It’s 2027 and advanced prosthetics technology is shaping the next stage of human evolution. But unrest simmers among people who oppose the giant biotech corporations playing god, or who can’t pay for the high-tech cyborg implants (‘augmentations’) that they sell.
You play Adam Jensen, security chief at one biotech company, who receives a full set of augmentations to save his life after an attack on his employer’s research lab. You must fight, sneak, talk and hack your way to the truth behind the attack. As you progress, you can upgrade your various robo-parts to suit your style – be it diplomatic, stealthy or murderous – and each mission can likewise be completed in multiple ways. It makes for a smart tactical experience that refuses to be played as a straight-up shooter.
The thoughtful, moody sci-fi of the game’s story is married to a rich and convincing near-future game world, stylishly rendered in black and golds. The glossy production values and deeply customisable play make this a worthy prequel to 2000’s almost universally acclaimed Deus Ex and its less-vaunted sequel, Invisible War. Deus Ex: Human Revolution is tough, clever and not to be missed.