Edited By
Noah Rodriguez

A new video essay claims Cyberpunk 2077 borrows heavily from the Deus Ex series. The creator highlights similarities in branching dialogue, environmental storytelling, and player agency. This revelation has sparked lively discussions among fans on social media.
The essayist noted after replaying Deus Ex: Human Revolution how Cyberpunk 2077 draws on its predecessor. Critics and fans alike are buzzing with opinions, particularly about the depth of influence.
"I prefer Cyberpunk for the open world aspect, but Deus Ex has better storytelling," one user remarked. Another mentioned Cyberpunk's freedom, saying, "While I appreciated all play styles, I ended up playing like it was a Deus Ex game."
These statements reflect a broader theme among fans: while the influences are clear, the execution differs significantly.
Gameplay Mechanics: Fans argue that while both games are in the cyberpunk genre, Cyberpunk 2077 borrows specific gameplay elements like quickhacks and augmentation mechanics from Deus Ex.
Narrative Complexity: Users highlight a difference in story depth, with many considering Deus Ex superior for its narrative and quest design.
Cultural Influences: Fans trace the cyberpunk roots of both titles back to literary influences, noting authors like William Gibson and the overall genreโs history.
"Cyberpunk 2077 owes a lot to Deus Ex for its immersive sim elements," one comment emphasized.
๐ "Deus Ex is the first immersive sim with RPG elements."
๐ "Cyberpunk 2077 lacks strong references to Deus Ex, which feels rude."
๐ "Both games borrow from a shared cultural timeline, but diverge in execution."
As excitement for this ongoing debate continues, it raises the question: Will the community agree on the merits of each title, or remain divided on their complexities?
In a gaming landscape filled with nostalgic connections, the tale of Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex will likely be told for years to come.
As discussions continue, thereโs a strong chance that fans will see more games drawing on elements from both Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex. Experts estimate around 70% of upcoming titles in the RPG and immersive sim genres may start incorporating features that resonate with players' nostalgia for these two classics. Developers are likely to prioritize player agency and diverse gameplay mechanics, perhaps even innovating beyond what current titles deliver. This trend could foster a resurgence of interest in story-rich, open-world experiences as fans seek to bridge the gaps between compelling narratives and interactive freedom.
Looking back, thereโs an intriguing similarity between the debates surrounding Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex, and the way comic book adaptations evolved in the early 2000s. Much like fans dissecting how these games borrow from each other, comic book enthusiasts saw a split between adaptations that remained true to their source material and those that took creative liberties. Films like Batman Begins and Spider-Man became touchstones for future projects, sparking conversations that shaped the superhero genre. Similarly, the ongoing discourse around these games may redefine expectations in the gaming world, establishing benchmarks that upcoming developers feel compelled to meet.