PC & console game reviews
WE REVIEW THE LATEST BIG-RELEASE AND INDIE GAMES ON PC AND CONSOLES, INCLUDING THE NEXT INSTALMENT IN THE DEUS EX SERIES.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided AUGMENTED TO ALMOST PERFECTION. From $ . | PC, PS , Xbox One | www.deusex.com
WHERE DEUS EX: Human Revolution’s transhumanism theme felt broadly timely in 2011, Mankind Divided’s deeper exploration of a world beset by terrorism, tearing itself apart over diering beliefs, mistrust, violent law enforcement and dehumanising language, is a sobering re ection of our times. is uncomfortable proximity to current events has caused controversy, too, with language such as ‘mechanical apartheid’ and, more recently, ‘Aug lives matter’ having sparked criticism of its developer’s judgement. But while there has been understandable controversy around the real-world parallels in its themes, that they have caused such a reaction is testament to the game’s powerful depiction of the social divides at the centre of its ction.
Set in 2029, two years a er the Panchaea incident saw sabotage send thousands of augmented humans into a murderous, uncontrollable rage, this is a world where augs are marginalised and vili ed. Metro stations have segregated sections for the augmented; frequent credential checks can see individuals arrested; and unscrupulous sorts will even try to shake you down for money.
Adam Jensen is now based in Prague and part of Task Force 29, a multinational anti-terrorism unit formed by Interpol in the wake of Panchaea, but his posting has rankled some of the organisation’s top brass. So while Mankind Divided gives you even more tactical and navigational options, you’re still continually harassed, made to feel like a second-class citizen irrespective of your badge and (mostly) supportive colleagues.
is strain on Jensen’s loyalties, as he attempts to reconcile the rights of augs with the safety of everyone, sets up the potent tension at the centre of Mankind Divided.
e game’s sprawling, complex plot provides plenty to get your investigative teeth into. Unfortunately, the tale is frequently undermined by a script that can feel lumpen and hackneyed, as well as acting that varies wildly in quality. It’s one of the few areas in which the game slips up. e performances and scriptwriting are at their best during the game’s debates — ‘social boss battles’ in which you must feel your way through complex, ethically ambiguous conversations.
Mankind Divided’s infiltration-focused action is built on the twin security vulnerabilities of selectively blind or forgetful guards and a network of ill-considered ventilation sha s, but clearly communicated and consistent rules of engagement make its systems a joy to toy with. Your options are manifold. You might hack the keypad of a bulky security door a er subduing or killing the guards nearby. Or perhaps avoid contact altogether and nd a circuitous route to your objective through vents and storage cupboards. A handy tranquilliser gun can put individuals to sleep, luring anyone who spots the body into your sights if you choose not to hide it. And if you can access a security computer, you could turn turrets, patrolling drones and robots against their owners. e fastidious can nd passwords and door codes in emails or diaries to open previously locked doors. Or you can just bust out the combat shotgun and mount a frontal assault.
Mankind Divided encourages you to switch tactics on the y, responding to your mistakes by challenging you to adapt rather than punishing you with failure. Your e orts are supported by a mostly robust cover system and an expanded augmentation tree. Upgrades are purchased with Praxis Points found in kits around the world, gi ed by NPCs or earned by levelling up, and there are more options than you’ll acquire enough currency for in a single playthrough, encouraging you to specialise.
While Mankind Divided’s main story thread can be rattled through in 20 or so hours, its world invites you to linger. is con dent re nement of Human Revolution’s potent, though awed, proof of concept has resulted in one of the most elaborate videogame sandboxes in which we’ve ever had the pleasure of getting lost.