Augmentation Disease

The body fights back unless kept at bay by a scarce and costly medication.

In the world of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the central conflict surrounding human augmentation is defined by the biological necessity of a specific immunosuppressive drug. Set in 2027, the story explores a society divided between those who have accepted 'augmentations' and those who have not. This drug is described as both limited in supply and expensive, creating a stark social divide where only the wealthy can afford the treatment necessary for survival with cybernetic implants.

Quick Facts

Notable victim: Adam Jensen (after Sarif Industries attack in 2027)

Lore & Background

By the year 2027, advances in biotechnology have led to the widespread adoption of augmentations—advanced artificial organs that significantly enhance human performance. However, these modifications trigger a severe biological response: without intervention, the body rejects the foreign technology. To counteract this, augmented individuals must take Neuropozyne, an immunosuppressive drug. Those who can afford Neuropozyne form a new upper class of 'augs,' while those who are too poor or whose bodies actively reject the technology despite treatment are pushed into the lower classes. This tension between factions has begun generating open conflict, driving the narrative themes of transhumanism and social stratification found throughout the game's plot.

Reader's Guide

For players navigating the world of Human Revolution, understanding the role of Neuropozyne is essential to grasping the game's central themes. Unlike a disease that progresses naturally over time, the threat here is immediate rejection if the drug supply is cut off or unaffordable. Players will encounter vendors and environments where the struggle for resources mirrors the broader societal conflict. The gameplay loop involves exploring city-based hubs, engaging in combat or stealth, and managing experience points to unlock abilities via Praxis Kits. The game offers players the freedom to approach quests through violence, stealth, or social manipulation, all while witnessing the consequences of a society built on an unstable medical foundation.

Did You Know?

The game is set in 2027, exactly 25 years before the original Deus Ex.
Boss battles were developed internally by Eidos-Montréal.
The Director's Cut was released in October 2013 for original platforms and the Wii U.
The story draws inspiration from the myth of Icarus and Renaissance artwork.

Gameplay Mechanics and Player Agency

Players control Adam Jensen, who can approach situations violently or through stealth, utilizing cover and non-lethal takedowns. The game features a robust customization system where players earn experience points from quests and combat to unlock augmentation functions using Praxis Kits. These kits can be purchased, found, or awarded upon leveling up. The narrative is driven by player choice, with conversation options affecting outcomes and hacking mechanics allowing access to secure terminals. Interactive objects can be highlighted for easier identification, though this feature can be disabled on higher difficulties. This design ensures that players have significant agency in how they shape Jensen's abilities and the story's progression.

Cybernetic Enhancements and Character Progression

Augmentations are the core of character progression in Human Revolution, ranging from passive enhancements like improved vision to active upgrades such as increased strength or the ability to survive falls. These functions can depend on Adam's energy level, deactivating once drained. Players manage these abilities by acquiring Praxis Kits, which are used to unlock higher-level augmentations that require more resources to upgrade. The system allows for deep customization, letting players tailor Jensen to their preferred playstyle, whether focusing on combat, stealth, or social interaction.

The source notes that the 'Social' augmentation specifically aids in reading NPC expressions and judging psychological profiles, directly influencing dialogue success. This progression is tied to the game's economy and exploration, as finding hidden kits rewards thorough investigation of the environment.

Dystopian Setting and Narrative Themes

Set in 2027, the game presents a cyberpunk future where megacorporations have eclipsed government authority. The narrative explores themes of transhumanism, driven by the conflict between 'augs' and ordinary humans. The story uses conspiracy theory motifs and follows Adam Jensen as he uncovers the truth behind an attack on Sarif Industries. Key locations include Detroit, Montreal, and Hengsha, where players encounter figures like CEO David Sarif, anti-augmentation leader William Taggart, and Tai Yong Medical's Zhao Yun Ru. The setting serves as a backdrop for exploring the ethical implications of enhancing humanity at the cost of social unity.

Development Challenges and Critical Legacy

Development began in 2007 with a small team at Eidos-Montréal following failed attempts by Ion Storm to create a sequel. The project was influenced by the myth of Icarus and Renaissance art, blending these with cyberpunk elements. A significant challenge was achieving open-ended gameplay, leading to boss battles being outsourced due to time constraints. Composed by Michael McCann, the music emphasized ambience over character themes. Announced in 2007 and released in August 2011 for PlayStation 3, Windows, and Xbox 360, the game received critical acclaim for its player-driven plot and freedom of choice, though boss fights were criticized. By November 2011, it had sold 2.18 million units. A Director's Cut was released in October 2013 with revamped gameplay, followed by a spin-off, The Fall, in 2013, and the sequel Mankind Divided in 2016.