Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is a visually impressive cyberpunk action RPG that builds upon its predecessor, Human Revolution, offering a rich world with detailed environments and flexible gameplay. Players appreciate the freedom to approach missions stealthily or aggressively, with character abilities enhancing exploration and combat. The game’s Prague hub and multiple locations provide immersive world-building, though some find the story shorter and less engaging than expected, ending on a cliffhanger without a sequel. Despite solid mechanics and graphics, the presence of single-use DLC and occasional bugs detract from the experience. The game supports multiple playstyles but has some pacing issues due to long cutscenes and slow dialogue. Many players hope for a continuation of the story, praising the gameplay improvements while lamenting the incomplete narrative and technical shortcomings.

Highlights

Players praise the game’s detailed environments and level design, which support diverse playstyles including stealth and combat. The graphics remain impressive even years later, with a well-realized cyberpunk aesthetic. Gameplay mechanics, especially the augmentations and flexible approaches to missions, are lauded for depth and variety. The continuation of the Human Revolution storyline and the immersive Prague hub world receive positive mentions. The game’s balance between stealth and action elements and the rewarding exploration of side quests also stand out as strong points.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include a story that feels rushed, incomplete, and less impactful than the original Deus Ex, ending abruptly without resolution. Some players find the pacing hindered by excessive unskippable cutscenes and slow dialogue. Technical issues such as crashes and bugs, particularly on PC, frustrate users. The single-use DLC system is viewed as exploitative, diminishing enjoyment. Additionally, the game’s linear mission structure and lack of character customization are noted as missed opportunities. Some find the combat and stealth mechanics occasionally buggy, and the overall narrative and character development weaker than expected.