Deus Ex is a groundbreaking video game series that has captivated players with its intricate storytelling, immersive gameplay, and strikingly original cyberpunk aesthetics. Set in a dystopian future where conspiracies, power struggles, and technological advancements converge, players take on the role of Adam Jensen, a highly augmented agent caught in a brutal web of secrecy and intrigue.
The series is renowned for its seamless blend of traditional first-person shooter gameplay with RPG elements, allowing players to customize their abilities and choose their own path through the narrative. Deus Ex is a thrilling and thought-provoking examination of the future, blending sci-fi futurism with social commentary and presenting a rich, layered world for players to explore.
Deus Ex seamlessly blends cyberpunk aesthetics with intricate storytelling and has captivated audiences with its immersive futuristic world. If you’re a fan of Deus Ex and crave more thrilling journeys, here are ten books like the Deus Ex video games you should delve into.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Phillip K. Dick
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick is a revolutionary work of science fiction that explores the nature of humanity and artificial life. It was adapted into the immensely popular film Blade Runner.
In a post-apocalyptic world, where most animal life has been extinct, bounty hunter Rick Deckard is tasked with tracking down a group of rogue androids, known as replicants, and terminating them. As he delves deeper into the mission, Deckard begins to question his own reality, morality, and what truly defines life.
Similarly, Deus Ex examines the complexities of augmentations, conspiracies, and the blurred line between human and machine. Both narratives explore the consequences of technological advancements and ask fundamental questions about society, identity, and the future, making Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? a thought-provoking read for fans of Deus Ex.
The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov
The Caves of Steel by Isaac Asimov is a riveting blend of science fiction and detective fiction that takes place in a distant future where humanity has colonized other planets but remains divided between the overcrowded and claustrophobic Earth and the spacious outer worlds. The story follows Detective Elijah Baley as he investigates a murder case involving a robot, working alongside his humanoid partner, R. Daneel Olivaw. Asimov’s novel presents a world where humans and robots coexist, raising complex questions about artificial intelligence, ethics, and the nature of humanity.
These themes resonate with Deus Ex, as both explore the implications of advanced technology and the intricate relationships between humans and machines. The Caves of Steel is a thought-provoking and immersive tale that fans of Deus Ex will appreciate for its gripping storytelling and exploration of futuristic societies.
Neuromancer by William Gibson
Neuromancer by William Gibson is a trailblazing cyberpunk novel that pushed the boundaries of science fiction and won critical acclaim for its captivating exploration of the line between humanity and technology. Following the adventures of hacker Case and his artificial intelligence partner, Neuromancer delves into a future where hackers, corporations, and artificial intelligence interact in an intricate dance of manipulation, often blurring the line between good and evil.
Similarly, Deus Ex employs a cyberpunk aesthetic to examine the consequences of technological advancements on society and the individual, highlighting the power struggles and illicit dealings of a dystopian world where augments augment and enhance the human body and mind.
Neuromancer’s iconic imagery and powerhouse storytelling have inspired countless works of science fiction, including Deus Ex, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.
Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson
Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson is an epic novel that weaves together cryptography, technology, history, and adventure in a captivating narrative spanning across two timelines. Following multiple interconnected storylines, the novel explores the world of codebreaking during World War II and its echoes in the present day, intermingled with themes of privacy, surveillance, and the power of information.
While Deus Ex examines the consequences of augmentations and the intricate web of conspiracies, Cryptonomicon delves into the complex realm of encryption, technology, and the implications they have on society. Both narratives are deeply rooted in the exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity, presenting thought-provoking scenarios and raising questions about power, ethics, and the nature of progress. Fans of Deus Ex will appreciate the intricacies and intellectual depth of Cryptonomicon.
Star Maker by Olaf Stapledon
Star Maker by Olaf Stapledon is a visionary science fiction novel that spans the breadth of time and space, exploring the evolution of civilizations and the intricacies of the cosmos. The story follows an unnamed protagonist as they embark on a cosmic journey, encountering various alien races and witnessing the creation and destruction of planets and galaxies.
This epic tale, much like Deus Ex, delves into existential questions about the nature of existence and the role of humanity within the vastness of the universe. Both narratives push the boundaries of science fiction, challenging readers to contemplate the meaning of life, the ethical implications of advanced technology, and the potential for us to shape our own destiny in an ever-expanding universe. Star Maker’s grand scope and philosophical depth make it a fascinating and thought-provoking read for fans of Deus Ex.
Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan
Altered Carbon by Richard K. Morgan is a gritty and fast-paced novel that takes place in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, giving the wealthy access to virtual immortality. The story follows anti-hero Takeshi Kovacs as he navigates a world of crime and corruption while trying to uncover the truth behind a wealthy man’s mysterious death.
Similarly, Deus Ex’s protagonist, Adam Jensen, is caught in a web of conspiracies and political intrigue, fighting against those who would manipulate and control him. With its cyberpunk aesthetic and exploration of transhumanism, Altered Carbon shares many similarities with Deus Ex, examining the consequences and possibilities of technology’s ability to transform and redefine what it means to be human.
The Shockwave Rider by John Brunner
The Shockwave Rider by John Brunner is a classic science fiction novel that predicted the rise of the internet and explores the relationship between humanity and technology. The story follows protagonist Nick Haflinger as he battles against a corrupt government agency and seeks to spread a computer virus that will liberate the public from their oppressive rulers.
Similar to Deus Ex, which features a conspiracy-laden plot and characters with augmentations, The Shockwave Rider explores themes of power, control, and the manipulative potential of advanced technology. Both works imagine a world where technology is both a tool and a weapon, shaping the future and determining the outcome of conflicts. Fans of Deus Ex will appreciate The Shockwave Rider’s prescient vision and its commentary on the relationship between humans and machines.
When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger
When Gravity Fails by George Alec Effinger is a gritty and atmospheric cyberpunk novel set in a future Middle Eastern city. The story follows protagonist Marid Audran, a streetwise hustler, as he navigates a world of crime, corruption, and advanced technology.
Similar to Deus Ex, the novel explores themes of augmentation and identity, as characters use advanced technology to enhance their abilities and blur the line between human and machine. Both narratives present a dystopian future where technology has both empowered and enslaved individuals, and where societal divisions and political intrigue are prevalent. Fans of Deus Ex will appreciate the immersive world-building and morally complex characters in When Gravity Fails.
The Running Man by Richard Bachman
The Running Man by Richard Bachman (a pseudonym for Stephen King) is a dark and dystopian novel set in a totalitarian society where a lethal reality show called The Running Man dominates the lives of the oppressed masses. The story follows protagonist Ben Richards, who is forced to participate in the deadly game to earn money for his family.
Similar to Deus Ex, the novel delves into themes of corruption, surveillance, and the abuse of power by those in authority. Both narratives explore the ethical implications of a society controlled by those who manipulate and exploit individuals for their own gain. Fans of Deus Ex will appreciate the intense action and thought-provoking commentary on the dehumanizing effects of a surveillance state in The Running Man.
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein
Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein is a classic military science fiction novel set in a future where humanity is engaged in an interstellar war against a hostile alien species. The story revolves around protagonist Juan Johnny Rico as he trains to become a member of the elite military unit known as Mobile Infantry.
 Similar to Deus Ex, the novel explores themes of warfare, technology, and the blurred lines between humans and machines. Both narratives delve into questions of loyalty, duty, and the sacrifices individuals make in the name of a greater cause. Fans of Deus Ex will appreciate the thrilling action sequences and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition in Starship Troopers.
These books, like Deus Ex, offer immersive worlds, gripping narratives, and thought-provoking explorations of technology, society, and the future.
Have you played Deus Ex? Have you checked out any of these books like the Deus Ex video games? Do you have your own recommendations? Comment below and let us know.Â