Announced earlier this year from Revolution Software Ltd, they're working on a follow up to the absolute classic Beneath a Steel Sky called Beyond a Steel Sky.
We didn't report on this initially, as Linux was nowhere to be seen in any announcements. However, their Steam page recently went live last week and in the system requirements we can clearly see a "SteamOS + Linux" section. Not only that, it's properly filled out too requiring "16.04.3 LTS + SteamOS (latest)" so it's certainly seeming like no accident.
If you're not familiar with Revolution Software they actually are the original developer of Beneath a Steel Sky, Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars, Broken Sword II: The Smoking Mirror and more. Anyway, take a look at the trailer for Beyond a Steel Sky:
Direct Link
More about it:
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’.
‘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.
We've reached out to Revolution Software just to see if we can get it properly confirmed, as their official site only says for "PC" which is usually used to mean Windows. If they do reply, we will update the article to let you know. Since their more recent titles have had Linux support, it wouldn't be too big a surprise but still a very welcome one as it looks great.
Check out Beyond a Steel Sky on Steam.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
rustybroomhandle 9 Sep 2019
Should I (liking point and click adventures in general) play "Beneath a Steel Sky"?
Well, it's free. :) I hated the voice acting, but the game is great. The first time I played was the Amiga version which had no voice acting. Then later tried it voiced and just noped out of there fast.
Last edited by rustybroomhandle on 9 Sep 2019 at 12:00 pm UTC
slaapliedje 9 Sep 2019
I put up with the voice acting because it was a novelty, although it definitely didn't fit with what I heard in my head the first time around. But yes, if it hadn't been released for free it would probably be considered a sort of forgotten gem at best, rather than an out-and-out classic. It's definitely worth playing, though.Should I (liking point and click adventures in general) play "Beneath a Steel Sky"?
Well, it's free. :) I hated the voice acting, but the game is great. The first time I played was the Amiga version which had no voice acting. Then later tried it voiced and just noped out of there fast.
The original box is an item of rare beauty, unusually understated for that kind of thing. Looking forward to the sequel. It's been a while. :)
qptain Nemo 9 Sep 2019
Agree completely, when I finally checked out the voiced version I was like "you've got to be kidding me".Should I (liking point and click adventures in general) play "Beneath a Steel Sky"?
Well, it's free. :) I hated the voice acting, but the game is great. The first time I played was the Amiga version which had no voice acting. Then later tried it voiced and just noped out of there fast.
I hated the voice acting .... tried it voiced and just noped out of there fast.
Wow, I can't believe how many here have expressed dislike for that. Personally I love it. I originally played it without voice, but replayed it with voice a decade or so later and loved it, I thought it really elevated the game to a new height. Especially the acerbic and sarcastic joey, who had zero fucks to give =)
And if you didn't know, you can do this (on Debian at least) ;)
sudo apt install beneath-a-steel-skyLast edited by Shmerl on 10 Sep 2019 at 2:05 am UTC
Though personally, I would have preferred a 2D sequel, using modern developments in technology. Dex is a good example how it can be done.
Last edited by Shmerl on 10 Sep 2019 at 2:01 am UTC
What is the name of this style by the way (one in the trailer)? I.e. 3D, but with comic / drawing feel to it. Telltale like using it I think. Makes it easier to skip fancy graphics effects and focus on the story more.
I believe it's called cel shading: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cel_shading
That term was tossed around a lot while I was active in their community in the early days.
I'm also very excited to see the sequel come to Linux, since I've played the original game a bunch of times, since I first played it on the Amiga, and I love the atmosphere of the game. I'm almost certain that I played the GOG version, but I don't remember any voice acting. It must not have made a big impression.
I believe it's called cel shading: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cel_shading
That term was tossed around a lot while I was active in their community in the early days.
Yep, that's the one, thanks for the pointer! I haven't played games like these before, but I've seen a bunch in the trailers, from Telltale especially. Though for the sequel to Beneath A Steel Sky, 2D probably would have been better. But may be it will come out good. I'll wait for DRM-free release.
Last edited by Shmerl on 10 Sep 2019 at 5:41 am UTC
You see, the Windows recommended hardware configuration is the minimum required to run on Linux.
Even the ram requirement is doubled (!)
Last edited by kokoko3k on 10 Sep 2019 at 7:47 am UTC
slaapliedje 11 Sep 2019
Interesting. I'd recommend playing the original if you are a fan of cyberpunk genre. I hope they plan GOG release too. Check also the comic that comes with the game (GOG release has it).Of note, you can also do
And if you didn't know, you can do this (on Debian at least) ;)
sudo apt install beneath-a-steel-sky
sudo apt install drascula flight-of-the-amazon-queen lure-of-the-temptressFor more scummvm / adventure game goodness in Debian.
Patreon
PayPal
How to install GE-Proton on Steam Deck, SteamOS, Linux
An idiots guide to setting up Minecraft on Steam Deck / SteamOS with controller support
See more from me