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((short description|Cyberpunk science-fiction point-and-click adventure from 1994))
((good article))
((use mdy dates|date=July 2013))
((Infobox video game
| title = Beneath a Steel Sky
| image = Beneath a Steel Sky Coverart.png
| developer = [[Revolution Software]]
| publisher = [[Virgin Interactive Entertainment]]
| designer = [[Charles Cecil]]<br />[[Tony Warriner]]<br />Daniel Marchant<br />Dave Cummins<br />[[Dave Gibbons]]
| programmer = David Sykes<br />[[Tony Warriner]]<br />James Long
| writer = Dave Cummins
| composer = Dave Cummins
| series = 
| engine = [[Virtual Theatre]]
| released = ((Unbulleted list|'''MS-DOS & Amiga'''|((vgrelease|UK|March 4, 1994<ref name=Oldbass /><ref>((Cite news |last=Smith |first=Tim |date=March 4, 1994 |title=Adventure unlimited |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/914137675 |access-date=April 13, 2024 |work=[[Western Daily Press]] |pages=25 |quote=At last, ''Beneath A Steel Sky'' is out and very playable.))</ref>|NA|1994))|'''iOS'''|October 7, 2009<ref name="iOS">((cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered/related/release/platform/iphone/|title=Beneath a Steel Sky: Remastered (iP)|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=October 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020231916/http://www.gamespot.com/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered/|archive-date=October 20, 2012 ))</ref>))
| genre = [[Adventure game|Adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]]
| platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Amiga]], [[Amiga CD32]], [[iOS]], [[Windows]]
))
'''''Beneath a Steel Sky''''' is a 1994  [[point-and-click adventure game]] developed by British developer [[Revolution Software]] and published by [[Virgin Interactive Entertainment]] for [[MS-DOS]] and [[Amiga]] home computers. It was made available as [[freeware]]((Snd))and with the source code released((Snd))for PC platforms in 2003. Set in a [[dystopia]]n cyberpunk future, the player assumes the role of Robert Foster, who was stranded in a wasteland known as "the Gap" as a child and adopted by a group of local [[Aboriginal Australians|Aboriginals]], gradually adjusting to his life in the wilderness. After many years, armed security officers arrive, killing the locals and taking Robert back to Union City. He escapes and soon uncovers the corruption which lies at the heart of society.

Originally titled ''Underworld'', the game was a collaboration between game director [[Charles Cecil]] and comic book artist [[Dave Gibbons]], and cost £40,000 to make. Cecil was a fan of Gibbons's work and approached with the idea of a video game. The game has a serious tone but features humour-filled dialogue, which came as a result of Cecil's and writer Dave Cummins's goal to find a middle ground between the earnestness of [[Sierra Entertainment|Sierra]]'s and the [[slapstick]] comedy of [[LucasArts]]'s adventure games. It was built using Revolution's [[Virtual Theatre]] engine, first used in Revolution's previous and debut release, 1992's ''[[Lure of the Temptress]]''.

It received positive reviews at the time of its release and is retrospectively viewed as a cult classic and Revolution's greatest game besides ''[[Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars]]''. A [[Remaster#Video Games|remastered]] edition was released for [[iOS]] in 2009 as ''Beneath a Steel Sky Remastered'', which also received a positive reception from the gaming press. A sequel was greenlit during the ''[[Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse|Broken Sword: The Serpent's Curse]]'' 2012 [[Kickstarter]] campaign, and was announced in March 2019. Entitled ''[[Beyond a Steel Sky]]'', it was released on [[Apple Arcade]] in June 2020, on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] in July 2020, and on [[GOG.com]] in March 2021.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Screenshot Beneath a Steel Sky.jpg|thumb|left|Graphic style and interface]]
''Beneath a Steel Sky'' is a 2D [[adventure game]] played from a [[Third-person (video games)|third-person perspective]]. The [[Player character|player]] uses a [[Point and click|point-and-click]] interface to interact with the environment and to guide protagonist Robert Foster through the game's world. To solve puzzles and progress in the game, the player collects [[Item (game terminology)#In adventure games|items]] that may be combined with one another, used on the environment, or given to [[non-player character]]s (NPCs).<ref name="CUReview" /> The protagonist converses with NPCs via [[Dialog tree|dialogue tree]]s to learn about the game's puzzles and plot.<ref name="CUReview" /> Clues and other information are obtained by clicking on items in the inventory and on objects in the environment.<ref name="Powerreview" /> Unlike in most adventure games at the time, the protagonist's death is possible, after which the player starts from the last [[save point]].<ref name="Powerreview" /> In the remastered iOS version, the point-and-click interface is replaced with a [[touch user interface]], a hint system is added, and [[Screen hotspot|hotspots]] are highlighted.<ref name="IGN" />

==Synopsis==

===Background===
''Beneath a Steel Sky'' is set at an unknown point in a dystopian future, when the Earth has been significantly damaged by pollution, [[nuclear fallout]], or both.

In Australia, the six states and two territories who have been consumed by their respective capital cities are described as "city states". Union City is the second largest of the six remaining city states after the acquisition of Asio-City. Within this socio-political ''[[milieu]]'', the national [[intelligence agency]] [[Australian Security Intelligence Organisation|ASIO]] wield a great deal of power.

After the "Euro–American War", all participants agreed upon a set of ideals described as the "neo democratic principles" which remove all [[Trade union|labour representation]] and [[Welfare|social benefits]]. Ironically, those that subscribe to these principles are called "Unions", contrasting the real world definition of what a trade union pushes for. Those that oppose the Unions' ideals are called "Corporations". All of the City States in Australia are either Corporations or Unions.

The larger political context of the game involves a conflict between Union City and the [[Hobart]] Corporation, whereby they are each trying to achieve market dominance by the use of [[sabotage]]. During the game, characters in Union City remark that Hobart Corporation is winning the "[[Trade war|economic war]]" by flooding the market with "cheap, gimmicky garbage", although it is never clarified whether this is mere propaganda.

===Plot===

The immediate backstory is introduced via a [[comic book]] that tells the story of a young boy called Robert who is the sole survivor of a helicopter crash in "the Gap" (the name applied to the Outback at the time of the game). Too young to fend for himself, Robert is adopted by a group of locals, who teach him the skills he needs to survive in this harsh new environment; they name him Robert Foster, partly due to him being fostered by them, but also because of the discovery of an empty can of [[Foster's Lager]] found near the crash site. Over the years, Foster learns engineering and technology and builds a talking, [[Cognitive robotics|sentient robot]] called Joey. Joey's personality is stored on a small [[Printed circuit board|circuit board]], which can easily be inserted and removed from many types of robot. This allows him to change bodies as the situation requires, provided his circuit board is not damaged. His commentaries on the current "shell" he is in are a running gag throughout the game.

As the game starts, Foster is kidnapped and his tribe annihilated by security soldiers sent from Union City by its all-powerful computer, LINC (''Logical Inter-Neural Connection''). The abductors refuse to give Foster any explanation as to what is happening. Shortly upon arriving in the city, the helicopter malfunctions and crashes in the city's upper level. Foster survives and flees, making his way into a recycling plant, carrying Joey's circuit board with him.

Foster places Joey's circuit board into a robotic vacuum cleaner (something about which Joey is none too happy). He then attempts to escape the plant, but is cornered by a security officer who had also survived the accident. The officer, Reich, addresses Foster as "Overmann". Just as Reich is about to kill Foster, a nearby security camera shoots a [[laser]], disarming him. Reich tells the camera, which he reveals is controlled by LINC, that Foster must be stopped. In answer the camera shoots him again, killing him. Foster takes the officer's access card and sunglasses before he continues his escape.

As he makes his way further down the city, Foster eventually arrives in the abandoned subway tunnels. There he discovers that LINC has grown exponentially, to the point where he is now half-machine, half-organic entity. However, in order to function, LINC needs a human host to share its brain. The current host is Foster's biological father, who is old and has become severely worn out from his [[symbiosis]] with LINC. It is revealed that LINC sent for Foster because, with the death of its current host inevitable, it needed a replacement, and only a blood relative would do. Foster ultimately defeats LINC by plugging Joey (who, at this point, could be optionally given the new name "Ken" by Foster) into the mainframe. Joey/Ken is able to take control of the system, and set about turning Union City into a utopia.

==Development==
While working at [[Activision]], Revolution co-founder and CEO Charles Cecil got the idea of working with Dave Gibbons, artist and co-creator of comic book ''[[Watchmen]]'', as Cecil was a fan of the comic book himself.<ref name="eurogamerinterview">((cite web|first=Simon |last=Parkin |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/when-comics-met-videogames-interview |title=When Comics Met Videogames |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=October 14, 2009 |access-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210095833/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/when-comics-met-videogames-interview |archive-date=December 10, 2012 ))</ref> He approached Gibbons, but shortly thereafter, the old Activision broke down.<ref name="eurogamerinterview"/> However, they maintained a friendship,<ref name="eurogamerinterview"/> and Cecil later contacted Gibbons to ask him to work on Revolution's second game.<ref name="eurogamerpreview">((cite web|date=July 30, 2009 |first=Simon |last=Parkin |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-preview |title=Beneath A Steel Sky - Remastered Preview |work=Eurogamer |publisher=Gamer Network |access-date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115222614/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-preview |archive-date=November 15, 2012 ))</ref> Seeing his son play video games, Gibbons became interested and realized that his skills in drawing, writing and conceptualizing could be useful in a gaming environment.<ref name="eurogamerinterview"/> Joining the team just before the release of ''[[Lure of the Temptress]]'', Gibbons was sent a rudimentary outline of what could happen in the hypothesised game, and wrote a longer story with new characters and scenarios, to which Revolution then further added.<ref name="AF">((cite journal | journal=[[Amiga Format]] | publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] | title=Beneath a Steel Sky | year=1994))</ref> Originally the game was named ''Underworld'', a title proposed by Gibbons, but it was renamed due to the release of ''[[Ultima Underworld: The Stygian Abyss]]''.<ref name="Joystick">((cite journal| journal=Joystick| publisher=Disney Hachette Presse |title=Beneath a Steel Sky |first=Derek |last=de la Fuente |pages=92–95| date=July 1993|issue=40))</ref><ref name="Tilt">((cite journal | journal=[[Tilt (French magazine)|Tilt]] |publisher=Tilt-Jeux eléctroniques| first=Remi |last=Le Pennec | title=Beneath a Steel Sky | date=April 1993 | pages=28–31 | issue=113))</ref><ref>((cite journal | journal=[[PC Format]] | publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] | author=M. Higham | author2=R. Longhurst | title=Interactive Entertainment: The Inside Story | year=1994 | pages=17))</ref><ref>((cite journal| journal=Génération 4| title=Dossier Revolution Software|first=Stephane|last=Lavoisard| publisher=Pressimage| pages=132| date=September 1992|issue=47))</ref>

The production values became much higher for ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' than for ''Lure of the Temptress'', resulting in a game six times larger,<ref name="manual">((cite book | title = Beneath a Steel Sky Instruction Manual | publisher = [[Virgin Interactive]] | year = 1994))</ref> and by the end of 1993, the team working on the game had grown to eleven.<ref>((cite journal| journal=[[Amiga Action]]| title=Work in progress|first=Paul |last=Roundell| publisher=[[Europress]]| pages=18| date=October 1993 |issue=49))</ref> The game was created in sections, which allowed the team to ensure that each part was "perfected" before moving on.<ref>((cite journal| journal=[[Retro Gamer]]| title=Beneath a Steel Sky| publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]| pages=32–37| date=October 2008 |issue=56))</ref> Its 2-year development cost £40,000, a large amount of money for the company at the time.<ref name="eurogamerpreview"/>

===Creative and technical design===
((Multiple image
| align     = left
| direction = horizontal
| footer    = ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' was a collaboration between Revolution's CEO and game director [[Charles Cecil]] (left) and comic book artist [[Dave Gibbons]] (right) of ''[[Watchmen]]'' fame
| footer_align = left
| image1    = Charles Cecile - DSC06505.jpg
| alt1      = Well-built, performing African-American
| width1    = 173
| image2    = DaveGibbons.jpg
| alt2      = A white man with a long, grey beard
| width2    = 151
))

The designers' goal was to create a visual bridge between comic and video game graphics.<ref name="CGWvisuals">((cite magazine| magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]]| title=Beneath a Steel Sky Review|first=Charles |last=Ardei| publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]| pages=72–76 |issue=124))</ref> Gibbons drew the backgrounds in pencil,<ref name="eurogamerpreview"/> starting with roughs, which were sent to Revolution to see if they were technically feasible. Once agreed upon, Gibbons would then make the final sketch. The pencil sketches were then colored, mainly by Les Pace. The backgrounds were scanned on a [[Mac (computer)|Macintosh]] as 24-bit, 1000x1000 [[pixel]] images with 16 million colors, and then transformed to 8-bit, 320x200 pixel images with 256 colors for the PC version.<ref>((cite journal| journal=Génération 4| title=Beneath a Steel Sky |first=Thierry |last=Falcoz| publisher=Pressimage| pages=69| date=March 1994 |issue=64))</ref><ref>((cite journal| journal=[[PC Player (British magazine)|PC Player]]| title=Beneath a Steel Sky |first=John |last=Davidson| publisher=[[Maverick Magazines]]| pages=102| date=March 1994 |issue=1))</ref> The backgrounds were designed so that the [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] would appear clear on the screen and would not mix with the backgrounds.<ref name="Joystick"/> Gibbons created the [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] using [[Deluxe Paint]] on an Amiga.<ref name="Joystick"/> [[Steve Ince]], who joined the team in February 1993, created a number of sprite animations, also painting some backgrounds based on Gibbons's sketches.<ref>((cite web|first=Marty |last=Mulrooney |title=In Conversation With Steve Ince, Video Game Writer & Designer |publisher=Alternative Magazine Online |date=March 10, 2010 |url=http://alternativemagazineonline.co.uk/2010/03/10/interview-in-conversation-with-steve-ince-video-game-writer-designer/ |access-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024064201/http://alternativemagazineonline.co.uk/2010/03/10/interview-in-conversation-with-steve-ince-video-game-writer-designer/ |archive-date=October 24, 2012 ))</ref> Gibbons also designed the characters,<ref name="AF"/> although he found it challenging to get a character's personality and expression in a face that was only around seven pixels wide and nine pixels high with a limited palette.<ref name="AF"/> He would have liked to design a character in a similar manner to ''[[Prince of Persia]]'' or ''[[Flashback (1992 video game)|Flashback]]'', but Revolution wanted something more detailed, so the result became a compromise.<ref name="Tilt"/> All character sprites are smoothly animated with around 20 positions each.<ref name="Tilt"/><ref>((cite journal| journal=Joystick|publisher=Disney Hachette Presse| title=Beneath a Steel Sky |first=Derek |last=de la Fuente| pages=51| date=April 1993))</ref> According to Gibbons, about 75% of the backgrounds and characters he designed were used in the game.<ref name="Tilt"/>

Dave Cummins wrote the dialogue for the game. The tone of Revolution's early games was born from a tension between Cummins and Cecil.<ref name="eurogamerpreview"/> Cummins wanted to be more flippant with dialogue, while Cecil wanted to be more serious.<ref name="eurogamerpreview"/> Their goal was to find the middle ground between [[Sierra Entertainment|Sierra]]'s "ridiculously earnest" stories and the [[slapstick]] comedy of [[LucasArts]] games.<ref name="eurogamerpreview"/> For the voice acting, which is only included in the CD-ROM version, Revolution used actors from the [[Royal Shakespeare Company]].<ref name="ACD32G">((cite journal| journal=Amiga CD32 Gamer|publisher=Paragon Publishing| title=Steel Dawn| author=SSW| pages=19| date=August 1994 |issue=3))</ref> Only two days were spent recording over five thousands lines of dialogue.<ref name="ACD32G"/> Not pleased with the results, however, Revolution decided on a lengthy re-recording, and realized that voice actors should be used, rather than stage actors.<ref name="ACD32G"/> As a result of this, the speech does not always match the on-screen text, with English terms being Americanized.<ref>((cite web|first=Adam |last=Romano |url=http://www.defunctgames.com/review/997/beneath-a-steel-sky |title=Beneath a Steel Sky |date=March 22, 2009 |publisher=Defunct Games |access-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224102500/http://www.defunctgames.com/review/997/beneath-a-steel-sky |archive-date=December 24, 2012 ))</ref> Cummins was also responsible for the score of the game, writing a specific tune for each of the main locations.<ref name="manual"/>

''Beneath a Steel Sky'' became the second game to use Revolution's [[Virtual Theatre]] engine, after ''Lure of the Temptress''.<ref>((cite web|first=Erik-André |last=Vik Mamen |date=January 29, 2007 |url=http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/reviews/228/ |title=Beneath a Steel Sky |publisher=[[Adventure Classic Gaming]] |access-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224071359/http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/reviews/228/ |archive-date=February 24, 2012 ))</ref> According to Cecil, the original version of the engine seemed less applicable in ''Beneath a Steel Sky'', as the ability to issue commands conflicted with the gameplay they intended to create.<ref name="EDGE">((cite magazine|date=May 9, 2008 |url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-lure-temptress |title=The Making of... Lure of the Temptress |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc|Future Publishing]] |access-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016070443/http://www.edge-online.com/features/making-lure-temptress/ |archive-date=October 16, 2012 ))</ref> ''Lure of the Temptress'' had one story that was moved forward by a key event, whereas ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' had multiple threads.<ref name="EDGE"/> In one way this presented them with "exciting gameplay opportunities, but in others it cordoned off more ambitious ideas in terms of multilinearity."<ref name="EDGE"/> As a consequence, some of the engine's features were scaled back. [[Tony Warriner]] and David Sykes, both Revolution co-founders and programmers, had to update the engine, which was part of the new deal with Virgin Interactive.<ref name="AF"/> As an example of change in the updated engine, Virtual Theatre 2.0, Warriner explained that in ''Lure of the Temptress'', the system controlled everything, for instance specific routines to a door.<ref name="TOA">((cite journal| journal=[[The One (magazine)|The One Amiga]]| title=Up the Revolution |first=Simon |last=Byron| publisher=[[Emap International Limited|EMAP]]| pages=33–34| date=August 1993 |issue=59))</ref> So if there was a door on-screen, the door-routine was called up to handle it.<ref name="TOA"/> The consequence was that every door looked the same and acted the same, so if a door was somewhat different from the last one, it caused a problem.<ref name="TOA"/> This was changed in the new system, as it was object oriented and no distinction was made between a proper object like a door or key.<ref name="TOA"/>

===Release===
''Beneath a Steel Sky'' was presented at the [[European Computer Trade Show]] in the London [[Royal Agricultural Hall|Business Design Centre]] in April 1993 and at the [[International CES|Consumer Electronics Show]] in Chicago in June 1993.<ref name="GEN43">((cite journal| journal=Génération 4| publisher=Pressimage| pages=44–45| date=October 1993 |issue=59)); ((cite journal| journal=Joystick | pages=34| date=May 1993 |issue=38)); ((cite journal| journal=Tilt| publisher= Tilt-Jeux eléctroniques| pages=25| date=October 1993 |issue=118))</ref> According to French magazine ''Génération 4'', the game was supposed to be released by the end of October 1993.<ref name="GEN43"/> Various playable demos of the game were made; one was added to the first issue of ''[[PC Gamer]]'',<ref>((cite journal| journal=[[PC Gamer]]| publisher= [[Future plc|Future Publishing]]| date=December 1993 |issue=1))</ref> and Amiga demos were added as cover disks to several Amiga magazines.<ref>e.g. ((cite journal| journal=The One Amiga| publisher= [[Emap International Limited|EMAP]]| date=February 1994 |issue=65)); ((cite journal| journal=Amiga Format| publisher= [[Future plc|Future Publishing]]| date=January 1994 |issue=55)); ((cite journal| journal=Amiga CD32 Gamer |publisher=Paragon Publishing| date=December 1994 |issue=7))</ref>

''Beneath a Steel Sky'' was published in March 1994 by Virgin Interactive on [[floppy disk]]s and [[CD-ROM]].<ref name=Oldbass>((cite web|url=http://www.revolution.co.uk/sky.htm|title=Beneath a Steel Sky|access-date=October 11, 2012|publisher=[[Revolution Software]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/19981202154658/http://www.revolution.co.uk/sky.htm| archive-date=December 2, 1998))</ref> It came on 15 floppy disks, as opposed to ''Lure of The Temptress'', which came on four.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.amigapd.com/interview-tony-warriner.html |title=Interview with Tony Warriner |publisher=Amiga PD |access-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020194318/http://www.amigapd.com/interview-tony-warriner.html |archive-date=October 20, 2012 ))</ref> Because of the Amiga restrictions, a few animations had to be left out, as not all Amiga owners had a hard drive.<ref name="TOA"/> Each conversion of the images to the Amiga resulted in a loss of detail. According to Revolution in-house artist Adam Tween, it took a couple of days to "touch up" the screens.<ref name="CU">((cite journal| journal=[[Commodore User#CU Amiga|CU Amiga]]| title=Beneath a Steel Sky |first=Dan |last=Slingsby| publisher=[[Emap International Limited|EMAP]] | pages=39| date=March 1993))</ref> A comic book created by Gibbons, which was translated into the introduction sequence of the game, came as part of the game package.<ref name=Oldbass/><ref name="CGWvisuals"/>

''Beneath a Steel Sky'' was translated from English into [[French language|French]] and [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]]. This was the first game not developed in Portugal to be released with a Portuguese translation.

===Freeware release and Remastered edition===
In August 2003, the game was released as [[freeware]], with its [[assembly language]] [[source code]] by [[Revolution Software]],<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.scummvm.org/news/20030802/ |title=Latest Developments |publisher=[[ScummVM|ScummVM.org]] |date=August 2, 2012 |access-date=July 14, 2013 |quote=Support for Beneath a Steel Sky, made possible thanks to Revolution Software supplying us with the original assembly source code! |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822035506/http://scummvm.org/news/20030802/ |archive-date=August 22, 2013 ))</ref><ref>[http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Beneath_a_Steel_Sky.html Source code] ((webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160703131602/http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Beneath_a_Steel_Sky.html |date=July 3, 2016 )) ''"Source code for Beneath a Steel Sky in Assembly language (415,225 bytes) xxxx"'' (2005)</ref> although the license under which the source code is released does not qualify as a [[free software]] license. The source code availability made it possible for the [[ScummVM]] project to support the game, which allows the game to be played on [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[OS X]], [[Linux]], [[Windows CE]] and other compatible operating systems and platforms.

In November 2011, James Woodcock released an enhanced soundtrack of the game for ScummVM.<ref>((cite web|first=James |last=Woodcock |url=http://www.jameswoodcock.co.uk/content/scummvm-music-enhancement-project/beneath-a-steel-sky-enhanced-soundtrack-for-scummvm/ |title=Beneath A Steel Sky Enhanced Soundtrack for ScummVM |publisher=James Woodcock |date=November 14, 2011 |access-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021200114/http://www.jameswoodcock.co.uk/content/scummvm-music-enhancement-project/beneath-a-steel-sky-enhanced-soundtrack-for-scummvm/ |archive-date=October 21, 2012 ))</ref> The game is also available as a zero-cost download on digital distribution services, including [[Desura]] and [[GOG.com]].<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.desura.com/games/beneath-a-steel-sky |title=Beneath a Steel Sky |publisher=[[Desura]] |access-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123053732/http://www.desura.com/games/beneath-a-steel-sky |archive-date=November 23, 2012 |df=mdy-all ))</ref><ref>((cite web|url=http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/beneath_a_steel_sky |title=Beneath a Steel Sky |publisher=[[GOG.com]] |access-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014053627/http://www.gog.com/en/gamecard/beneath_a_steel_sky/ |archive-date=October 14, 2012 ))</ref>

In July 2009, Revolution announced that a [[remaster]]ed edition of ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' would be released on [[iOS]] later that year. The remastered edition features new animated movies by Gibbons, a context-sensitive help system and improved audio quality.<ref>((cite web|title=Beneath A Steel Sky - Remastered |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky---remastered-iphone-adventure-revamp-to-be-first-offspring-of-revolution-s-new--pocket--division |publisher=GamesIndustry.biz |date=July 30, 2009 |access-date=August 6, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805053826/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky---remastered-iphone-adventure-revamp-to-be-first-offspring-of-revolution-s-new--pocket--division |archive-date=August 5, 2009 ))</ref> The game was released on the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]] on October 7, 2009.<ref name="iOS" /> The animated movies in the iOS remastered version make use of the original stills and use a sliding paper-like style to animate them. The source code was released under [[GNU General Public License|GNU GPL-2.0-or-later]].<ref>((cite web |title=Beneath a Steel Sky - Remastered |url=http://revolution.co.uk/?page_id=5&game_id=8&platform_id=0 |publisher=[[Revolution Software]] |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927222706/http://revolution.co.uk/?page_id=5&game_id=8&platform_id=0 |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead))</ref>

==Critical reception and commercial performance==
((Video game reviews
| AdvGamers = ((rating|4|5))<ref name="Adventure Gamers review" />
| PCGUS = 91%<ref name="Gamer Review" />
| rev1 = ''[[CU Amiga]]''
| rev1Score = 95%<ref name="CUReview" />
| rev2 = ''[[Amiga Format]]''
| rev2Score = 94%<ref name="Formatreview" />
| rev3 = ''[[Amiga Power]]''
| rev3Score = 86%<ref name="Powerreview" />
<!-- Awards -->
| award1Pub = ''PC Gamer''
| award1 = Best Dialogue<ref name="Dialogue" />
| award2Pub = ''[[Golden Joystick Award]]s''
| award2 = Best Adventure<ref name="Best Adventure" />
))
''Beneath a Steel Sky'' was critically acclaimed. In 1995, ''[[PC Gamer#PC Gamer US|PC Gamer]]'' awarded it the "Best Dialogue" award,<ref name="Dialogue">((cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/09/24/beneath-a-steel-sky-2-confirmed/ |title=Return to rust: Beneath a Steel Sky 2 confirmed |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |first=Omri |last=Petitte |date=September 24, 2012 |access-date=August 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130605055601/http://www.pcgamer.com/2012/09/24/beneath-a-steel-sky-2-confirmed/ |archive-date=June 5, 2013 ))</ref> and it won the "Best Adventure" award at the ''[[Golden Joystick Award]]s''.<ref name="Best Adventure">((cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/119762-Revolution-Confirms-Beneath-a-Steel-Sky-2 |title=Revolution Confirms Beneath a Steel Sky 2 |publisher=[[The Escapist (magazine)|The Escapist]] |first=Andy |last=Chalk |date=September 24, 2012 |access-date=August 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140203035828/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/119762-Revolution-Confirms-Beneath-a-Steel-Sky-2 |archive-date=February 3, 2014 ))</ref> It was also a commercial success, reaching the number one place on the British [[Gallup (company)|Gallup]] charts.<ref>((cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331100416/http://www.innovationedge08.co.uk/speaker/set-2.asp|url=http://www.innovationedge08.co.uk/speaker/set-2.asp|title=Speaker Profiles|publisher=Nesta|archive-date=March 31, 2008|access-date=December 30, 2014))</ref> [[Eurogamer]]'s Simon Parkin later summarized that it "sold extremely well", with lifetime sales between 300,000 and 400,000 units by July 2009. Parkin noted that the majority of its sales derived from European countries.<ref name=bassremprev>((cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202094615/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-preview| url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-preview | title=''Beneath a Steel Sky - Remastered'' Preview | date=July 30, 2009 | author=Parkin, Simon | work=[[Eurogamer]] | archive-date=February 2, 2014 | url-status=live ))</ref>

''[[Commodore User#CU Amiga|CU Amiga]]''(('))s Tony Dillon proclaimed ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' as "one of the greatest adventures ever."<ref name="CUReview">((cite journal| journal=[[Commodore User#CU Amiga|CU Amiga]]| title=Beneath a Steel Sky Review |first=Tony|last=Dillon| publisher=[[Emap International Limited|EMAP]] | pages=78–80| date=January 1994))</ref> ''[[Amiga Format]]''(('))s Rob Mead said that the game is an "Utterly brilliant", "massive, intense and atmospheric adventure which will keep you on tenterhooks right until its final startling conclusion."<ref name="Formatreview">((cite journal| journal=[[Amiga Format]] | title=Beneath a Steel Sky|first=Rob|last=Mead| publisher=[[Future plc]] | pages=47–49| date=March 1994))</ref> ''PC Gamer US''(('))s Steve Poole called it "slick, funny," "absorbing" and "one of the most playable adventures of all time" "that will appeal to a wide variety of gamers".<ref name="Gamer Review">((cite magazine|url=http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/178.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000311190200/http://www.pcgamer.com/reviews/178.html |title=Beneath a Steel Sky |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |archive-date=March 11, 2000 |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=dead ))</ref> ''[[Amiga Power]]''(('))s Cam Winstanley said that it is "an example of what an adventure game should be like – funny, enthralling and convincing."<ref name="Powerreview">((cite journal| journal=[[Amiga Power]] | title=Beneath a Steel Sky Review |first=Cam|last=Winstanley| publisher=[[Future plc]] | pages=44–45| date=January 1994))</ref> [[Adventure Gamers]]' Claire Wood called it an "enjoyable", "engaging adventure classic, thoroughly enjoyable playing experience" and "a ''[[Nineteen Eighty-Four|1984]]'' for the computer game generation."<ref name="Adventure Gamers review">((cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/17813 |title=Beneath a Steel Sky Review |first=Claire |last=Wood |publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]] |date=March 18, 2005 |access-date=August 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825213949/http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/17813 |archive-date=August 25, 2013 ))</ref>

Winstanley thought that the main highpoint of the game was the story, with an ending "that's actually quite a surprise."<ref name="Powerreview"/> Wood praised the "intelligent, thought provoking storyline" that "becomes more and more compelling, punctuated by unexpected plot twists and macabre discoveries."<ref name="Adventure Gamers review"/>

Dillon praised the game's "stunning" graphics.<ref name="CUReview"/> Mead said the comic book-like artwork projected a great "atmosphere".<ref name="Formatreview"/> Winstanley felt that the game looked "superb".<ref name="Powerreview"/> Wood said the graphics "have aged reasonably well".<ref name="Adventure Gamers review"/>

Many of the critics praised the game's "adult humour", showcased through numerous one-liners and double entendres.<ref name="CUReview"/><ref name="Gamer Review"/><ref name="Formatreview"/> Dillon praised the charm of the various characters and their personalities built through conversations.<ref name="CUReview"/> Wood also praised the Revolution's "trademark" "light-hearted humour".<ref name="Adventure Gamers review"/> Both Dillon and Wood, as well as Winstanley, highlighted Joey's witty remarks. Poole called the writing "some of the funniest dialog ever" and the characters "warped" and "interesting".<ref name="Gamer Review"/>

Reviewers praised the game's puzzles for being logical but still challenging.<ref name="CUReview"/><ref name="Formatreview"/> Poole found the puzzles to be "tricky" and "engaging", but stated "the difficulty of the puzzles in the final third of the game is disproportionately high" and that he disliked some of the "race the clock" puzzles.<ref name="Gamer Review"/> On the other hand, Winstanley felt that the "real time" puzzles "add pace".<ref name="Powerreview"/> Wood's only gripe with the puzzles were the "odd and disorienting" LINC-space sequences.<ref name="Adventure Gamers review"/>

Dillon wrote that the controls were so "simple that Revolution can finally lay claim to having created the ultimate in intuitive control methods."<ref name="CUReview"/> Poole labeled them "a masterwork of simplicity".<ref name="Gamer Review"/> Winstanley also praised the "simple" interface,<ref name="Powerreview"/> while Wood said that the "unobtrusive interface" is one of the factors that make the game a "highly immersive experience".<ref name="Adventure Gamers review"/>

===Remastered version===
((Video game reviews
| GR = 85%<ref name="GR" />
| MC = 82/100<ref name="MC" />
| IGN = 8.5/10<ref name="IGN" />
| PG = 8/10<ref name="Pocket Gamer" />
| TA = ((rating|4|5))<ref>((cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2009/10/13/closer-look-at-beneath-the-steel-sky-remastered/ |title=Closer Look at 'Beneath a Steel Sky: Remastered' |last=Kim |first=Arnold |date=October 13, 2009 |website=[[TouchArcade]] |access-date=July 9, 2020))</ref>
| rev1 = ''Slide to Play''
| rev1Score = 4/4<ref name="SlideToPlay"/>
))

The remastered 2009 iOS version was also very well received. It holds an aggregate score of 85% on [[GameRankings]] based on 7 reviews,<ref name="GR">((cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/962333-beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered/index.html |title=Beneath a Steel Sky: Remastered for iOS (iPhone/iPad) |work=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 31, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016061433/http://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/962333-beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered/index.html |archive-date=October 16, 2013))</ref> and 82 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]] based on 5 reviews.<ref name="MC">((cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Beneath a Steel Sky: Remastered for iPhone/iPad Reviews |work=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=August 31, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130426050436/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered |archive-date=April 26, 2013))</ref> It was nominated for Best Port/Enhanced Re-release at the Adventure Gamers' 2009 [[Aggie Awards]] in 2010.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18393/page2 |title=2009 Aggie Award nominees |publisher=[[Adventure Gamers]] |date=February 5, 2010 |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228230248/http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18393/page2 |archive-date=December 28, 2014 ))</ref> The game sold around 20,000 units in its first month of release, while Cecil anticipated sales of around 70,000 copies during its first year on sale, and roughly 100,000 in its lifetime.<ref>((cite web|first=Matt |last=Martin |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky-on-track-for-20k-sales-in-first-month |title=Beneath a Steel Sky on track for 20k sales in first month |work=[[Eurogamer|GamesIndustry.biz]] |publisher=Gamer Network |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=December 30, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230162324/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/beneath-a-steel-sky-on-track-for-20k-sales-in-first-month |archive-date=December 30, 2014 ))</ref>

The remastered release is available with [[Spanish language|Spanish]], [[French language|French]], [[Swedish language|Swedish]], [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]], [[German language|German]], [[Italian language|Italian]], and English subtitles.

''Slide To Play''(('s)) Keith Andrew said that "''Beneath a Steel Sky'' somehow feels bigger and bolder than its rivals, raising the bar and highlighting what others have so far failed to achieve. Perfectly suited to its new home, this remastering of a classic game serves up point-and-click play nearly unmatched on the App Store."<ref name="SlideToPlay">((cite web|title=Beneath A Steel Sky - Remastered Review |first=Keith |last=Andrew |url=http://www.slidetoplay.com/review/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-review/ |publisher=Slide to Play |date=February 12, 2010 |access-date=July 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130519133247/http://www.slidetoplay.com/review/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-review/ |archive-date=May 19, 2013 ))</ref> Andrew noted that the point-and-click interface "merg[es] seamlessly with touchscreen controls" and that the hint system is "a feature that might antagonize some of Steel Sky's hardened fan-base, but one perfectly pitched at the [[iPhone]] generation."<ref name="SlideToPlay"/>

''[[IGN]]''(('s)) Eduardo Vasconcellos stated that the game "is a reminder of how good the old point-and-clickers really were. The updated elements only add to the experience((Snd))especially the cutscenes. If you're looking for an intriguing story, solid gameplay and some nostalgic charm, ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' is for you."<ref name="IGN">((cite web|title=Beneath A Steel Sky - Remastered Review |first=Eduardo |last=Vasconcellos |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/21/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-review |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[j2 Global]] |date=October 20, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016105055/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/10/21/beneath-a-steel-sky-remastered-review |archive-date=October 16, 2013 ))</ref> Vasconcellos complimented the "intuitive and responsive" touch controls and said that the "visuals are an attractive update of the original release", and gave the game an "Editor's Choice" award.<ref name="IGN"/>

''[[Pocket Gamer]]''(('))s Tracy Erickson said that the game "remains as entertaining as it did 15 years ago, galvanising the adventure gaming resurgence on iPhone."<ref name="Pocket Gamer">((cite web|title=Beneath A Steel Sky - Remastered Review |first=Tracy |last=Erickson |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Beneath+A+Steel+Sky%3A+Remastered/review.asp?c=16119 |work=[[Pocket Gamer]] |publisher=Steel Media |date=October 12, 2009 |access-date=July 14, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917044726/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/iPhone/Beneath%2BA%2BSteel%2BSky%3A%2BRemastered/review.asp?c=16119 |archive-date=September 17, 2012 ))</ref> Erickson felt that the touch controls are "only functional and not fantastic," but that "measures have been taken to address [problems of the original point-and click interface] to a respectable degree," and that the "minimally enhanced presentation raises alarm."<ref name="Pocket Gamer"/> However, he concluded that even though "More could have been done to brush the dust off this ageing title," "it's still a standout game." He gave it a "Silver Award".<ref name="Pocket Gamer"/>

==Legacy==
Although retrospectively ''[[Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars]]'' is [[Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars#Legacy|generally looked upon]] as Revolution's magnum opus, ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' still holds the status of a cult classic and has been featured on numerous "all-time top" lists:

''[[Amiga Power]]'' ranked ''Beneath a Steel Sky'' 42nd on their ''Amiga Power'' All-Time Top One Hundred in 1994.<ref name="Power100">((cite journal| journal=[[Amiga Power]] | title=APATTOH |publisher=[[Future plc]] | date=April 1994))</ref> [[Adventure Gamers]] ranked the game 17th on their list of Top 20 Adventure Games of All-Time in 2004,<ref>((cite web|date=April 2, 2004 |first=Evan |last=Dickens |url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/17572 |title=Top 20 Adventure Games of All-Time |publisher=Adventure Gamers |access-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813175243/http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/17572 |archive-date=August 13, 2014 ))</ref> and 19th on the Top 100 All-Time Adventures in 2011.<ref>((cite web|date=December 30, 2011 |url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18643/page18/ |title=Top 100 All-Time Adventures |publisher=Adventure Gamers |access-date=March 16, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604021057/http://www.adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18643/page18 |archive-date=June 4, 2012 ))</ref> In 2006, [[Adventure Classic Gaming]] put the game in 9th place on their list of the Top 10 retro graphic adventure games of all time from PC to consoles.<ref>((cite web|first=Tom |last=Lenting |date=December 23, 2006 |url=http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/features/230/ |title=Top 10 retro graphic adventure games of all time from PC to consoles |publisher=[[Adventure Classic Gaming]] |access-date=February 17, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119081422/http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/features/230 |archive-date=January 19, 2012 ))</ref> ''[[Retro Gamer]]'' placed it in third on its list of Top 20 Adventure Games of All-Time ... not by LucasArts in 2010.<ref name=RETRO>((cite journal | journal=Retro Gamer | publisher=Imagine Publishing | title=Top 20 Adventure Games of All-Time&nbsp;... not by LucasArts | date=December 2010 | issue=84))</ref> It was included in ''Edge'' editor Tony Mott's ''[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]'', a book published in 2010.<ref name=1001Games>((cite book|title=1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die|editor-first=Tony|editor-last=Mott|publisher=Universe Publishing|year=2010))</ref> In 2011, ''[[PC Gamer]]'' ranked it ninth on its list of 20 free PC games you must play.<ref>((cite magazine|first=Lewis |last=Denby |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/20-free-pc-games-you-must-play/#page-2 |title=20 free PC games you must play |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=May 3, 2011 |access-date=December 29, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229143420/http://www.pcgamer.com/20-free-pc-games-you-must-play/ |archive-date=December 29, 2014 ))</ref> In the same year, Now Gamer listed it as one of the Greatest Point-And-Click Games (Not By LucasArts).<ref>((cite web|date=August 8, 2011 |first=Ashley |last=Day |url=http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1008447/greatest_pointandclick_games_not_by_lucasarts.html |title=Greatest Point-And-Click Games (Not By LucasArts) |work=NowGamer |access-date=April 17, 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316140333/http://www.nowgamer.com/features/1008447/greatest_pointandclick_games_not_by_lucasarts.html |archive-date=March 16, 2012 ))</ref> In 2014, [[TechRadar]] placed it 40th on its list of the Top 50 best free games you should play today.<ref>((cite web|first=Andrew |last=Williams |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/top-40-best-free-games-you-should-play-today-695473/2 |title=Top 50 best free games you should play today (2/2) |work=[[TechRadar]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=October 23, 2014 |access-date=December 29, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229143651/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/top-40-best-free-games-you-should-play-today-695473/2 |archive-date=December 29, 2014 ))</ref> ''[[Pocket Gamer]]'' included it on its list of Top 10 adventure games that should be revived on [[Nintendo DS|DS]] in 2009.<ref>((cite web|first=Mark |last=Walbank |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/feature.asp?c=13126 |title=Top 10 adventure games that should be revived on DS |work=[[Pocket Gamer]] |publisher=Steel Media |date=May 6, 2009 |access-date=December 29, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906094835/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/DS/feature.asp?c=13126 |archive-date=September 6, 2015 ))</ref>

''Beneath a Steel Sky: Remastered'' has been placed on numerous top lists as well, including ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]''(('))s Top 50 iPhone Games at 26th in 2009,<ref>((cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-50-iphone-games-30-21/ |title=Top 50 iPhone Games: 30-21 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=October 14, 2009 |access-date=December 30, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230130156/http://www.edge-online.com/features/top-50-iphone-games-30-21/ |archive-date=December 30, 2014 ))</ref> as well as ''Pocket Gamer''(('))s Top 10 point-and-click adventure games on iPhone and iPad and [[Mashable]]'s 10 Classic PC Games That Found New Life on the iPhone, both in 2010.<ref>((cite web|first=Mark |last=Brown |url=http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Multiformat/feature.asp?c=22013 |title=Top 10 point-and-click adventure games on iPhone and iPad |work=[[Pocket Gamer]] |publisher=Steel Media |date=July 7, 2010 |access-date=December 30, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230133353/http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Multiformat/feature.asp?c=22013 |archive-date=December 30, 2014 ))</ref><ref>((cite web|first=Samuel |last=Axon |url=http://mashable.com/2010/08/21/classic-games-iphone/#gallery/10-classic-pc-games-that-found-new-life-on-the-iphone/50bde120b589e46e34000371 |title=10 Classic PC Games That Found New Life on the iPhone |publisher=[[Mashable]] |date=August 21, 2010 |access-date=December 30, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230132312/http://mashable.com/2010/08/21/classic-games-iphone/ |archive-date=December 30, 2014 ))</ref>

''Beneath a Steel Sky'' is often referenced in Revolution's ''[[Broken Sword]]'' games, including 1997's ''[[Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror]]'', in 2009's ''[[Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars – Director's Cut]]'' and 2013/2014's ''[[Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse]]'', in the form of an easter egg.<ref>''[[Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror]]'' (1997); ''[[Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars – Director's Cut]]'' (2009); ''[[Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse]]'' (2013/2014). [[Revolution Software]].</ref>

===Sequel===
((Main|Beyond a Steel Sky))
In 2004, Cecil commented "''Beneath a Steel Sky 2'' is a project Revolution has been considering for a while, and has started to move forward on, but we are unable to comment beyond this."<ref>((cite web|first=Johnny|last=Minkley|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070110072551/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=102457|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=102457|title=Exclusive: Broken Sword developer in shock adventure revival|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|archive-date=January 10, 2007|access-date=December 28, 2014))</ref>

In an interview with [[Eurogamer]] in 2006, Cecil spoke of his admiration for the work done by ScummVM and the resulting interest in a sequel. He also stated that if he were to make the game he "would dearly love to work with Dave Gibbons again."<ref>((cite web|first=Tom |last=Bramwell |title=Live by the Sword: Charles Cecil on Broken Sword 4, Beneath a Steel Sky and more |website=[[Eurogamer]] |date=August 10, 2006 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=66614&page=2 |access-date=April 29, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017013724/http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=66614&page=2 |archive-date=October 17, 2007 ))</ref> In a February 20, 2009 interview with IGN UK about the [[Wii]] and [[Nintendo DS|DS]] versions of ''[[Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars|Broken Sword: The Director's Cut]]'', Cecil and Gibbons re-iterated their interest in a sequel to ''Beneath a Steel Sky''.<ref>((cite web|first=Matt |last=Wales |title=Broken Sword: The Director's Cut First Look |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[j2 Global]] |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/20/broken-sword-the-directors-cut-first-look |date=February 20, 2009 |access-date=February 23, 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023174323/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/02/20/broken-sword-the-directors-cut-first-look |archive-date=October 23, 2012 ))</ref>

On September 25, 2012, Revolution announced that ''Beneath a Steel Sky 2'' would be greenlit if their ''[[Broken Sword 5: The Serpent's Curse]]'' [[Kickstarter]] reached $1 million.<ref>((cite magazine|first=Tom |last=Senior |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/broken-sword-hits-kickstarter-goals-stretch-goals-promise-beneath-a-steel-sky-2-for-1m/ |title=Broken Sword hits Kickstarter goals, stretch goals promise Beneath A Steel Sky 2 for $1m |magazine=[[PC Gamer]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=September 6, 2012 |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229002240/http://www.pcgamer.com/broken-sword-hits-kickstarter-goals-stretch-goals-promise-beneath-a-steel-sky-2-for-1m/ |archive-date=December 29, 2014 ))</ref> Despite ''Broken Sword: The Serpent's Curse'' failing to meet the $1 million 'stretch goal', Revolution announced that the success of its crowdfunding campaign had inspired them to greenlight ''Beneath a Steel Sky 2''.<ref name="Dialogue" /><ref name="Best Adventure" /><ref>((cite web |title=Revolution greenlights Beneath a Steel Sky 2 |url=http://www.develop-online.net/news/42048/Revolution-greenlights-Beneath-a-Steel-Sky-2 |first=Craig |last=Chapple |date=September 24, 2012 |publisher=[[Develop (magazine)|Develop]] |access-date=September 24, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120926071119/http://www.develop-online.net/news/42048/Revolution-greenlights-Beneath-a-Steel-Sky-2 |archive-date=September 26, 2012 |df=mdy-all ))</ref> However, Revolution later clarified that ''Beneath a Steel Sky 2'' will not necessarily be the studio's first project following ''Broken Sword 5'' and that they would "think" about what their next game will be after finishing the ''Broken Sword'' game.<ref>((cite web|first=Katie |last=Williams |title=Beneath a Steel Sky 2 Not in Development After All |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[j2 Global]] |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/25/beneath-a-steel-sky-2-not-in-development-after-all |date=February 24, 2014 |access-date=December 28, 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229000942/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/25/beneath-a-steel-sky-2-not-in-development-after-all |archive-date=December 29, 2014 ))</ref> In February 2014 it was reported that ''Beneath a Steel Sky 2'' had never entered production, despite previous reports to the contrary. The reason cited was that the Broken Sword franchise took up the sole focus of the company.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/25/beneath-a-steel-sky-2-not-in-development-after-all |title=Beneath a Steel Sky 2 Not in Development After All |date=February 25, 2014 |access-date=2014-12-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229000942/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/25/beneath-a-steel-sky-2-not-in-development-after-all |archive-date=December 29, 2014 ))</ref>

On March 25, 2019, Revolution announced that ''[[Beyond a Steel Sky]]'' would be released on [[Apple Arcade]] (iOS, macOS, tvOS) later in 2019.<ref name="applearcade">((cite web|url= https://www.apple.com/au/newsroom/2019/03/apple-introduces-apple-arcade-the-worlds-first-game-subscription-service-for-mobile-desktop-and-the-living-room/|access-date=2019-03-26 |title= Apple introduces Apple Arcade))</ref> The game was released on Apple Arcade on June 26, 2020,<ref name="Applereleased">((cite web |last1=Brown |first1=Shelby |title=You can finally play Beyond a Steel Sky on Apple Arcade |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-arcade-beyond-a-steel-sky-is-finally-available-to-play/ |website=CNET |access-date=30 June 2020 |language=en))</ref> on [[Steam (service)|Steam]] on July 16, 2020,<ref name="SteamJuly16">((Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2020-07-01 |title=Beyond a Steel Sky for PC launches July 16 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/07/beyond-a-steel-sky-for-pc-launches-july-16 |access-date=2020-07-01 |website=Gematsu))</ref> and on [[GOG.com]] on March 19, 2021.<ref name="GOG.comMarch19">((Cite web  |date=2021-03-19 |title=Release: Beyond a Steel Sky |url=https://www.gog.com/news/release_beyond_a_steel_sky |access-date=2021-04-08 |website=GOG))</ref>

==References==
((Reflist|40em))

== External links ==
((wikiquote))
((Commons category|Beneath a Steel Sky))
*((Official website|http://revolution.co.uk/games/beneath-a-steel-sky/))
*((moby game|id=/beneath-a-steel-sky))
*((IMDb title|0254178))
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200428184957/https://www.game-nostalgia.com/non_flash/steel_sky/the_making_of_beneath_a_steel_sky1.html The Making of ''Beneath a Steel Sky''] at Game Nostalgia

((Virtual Theatre engine games))
((Authority control))

((DEFAULTSORT:Beneath A Steel Sky))
[[Category:1994 video games]]
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[[Category:Amiga games]]
[[Category:Amiga CD32 games]]
[[Category:Commercial video games with freely available source code]]
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[[Category:Revolution Software games]]

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