Games developed by Automata U.K. Limited
We provide a list of companies that developed abandonware games.
Select a company to view its games.
To make searching easier, use pagination by number or letter.
Deus Ex Machina
In the gaming world, there are some titles that stand the test of time. One such game is Deus Ex Machina, released in 1986 for the Commodore 64. Developed by Mel Croucher and published by Automata UK, this game was unlike anything players had ever experienced before. With its innovative blend of graphics, music, and storytelling, Deus Ex Machina set a new standard for what a video game could be.
From the moment you turn on the game, you are met with a striking combination of retro 8-bit graphics and a haunting musical score composed by none other than Ian Dury, lead singer of the British rock band The Blockheads. The visuals are simple, yet captivating, drawing you into the world of the game. But it's the sound that truly sets Deus Ex Machina apart. Dury's vocals guide you through the game, narrating the story and adding depth to the overall experience.
Speaking of the story, Deus Ex Machina is not your typical action-adventure game. It is more of an interactive movie, with the player taking on the role of an unnamed hero on a journey through life, death, and beyond. As you progress through the game, you encounter different stages of a person's life, from birth to old age, all presented in a surreal and thought-provoking way. It's almost like playing through a concept album, with each level representing a different track.
The gameplay itself is relatively simple, with the player navigating the hero through various obstacles and enemies. However, what sets Deus Ex Machina apart is the incorporation of mini-games and puzzles throughout the levels. These challenges add a layer of complexity to the game, making it more than just a mindless button-masher. Each mini-game has its own set of rules and objectives, creating a diverse and engaging gameplay experience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Deus Ex Machina is its use of meta-commentary and fourth-wall breaking. Throughout the game, the hero must face off against a villain known as "The Modern Cyberwarrior," who taunts and challenges the player directly. This self-awareness and tongue-in-cheek attitude add a level of humor to the game that is not often seen in other titles of the time.
Upon its release, Deus Ex Machina was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, selling over 80,000 copies in the UK alone. It also received numerous awards for its innovative approach to gaming, including being named "Game of the Year" by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Even today, over three decades since its initial release, the game continues to be revered as a classic and a groundbreaking achievement in the gaming industry.
