Deus Ex: Human Revolution Review for Xbox 360

System: Xbox 360, PS3, PC
Dev: Eidos Montreal
Pub: Square Enix
Release: August 23, 2011
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Blood, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Alcohol, Sexual Themes

Too often with games like this, you'll find yourself in complete awe over the cinematics, but with the in-game graphics you are left with a bland (albeit well-done) tone that nearly ruins the game experience. Human Revolution never truly falters in this area. There are a few NPC characters that were mistreated (or were intentionally made to look hideous), but despite the odd blemish and occasional frame rate drop, you'll find yourself in complete graphical euphoric bliss.

Unfortunately, this brings me to the faults, the biggest being the third-person/first-person timeshare. Admittedly, when I first saw in-game footage of Human Revolution, I was beyond excited for the third-person action game I thought I saw. I was admittedly a little disenchanted when I realized it was a first-person game with third-person elements (like the cover and takedown systems.) The takedown system is just a quick visual stimulant that shows off how much of a badass Adam Jensen is, but just like the cover system, the pullout from first-person to the third is a bit jarring. Not to the point of breaking the game, but it's definitely enough to make players take notice.

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Screenshot

The only other flaw is more comical than anything else. Too often, when talking to a female NPC, it sounds like a male voice imitating a woman. This can be funny at times, but it detracts from the occasional "real" voiceover work. This is not to say the voice acting falls short of entertaining, because the main vocal cast really comes through in the story elements. However, many times the NPCs sub-characters deliver their lines as hyperactive versions of Ben Stein.

On the opposite side of this, the score to Human Revolution ranks among some of the best in recent times. It reminds me a lot of Daft Punk's score for Tron: Legacy. (Say what you will about the movie, but the music from that film is emotionally resonating, even when some of the actors are horribly not.) In Human Revolution, the music conducts itself as a character without expectation of recognition.

At its core, this is a game that is reliant on the player. Without your influence, the game doesn't have a direction. However, it also doesn't give the illusion that it needs you to help it finish the story. Much like great sci-fi fantasy, Deus Ex: Human Revolution never allows you to feel like you have total control or that you know everything going on in the overarching story. In this case though, it also doesn't allow you to feel as if you are an outsider looking in. This is as much your own human revolution as it is Adam Jensen's.

By Matt Walker
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.8

Graphics
Sharp, slick, and beyond expectations.

4.3

Control
There's a learning curve to get used to the jerk in and out of first-person perspective, but the controls deliver a solid experience.

4.2

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Another excellent sample of how the voice acting and musicality of a video game should be.

4.5

Play Value
Vast and enjoyable; this world is a pleasure to be in.

4.5

Overall Rating - Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

The long-awaited return of the award winning franchise that blends the best of Action and RPG: the perfect mix of combat, stealth, hacking, and social gameplay.

Play as Adam Jensen, a mechanically augmented agent: customize and upgrade your character with more than 50 unique augmentations that support your style of play.

Deadly weapons: Over 20 available weapons, each with their own customizable elements.

Fight enemies including dangerous thugs, augmented special operations soldiers, advanced robots; and engage in epic boss battles.

Live the reactive and dangerous world: your choices will have consequences in the game's world.

Play in an open-ended world: there are always multiple solutions to every challenge.

Engage the unique Cyber Renaissance setting: discover a unique world that blends near future and Renaissance elements.

Travel the world: visit multiple unique locations across the globe each with their own design, story and gameplay elements.

Become involved in vast global conspiracy: unravel the story - discover who you can really trust.

Decide humanity's future: the decision you make and the actions you take will lead to an ultimate decision on mankind's future.