Info about Beyond a Steel Sky:

Official game description:
From Charles Cecil, creator of the Broken Sword series, with art direction by Dave Gibbons, legendary comic book artist behind ‘Watchmen’, comes ‘Beyond A Steel Sky’, the long awaited sequel to the cult classic ‘Beneath a Steel Sky’.  
You are Robert Foster. A child has been abducted in a brutal attack. You have vowed to bring him home. The trail has led you to Union City, one of the last remaining mega-cities in a world ravaged by shattering wars, and political meltdown.  
Union City is a utopia, its people loving life under the control of an altruistic AI: ever-attentive androids, designer living, piazzas and bars. What’s not to love? But this City has a dark underbelly...  
‘Beyond a Steel Sky’ is a dramatic, humorous, cyberpunk thriller in which engaging puzzles drive a fast-paced narrative set in a dynamic gameworld that responds to – and is subverted by – the player’s actions.
Features:
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**The World**  
An adventure set within a dynamic world, populated by wilful characters driven by motivations that the player can subvert. In combination with a unique hacking tool, multiple solutions to puzzles emerge from player choices.  
**The Story**  
Unravel dark conspiracies, defeat a terrifying antagonist in this dramatic, humorous, cyberpunk thriller, which explores contemporary themes: social control, AI, and total surveillance.  
**The puzzles**  
Intelligent puzzles are interwoven with an intriguing dramatic narrative to deliver a compelling gameplay experience.  
**The Look**  
A beautifully detailed, comic-book styled world, from the mind of legendary comic artist Dave Gibbons.

Release date: Jul 16, 2020

Categories: Point-and-click Adventure, Cyberpunk, Puzzle Solving, Hacking Gameplay, Third-Person Perspective, Comic Book Art Style, Linear Progression, Dystopian Setting

Feature scans:
- Wiki: score 10; verdict: Low Wiki Tax Dependency; summary: The user feedback indicates that the game's internal hint system effectively reduces the need for external walkthroughs, with only minor instances of players consulting guides for specific puzzles. Overall, the external data dependency is low.
- Proton/Linux: score 15; verdict: Works Well; summary: The game offers a native Linux version that runs stably with good performance. Users may optionally switch to Vulkan using a launch parameter for an improved experience, but no significant compatibility issues are reported.
- Steam Deck: score 15; verdict: Seamless Experience; summary: Beyond a Steel Sky runs natively on Steam Deck with excellent compatibility and performance. Minor control precision issues exist but do not hinder overall gameplay. Users consistently report a smooth, crash-free experience without requiring Proton or configuration changes.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $10.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The community sentiment indicates that the $30 full price is too high for many, with one reviewer capping value at $15 and suggesting prices under $10. Another review praises the game as worth full price but considers an 80% discount a steal, implying the current $30 price is above what most consider fair. Combining these, a fair base-game price range of $10-$15 aligns with the perceived value from the reviews.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: 8.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: Multiple reviews explicitly state completion times around 8-12 hours, with one precise 10.1 hours, supporting gameCompletion. Another review mentions an ~8 hour runtime specifically for the story, supporting storyCompletion. No evidence for typical session length or endgame content was found.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The game suffers from a slow, boring first hour, particularly in story pacing, but becomes more engaging as the story develops and puzzles feel more natural.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Story progression
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: slow story start; boring first hour; some repetitive sections; dialogue-heavy pacing
  - Unlock drivers: story becomes better the more you play; puzzles evolve to natural progression; mechanics remain streamlined and engaging
  - Conditions: first hour is a hurdle; story depth increases over time; puzzles become more engaging later; overall pacing improves after initial slow start
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Sequel Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: To revisit the classic Steel Sky universe and experience a modernized point-and-click adventure with nostalgic callbacks.
    - Playstyle: Methodical exploration, exhausting all dialogue, comparing puzzles and story to the original, often replaying the first game beforehand.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: veteran adventure gamer; fan of the original; fan of Revolution
    - Reference games: Beneath a Steel Sky; Broken Sword; State of Mind
  - Fresh-Eyed Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: To enjoy a standalone sci-fi adventure story with engaging puzzles and modern visuals.
    - Playstyle: Exploratory, tries various interactions, may use hints, focuses on story progression over completionism.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: new player; non-adventure gamer
    - Reference games: Beneath a Steel Sky; Borderlands; Half-Life 2; Outer Worlds
  - Completionist Detective (buy)
    - Motivation: To unlock every achievement through careful play, avoiding hints to earn the perfect run.
    - Playstyle: Methodical, replaying sections for different choices, disabling hints, and planning multiple playthroughs.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: achievement hunter
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Disenchanted Pursuer (deep sale)
    - Motivation: To find a compelling narrative and innovative design that the game fails to deliver.
    - Playstyle: Critical, comparing the game unfavorably to genre classics or other modern titles, often reading reviews before buying.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: not for me
    - Reference games: State of Mind; Beneath a Steel Sky


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Fun hacking puzzles (weight 0.46): The hacking mechanic is a core feature that players find satisfying, innovative, and fun. It provides logical puzzles that are not overused, making them a highlight of the gameplay.
- Excellent voice acting (weight 0.42): The voice acting and sound design are consistently praised across many reviews, with highlights on distinct and memorable characters. The sound effects and music also contribute positively to the overall experience.
- Engaging and good story (weight 0.42): The story is consistently rated as good, engaging, and captivating, with some reviews noting it as excellent or brilliant. It provides a meaningful and compelling narrative.
- Impressive graphics and art (weight 0.4): The graphics are described as very good, visually impressive, and fitting the game well. The art style is distinctive and praised for its quality.
- Excellent hint system (weight 0.27): The hint system is praised for providing just enough information to prevent getting stuck without giving away solutions. It removes the need for external walkthroughs.
- Worthy sequel to original (weight 0.24): The game is considered an amazing and worthy sequel to 'Beneath a Steel Sky', staying true to its predecessor and carrying its spirit. It scratches the itch for fans of the original.
- Funny and humorous moments (weight 0.21): The game features funny moments and humor, with a good story that includes humorous elements. It has humor, heroism, and heart.
- Great for casual gamers (weight 0.14): The game is simple and great to play, making it suitable for new or casual gamers. It provides a pleasant and accessible experience.
- Enjoyable point-and-click adventure (weight 0.11): The game is described as an enjoyable and fun modern point-and-click adventure, considered one of the best in recent years. It captures the essence of the genre.
- Controls work well with devices (weight 0.1): Controls work excellently with both mouse/keyboard and gamepad, providing a smooth experience regardless of input method. This enhances accessibility and player comfort.

Common complaints:
- Puzzles are too easy (weight 0.32): Multiple reviews mention puzzles being overly simplistic, boring, or lacking challenge. This is a common complaint across several clusters.
- Game is too short (weight 0.18): Players consistently note the game feels short with limited content and environments, with one review citing an 8-hour playtime.
- Puzzles are unintuitive (weight 0.18): Some puzzles are described as unintuitive, far-fetched, or with solutions that are not obvious, causing player frustration.
- Story feels rushed (weight 0.12): Multiple players found the story and writing to be rushed, especially in the second half, with poor pacing.
- Cannot skip cutscenes (weight 0.12): The inability to skip cutscenes is a notable complaint, as it disrupts replayability and patience.
- Lack of puzzle diversity (weight 0.11): Compared to the original game, the puzzle variety is lacking, and gameplay feels one-note, especially later on.
- Interaction with moving NPCs (weight 0.08): Interacting with characters is frustrating because options disappear when they move, or NPCs walk away during selection.
- Story is a mess (weight 0.08): Some reviews say the plot doesn't make sense and is poorly constructed, adding to narrative dissatisfaction.
- Game falls flat after intro (weight 0.08): The initial appeal fades quickly, with the game failing to maintain interest after the beginning.
- NPC collision issues (weight 0.08): NPCs bump into each other or walk into the player during dialogues, breaking immersion.
- Clunky animations (weight 0.08): Animations are described as stiff, rough, or clunky, including bugs in character movement.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.08): The game is considered overpriced for its content, with reviewers suggesting it doesn't justify a 30-dollar price tag.
- Bugs are annoying (weight 0.08): General bugs exist in the game, and they can become irritating during gameplay.
- Unclear how to proceed (weight 0.08): Players sometimes find it difficult to know the next steps or objectives, leading to confusion.
- Final boss motivation unclear (weight 0.08): The last boss's motivation and dialogue lack rational sense, contributing to a weak ending.
- Ending feels cliched (weight 0.08): The ending is described as cliched, overwritten, and under explained, disappointing players.
- Puzzles feel sloppy (weight 0.08): Some puzzles are poorly implemented and frustrating, detracting from the overall experience.
- Movement speed too slow (weight 0.07): Character movement is lacking and overall slow, which can be tedious during exploration.

Gameplay feedback:
- Point-and-click adventure game (weight 0.87): The game is a narrative-driven, dialogue-heavy point-and-click adventure with puzzles, exploration, and item collection. It is a modern 3D take on the classic genre.
- Hacking as core mechanic (weight 0.71): Hacking is a central gameplay mechanic used to solve puzzles by manipulating objects, robots, and systems. It involves swapping modules or scanning devices, adding logical depth.
- Sequel to Beneath a Steel Sky (weight 0.31): The game is a direct sequel to the classic 1994 point-and-click adventure 'Beneath a Steel Sky,' continuing its story in a dystopian cyberpunk setting.
- Puzzle-solving gameplay focus (weight 0.24): The core gameplay revolves around logical puzzle-solving and story watching, with no combat or fighting elements. Puzzles are the main interactive component.
- Puzzle difficulty varies (weight 0.23): Reviews indicate puzzles range from fairly easy to moderately difficult, with some finding them unclear. Overall, the puzzles are logical but not extremely challenging.
- Good graphics and visual style (weight 0.16): The game features beautiful 3D graphics with a comic book aesthetic, creating a visually appealing dystopian cyberpunk world.
- Linear story structure (weight 0.07): The story is mostly linear with no red herrings, guiding players through a clear narrative path without branching diversions.
- Hacking inspired by Scratch (weight 0.07): The hacking system is inspired by the Scratch programming language, using a scanner to swap module effects in simple puzzles.
- Third-person perspective (weight 0.07): The game is presented from a third-person perspective, fitting its story-based adventure gameplay.
- Core mechanic drives puzzles (weight 0.07): The game has a central logic gimmick or mechanic that, once understood, makes all puzzle solutions feel logical and consistent.
- Scanner mechanic included (weight 0.07): A scanning mechanic is used in the game, likely tied to the hacking system for identifying or interacting with objects.
- Simple gameplay overall (weight 0.07): Some reviewers describe the gameplay as very simplistic, focusing on straightforward puzzle-solving and exploration.
- Cutscenes require watching (weight 0.07): The game includes a large number of cutscenes that players must watch, which may affect pacing for some.

Performance notes:
- Runs well on most systems (weight 0.42): Multiple reviewers report smooth performance on a variety of hardware, from midrange PCs to high-end systems, with stable framerates and minimal issues.
- Crashes and instability (weight 0.16): The game crashes frequently, especially during loading new areas or after cutscenes, and can softlock, requiring reloads.
- Optimization issues reported (weight 0.15): Several users report poor optimization, with comments about it running worse than expected on some hardware and needing improvement.
- Minor graphical glitches (weight 0.14): Some minor technical quirks exist, such as cutscene lettering flickering, camera clipping into geometry, and brightness issues with highlights.
- Heating issues on PCs (weight 0.12): Some reviewers note that the game causes their system to run very hot, even on new laptops, requiring them to lower graphical settings.
- FPS drops and lag (weight 0.12): A few reviewers experience occasional FPS drops to 30 or lag in certain areas, though overall performance is often still acceptable.
- Clunky animations and pathfinding (weight 0.08): A few reviewers note that some animations are clunky and there are pathfinding errors, affecting immersion.
- Clean and intuitive UI (weight 0.05): The user interface is described as clean and intuitive, which is a positive aspect of the game's design.
- Forgiving save system (weight 0.05): The save system is considered forgiving, allowing players to progress without excessive frustration.
- Minimal load times (weight 0.05): Load times are very short, which enhances the overall gameplay experience.
- Graphical fidelity dated (weight 0.05): One reviewer mentions that the graphics look outdated, which may be a point of criticism for some players.

Recommendations:
- General recommendation (weight 0.4): Many reviewers give a straightforward recommendation, stating the game is worth playing and recommending it overall. This reflects broad positive sentiment.
- Buy on sale (weight 0.36): Many players suggest waiting for a sale before purchasing, as the game offers good value at a discounted price. This is a common recommendation for potential buyers.
- Play original first (weight 0.35): A significant number of reviewers recommend playing Beneath a Steel Sky or the original game first to fully understand and enjoy the sequel. While not always required, it enhances the experience.
- Recommended for adventure fans (weight 0.32): Reviewers highly recommend this game to fans of adventure games, point-and-click titles, and narrative-driven exploration. It appeals strongly to genre enthusiasts.
- Recommended for franchise fans (weight 0.25): The game is particularly recommended for players who enjoyed the first game or are fans of the Beneath a Steel Sky universe. Familiarity with the series greatly improves enjoyment.
- Recommended despite criticisms (weight 0.08): Some players still recommend the game even with noted flaws, such as a weak story. The positive aspects outweigh the criticisms for these reviewers.

Other player notes:
- Sequel to classic game (weight 0.74): The game is a direct and loyal sequel to the 1994 classic Beneath a Steel Sky, appealing to long-time fans. It is available for free on Steam and can be enjoyed as a standalone experience.
- Standalone story experience (weight 0.39): The plot is largely standalone and can be played without prior knowledge of the original, though playing the first game enhances appreciation of references. The world building is sufficient for newcomers.
- Gameplay length around 8-12 hours (weight 0.29): Reviews consistently report a playtime of approximately 8 to 12 hours, with some noting a full playthrough around 10 hours. This provides a moderate-length adventure experience.
- Full 3D graphics style (weight 0.25): The game features a full 3D installment, contrasting with its 2D predecessor. The art style is compared to Borderlands and We Happy Few, giving it a distinctive cel-shaded look.
- Comparison to Broken Sword series (weight 0.22): The game is frequently compared to the Broken Sword series, often unfavorably to the earlier entries. It is developed by Revolution Software, known for the Broken Sword franchise.
- Original game free on Steam (weight 0.18): The original Beneath a Steel Sky is available for free on Steam, making it easy for new players to access the predecessor. This encourages playing the first game before the sequel.
- Sequel released 26 years later (weight 0.17): This late sequel was released 26 years after the original 1994 game, appealing to players who enjoyed the classic title decades ago.
- Nostalgic callbacks and references (weight 0.14): The game is full of callbacks and nostalgic details that reference the original, rewarding long-time fans. It also has a less dark and cynical cyberpunk atmosphere than its predecessor.
- Performance and optimization issues (weight 0.13): Some reviews note that the game is not optimized well and has performance issues. However, it ports well to Steam Deck, indicating acceptable performance on that platform.
- Localization includes German (weight 0.12): Full German voice acting and text localization are available, catering to German-speaking audiences. One minor translation error in Turkish localization was reported.
- Major improvement over predecessor (weight 0.11): The sequel is considered a major step up from the first game in the series, with improvements in gameplay and presentation.
- Limited number of locations and characters (weight 0.07): The game contains no more than 10 locations and no more than 10 characters, suggesting a compact and focused adventure experience.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.16): Players reported frustration due to unintuitive puzzles, clunky controls, and frequent bugs. The hacking mechanic was overused and felt like trial and error, while slow movement and unskippable cutscenes added to the tedium. Game-breaking bugs that reset progress or blocked progression were a major source of frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment stemmed from a rushed, cliched ending and a lackluster second half with sparse puzzles and heavy cutscenes. The game felt short and small compared to the original, with predictable story, boring puzzles, and performance issues. Many players felt the sequel failed to live up to the original's atmosphere and depth.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoyed the game for its engaging story, well-written dialogues, charming characters like Joey, and the innovative hacking mechanic. The cyberpunk atmosphere, beautiful art style, and great voice acting contributed to a memorable experience. Many found the puzzles fun and the game a worthy sequel.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Satisfaction came from clever puzzle design that felt fair and rewarding when solved, a compelling story with good pacing, and a faithful sequel that updated the original while preserving its spirit. Players appreciated the polished presentation, logical puzzles, and the sense of accomplishment from solving challenges without hints.
- Appreciation (weight 0.05): Players appreciated the thoughtful hint system that provided guidance without spoiling puzzles, the game's polished and bug-free performance, and the faithful recreation of the classic point-and-click interface. The sequel was praised for its care in preserving the original's comedic and dramatic spirit while modernizing the experience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Nostalgia was evoked by returning to Union City, reuniting with characters like Foster and Joey, and numerous references and callbacks to the original game. The game successfully tapped into fond memories of playing the original decades ago, creating a powerful sense of connection.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance arose from unskippable cutscenes and dialogues, especially during repeated playthroughs for achievements. The hacking mechanic was sometimes needlessly complicated, and the large, empty 3D world required excessive running between points. Character models snagging on the player and slow pacing were also common complaints.
- Admiration (weight 0.03): Admiration was expressed for the game as a rare, true sequel that respects its roots while modernizing, with masterful storytelling, stunning orchestral music, and a captivating dystopian universe. Players considered it a top-class adventure game and a gem for the genre.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement was generated by the creative and well-designed hacking system, the engaging and socially critical story, and the promising opening hours. Players found the game a unique twist on the point-and-click formula, keeping them hooked and eager for future releases from the developer.
- Love (weight 0.02): Players expressed love for the game's brilliant adventure design, engaging story, clever puzzles, and the return to Union City. The game rekindled a love for adventure games, with particular praise for its dialogue, humor, and constant atmosphere of paranoia.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement came from the hilarious and dry humor of robots, especially Joey's sarcasm and the poet robot's gestures. Players found many genuinely funny moments and enjoyed the self-mockery and witty writing throughout the game.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy was felt from the return of the beloved character Joe, the unique and enjoyable hacking and puzzle elements, and the game's appeal to both adults and children. Some players replayed parts of the game to achieve 100% completion, indicating a high level of enjoyment.
- Amazement (weight 0.01): Amazement was expressed at the game being a worthy continuation of the original after 26 years, with a story-focused gameplay and deep characters. Players were surprised that the sequel exceeded expectations as a modern take on classic point-and-click adventures.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement was driven by a gripping story, fleshed-out worldbuilding, and characters that gradually reveal depth and evoke emotions. Players felt committed to the game and immersed in the believable sci-fi setting and rich dialogues.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Boredom resulted from overly long and dull dialogues, repetitive dystopian themes, uninteresting hacking mechanics, and a predictable story. The first hour was described as dull, and the game fell flat after a promising start.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise came from the story developing in unexpected ways, with the game becoming more surprising towards the end. Some players were pleasantly surprised that the game was not as bad as expected, though the atmosphere was less dystopian than anticipated.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness was felt due to the story's emotional and sad parts, and because the game ended, leaving players wanting more content. Some players mourned the lack of more content despite great environmental design and atmosphere.
- Delight (weight 0.01): Delight was expressed for the game's wonderful adventure, great humor, engaging story, and good music. Players were delighted by the sequel exceeding expectations and being considered one of the best point-and-click titles in recent years, even better than the original.
- Anger (weight 0.01): Anger was directed at the poorly written late game and forced character development, the hated ending, and the requirement of two playthroughs for all achievements without skippable cutscenes. Paying full price for a game perceived as broken also caused anger.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Mixed feelings arose from an entertaining sequel with engaging story but flawed controls and an overused scanner mechanic. While the story and visuals were praised, the simplistic and linear gameplay, along with confusing achievement tracking, left some players ambivalent.}