The gold standard in the stealth-action catalogue and still among the best immersive sims despite numerous worthy entries that came out since, standing tall not only on its own but even when put against its legendary predecessor. On top of that- Eidos-Montréal's first game! Miraculous debut and a true creative triumph.

   It's hard to imagine a more daunting task for a newly established developer studio than taking up on a follower to a series like Deus Ex, which gave the world the best PC game of all time followed by a highly divisive, underwhelming sequel released a couple of years before the closure of its creators- Ion Storm. That was heavy baggage, and to this day it's simply astounding how well the newly assembled team has managed to handle this task, creating a truly phenomenal video game that feels like coming out from a group with years of creative experience and multiple released titles on their resume.
After 12 years, Deus Ex: Human Revolution still remains an impressively enjoyable game, not only worth revisiting but still capable of making a great impression on new players despite its undeniable (and expected, especially in a title heavily relying on mechanical and systemic engagement) datedness and simplicity of some of its aspect. DX:HR despite its stunning presentation even on release was never really a cutting-edge looker from a technological standpoint, but also never really relied on that, nor complexity of the models or resolution of textures was a crucial part of the said presentation. As a result, it did age gracefully through and through with core, most important elements remaining approachable, fitting modern tastes and gameplay conventions.
It sure does like a game of its age, but on most levels, it is as engaging as when it was released back in 2011, taking players on an entertaining ride through a captivating world that believably remains within our reach.

   Well-designed mechanics of movement, stealth, exploration or combat, writing of story and characters are key elements, but still are just a part of a larger puzzle, and certainly don't come into play and evaluation by the player instantly. The thing that does, and that might remain the strongest and most everlasting aspect of DX:HR is the general identity and presentation of the game, which in the eyes of many is one of the best ever conceived. And opinions like that started forming even before the release, along with the publication of the first video materials and promotional graphics. Including of course a striking cinematic trailer* that to this day hasn't lost a bit of its sharpness and impactfulness, and that could act as a masterclass study case of 'how to properly present and sell your vision'.
It is supremely put together and sheds light on everything that makes this game what it is - striking visual identity and stellar art direction under the lead of Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, anchored on bleak, dystopian near future and leading theme of 'Cyberpunk Renaissance'. Introduces an outline of an intriguing and dramatic story and the world itself, narrated by the main protagonist Adam Jensen (wonderfully voiced by Elias Toufexis). Overview of equally considered, balanced, and action-packed gameplay, highly adjustable to the preferences of a player, from anything optional to most of the key story moments.
And of course the music! If I had to cut down praises for elements of this game, the original score** would be one of the last on the line. Composed by Michael McCann it is insanely matching and inseparable from the game
Regardless of the situation- whether it's subtle, background ambient accompanying peaceful exploration or epic, key musical pieces tied to crucial plot moments and frantic action set pieces, sound in this game is elevating everything and remains the key element tieing Human Revolution together into a phenomenal package that just refuses to get out of your head. Even in this dignified genre, it's hard to point to another OST that reaches a similar level of quality, not only in its peaks but across the entire offering. It's great in-game and on its own.

   It's probably more than reasonable to at least briefly, without dwelling into any spoiler territory, reflect on the other potentially vulnerable pillar of this single-player, story-driven, roleplaying action game- the construction of the world and writing behind it. In short- it does hold up well. Reinvention of Deus Ex's formula went quite far on the surface, but underneath all core aspects of the game remained in place, even if highly scaled back and/or toned down to appear more grounded and believable, and leave an appropriate amount of space for the proper story itself. While notes of disillusionment and skepticism wrapped around conspiracy theories (and actual conspiracies) are very much still here, rest assured mischievous grey aliens won't distract and undermine Jensen's journey and pursuit of truth and personal revenge.
Smart writing, despite some heavier themes, doesn't come as heavy-handed and ingenuine as it sometimes appeared in the sequel Mankind Divided which tripped over itself from time to time while wandering around a few central messages, not sure where to go and in which manner to do that.
Most importantly- the construction of the world, issues, and problems raised by DX:HR still remain interesting, valid, and relatable, just like in the first Deus Ex after distancing core ideas from some of the more goofy, gamey elements. And just like the prophetic first installment, these notions of unchecked and unregulated power and the nature of people behind it and uncertainties and fears tied to it, changes to social and economic structures, how our way of life is evolving and where its heading and of what kind of future it will be a building block, the role of technology will and should play in it, control over information and what voice individuals in modern society should and are allowed to wield, etc. did not lose relevance and importance, quite the opposite.
Sometimes- in a saddening way.

   Despite all the science fiction elements and exaggerations and all other things that prioritize fun, style and appeal over deliberation in envisioning the future, deep inside it remains surprisingly focused on mature, heavier subjects, not really dwelled upon by too many other people in the industry.
And that might be the most annoying consequence of putting this series on ice, even above the lack of conclusion and closure to Adam Jenses' journey and numerous intertwined story threads. There is a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of things to reflect and comment on, but as for now there is no light at the end of this tunnel, and without some serious business moves around the rights to this IP- I bet there's a small chance for one to appear...

   Just like in the year 2000, the Deus Ex formula, successfully reinvented in DX:HR, remains a rather unique reflection of our world and its potential near future, and despite all the mundane problems and obvious and rational technical shortcomings, still arouses interest, curiosity, reverie, and, above all- it is highly entertaining and compelling. Without that factor, none of its themes and messages would be able to reach as many people as they did, let alone leave any imprint on them.
Fantastic game and a truly memorable experience that won't stop drawing you back in as years go by. Deus Ex: every Human Revolution - every time you mention it, someone reinstalls it.

Wholeheartedly recommended.
Don't mind its age. Augment your Steam library!

Director's Cut post scriptum: https://pastebin.com/DqWZthwS

*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq5KWLqUewc
**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyG6YMLEWus