Highly anticipated cyberpunk sequel Beyond a Steel Sky debuts on Apple Arcade

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“Beyond a Steel Sky” looks like a comic book come to life.
People have been waiting for Beyond a Steel Sky since 1994.
Photo: Revolution Software

Beyond a Steel Sky, the long-awaited sequel to 1990s cyberpunk classic Beneath a Steel Sky, launches Friday on Apple Arcade on. Revolution Software promises the game offers “a dramatic, humorous, cyberpunk thriller in which engaging puzzles drive a fast-paced and dynamic narrative.”

It’s been a long wait for Beyond a Steel Sky

The story takes up long after its predecessor, Beneath a Steel Sky, left off. That’s possibly a nod to the fact that fans had to wait 26 years for a sequel.

The Beyond a Steel Sky story begins with the return of Robert Foster to Union City. Revolution Software describes the game this way: “A child has been abducted in a brutal attack. You have vowed to bring him home. But the trail has led you to Union City. Fortified and impenetrable, it is a utopia in which people live happily under the surveillance and control of a benign AI. But all is far from what it seems…”

Not surprisingly, the graphics in the latest version have been vastly updated, given that that original came out in 1994. Revolution Software created a launch trailer to show off the new look.

The design comes from art director Dave Gibbons, the legendary comic book artist behind Watchmen. Charles Cecil, creator of the Broken Sword adventure game series, loaned his talents to this edition, too.

Coming Friday to Apple Arcade

Beyond a Steel Sky is set to debut Friday on Apple Arcade. This subscription gaming service comes with more than 100 games costs $4.99 a month. There are no other costs, as Apple bans in-app purchases, ads and loot boxes.

Those who want a blast from the past, or just want to know the background, can play Beneath a Steel Sky on the iPhone or iPad now. It’s on the App Store for $2.99.

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