Back in 2011 I was (too) enthusiastic about Human Revolution, to say the least. Perhaps I did praise the game too much but, in my defense, I did really enjoy it--enough to play through multiple times. Like many fans, I got reprimanded over the stale boss battles and sub-par graphics but in the end I rather enjoyed the game very much. So... deal with it.
Now we have Mankind Divided though, which I have played through twice... once as a pacifist ninja and once as a genocidal maniac. Both runs were very fun, but I found the game far too easy if you are going with the stealth approach. The environments just offer too much circumvention and little problem solving. I like having options, but 90% of the scenarios in the game were easily surmounted but simply looking around for a ventilation shaft or crack in the wall. I often found myself not going the obvious way, just so I could make the game harder for myself; skipping useful augmentations just so I could figure out an alternative approach. It was just too obvious, for the most part.
However, this observation doesn't break the game... as it can still be challenging if you want it to be. The AI certainly isn't remarkable, but good enough for a (mostly) tactical shooter. None of the enemies are very difficult to defeat, but it's more of an efficiency thing that gets you points. You can just run and gun your way through it all, but setting traps and strategically planning your attacks is much more rewarding. Yes, some scenarios are rather black and white, but others may require some trial and error. There are a few side missions that aren't very original or entertaining, but they're optional so I won't pick them apart too much. The characters are mostly likeable, with the exception of some very stereotypical figures and personalities. The level design is great, and while there is only one actual boss fight, you can approach it from many different angles--so it makes for a fun encounter.
Graphically, the game is quite sharp, but doesn't make a standout appearance. I was more impressed with the level of exploration that could be done, considering the game is of linear design with some sectional hub maps. There are tons of little nooks and crannies to worm in and out of and the game definitely rewards curiosity, which I will always appreciate. The interface is also cleaner and more polished, along with having a minimalist approach to dialogue, organization and control. It is both satisfying and exciting to engage with firearms and augments; taking the time to hack away at security systems can make for some truly entertaining firefights. The stealth aspects are top-notch too, and I don't think I'll get tired of the takedown and insta-kill animations any time soon.
I would definitely recommend this game to fans of the series, or anyone who wants a break from all of the modern shooters, in favor of something a bit more abstract. I know there was a lot of outcry for the paid content, but such luxuries are optional and do not inhibit the experience of the game at all. My main gripe with the game is that it was too short, but it's rich and you can easily stretch it out by trying to complete everything, if you wanted. I would say that it's a little shorter than HR, but it's also more polished and refined to make up for it. I didn't like some of the back-and-fourth travel between sections of Prague, or the dumb time-killer missions, but you can make fun out of nearly any situation if you are creative enough.
4 out of 5... hopefully the next installment is longer.