Beneath a Steel Sky facts for kids
Beneath a Steel Sky is a classic point and click adventure game made by Revolution Software in the United Kingdom. It was first released in March 1994 for computers like DOS and the Amiga. This game became very popular and was even made available for free in 2003, which is quite rare for a video game! Later, in 2009, an updated version was released for iOS devices like iPhones and iPads.
Quick facts for kids Beneath a Steel Sky |
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|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Revolution Software |
| Publisher(s) | Virgin Interactive |
| Designer(s) | Charles Cecil Daniel Marchant Dave Cummins Dave Gibbons Tony Warriner |
| Engine | ScummVM/Virtual Theatre |
| Platform(s) | DOS, Amiga, Amiga CD32 |
| Release date(s) | March, 1994 |
| Genre(s) | Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Contents
What is the Game About?
Beneath a Steel Sky tells a science fiction story set in a dystopian future. A dystopia is a world where things have gone very wrong, often controlled by a powerful, unfair government or system. The game takes place in a huge, polluted city called Union City.
Story and Setting
You play as Robert Foster, a young man who was raised in the "Gap," a dangerous wasteland outside the city. He was the only survivor of a helicopter crash as a child. Robert is suddenly captured by security forces from Union City and taken back there.
His goal is to escape the city and understand why he was taken. Along the way, he meets a helpful robot named Joey. Joey is a funny and loyal friend who can change his body to fit different situations. Together, they uncover dark secrets about Union City and its powerful, controlling computer system.
The game explores themes like control, freedom, and what it means to be human or artificial intelligence. The city itself is a character, with different levels and areas showing how society is divided.
Characters You'll Meet
The game has many interesting characters. Robert is a bit naive but determined. Joey, his robot friend, provides much of the humor and helps with puzzles. You'll also meet various citizens of Union City, from powerful leaders to ordinary people struggling to survive. Each character adds to the rich story and atmosphere.
How Do You Play?
Beneath a Steel Sky is a point and click adventure game. This means you use your mouse to interact with the game world.
Solving Puzzles
The main part of the game involves solving puzzles. You do this by clicking on objects, talking to characters, and using items you find. For example, you might need to combine two items to create something new, or use an item in a specific place to open a door.
The puzzles are designed to make you think creatively. They often involve understanding the characters' motivations or the rules of the game world. Sometimes, the solutions are quite clever and surprising!
Exploring the World
As you play, you'll explore many different locations within Union City. From the grimy lower levels to the sleek, high-tech towers, each area is full of details. Exploring helps you find clues, new items, and new characters to talk to. The game encourages you to look closely at everything around you.
Why is it Special?
Beneath a Steel Sky is remembered for several reasons. It has a strong story, interesting characters, and a unique visual style.
Unique Art Style
The game's look was created by Dave Gibbons, a famous comic book artist known for his work on "Watchmen." His art gives the game a distinctive, gritty, and futuristic feel. The characters and backgrounds are drawn in a comic-book style, which was quite unique for games at the time.
Voice Acting and Music
The game was one of the first adventure games to feature full voice acting for its characters. This made the story feel much more alive and engaging. The music also helps set the mood, from tense moments to more reflective scenes.
Freeware Release
One of the most important things about Beneath a Steel Sky is that it was released as freeware in 2003. This means anyone could download and play the full game for free. This helped many new players discover the game and appreciate its story and design. It also showed that older games could still be enjoyed by new generations.
