"Classic cyberpunk characters were marginalized, alienated loners who lived on the edge of society in generally dystopic futures where daily life was impacted by rapid technological change, an ubiquitous datasphere of computerized information, and invasive modification of the human body."

That quote comes from science-fiction writer and editor Lawrence Person, and the excerpt describes Deus Ex: Human Revolution protagonist Adam Jensen and the world he inhabits succinctly.

Developers at the Eidos Montreal studio have done their homework, and they aim to weave a complex tale of social upheaval, revolutionary science, and corporate dominance in the same vein as cyberpunk novelists William Gibson and Neal Stephenson.

I spoke with Narrative Director Mary DeMarle about storytelling in the upcoming prequel, where she discussed how Human Revolution addresses the intersection of socioeconomic class and mechanical augmentation, technological progress and utopia, and the ultimate question: "Why do we do the things we do?"

Bitmob: An unattributed saying goes along the lines of: "The measure of a society is in how they treat their weakest and most helpless members." In 2027, how does civilization stack up? What's it like to live in the cities of the world?

Mary DeMarle: Mankind has made some pretty amazing scientific and technological advancements by 2027. They've cured a lot of diseases, taken on global warming, and improved green-energy solutions. Discoveries in biotechnology and the cybernetics field are enabling individuals to greatly enhance their physical and mental capabilities that improve their overall quality of life -- but such advancements cost money. So, I guess the real answer to this question depends (as it does today) on where you live and what socioeconomic class you belong to in 2027.

Overall, the world that exists in that year is a study in contrasts. The rich remain rich -- isolated within halos of security and consumerism; the poor remain poor -- held down by their governments and employers and forced into docility by the output of an ever-present media.

Men and women who embrace the new cybernetic technologies -- or, as we call them, "mechanical augmentations" -- are able to break out of one class and into another, but not everyone around them wants or likes this. As a consequence, lines are being drawn. A new social divide is being created, with people on both sides facing a future that seems to be heading toward violence and upheaval.

Bitmob: That augmentation forms a sort of class mobility is interesting -- a concept that I'd argue Americans specifically value greatly. Does the narrative feature such mobility through augmentation?

MD: The concept of augmentations as a form of class mobility underpins many of the dialogs, side quests, and character interactions you'll have as you progress through the game. You'll certainly be encouraged to think about it as you explore and investigate the main story mystery. But your decisions to acquire or upgrade Jensen's augmentations won't directly impact the narrative. You won't be changing Jensen's job or social class by deciding to upgrade his augmentations.