EYE: Divine Cybermancy Review

A brutal learning curve and translational issues hinder the great game play and deep role playing elements of this remarkable indie title

Posted by Tim Reid on August 22, 2011 - 11:29pm EST

While the levels of E.Y.E are large and varied with strong art direction, the real driving force behind E.Y.E is the great gameplay which is connected directly to the deep and multi-faceted role playing elements, which are very much in line with classic PC title Deus Ex. E.Y.E runs on the Source engine, and because of this the gunplay is comparable to other source-engine games, meaning it is fairly solid. Snipers, pistols, shotguns and assault rifles all pack a solid punch, and when you add in the slough of interesting abilities combat can be really fun and fast paced. Throughout the game you will find 'armouries' which allow you to choose your equipment. Not only do you choose which guns you want to use, but also what armour type you want. Light armour offers little protection, but allows you to be fast and agile. A melee-heavy build with light armour is an effective choice because when you block with your melee weapon you also block incoming bullets.

The armour you wear functions a bit like the nano-suit in the Crysis games, but with more customization options. Standard functions are power-jumping and increased speed, and points can be applied to these abilities to improve their effects. You can also unlock an invisibility cloak which is essential if you want to take a stealthy approach to combat. Other psi-abilities you can unlock range from one that lets you convert fallen weapons and ammo into health, to the ability to make clones of yourself that will serve as distractions for your enemies during combat. There are a slough of abilities that are all unlocked in different ways.

To gain these abilities and improve your character in general there are a number of approaches. At the base of the game is a fairly standard RPG levelling system where you gain skill points which you can apply to base attributes like accuracy, strength and agility. You will also earn money in the game which can be used on a variety of different things. At any time you can purchase mechanical augmentations for yourself which will improve your health, strength, vision and even offer certain abilities. On top of this, there is the option to complete research. Research takes time and money but can lead to new abilities and weapons being discovered. You can also spend money to purchase new weapons at HQ. All of these factors combine to make your character extremely customizable.