Next week sees the release of Eidos Montreal’s prequel to Deus Ex.

In the Georgia Straight I look at the development of Human Revolution.

The video game Deus Ex was a unique proposition when it was released in 2000. For one thing, it was a hybrid, blending elements common to role-playing games, action adventures, and first-person shooters. It also attempted to let gamers in on the storytelling by emphasizing player choice, and made sure they realized that their decisions had consequences, both good and bad. Hybrids and games that claim to give players agency are commonplace today, but Deus Ex was one of the first such titles.

I also look at some of the mature themes explored by the game.

Jean-Franícois Dugas was compelled to work on Deus Ex: Human Revolution because of its mature content. “I’m not 20 years old any longer,” the game’s director told the Straight in a phone interview.