![]() This is one of the many ways in which Human Revolution suffers from noticeable Phantom Menace syndrome, whereby the technology in the prequel appears to be significantly more advanced than that in the original. Jensen in comparison can have his cybercake and eat it too, upgrading any augmentation as long as he has the available points. In the original Deus Ex, JC Denton had to make choices between abilities such as high jumping or silent running. Contrary to advice given early in the game, you can upgrade pretty much everything in one play through and there are no strategic trade-offs to be made here either. Unfortunately, the augmentation system reveals another stumbling block. Augmentations run the gauntlet from the absolutely vital inventory increase and hacking upgrades, to the essentially useless flash-grenade protection and Typhoon weapon system which enables you to kill everybody in a room – as long as they’re standing right next to you. ![]() Of course, self-modification plays a greater role than weapon modification in Deus Ex, and there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, usually attaching a silencer to a gun would result in a silent but less powerful weapon, Human Revolution goes out of its way to reassure the player your silenced gun is just as deadly as a noisy one. Almost all weapons can be upgraded, but as modifications can only improve your weapons there are no strategic tradeoffs to be made. Weapon customisation is adequate but uninspiring. Much of the reason for this is that it’s equally possible to complete Human Revolution without firing a single bullet – save for the few uninspiring boss battles – and the feeling of power over human life it gives you is disturbingly exhilarating. Overall, it’s a great implementation of combat which appeals to a broad audience, and it doesn’t detract from strategy it actually improves it. There are enough weapons and lethal finishing moves to keep almost anybody happy. Human Revolution also gives you the option to go in guns blazing a good decision that means the more gung-ho players aren’t left out. ![]() It’s here that 90% of the game’s strategy and focus lies observing patrol routes, getting into position for a silent takedown, remaining in the shadows as an unseen predator… Eidos pulls it off almost flawlessly. There’s a real thrill in picking off a group of guards one by one without anybody noticing. Silent weapons – both lethal and non-lethal – allow Jensen to drop enemies who can then be quietly dragged away from patrol routes. The stealth system is where Human Revolution really shines, though. There are some issues with hitbox recognition and occasionally shots will pass through an enemy harmlessly, but this is a fairly rare occurrence. Guns have a nice meaty feel to them and Jensen’s ability to neutralise any enemy instantly in hand-to-hand combat does impart a feeling of power. Enemy AI is generally quite competent (unless you hide in an air-conditioning shaft) using cover and occasionally flushing the player out with grenades. On that topic, combat is solid and enjoyable, though if you’re not a fan of cover-based shooters you may find Deus Ex really tests your patience. ![]() As such it didn’t feel all that “Deus Ex-y” to me, instead feeling more like a police or detective game where you happen to murder a whole lot of people. Human Revolution, is a game of transhumanism, with a bit of conspiracy theory thrown in for flavour. The original was really a game of Illuminati conspiracy and global domination, with some transhumanism thrown in for flavour. Oh, and you also have robo-arms no as well.Īlthough comparisons to the original Deus Ex are impossible to avoid, it’s important to note they’re substantially different games. Play as Adam Jensen, ex-SWAT officer wrongly accused of unlawfully killing a 15-year-old boy, you’re brought back from the dead to find the men who attacked you and killed your girlfriend. Granted there was Invisible War, but no sane person counts that. Finally, the sequel (or should that be prequel) to one of the greatest games ever made is here. It’s been a long time coming, with more than ten years passing since the original Deus Ex.
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