Beneath a Steel Sky (1994)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Beneath a Steel Sky: A Cyberpunk Classic

Released in 1994, Beneath a Steel Sky is a cyberpunk point-and-click adventure game developed by Revolution Software and published by Virgin Interactive. The game follows Robert Foster, an orphan who was raised by a group of aborigines in the outback of Australia. After his tribe is murdered by a group of cyborgs, Robert sets out on a journey to Union City, a dystopian metropolis where the elite live in luxury while the poor are forced to live in slums.

Along the way, Robert meets Joey, a friendly robot who becomes his companion. Together, they navigate the treacherous streets of Union City, solve puzzles, and uncover a sinister plot that threatens to destroy the city.

Beneath a Steel Sky was a critical and commercial success, praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and thought-provoking story. The game has been ported to multiple platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for adventure game fans today.

Gameplay

Beneath a Steel Sky is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls Robert Foster, who can interact with the environment by clicking on objects and people. The game features a variety of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress. Some puzzles are simple, while others are more complex and require the player to think outside the box.

The game’s world is divided into several different areas, each with its own unique look and feel. Robert can travel between these areas by using a variety of methods, including walking, driving, and flying.

Setting

Beneath a Steel Sky is set in a dystopian future where the world has been ravaged by pollution and war. The elite live in luxury in Union City, while the poor are forced to live in slums. The city is controlled by a powerful corporation called the LINC, which uses its technology to maintain order.

Robert Foster is an orphan who was raised by a group of aborigines in the outback of Australia. After his tribe is murdered by a group of cyborgs, Robert sets out on a journey to Union City to find out who is responsible.

Characters

  • Robert Foster: The protagonist of the game. Robert is an orphan who was raised by a group of aborigines in the outback of Australia. After his tribe is murdered by a group of cyborgs, Robert sets out on a journey to Union City to find out who is responsible.
  • Joey: A friendly robot who becomes Robert’s companion. Joey is a powerful robot, but he is also kind and compassionate. He helps Robert on his journey by solving puzzles and fighting off enemies.
  • LINC: A powerful corporation that controls Union City. LINC uses its technology to maintain order, but it is also responsible for the city’s pollution and poverty.

Themes

Beneath a Steel Sky explores a number of themes, including:

  • Environmentalism: The game’s world is a polluted and ravaged wasteland. The game shows the consequences of unchecked industrialization and pollution.
  • Social inequality: The game’s world is divided between the rich and the poor. The rich live in luxury in Union City, while the poor are forced to live in slums. The game shows the dangers of social inequality and the importance of social justice.
  • Technology: The game’s world is filled with advanced technology. The game explores the potential benefits and dangers of technology.

Legacy

Beneath a Steel Sky was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and thought-provoking story. The game has been ported to multiple platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for adventure game fans today.

Beneath a Steel Sky has been cited as an influence on a number of other games, including Deus Ex, BioShock, and The Last of Us. The game’s unique blend of cyberpunk and adventure elements has made it a classic of the genre.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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