Beneath a Steel Sky

Beneath a Steel Sky is a 1994 cyberpunk point-and-click adventure from Revolution Software, the studio that went on to make Broken Sword. Directed by Charles Cecil, with art by Watchmen comic artist Dave Gibbons, it was released for DOS, the Amiga and the CD32, and was made freeware in 2003.

Gameplay

Robert Foster was raised by Aboriginal people in the wasteland known as the Gap after a helicopter crash. When security forces kidnap him and bring him to Union City, a vast, oppressive metropolis run by the mysterious computer LINC, he escapes and sets out to find out why he was taken.

• Point-and-click: Explore Union City from its industrial depths to the wealthy upper levels.
• Joey: Your sarcastic robot companion, whose personality chip can be moved between bodies, comments on everything.
• Puzzles: Combine items and talk your way past obstacles.
• LINC space: Enter a virtual-reality world to manipulate the city’s computer.
• Dialogue: Witty conversations with a cast of odd characters.
• Danger: Unlike LucasArts games, you can die.

The game runs on Revolution’s Virtual Theatre engine, which gives characters their own routines around the city. Its dark, dystopian story is lightened by sharp British humour, and Joey’s one-liners are a highlight. The CD version adds full voice acting. Some puzzles are obscure, and the LINC sections can be confusing.

Verdict

Beneath a Steel Sky is one of the great point-and-click adventures. Its dystopian world, sharp writing and memorable robot companion still stand out. It won a Golden Joystick for Best Adventure, scored 91% in PC Gamer US and 95% in CU Amiga, and was followed by Beyond a Steel Sky in 2020.