#Beneath a steel sky inventory software#
#Beneath a steel sky inventory torrent#

The bleak industrialism of the manufacturing level is characterised by dull, muted colours, whereas ground-level is presented as a colourful, luxurious paradise. In Foster’s attempts to escape, he makes his way down through several levels of the city tower block, each of which has a distinctive visual flavour. Because there is no SCUMM-style verb box to obscure the bottom third of the monitor, the detailed backgrounds can really be appreciated. The inventory is accessible via a drop-down panel at the top of the screen. A simple left-click allows you to examine items, while right-clicking allows for interaction with objects.

Once you’ve adjusted the volume-control, you’ll likely find BASS a highly immersive experience, due partially to the unobtrusive interface. In comparison, aside from the stirring signature theme, the soundtrack is far less inspiring, consisting of upbeat, looped themes which jar against the dark tone of the game. The high quality vocal performances really enhance the character portraits and make a refreshing change from the insipid, monotone voices often given to minor characters. Quite where Rob picked up his American accent is a mystery, however, when the majority of characters speak in a diverse range of regional British accents. The dialogues are witty and well-paced, and brought to life by a good standard of voiceover work. The other inhabitants of the gaming world are also drawn with characteristic flair and occasional comic touches, especially the hypocrite industrialist Gilbert Lamb, (whose coat is made from the last ten beavers in the world!) and the rebel D-LINC, Anita, who wants to bring down the system.

#Beneath a steel sky inventory torrent#

Foster’s robotic sidekick, Joey, is particularly adept at lightening the tone, inflicting a torrent of dry, sarcastic barbs upon his creator.

#Beneath a steel sky inventory software#

Revolution Software succeeds in maintaining a delicate balance between this dark subject matter and the brand of humour for which it is famed. As Robert penetrates further into this murky world of technological takeover and conspiracy, the story becomes more and more compelling, punctuated by unexpected plot twists and macabre discoveries. Rebels are punished with death or downgrading to D-LINC status, where all their civil liberties are withdrawn. Like Big Brother, LINC is always watching and is endowed with unimaginable power. The city is dominated by LINC, the computer mainframe which controls every aspect of people’s lives. Instead the gamer is confronted by a blend of bleak Orwellian nightmare and cyberpunk. Initially hoping only to escape, Foster soon seeks to uncover the corruption that lies at the city’s very core.īASS’s cult popularity stems from its original plot, which is worlds away from the traditional fairy tale staples on which Revolution’s first game, Lure of the Temptress, was based. As their helicopter approaches the city, the flight is mysteriously sabotaged, allowing Robert to flee his captors. But in a gripping comic book-style introduction, featuring the work of Dave Gibbons (the artist behind Watchmen), armed security officers arrive to take Robert back. Stranded in the Gap as a boy, Robert has gradually adjusted to his life in the wilderness. In this third-person adventure, the gamer assumes the role of Robert Foster. Set in a futuristic environment, BASS pushes our fears to their most chilling logical conclusion - a totalitarian society in which humans have become slaves to progress.īeneath a Steel Sky is set in an age of technology, where populations are packed into huge industrial cities, and only outcasts live beyond the metropolis, in a bleak wasteland known as the Gap (not The Gap you understand, as there isn’t a shred of denim in sight). The world has become increasingly dependent upon computer technology, but what if this dependency is abused? This is the premise at the heart of Revolution’s 1994 release, Beneath a Steel Sky. Decades later, researchers have proved that our reliance on credit and store loyalty cards, mobile phones and computers could allow our day-to-day lives to be monitored in minute detail.

In 1948, George Orwell wrote his dystopian masterpiece, 1984, about a society whose citizens were under the constant surveillance of the Thought Police.