Code Name S.T.E.A.M.
- March 13, 2015
- Intelligent Systems
This fresh take on tactics games adds a bit of steam, folklore, and shooter action to the turn-based combat. Plus, it’s hard to pass up the crazy premise of Abe Lincoln fighting aliens.
Launch S.T.E.A.M., an elite team of steam-powered special-forces soldiers, to save the world from an alien menace. In this new blend of action and strategy, your commandos use steam power stored in special backpacks to move into position and fire an arsenal of distinct weapons. Pick your team members and load out, then use strategy to decide the best way to approach this steampunk-inspired battlef…
Nintendo 3ds
Reviews
- Engaging combat with a unique blend of turn-based strategy and action elements.
- Charming visuals and a fun, quirky storyline featuring memorable characters.
- A wide array of missions and collectibles that provide longevity and replayability.
- Frustrating gameplay mechanics, including infinite enemy respawns and slow enemy turns.
- Lack of depth in strategy and limited character progression options.
- Poor design choices and an underdeveloped story that fail to fully utilize the game's potential.
- story9 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 11 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its unique and charming narrative, engaging characters, and entertaining missions, while others criticize it for being underdeveloped and poorly executed, leading to a forgettable experience. The art style and design choices also contribute to the overall perception, with some finding them appealing and others deeming them awful. Overall, the story's execution seems to be a significant factor in the game's reception, with potential overshadowed by design flaws.
“Code name: Steam comes from the team behind the Advance Wars and Fire Emblem series that offers both a unique story and gameplay mechanics to keep you playing for quite some time.”
“[unique and charming story, multiple objectives to complete, a varied cast of characters]”
“[cool comic book aesthetic, fun storyline, lots of weapons/party members to customize, versus mode can be pretty fun]”
“The story is a missed chance at offering something memorable.”
“Underdeveloped story and little character development.”
“The gameplay suffers from some poor design decisions.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Code Name: S.T.E.A.M." shows potential with its unique mechanics and a wealth of content, promising longevity for players. However, many reviewers feel that poor design choices and an unappealing art style detract significantly from the overall experience, leading to a frustrating execution that fails to capitalize on its initial promise.
“The premise and core gameplay show promise; loads of content and longevity.”
“Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. comes from the team behind the Advance Wars and Fire Emblem series, offering both a unique story and gameplay mechanics to keep you playing for quite some time.”
“Due to the wonderful mixture of impressive gameplay and beautifully creative artwork, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. stands out.”
“Completely squandered in its execution - the gameplay suffers from some poor design decisions, the story is a missed chance at offering something memorable, the art style is truly awful.”
“Bland and annoying gameplay mechanics keep this game from being something truly enjoyable.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game receive mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the bright, colorful visuals and charming art style, others criticize the execution as poor and the overall aesthetic as unappealing. Notably, the comic book aesthetic is highlighted positively, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere alongside varied mission designs and character customization options.
“Bright and colorful visuals, great voice acting from a star-studded cast, fun and well-presented story which twists history brilliantly, enjoyable characters.”
“Due to the wonderful mixture of impressive gameplay and beautifully creative artwork.”
“Cool comic book aesthetic, fun storyline, lots of weapons and party members to customize, versus mode can be pretty fun.”
“completely squandered in its execution - the gameplay suffers from some poor design decisions, the story is a missed chance at offering something memorable, the art style is truly awful”
- character development1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is largely criticized for being underwhelming, with an underdeveloped story and minimal progression systems that lead to safe and uninspired gameplay. Players find the characters forgettable, contributing to an overall lack of engagement with their development.
“Underdeveloped story and little character development.”
“Minimal progression systems encourage safe, boring play.”
“Combat controls are finicky and unpredictable.”
Critic Reviews
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. Review – A Steampunk Fantasy
Rife with mistakes that should be unacceptable, and squandering all of its potential, Codename STEAM is a game that you should avoid unless you are really desperately looking for a strategy game on your 3DS, and have already completed Shadow War and Fire Emblem Awakening.
45%Full Steam Ahead -- Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Review
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. blazes ahead with entertaining characters, a robust host of missions, and engaging combat. Just the right amount of difficulty will keep any strategy fan engaged, and collectibles and multiplayer will keep you in long after the credits roll. Nintendo’s IP is going at only one speed: full S.T.E.A.M. ahead.
80%Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. 3DS Review
A strategy game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but not terribly easy-going either.
56%
