Steam and Metal
- February 9, 2015
- Maltakreuz
- 3h median play time
Get on SteamIn "Steam and Metal," play as a brave daughter seeking revenge in a steam-driven aircraft for her father's death and the theft of his blueprints. This scrolling shooter, set in a steampunk world, features handcrafted pixel levels, hordes of steam enemies, and formidable bosses. Your solution to overwhelming enemy numbers? Shoot 'em all up!
Reviews
- The game features a charming steampunk theme and offers a fair challenge for beginners to mid-level players.
- The dialogue between characters is clever and funny, adding a lighthearted touch to the gameplay.
- The game is enjoyable for casual players, providing a fun experience at a low price, especially during sales.
- Controls are often described as laggy and unresponsive, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- The graphics and overall presentation are considered subpar, with many players feeling it lacks polish and modern appeal.
- The game is criticized for its short length and lack of depth, making it less appealing for experienced players seeking a more challenging experience.
- graphics14 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the cartoony style and pleasing visuals, while others criticize the use of outdated pixel art and lack of resolution options. Many users note that the graphics are adequate but not impressive, often blending into the background and lacking depth. Overall, the aesthetic is described as simplistic, reminiscent of early indie games, which may appeal to some but detracts from the experience for others.
“The graphics are nice and cartoony and it seems like it would be a lot of fun to play to the end.”
“Graphics get the job done nicely; there's even a stylishly illustrated intro and ending sequence.”
“Bullet-hell shmup with beginner - advanced difficulty, a short storyline, good music and nice visuals.”
“A choice was made to use obsolete, decades-old retro pixel art as a substitute for contemporary PC graphics.”
“There's no option to change the resolution and no useful graphics tweaks.”
“Graphics are a bit meh, though - at least the backgrounds :( looks a bit like a game maker game from the mid-2000s.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its lack of originality, being compared unfavorably to Raiden with worse graphics and handling. While some find it fluid and fun, many reviewers note that it feels shallow, with uninspiring power-ups and frustrating mechanics, such as a cumbersome missile charging system. Overall, the game is described as having a simplistic, "my first game" aesthetic that may appeal to some but lacks depth and innovation.
“I would say the gameplay is fun enough and the dialogue funny enough that you will.”
“Gameplay is fluid and fun.”
“This game has a 'my first game' aesthetic and feel from the presentation to the graphics to the sounds to the gameplay.”
“There is also a garbage mechanic of needing to hold down a button to charge to fire a missile on eventual release when done charging, where the timer for it to be ready is in a spot on the screen you cannot afford to glance at most of the time.”
“Gameplay itself is your usual Raiden ripoff, only with worse graphics, handling, and shallower gameplay (not that anyone would really describe Raiden as deep).”
“This game has a 'my first game' aesthetic and feel, from the presentation to the graphics to the sounds to the gameplay.”
- story6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its engaging and lighthearted approach, offering a refreshing narrative experience in the bullet-hell genre. Players appreciate the balance between serious themes and humor, highlighting the moral of perseverance and the unpredictability of life. While the storyline is relatively short, it is complemented by appealing visuals and music, making it a worthwhile experience, especially when purchased on sale.
“The moral of the story is that you never know what life has in store for you. If I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“The story was good; I liked how it didn't take itself too seriously, especially with the dialogue.”
“One of the calmer bullet hells out there, but for what it lacks in insanity, it makes up for in story, which is refreshing for the genre.”
“I recommend this game for its art and story, but as always, get it on sale.”
- humor3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highly praised, particularly for its clever and hilarious character dialogue, especially at the end of stages. Reviewers commend the writer's command of language, noting the dialogue's outrageous and histrionic quality, which enhances the overall enjoyment of the gameplay.
“Personally, I loved it, especially the dialogue between the characters at the end of the stages that was both clever and funny.”
“The dialogue is outrageously histrionic and hilarious—whoever wrote this has a great command of the English language and 19th century humor.”
“I would say the gameplay is fun enough and the dialogue funny enough that you will enjoy it.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its relaxing quality, contributing positively to the overall experience. Reviewers note that it complements the gameplay well, enhancing both the visuals and the storyline.
“Bullet-hell shmup with beginner to advanced difficulty, a short storyline, good music, and nice visuals.”
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“Ditto for the music.”
