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Beyond a Steel Sky similar games & best alternatives

Beyond a Steel Sky

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, iOS, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Linux • 2020

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Quick resume

From multi-award winning Revolution comes ‘Beyond a Steel Sky’, a groundbreaking 3D adventure thriller, set in an AI-driven future. Subvert the world, hack the systems and solve dark conspiracies to uncover the devastating truth.

Global score

88/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Puzzle

Similar games

    Pros

    • Engaging story and characters
    • Logical and enjoyable puzzles
    • Stylized comic book art style
    • Immersive dystopian setting
    • Good voice acting and soundtrack

    Cons

    • Some technical bugs and glitches
    • Limited exploration and linear progression
    • Puzzles can be too easy or repetitive
    • Short game length
    • Occasional clunky controls and camera issues

    Analysis

    Broadly representative of its motivational profile, with a few distinct shifts. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Survival, Violence, Fellowship, Expression. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Thrill. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Value.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      3

      "Players have freedom to explore Union City and choose dialogue options, but the story is mostly linear with guided progression."

    • Competence
      3

      "Puzzles are logical and moderately challenging, with a hint system to assist players, encouraging problem solving."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focus is on individual story experience and puzzle solving without competitive elements or leaderboards."

    • Continuation
      2

      "Players report engaging story and world that encourages extended play sessions, though game length is moderate (~10-14 hours)."

    • Cooperation
      -5

      "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

    • Creativity
      2

      "Players can experiment with hacking mechanics and dialogue choices, but overall gameplay follows structured puzzles and story."

    • Domination
      -5

      "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are balanced and respectful."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Immersive dystopian cyberpunk setting provides strong escapism and distraction from real life."

    • Expectation
      -3

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and nostalgia, with no external pressure or obligation."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Hacking puzzles and dialogue options encourage players to try different approaches and experiment within the game."

    • Exploration
      2

      "Players explore various parts of Union City and interact with many characters, though exploration is somewhat guided."

    • Expression
      -2

      "Limited character customization; expression mainly through dialogue choices rather than avatar personalization."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Futuristic dystopian cyberpunk world with AI overlords and speculative technology provides imaginative fiction."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction beyond NPC conversations."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop problem-solving skills and learn game mechanics, especially hacking puzzles."

    • Health
      -4

      "Sedentary gameplay typical of adventure games with no physical activity elements."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention on puzzles and story; not designed for casual or background play."

    • Intimacy
      -3

      "Social interactions are limited to scripted NPC dialogue without deep emotional relationships."

    • Leadership
      -5

      "No leadership or group management roles; player acts independently."

    • Progression
      3

      "Players progress through story chapters, unlock new areas, and gain new tools like the hacking device."

    • Relaxation
      3

      "Generally balanced challenge with moments of flow and humor, though some puzzles can cause frustration."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Stylized comic book visuals and atmospheric soundtrack provide moderate sensory stimulation."

    • Status
      -5

      "No social status or recognition systems; achievements are personal and not socially emphasized."

    • Story
      5

      "Strong narrative focus with engaging plot, character development, and thematic depth."

    • Strategy
      2

      "Puzzles require logical thinking and planning, but gameplay is mostly straightforward and guided."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Some suspenseful moments and mystery, but overall low risk and controlled emotional experience."

    • Value
      1

      "Generally positive reception for story and gameplay, though some players note short length and bugs affecting value."

    • Violence
      -4

      "No combat or destruction; gameplay focuses on problem solving and interaction."

    • Survival
      -3

      "No survival mechanics or threats; stable environment focused on exploration and puzzles."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026