Is Deus Ex: Human Revolution An RPG?

GamePro asks itself that very question in a three-page preview where they analyze the game’s RPG elements in light of the relatively recent controversy surrounding Mass Effect 2’s genre collocation. Here’s a snippet:

The first think you see when entering the customization screen a slick interface detailing the various implants that can be purchased using “Praxis” points. Praxis points are earned by gaining experience, which is turn picked up by completing various tasks (killing bad guys being one example, but not the only one). At this point, Human Revolution looks reasonably like an RPG.

The augments themselves, however, don’t impart much in the way of information. One of them makes it a bit easier to hack computers, but it doesn’t offer a number like “Hacking +15.” Others increase health, and other skills, but are likewise oblique about their benefits. Stats are really nowhere to be found in this game.

That doesn’t mean that the stats aren’t there, they’re just hidden away. If an RPG is all about getting a peek underneath the hood of a game and seeing all the moving parts, then Deus Ex has sealed that hood up tight. Ultimately, it’s true to the original game, and the augmentation does seem to have a big impact on character development. But as far as customization goes, RPG fans who aren’t familiar with the series might want to temper their expectations.