Summary
- Release Year: 2016
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG), Shooter
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Developers: Eidos Montréal, Square Enix
- Publishers: Square Enix
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (2016): A Cyberpunk Masterpiece
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a first-person action role-playing video game developed by Eidos Montreal and published by Square Enix. It is the fourth installment in the Deus Ex series, and a direct sequel to Deus Ex: Human Revolution (2011). The game was released on August 23, 2016, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Setting
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is set in 2029, two years after the Aug Incident, a global event in which mechanically augmented citizens all over the world were stripped of control over their minds and bodies, resulting in the deaths of millions of innocents. In the aftermath of the Incident, augmented humans have been deemed outcasts and segregated from the rest of society. They are forced to live in ghettos and are subjected to discrimination and violence.
The game follows the story of Adam Jensen, a former SWAT officer who was augmented with experimental cybernetics after being severely injured during the Aug Incident. Jensen is now working as a private investigator, and he is tasked with investigating a series of terrorist attacks that are targeting augmented individuals.
Gameplay
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a first-person action role-playing game. The player controls Adam Jensen, who can use a variety of weapons and abilities to complete missions. The game features a branching dialogue system that allows the player to make choices that will affect the story.
Jensen can use a variety of weapons, including firearms, melee weapons, and grenades. He can also use his cybernetic abilities to hack into computers, control robots, and augment his own body.
The game features a stealth system that allows the player to avoid detection by enemies. Jensen can use cover to hide from enemies, and he can use non-lethal takedowns to incapacitate them.
Themes
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided explores a number of themes, including the consequences of human augmentation, societal prejudice, and the nature of humanity. The game asks the player to question what it means to be human, and what the future holds for humanity in a world where technology is rapidly advancing.
Critical Reception
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its immersive world, engaging story, and complex characters. It was also praised for its innovative gameplay, which allows the player to approach missions in a variety of ways.
The game was nominated for a number of awards, including Game of the Year at the Golden Joystick Awards. It won the award for Best RPG at the The Game Awards.
Legacy
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is considered to be one of the best video games of its generation. It is a thought-provoking and immersive cyberpunk RPG that explores important themes such as the consequences of human augmentation and societal prejudice. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, which allows the player to approach missions in a variety of ways.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a must-play for fans of cyberpunk, action RPGs, and thought-provoking video games.
Additional Information
- Developer: Eidos Montreal
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Release Date: August 23, 2016
- Platforms: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre: Action role-playing game
- Setting: Cyberpunk
- Themes: The consequences of human augmentation, societal prejudice, the nature of humanity
Review Score
8.5/10