Deus Ex: Mankind Divided - A Criminal Past

The main pros of the game

• Engaging Storyline: The narrative is well-crafted, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the prison environment, making it a compelling addition to the Deus Ex universe.
• Well-Designed Levels: The DLC features a meticulously designed prison setting that encourages exploration and offers multiple pathways for completing objectives.
• Replayability: The game invites multiple playthroughs due to its branching paths and choices that affect gameplay and story outcomes.
• Immersive Gameplay: Players appreciated the tension and improvisation required in a confined setting, as well as the ability to approach situations in various ways (stealth, combat, etc.).
• Nostalgic Elements: For fans of the series, the DLC evokes nostalgia and showcases the strengths of the franchise.

The main cons of the game

• Technical Issues: Many players reported frequent crashes, particularly in specific areas, which detracted from the overall experience.
• Short Gameplay Duration: While some enjoyed the content, others felt that the DLC was too short, with completion times varying widely (some claiming only 2 hours).
• Backtracking: Some users mentioned that the level design could lead to annoying backtracking if objectives were completed in a non-optimal order.
• Limited New Features: Critics noted that the DLC did not introduce significant new gameplay mechanics or augmentations compared to the base game.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Additional Gameplay Mechanics: Players expressed a desire for new features or augmentations that would enhance gameplay variety.
• Longer Playtime: Many users felt that the DLC could benefit from a longer duration to justify its price, particularly at full price.
• More Connections to Main Story: Some reviewers wished for a stronger link between the DLC's narrative and the overarching story of the main game, particularly regarding the Illuminati conspiracy.
• Less Buggy Experience: Users wanted a more polished experience without the technical glitches that hindered gameplay.

Summary

• Overall, "A Criminal Past" is seen as a strong, engaging addition to the Deus Ex series, despite some technical flaws and concerns about its length. Users recommend it, especially when on sale, for its quality storytelling and immersive gameplay.

Summary generated on: November 23, 2025