Is Deus Ex: Human Revolution Standalone?
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an action role-playing game developed by Eidos Montreal and published by Square Enix. Released in 2011, the game is a prequel to the original Deus Ex and is considered a standalone experience by many fans and critics. But is it really?
The Story
The game takes place in a dystopian future where corporations and governments have replaced traditional governments. Players take on the role of Adam Jensen, a former SWAT officer who is augmented with advanced cybernetic implants. The story revolves around Adam’s quest to uncover the truth behind his own augmentations and the conspiracy surrounding the conspiracy of Sarif Industries.
Is Deus Ex: Human Revolution a Standalone Game?
According to the game’s developers, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is designed as a standalone experience. The game’s story is self-contained, and players do not need to have played the original Deus Ex or Deus Ex: Invisible War to understand the plot. The game’s world, setting, and characters are all new, making it accessible to new players.
Proving the Standalone Argument
Here are some points that support the standalone nature of Deus Ex: Human Revolution:
• Recap Video: The game includes a 12-minute recap video that summarizes the events of the original Deus Ex, providing new players with a quick introduction to the series’ backstory.
• New World, New Story: The game takes place in a new world, with new characters, locations, and a fresh storyline. This makes it easy for new players to jump in without feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of the original game’s world.
• Accessible Gameplay: The game’s gameplay mechanics are designed to be accessible to new players, with a focus on stealth, combat, and exploration. The game’s tutorial and introductory missions are designed to help players get accustomed to the game’s systems and mechanics.
• No Save Importation: Unlike some other games, Deus Ex: Human Revolution does not import saves from previous games in the series. This means that players can start fresh without worrying about carrying over progress or feeling like they’re missing out on crucial story elements.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite being designed as a standalone experience, some fans and critics have argued that Deus Ex: Human Revolution is not entirely standalone. Here are some points that have sparked controversy:
• Cultural References: The game contains several cultural references to the original Deus Ex, including nods to characters, locations, and plot points. Some players have argued that these references create continuity between the two games, making Deus Ex: Human Revolution feel less standalone.
• Lack of Context: Without playing the original Deus Ex, some players may find it difficult to fully understand the context behind certain plot points, characters, or events in Deus Ex: Human Revolution. This lack of context has led some to argue that the game is not entirely standalone.
• Story Continuity: The game’s story does contain some continuity with the original Deus Ex, particularly in regards to the plot’s themes and characters. Some players have argued that this continuity creates a sense of obligation to play the original game in order to fully understand the story.
Conclusion
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is designed as a standalone experience, with a self-contained story and new world, setting, and characters. While some players may argue that the game contains cultural references and lack of context that make it feel less standalone, the game’s developers have designed it to be accessible to new players. Whether or not Deus Ex: Human Revolution is considered a standalone game ultimately depends on the player’s perspective and level of familiarity with the series.
Recommendation
If you’re new to the Deus Ex series, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an excellent starting point. The game’s self-contained story and accessible gameplay mechanics make it easy to jump in and enjoy. If you’re a fan of the original Deus Ex, you may still want to play Deus Ex: Human Revolution to see how the series has evolved and to experience the new story and characters.
FAQ
- Do I need to play the original Deus Ex to understand the story of Deus Ex: Human Revolution?
No, the game’s story is self-contained, and the recap video provides a quick introduction to the series’ backstory. - Is Deus Ex: Human Revolution a sequel to the original Deus Ex?
No, the game is a prequel to the original Deus Ex, set 20 years before the events of the first game. - Can I import saves from the original Deus Ex into Deus Ex: Human Revolution?
No, the game does not import saves from previous games in the series.
Rating
Deus Ex: Human Revolution is a 9.5/10 game that offers a compelling story, engaging gameplay, and a rich world to explore. While some players may argue that the game is not entirely standalone, the game’s developers have designed it to be accessible to new players. If you’re new to the series, Deus Ex: Human Revolution is an excellent starting point.