10 Best Video Game Prequels
5. Deus Ex: Human Revolution
Deus Ex’s setting is one of conspiracy theories and nanotechnology, exploring a world on the brink of collapse due to warring factions and a deadly pandemic. By exploring the past of this scenario in the series’ prequel, players can better understand how things got to the state they’re in.
Set 25 years prior, Deus Ex Human Revolution’s main character is Adam Jensen who, after being involved in a terrorist attack, is enhanced with nanotechnology. The player explores the growing social divide between the elite who have access to this power and the lower classes.
Importantly, Human Revolution really expanded and added detail to Deus Ex’s world through its story and incredible environments. Player choice is paramount.
Combat is satisfying from both a balls-out "gun down everyone" perspective but, importantly, also if you choose to go slow and stealthy. In terms of the story, Human Revolution’s world is rich with optional content for players looking to explore.
Human Revolution retroactively laid the groundwork for the original Deus Ex in wonderful ways and, despite Adam not being the most fleshed-out protagonist, the game was so popular that he took the lead role for the series next entry Mankind Divided. Moreover, its blend of first-person action and RPG elements was something that many other games took notice of in that console generation.