Deus Ex: Human Revolution Review

Released in 2000, Deus Ex made a real revolution in the gameplay and storyline of computer games, setting a new standard for game development. The innovative ideas implemented in this game were later used in many other games. The sequel (or rather prequel) released 11 years later, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, although not claiming to be revolutionary, maintains the signature style of Deus Ex and contains many well-implemented ideas. It can be said that Human Revolution has no flaws. A charismatic main character, a coherent plot, powerful opponents, a solid arsenal of weapons, and a huge number of upgrade elements — all of this is perfectly balanced and makes you want to play the game more than once.

Game World

The world depicted by Eidos Montreal shows a grim future — the power of the state, represented by the government and the president, is much less than it is today, and global world processes are controlled by powerful corporations with personal armies of mercenary thugs. The main innovation of the future world is mechanical implants — cyber prostheses that replace both individual body parts and are integrated into the body. With sufficient financial resources, a corporation will replace living arms and legs with mechanical cyber prostheses and implant enhancements that improve brain function, vision, hearing, smell, as well as protect body organs from various harmful effects. "Enhancements" are also available for the body — for example, a new top-secret weapon can be placed there.

Of course, the productivity of people "enhanced" with modifications is higher than that of ordinary people, which intensifies social inequality. People who have voluntarily refused implants or do not have enough money to buy them live in old, decaying houses, while modified people live in skyscrapers or "upper" cities. It is during this time that our main character, Adam Jensen, lives.

A former special forces commander, he possesses not only a confident voice, charisma, and a cyberpunk-style appearance. As the head of security for "Sarif Industries," Adam is privy to all the important matters of the company and is a valuable specialist. Therefore, when his life hangs by a thread due to a "production" injury, the company's top management decides to equip Adam with the latest military-grade implants, while outwardly he looks like an ordinary civilian. Thanks to the implants used, Adam far surpasses his enemies.

One cannot fail to mention the convenient game controls. First of all, it's the innovative idea of a 1st+3rd view mix, which allows for excellent stealth mode combination. In addition, the competent assignment of control buttons allows for quick and effortless execution of any actions. Of course, the game has good graphics — at the 2011 level and even supports DirectX 11. All graphic elements are well-developed, shadows, textures, landscapes all at the highest level. Although, of course, the artistic design better conveys the game's atmosphere. Every square meter of the game is done so meticulously that it creates a full effect of presence.

RPG System

The implants embedded in the game allow the player not only to win in hot shootouts but also to move stealthily, disguise, and pass through obstacles that an ordinary person cannot overcome. Of course, all of them are inactive at the start of the game, and their activation occurs as the player gains experience, finds or buys praxis elements (a kind of activation codes for implants). Gaining experience is not much different from other games in the genre — kill or stun an enemy — gain experience, complete a quest, find a stash or a bypass path — gain even more experience.

We spend the acquired praxis elements on upgrading the character. We can upgrade in any way we want — that is, not only strengthening armor or camouflage but taking a bit from here and there. Despite the large number of implants, none are useless, and each of them can be maximized, which is very helpful in dangerous situations. The game itself offers far more opportunities for stealth mode than for "kill everyone" mode. Huge locations where developers have hidden secret staircases, entrances, and exits — exploring and searching through all of this will take more than one hour. And this emphasizes not only good level design but also excellent game testing — the developers made sure everything works as it should. By correctly choosing a character upgrade strategy, you can easily pass each level of the game, and before starting a new mission, you can assess your tactical capabilities and use them according to the current situation.

Storyline

The storyline is undoubtedly the main component of the game, excellently telling us about the world of the future, its global problems, and the problems of ordinary people from different social groups. There is no need to reveal the plot details; you just need to get acquainted with them yourself. Suffice it to say that the main storyline is fully revealed, and additional quests significantly increase our knowledge of the game world and Adam Jensen's past "sins." Sometimes we will face moral dilemmas when the only available solution cannot satisfy everyone.

Weapons

The weaponry in the game is top-notch. Various weapons are available, suitable for every type of playthrough. Moreover, their characteristics can also be improved. So, if you prefer to take out all enemies with firearms, you take miniguns and rocket launchers, and if stealth is your style, then paralyzing weapons. On the other hand, you can use melee weapons — retractable blades hidden in mechanical arms or simply "explain with fists" who is who. Whatever weapon you choose, it will perfectly fit your personal playthrough style. Another useful aspect is hacking security systems and some objects, which will provide us with tactical bonuses when passing the level.

The game balance is top-notch — dying in the game is easy, just put the main character under heavy fire. The combat system is simple, without leaning towards adrenaline or, say, the well-known nanotechnology. The AI of opponents is at a very high level — enemies are perfectly oriented in space, using tactical opportunities and implant capabilities (such as invisibility). In addition to living enemies, we will face battles with robots and even bosses.

The downsides include an inconvenient map that does not display markers like "merchant," "home," etc. And if you upgrade the same invisibility, you can complete the game in 6-8 hours — there is an opportunity to simply walk past enemies.