Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel vs Deus Ex: Invisible War
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel
Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is supposed to be the Borderlands game that occurs in between Borderlands 1 and 2 as it details Handsome Jack's rise to power and wealth. The game features a pretty similar frantic gameplay to Borderlands 2 with a few major changes - Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel is set in space and on a planet with low gravity and limited oxygen supply. These factors do bump up the difficult of the game by a notch and it is incredibly fun to enjoy the virtually-designed low gravity effect in first person.Like Borderlands 2, this game brings along with it a brand new cast of anti-heroes, each with their own set of special abilities. Interestingly, you get to play the annoyingly amusing (or is it "amusingly annoying"?) little robot - Claptrap - in this pre-sequel too! Of course, being space, you'll get a new line of vehicles to wreak havoc in.
If you're here for the story, then you'll won't find Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel disappointing, but when it comes to its gameplay, it does feel a bit lackluster at times. All in all though, the game bridges the story perfectly and is pretty much a must-buy for fans of the series, but if you're new to the series, it might be best to start with either Borderlands 1 or 2.
Deus Ex: Invisible War
Deus Ex: Invisible War is the first sequel to the Deus Ex game franchise and is perhaps one of the least known version. Set in a world 20 years after the events in the first game has concluded, Deus Ex: Invisible War lets you take part in the dark struggle between massive religious sects and powerful political factions that are hellbent on setting up and securing a world government that will pass policies that are in their favor; policies that will change the human society for decades and maybe centuries to come. The storyline in this game may be dark and dreary, but it is supported by plenty of responsive plot branches that will shape your narrative based on your actions and decisions.Aside from the many amazing new augments added to your arsenal, Deus Ex: Invisible War even has a much improved AI and stealth system where enemies will actively seek you (the intruder) out even when any sound is detected. This makes its stealth gameplay a whole lot more challenging. Of course, like the previous game, you'll also be given multiple (more peaceful) ways to avoid conflict if you so wish to.
Deus Ex: Invisible War is unfortunately the black sheep of the franchise. It has plenty of problems and let's not even mention about the incredibly long loading screens. Honestly, if you can afford the other games in the series, you might want to get those instead.