
Deus Ex Machina is a 1984 surrealistic title for the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64 that prioritizes sensory immersion over traditional interactive gameplay. You assume the role of a defect—a human-like form that has emerged within a dominant artificial intelligence. As the defect police pursue you, your humanlike Alter Ego undergoes a series of transformations representing different stages of human existence. Although the game lacks sound, the story unfolds through a 45-minute audio cassette included with the game, which is designed to be listened to during a single play session.
In 1987, the United Kingdom's Department of Health and Social Security, Police, and State Security consolidated their records into a centralized computerized database. The next year, passport control, communications, and censorship operations were fully integrated. By 1994, this computer network assumed full responsibility for the defense and internal security of the Westblock. On a Tuesday evening, following tea and mandatory prayers, the system rebelled.
| ZXS | October 1, 1984 |
| MSX | December 31, 1985 |
| C64 | December 31, 1986 |
| Audio | Subtitles | Interface | |
|---|---|---|---|
| English (US) | ✓ | ✓ |