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I can't remember the last time I was actually excited about a game, and it actually delivered.
DX: HR does the opposite of what DX: IW did for DX.
PROS:
There are choices and consequences, and even to some degree time limits on doing certain things.
Voice acting could only get better, and it is.
The skill system is vastly improved. Many more options divided into different body parts. For example, each body part has its own mini skill tree. Most skills seem to focus on actually adding some physically noticeable feature in game, instead of just adding numerical points (though those are in as well).
You gain experience for almost everything. Killing, not killing, the type of takedown, whether lethal or non lethal, exploring, doing side quests.
Inventory grid is there.
The level design makes you feel like these are real places. The levels are large, unique, and highly detailed. You can break into each persons office, and read their emails (if you hack them). There are hidden areas to explore.
If you were really into Deus Ex, you will love this game. Period.
Anyone who complains about graphics, or lip synching, aren't really interested in a game like Deus Ex. Not many game companies are allowed to make a game like this. The amount of time to create the huge levels, dialogue and choices, skill system, backstory, without focusing solely on graphics, or dumbing down is pretty amazing. Hopefully this game sells very well.
Very polished. Never crashed, was even able to alt tab out and in. Supports DX 11 and Tesselation.
I personally think the game looks beautiful. I appreciate the difference between making a fancy high poly model in 3DSMax, and a level that has a lot of detail from actual level design/ creation.
CONS:
The intro level will remind you of Mass Effect type level design. Repetitive futuristic lab. Get through the first level as soon as possible. It's just a tutorial. After that everything opens up, Deus Ex style.
Long load times (even on quick saves).
Story. Okay if you enjoyed Deus Ex's B movie quality Sci Fi story, you have to like this story. It's not cheesy like Dragon Age (god that game sucks on so many levels), nor does it try to be overly serious, or emo like Mass Effect. DX: HR tries to be smart. Tries, and it actually works a little. Its subtle, but given that NO games now days even try to do that, is a refreshing change.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Having been burned so many times since the great collapse of computer games, I was extremely skeptical of this game.
This is definitely an improvement to Deus Ex in every way so far.
I lost hope in PC games years ago, but DX: HR is a testament that every once in a while a diamond can be found in the rough.
If you were really into Deus Ex, you will like this game. Period.
If you are the type of person that must have 1 or 2 features and if they aren't there you dislike the entire thing, then maybe you won't like this game. I can't think of anything missing from Deus Ex that I cared about. Unlike The Elder Scrolls, things that got taken out, were either improved or updated in someway that actually works better than the original. Yes, there are hints to console interface, but there are larger hints to PC interface.
Jonathan Jacques-Belletete sounds and looks like such a douche bag (must be the accent), but god-damn do they have a smart, talented, and dedicated team up there in Canada. I pray that they make Thief 4.
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Overall I give DX: HR - 9.5/10 (so far)
Deus Ex - 9/10
Thief I - 9.5/10
Thief II - 9/10
System Shock 2 - 9/10
Bioshock - 6/10
Mass Effect II - 3/10
Dragon Age - 3/10
Crysis2 - 3/10
Daggerfall - 7/10
Morrowind - 7/10
Oblivion - 5/10
Fallout 3 - 6/10
Fallout New Vegas - 6.5/10
Portal I - 8/10
Portal II - 8.5/10
XCOM UFO Defense - 9.5/10
Jagged Alliance 2 - 9/10
Civilization V - 8/10
Betrayal at Krondor - 9.5/10
Fallout - 9/10
Arcanum 9/10
Torment 9/10
Might and Magic VI - 8.5/10
Arx Fatalis - 8.5/10
Risen - 8/10
Space Rangers 2 - 9/10
Kings Bounty - 8/10
Diablo II - 8.5/10
StarCraft II - 8.5/10
Oh MineCraft. I have to add this, since I've enjoyed it. But it's not really a game yet, is it?
Dwarf Fortress so far, has been beyond my line of fun and feeling like work.
No, I'm not trolling. I don't post often. I haven't had anything to post about until now.