Cyberpunk Review » Deus Ex: Human Revolution (from our Reviewer Forums)

September 12, 2011

Deus Ex: Human Revolution (from our Reviewer Forums)

Review By: zecalvin (from our reviewer forums)

Release Date: August 26, 2011

Developed by: Eidos Montreal

Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Degree of Cyberpunk Visuals: Very High

Correlation to Cyberpunk Themes: Very High

Rating: 9 out of 10

Note from Mr. Roboto: I need to get playing. The past couple of months will see the release of at least three cyberpunk games: E.Y.E. - Divine Cybermancy, Deus Ex: Human Revolution (now up for review), and soon Hard Reset. I was hoping to get a review of DX: Invisible War up before Human Revolution. I’ll keep working on it.

Zecalvin beat me in reviewing DX:HR on our still active Reviewer Forums. You’ll have to pardon his French in the screencaps since he played the French version. Here’s his take on the DX prequel…

Adam Jensen, main character of Human Revolution, and the latest fashionable sunglasses

Overview: Deus Ex is an FPS RPG taking place in a 2027 dystopian world. 3rd game of the DX Saga, Human Revolution was expected by the fans of the first episode (2000). At the time, Deus Ex created a new genre of FPS gameplay, including RPG and infiltration parts and where shooting everything you see was rarely a good idea. This was really rewarding and it’s still considered as one of the most awesome PC game. the sequel, Invisible War (2004), was really disappointing because of many simplifications in the gameplay to fit to gamepad. However, the cyberpunk atmosphere and the story were still great. Let’s see if Human Revolution can match his elders.

Visuals: The Deus Ex franchise was never known for it’s breathtaking graphics and I have to admit that you can easily find better visuals. the engine is limited and many characters have angular faces. In addition, you often have lipsync issues, it can be very disturbing due to the high frequency of the dialogs. Nevertheless, the cyberpunk atmosphere is really immersive, with so many cool designs. the places you visit have each their own graphic identity and you will never confuse Detroit streets with Hengsha market, or top secret Megacorp lab with military facility harbor. Besides, the light and fog effect are really cool, and the world is covered by twinkeling neons and giant ad screens like in Blade Runner.

Hengsha market … I advise you to holster your weapon

Story: The story is one of the greatest success of Human Revolution. I don’t want to spoil, but the main plot includes a lot of the greatest cyberpunk themes like conspiracies and transhumanism. Each character has it’s own opinion and you can either make them change their mind or make enemies of them, through dialogs depending on which attitude you choose. Every single one of your actions will affect the reactions of the characters. Each key moment of the plot is shown through CG cutscenes, maybe less immersive but often much more spectacular… Besides the main story, you can learn a lot about the plot and the universe while reading emails, newspapers and security reports. In addition, you can follow many colorful side quests which make the world more consistant and the pleasure much longer… In the end, you can reach one of the 4 different endings.

Welcome to Deckard’s … I mean Jensen’s appartment…

Gameplay: A huge part of the success of Deus Ex was the gameplay and Human Revolution has learned its lessons. Each situation can be approached by several ways depending on what augmentations Jensen has developped, your inventory, and your own preferences. For example, if you have to go through a locked door, you can either hack the electronic lock if your hacking augmentation is powerful enough, or sneak through air duct to find your way to your objective, or, if you’re in a bad mood, you can blow up the door on the condition of having explosives… It’s the same for the gunfights. You can choose to fight straight, but you will die quickly eventually, or you can decide to take the enemies down silently one by one, or hack a security bot remote device and make it kill every foe savagely. By the way, in order to hack terminals, you have to win a mini strategy game where you must take security nodes before the firewalls detects you. It requires both reflection and speed, and hacking the top security terminals is really rewarding. In conclution, Deus Ex gameplay is really rich and it’s a real pleasure to control Jensen all around the world and try new strategies as you grow stronger through augmentations and weapon upgrades.

The hacking mini game screen … You will soon dream about it at night

Conclusion: I have to admit I was both enthusiast and scared at the idea of a new Deus Ex. We could have feared that a cross platform project would have a poor gameplay, but Eidos Montreal has listened to it’s fan community to bring you a total masterpiece. Of course, everything is not perfect, but Human Revolution has kept the strength of the first game : rewarding gameplay, well written plot, excellent global design … This game is definitely worth playing. And for those who played the other games, Eidos has taken care of the fan service, so you’ll find a lot of easter eggs …

“Hasta la vista … baby”

UPDATE: It looks like Stormtrooper has intel that Eidos Montreal had been in contact with our little community for ideas about the latest DX. I’m going to grep and forage through the forums to find the links/threads…

UPDATE: HERE’S THE THREAD! It starts out simply enough with an announcement of a rumor of a possible DX3 being in the works. Then people started chiming in about what they liked about DX, what they didn’t about Invisible War, and what they would like to see for #3. Then KBlack suddenly realizes that Rene was from Eidos Montreal.

Was it worth the effort? Zecalvin believes it to be so. It goes to show that not all corporations are evil, and they can make stuff people would want to buy. All they have to do is listen to their customers.

Comments

September 12, 2011

Sniper said:

That’s one nice game, I tell you that. Two things a serious dev company like that should have considered, though, are larger and more open levels and more hacking options (separate perks to deal with bots and cameras - fuck is that for?). E.Y.E. has both, and it’s an indie game. You most definitely review E.Y.E., especially because it came out before DX.

Pan Motoko said:

The PS3 version did not have audio-sync problems. I prefer PC to consoles, but Eidos confirmed that it was developed primarily for PS3.

Graphically, this game pushes no envelopes, but the atmosphere it creates is so beautiful and immersive that you forget to notice. Not every game has to look like Heavy Rain, after all. I often feel this way about the video game industry; developers are so concerned with advancing the industry that they fail to explore all the possibilities of the technology we already have.

The story, while being really cool already, could have used some developing. For example, none of the bosses you fight really have any importance to the story, nor do they give up details about the story in typical (and appreciated) dying boss style.

The gameplay is simply amazing. The only two things that could have enhanced gameplay are:
1. A melee option. The stealth kills/take-downs are awesome, but I’m talking about a simple punch, pistol-whip or rifle-butt to the face. It would work wonders against enemies who rush you, particularly when dealing with “crazies.” Hand to hand combat would be really cool in the Deus Ex universe, anyway.
2. An autosave feature, which I’m sure the PC version had.

On the whole, I absolutely love this game. I’m on my second playthrough now, my first being stealth and the second being like a cross between Mirror’s Edge and your typical shoot’em up.

Pan Motoko said:

The PS3 version did not have audio-sync problems. I prefer PC to consoles, but Eidos confirmed that it was developed primarily for PS3.

Graphically, this game pushes no envelopes, but the atmosphere it creates is so beautiful and immersive that you forget to notice. Not every game has to look like Heavy Rain, after all. I often feel this way about the video game industry; developers are so concerned with advancing the industry that they fail to explore all the possibilities of the technology we already have.

The story, while being really cool already, could have used some developing. For example, none of the bosses you fight really have any importance to the story, nor do they give up details about the story in typical (and appreciated) dying boss style.

The gameplay is simply amazing. The only two things that could have enhanced gameplay are:
1. A melee option. The stealth kills/take-downs are awesome, but I’m talking about a simple punch, pistol-whip or rifle-butt to the face. It would work wonders against enemies who rush you, particularly when dealing with “crazies.” Hand to hand combat would be really cool in the Deus Ex universe, anyway.
2. An autosave feature, which I’m sure the PC version had.

On the whole, I absolutely love this game. I’m on my second playthrough now, my first being stealth and the second being like a cross between Mirror’s Edge and your typical shoot’em up.

Sniper said:

Oh my, the melee, how did I forget? How come one spends power on a couple of punches to the face and at the same time effortlessly throws around dumpsters about twice his weight?! That’s bullshit!

SSJKamui said:

Yeah. Thanks for uploading this and congratulations to zeacalvin. In someway, I thought that this may get uploaded. (Or you would say to him “thanks but I want to write my own review”, but I am glad that you didn’t do that but uploaded his review.)

I am also glad that you continued uploading user reviews. (Although I think this will be the last review you want to upload this year and you will not continue it, but I can understand that now, although I would like it if it would be different, but I guess there is no chance for that.) Sorry for my last mail, too.

I didn’t play that game yet, but it sounds interesting.

SSJKamui said:

A Review for Deus Ex 2 was missing? I didn’t see that. Wow.

This also explains why you waited with reviewing Deus Ex 3. I was wondering why there was no review of Deus Ex 3 yet, because it seemed illogical that you didn’t already reviewed it because it was the title most of the community waited for. But now, I understand why it was missing. Thankks for this explaination, too.

Zecalvin said:

Glad my review is on the main page, I can add “wrote a review for CPR” on my resume … :)

SSJKamui, you have the task to write DX2 review, so you can be on front page too … ;)

SSJKamui said:

Sadly, this won’t work that fast because I don’t have Deus Ex 2. ;)

SSJKamui said:

There are some Cyberpunk Games I haven’t bought/played yet and Deus Ex 2 is one of these.

I will think about what I’ll do. ;)lol

SSJKamui said:

Nevertheless, thanks for the suggestion.;)

Zecalvin said:

I bought it on steam, not so expensive… But if you can’t/don’t want to write DX2 review, I can take care of it … later … :p

deusexfan said:

i disagree with the rating of 9/10.You should give a 10/10…..

September 13, 2011

comwedge said:

I wish i had more time to play this because it is a most awesome game. Great Reveiw.

Count-Zero said:

A second page for the art works would be nice. Some concepts for the locations were awesome.

SSJKamui said:

@Zecalvin: Well, I don’t know if I will have time for that, soon. It would last some time till I would be able to write reviews about games I have to start anew from the beginning. (With games I played longer, I obviously don’t need as much time as for games which are newly bought.)

@Count-Zero
I agree. This might be a good idea. Also for other game reviews which might come later. (Especially for some games which allmost completely rely on graphical presentation for their experience, this might be very usefull. I don’t know if there are plans to review it but Child of Eden would be one of the candidates for another picture page I could imagine.)

@deusexfan
Well, personally, I think it’s good that zecalvin handled this with caution because I think there is a great danger with a 10/10 rating that reviewers may give this rating because some rather irrational, unobjective factors like hypes.

I also hesitated to give media that rating when I wrote reviews, because of these reasons.

Zecalvin said:

Any review has a part of subjectivity. According to some people on DX thread of CCCF, boss fights kill the gameplay. On the contrary, it didn’t bother me at all and gave me a pleasant change…

Anyway, boss fights must take around 5 minutes each out of 25hrs of gameplay … I don’t think it’s really relevant so I didn’t even mention it in my review … maybe I should have…

Nevermind, no one on this forum ever gave up playing because of this… ;)

September 14, 2011

SSJKamui said:

Yes, of course, reviews are allways subjective. But extreme ratings often tend to be biased. Because of this, I think it’s better to be carefull when giving a 10/10 or a 0/10 rating.

Count-Zero said:

Since this page is all about cyberpunk and not game critics the rating fits.
This game neither invented the genre, nor adds it something new.
The original DX was a milestone as a game and deserved 10/10.
This one is very close, but still…I donĀ“t know.
I think, SSJKamui is right to be careful. 9/10 is absolute appropriate.

September 15, 2011

Stormtrooper of Death said:

Zecalvin, you forgot to mention, that Eidos Montreal also contacted our CPR community while developing Deus EX: Human Revolution. Some of our members gave some input that (might) have changed some of the development goals. I would like it, if you could add this fact to your review. It is a huge honour for us (members of CPR) that Eidos Montreal replied to CPR in a topic about this game.

Zecalvin said:

Well I really didn’t know. My apologies for that. However, I cannot change what’s written on main page. You should ask Mr Roboto to mention it directly.

I will send him a PM to ask, but I think it would be better if you send one too.

Zecalvin said:

You should also find back the thread if you can.

SSJKamui said:

I didn’t know the contact between the site and Eidos Montreal. Thanks for the info.

Zecalvin can’t add it there. Only Mr. Roboto could add it to this review on the main page.

September 16, 2011

Icarus said:

I loved it. I was just sad I couldn’t merge with the AI and rule the world. I never for a second had a suspension of disbelief that augs were “bad” or could in anyway be “bad”. I know they put alot of time into making the game, and I won’t sit around critiquing anymore.

I missed the baton too, and the satisfying whip sound it made, heh.

SSJKamui said:

@Mr Roboto or whoever edited the review:
Thanks for reacting so fast. Yesterday, I thought there may be a problem, but now, the problem is solved. Thanks.

SSJKamui said:

Thanks for planning to find these threads Stormtrooper mentioned, too.

Zecalvin said:

I guess Mr Robot Updated the post. Zhal found the original thread with Eidos community manager. Link updated in the original forum review and sent to Mr Roboto for main page edit.

here is the link

http://www.cyberpunkreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19125#19125

SSJKamui said:

Thanks for the research. Interesting read.

September 17, 2011

SSJKamui said:

@Mr Roboto
Thanks for updating again. Cool comment on the topic.

September 20, 2011

Anonymous said:

Good Review. Good game.

September 21, 2011

kabukiman1973 said:

Changing of subject, there will be a syndicate game, FPS. If well done, it could be a new DX3, if bad done, it will be a nameless shooter.

SSJKamui said:

Yes, I heard og the new Syndicate game, too. To be honest, I also see the danger that it becomes a generic FPS.

September 26, 2011

Cannibal713 said:

Im not a big player of computer games, most 1st person games are boring after a bit and RPGs are long and monotinous; but ya’ll rated this so highly and it sounded very in keeping with the cyberpunk genre I gve it a chance. That was last week. I played it until 4am this morning straight. It is awesome. Great plot & gameplay, totaly ingrossing (to the point my friends and family think I fell of the earth, I called in sick to work, and my girlfriend bitching to “get of that damn computer!”)

September 27, 2011

Anonymous said:

I agree. Because at first, it sounded like a fairly generic FPS, I wasn’t very much interested in the game, but because of the review, I think the game is interesting.

Anonymous said:

Wow. This article is one of the most commented Articles of the Site since 2 Years, together with Terminator Salvation and Gamer.

kabukiman1973 said:

That’s because it’s about a Deus ex. How could a fan of cyberpunk don’t say a word about it?

Rott said:

Deus Ex HR was made very well, in all honesty this the funnest game I have played in along time It brought alot of Shadowrun elements that I thought was great, if anything the only complaint I have at all about this game is that there wasn’t enough content.
I would have loved being able to grind out side quests and missions for days or weeks, whether it be hacking, killing, or knocking someone out and dragging them somwhere, just anything the sky is the limit.. Aside from that maybe a few more skill sets, or special items gained from grinding out side quests as with alot of the rpg’s out there, just stuff you dont have to do, but you do so you can say you finished 100% of the game, other than that this game is just wicked imho

September 29, 2011

kabukiman1973 said:

Pity we can’t swimm (but I guess water is the enemy of the augmentation, in Dx1 we had nanotech, not metal, so it makes sense).

October 1, 2011

uninspiredhandle said:

Although this game is better than 99% of what is coming out these days,it still doesn’t seem like it deserves a 10,it actually has quite alot of problems they are all just so forgivable because of the overall awesomeness.

uninspiredhandle said:

@Rott

I also felt like I wanted more content but then remembered how boring fallout 3 was,quality over quantity I say.

Sniper said:

@Rott

From your mouth to devs’ ears. BTW, I know an RPG on Shadowrun would be highly appreciated. If they managed to put D&D into computer, Shadowrun’s role-play system will be a piss.

October 12, 2011

Anonymous said:

I agree. An RPG with a Shadowrun City Setting would be cool.

October 13, 2011

Klaw said:

Definitely an awesome game but it did have some flaws. The graphics in terms of character models were pretty rudimentary, and there were a few bugs like AI ignoring you if you were against a wall in a few places… and some glitches like shooting through objects that pissed me off. (the stun gun darts wouldn’t go through some objects, if too close to the edge of them so you had to get fully clear and fire perfectly). But nitpicks aside, the gameplay was great and I’ve done 2 full playthroughs after putting it down for a bit.

Michael McMann’s soundtrack really has to get some credit too for creating incredible atmosphere… he’s only done a few Splinter Cell games but it really is a masterpiece and worth picking up if you get the chance. It’s got some Tron, Blade Runner, techno, world beat and choral sounds and I have been listening to it daily since snagging it, good shit.

October 24, 2011

JMM1233 said:

The only problem I had with this game was the lack of having eviromental objects to interact with , like for instance the Vending machines . Would have defiantely liked to be able to spend some of theose minor credits , also those resturants in the china areas seemed to be wasted without actually be able to buy wants on the menu . And the lack of anything but bars and booze , would been nice for instance if there was soda like in the original

October 25, 2011

mrhat89 said:

Do you guys think it is better to play Invisible War first, before this one?

October 26, 2011

kabukiman1973 said:

Oh, yeah, no doubt at all. Cause after playing HR, you won’t be able to look at IW.

December 2, 2011

StealingFireFromGods said:

I guess in terms of story it doesn’t really matter since Human Revolution is a prequel from the first Deus Ex. I plan to play them in chronological order.

December 16, 2011

Kaerka said:

I’m actually surprised to see such a high rating. Ofc it’s not a bad game but it’s not that polished. For one, boss fights are ridiculous and i could continue with animations and several bugs.

It’s a consolized game like any other but one hell of rpg, i’ll give you that….even though the story is nothing new. What it does is giving rooms to lots of minor characters turning the game into some kind of cyberama, summung up 30 years of cyberpunk. It’s not like you’ll miss the greatest cyberpunk masterpiece ever if you’ re not going to play it. Instead, you may try the first game and play dehr once the price is set at $5 on Steam.

December 28, 2011

Kefka said:

E.Y.E Was complete and utter dogshit.

Like every other indie game. Surprise!

March 9, 2012

Frank Garret said:

I know that this may sound a bit strange but would anyone consider reviewing Sonic CD as a bit cyberpunk?

I ask because of the time settin: the bad futures in particular look exactly like cyberpunk realms. Stardust Speedway looks like a evil future metropolis. Metallic Madness and Wacky Workbench are both run down industrial zones that operate past their expiration dates. Natural zones like Palmtree Panic and Tidal Tempest have polluted water, what appears to be cybernetic plant life barely alive, rusting and decaying structures and polluted skies.Qaurtz Quadrant in the bad future is definitly a polluted mess.

Even though there is no web, philisophical talks about what it means to be human (or hedgehog), or other related cyberpunk themes there are other things that are present. The evil force taking over is Robotnik, akin to a evil coproration that is polluting the landscape. There are robots, even though they do not try to become “human”. All of the bad futures are dystopias that fit with the scene. Sonic may not be a hacker but he is a lone hero who takes on Robotnik alone. Than there is Metal Sonic, a fully sentient robot version of our hero.

In Sonic 1, look closely at the background and tell me that you DON’T think of Blade Runner!

I’d say that the cyberpunk visuals and themes are on the low to medium side. What do you all think? Up for a review?


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