With the announcement that Embracer Group acquired the rights to Deus Ex, I had high hopes for a resurgence of the franchise. This optimism wasn’t just about capital consolidation; it stemmed from promises to explore numerous Deus Ex projects, unlike the previous steward, Square Enix. Would we finally witness the conclusion of the Adam Jensen saga or perhaps receive a remaster of the original game?

However, it seems that optimism was misplaced. Embracer faced financial trouble with a $2 billion deal that resulted in layoffs and the cancellation of many projects. Thus, the future of Deus Ex appeared bleak.

But there’s a silver lining! Sascha Dikiciyan, the co-composer of Mankind Divided, has released a collection of unused music that he created during development, available on his Bandcamp.

This collection, titled Fragments of the Machine [Data Archive Vol 1], features ten unused tracks meant for Mankind Divided, which haven’t been enjoyed before now.

According to Dikiciyan, these tracks were intended for various elements of the game including cinematics and in-game clubs. He decided to share them as a gift to the community following the positive connections people still share with the Deus Ex universe.

Although listening to these tracks brings a sense of nostalgia and longing, it’s hard not to feel a bit sad, as the possibility of new Deus Ex content seems dim. Even Adam Jensen’s voice actor, Elias Toufexis, has mentioned that Eidos told him to cease discussions about Adam Jensen, indicating a clear shift in direction for the studio.

In conclusion, while Deus Ex may seem dormant for now, the past glories preserved in music provide a consolation for dedicated fans.

Note: Should a new Deus Ex project be announced, I would be pleasantly surprised!