Beneath a Steel Sky is set in a dystopian future where giant cities are owned by corporations, with the gap separating them being home to an indigenous tribe. When Robert Foster's tribe is killed and he is captured by Union City soldiers, his life takes a drastic turn. After a helicopter crash that brings him back to life, Robert teams up with his droid Joey to explore the decaying city in search of escape. Along the way, they encounter both the wealthy elite and the poor, who are equally frustrated, as they try to uncover the truth behind LINC, the mysterious computer controlling the city.
Gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and character interaction. Players use traditional point-and-click controls to navigate the world, making choices that affect the story and its outcome. The game's Virtual Theatre engine allows for dynamic movement of characters and objects, creating a more immersive experience. With an emphasis on storytelling and player choice, Beneath a Steel Sky is a classic action-adventure game that still holds up today.
The iPhone version offers additional features such as a touch-based interface, new animated sequences by Dave Gibbons, a context-sensitive hint system, and a remastered audio track. These enhancements enhance the overall gaming experience while remaining faithful to the original.