Deus Ex: Mankind Divided review: A giant leap for Mankind as Square Enix give us an instant human-mech masterpiece
Simply the best FPS-RPG on the market, topping some of the other big-name games out there
PS4, Xbox One, PC, £49.99 (Pegi 18)
BACK in 2011, Square Enix published a completely new Deus Ex game.
Human Revolution kept the cyberpunk theme from the originals but brought the gameplay into the modern day.
Now, in 2016, Mankind Divided elevates the franchise once again and improves on its formula in almost every single way.
You're placed back in the shoes of Adam Jensen, two years after the events that took place in Human Revolution.
After the Illuminati tried to destroy the reputation of augmented humans, the world is now segregated between those with and without the technological upgrades.
It's not very often that I can say I've been truly immersed in a game-world but the setting here, a near-future Prague, has a real life-force about it.
The struggles of the abused augmented characters feel all too real.
It's visually glorious, too, but on PS4 occasionally fell victim to some frame rate issues.
Character models look great as well. Adam Jensen in particular has a real futuristic design with his augments made of glossy black metals.
When it comes to content, the main campaign may feel a little underwhelming and doesn't really answer the game's initial questions — which can make the time spent getting through it a little pointless.
Luckily, side missions bolster the experience and this is where you find most of the interesting, emotional stories which delve into the lives of the downtrodden "Augs".
Working with them to try to make their lives better, even just a little bit, makes going out of your way rewarding.
This is an excellent sequel that blends stories, progression and gameplay all into one incredible experience.
It's hard not to fall for its charm as one of the best FPS-RPGs out there at the moment and the real draw is the little things in this detailed run-down utopia.
4/5