Deus Ex: Mankind Divided Previews
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Category: News ArchiveHits: 2016
Given the strong presence it had at this year's E3 expo, it comes as no surprise that Eidos Montreal's FPS/RPG sequel Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is the subject of an assortment of new previews.
PC World:
But it’s amazing how open and spacious Mankind Divided’s levels feel. On my way through the hotel I was able to spot a number of alternate paths I could’ve sent Jensen down. Some are easy to locate—a vent high up on a wall, or a stray bit of scaffolding. Others are easier spotted with Jensen’s augmentations, like weak points in the wall that he can punch his big ol’ metal fist through. Not the stealthiest method but it works.
Outside of the general mechanics, a lot of the augmented moves return as well, such as busting down walls, although you can add an electrical charge to it, dropping from incredible heights, cloaking, and plenty of others. There are a bunch of new abilities, though, such as a Mega Man-esque blaster that acts as a shockwave, incapacitating enemies, an explosive blade that flings out of Jensen’s robotic arm, protective shielding, a multi-targeted projectile taser, and even more. There’s a lot of options when it comes down to taking down your enemies and Adam Jensen does it in style. Hacking is more or less the same with similar nodes that need to be breached with different variables and RNG playing out in the background. The difference is the visual aesthetics are more three dimensional, giving off a sense you’re hacking the components rather than a simple interface.
We then also had a chance to play a very early level in the game. It began with a deployment on a mission in Dubai, in the year 2029. Adam is tasked with going in first to assess the situation and get in position for an illegal deal that's about to happen. Players get to choose a lethal or non lethal approach, as well as if they prefer short or long range – this dictates what loadout you start with; a setup that's very familiar to the one in Human Revolution. Adam has access to a variety of augmentations that enhance your abilities, and they can be further upgraded later on. The inventory screen seems uncluttered, and a few sorting options should make things easier later in the game. You can also craft consumables using parts, and customize your weapons on the go with attachments and different ammo types.
For our brief time with the game we chose to go the short range non-lethal path, that being a stun gun. Our augmentations ran off a gradually replenishing energy pool, and included smart vision (see enemies through walls), stealth cloak (invisibility, Icarus landing for surviving those long drops, and an ability that suppressed the sound we made. Most of these you’ll remember from Human Revolution, and they’re juts as useful here as before.
Yes, you'll be able to install augments that are both the same and different to the usual upgrades the main game offers its protagonist Denton. That's predictable enough, however the system you're attacking also adapts. As soon as you've completed your task of leeching from multiple data loads, the system/ level will go into lockdown. For me, this meant my routes of escape were suddenly blocked and there was now tougher security on my way to my extraction point. You're also able to carry your own hacks with you (double speed or double hit points, for example), so in a pinch you can reverse your fortunes easily.
And then GameSpot and PlayStation Universe have video presentations.
