Beneath a Steel Sky

The main pros of the game

• Cult Classic: The game is recognized as a pioneering title in the cyberpunk genre, and it holds a cult status among adventure game enthusiasts.
• Engaging Story: Players appreciate the intriguing narrative that blends humor with darker themes, exploring concepts of control and individuality in a dystopian society.
• Unique Characters: The protagonist, Robert Foster, and his robot companion, Joey, are well-developed and provide entertaining interactions.
• Visuals and Art Style: The hand-drawn pixel art, designed by Dave Gibbons, is praised for its distinct style and atmosphere, capturing the essence of a dystopian world.
• Free to Play: The game is available for free, making it accessible to a wide audience.
• Nostalgia Factor: Many players have fond memories of the game from their childhood, contributing to its charm.

The main cons of the game

• Dated Mechanics: The gameplay mechanics are considered outdated, with issues such as pixel hunting and lack of modern conveniences like a hint system or fast travel.
• Inconsistent Voice Acting: While some voice performances are good, others are criticized for being poor, which detracts from the overall experience.
• Puzzles: Many puzzles can be frustratingly obscure, leading to moments of confusion and the need for walkthroughs.
• Slow Start: Some players find the initial pacing slow, making it hard to get invested in the story right away.
• Limited Character Interaction: Conversations with NPCs are not as deep or engaging as some players would like.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Hotspot Finder: A common complaint is the absence of a feature to highlight interactive objects, which can lead to frustration in navigation.
• Hint System: Players noted the lack of a system to provide hints or guidance, which is a standard feature in many modern adventure games.
• Autosave Functionality: The game does not have an autosave feature, requiring players to save manually and frequently to avoid losing progress.
• Achievements: There are no achievements or rewards for completing specific tasks within the game, which some players find lacking in terms of modern gaming standards.
• More Complex Character Interactions: Players expressed a desire for more engaging dialogue options and deeper interactions with characters to enhance the narrative experience.

Summary

• Overall, "Beneath a Steel Sky" is celebrated for its storytelling and atmosphere but also critiqued for its outdated mechanics and certain gameplay frustrations.

Summary generated on: November 21, 2025