Posted June 15, 2011
For example, my concern with the mechanical augmentations are that they lack feeling. The cyborg shells in GITS were designed to feel like human skin, in some cases better (extra sensation/feeling). I doubt this was a possibility in the Deus Ex Universe, as we can see from Jensen, Gunther, Navarre, Shea, etc. Their augs are pure machine, and I doubt they have any actual feeling. The issue with having mechanical augmentations like that is the lack of sensation. Imagine trying to pick up a beer can for the first time. You will either drop it or crush it. And even then, you will never have the actual sensation of touching the object.
As far as internal, I don't believe Deus Ex had anything like a cyberbrain, at least not described in game, so that's out. The infolink was just a built in receiver for the most part. Assuming that it would be possible to keep them from appearing too augmented, I would go for my eyes right off the bat. Perfect 20/20 vision, enhanced vision in low light conditions, potential IR/Thermal imaging....and hopefully it would be the most least-maintenance out of all of them. Internal organ replacements possible as well, but only to prolong life or battle disease.
Also, since we are on the topic, GITS also proved that all you can really hope to do is just extend your life longer with augmentations, you can't become immortal. The oldest person in the series that was specifically mentioned was the human trafficker in SAC, and she was 80 years old. While her body was full cyborg, her brain was still human, albeit modified with cybernetic enhancements. The brain will eventually degenerate, and hopefully Deus Ex wouldn't have a disease like cyberbrain sclerosis to potentially kill you. GITS represents the best case scenario, Deus Ex is far behind in technology compared to that universe, so even extending your life may not be possible.
*The only reason I compare Deus Ex to GITS so much is their similarities in setting and content.
William Gibson anyone ? :<