water tank with 2 Karkians inside.

Trivia

 * Although it takes up the same amount of space as the GEP gun and the Flamethrower, it seems to be smaller when compared to the two.
 * The likeness of this weapon seems to be based off the BFG9000 from Doom.