Steel Phantom

About

Steel Phantom is a single player action game. It received positive reviews from players.

Steel Phantom is a high-speed action first-person shooter featuring powerful combat mechs, where each mission challenges your reflexes and strategic thinking. Pick your battle approach: a heavily armored mech built to take a beating or a lightweight, agile robot that strikes fast and evades danger. Face five thrilling missions — from daytime raids to a tense night op. Use over five weapon types, …

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

83%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,118 reviews

story177 positive mentions

grinding34 negative mentions

Fast-paced and engaging combat that captures the thrill of piloting mechs.
Well-designed graphics and a vibrant art style that enhances the overall experience.
Great customization options for mechs, allowing players to tailor their loadouts and playstyles.

The story is poorly executed, with clichéd characters and confusing plot points.
AI behavior can be frustrating, leading to unbalanced encounters and repetitive gameplay.
Technical issues such as HUD clutter and performance drops during intense battles detract from the experience.

story
1,126 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
76%
8%
The story in this game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it to be a typical anime-inspired narrative that lacks depth and coherence. While some appreciate the fast-paced, mission-driven gameplay and the character interactions, others criticize the dialogue as awkward and the plot as convoluted, often feeling like a collection of clichés. Overall, the story serves as a backdrop to the gameplay rather than a compelling element, with many players suggesting that it could benefit from more focus and development.
- “The story has unexpected depth to it; I was thoroughly impressed by this seemingly indie title!”
- “The story was amazing too; not a lot of games like this can come up with a unique story like this, however, there was still something to crave after finishing the game.”
- “The story is well constructed and has a thought-provoking message to tell.”
- “The story is incoherent, the missions are pretty meh, and the graphics are nothing to write home about, but it stands true that flying mechas are really cool.”
- “A lot of the characters are typical and lack any real depth, the story isn't clear, and the final fight was underwhelming in my opinion.”
- “The story is kind of surface level, the tutorial throws a bunch of instructions at you so you don't have time to learn them, and when you get back to the hangar after the first mission there's a dog you can't even interact with.”
gameplay
330 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
55%
5%
The gameplay of the game is characterized by fast-paced, engaging combat that combines elements from various mech and shooter genres, offering a satisfying experience with a focus on customization and movement mechanics. While many players appreciate the arcade-like feel and the variety of weapons and missions, some criticize the repetitive nature of gameplay and the lack of depth in certain mechanics. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of mech combat, though it may require some adjustments and polish to enhance the overall experience.
- “The gameplay itself is quite fun, with a good amount of different weapon types and parts to customize your mech to your liking, along with some variation in missions and enemies.”
- “It's fast-paced and engaging; the combat mechanics are just chef's kiss.”
- “The gameplay loop is very fun and rarely gets boring; all the characters you can play as and unlock feel unique and different.”
- “Many story elements and gameplay decisions (dashing for example) feel like they are directly ripped from Eternal.”
- “The gameplay has its weaknesses, in that there is no 'addicting' gameplay loop.”
- “The game itself isn't that bad, but there is a lack of variety in enemy types, weapons, and gameplay features.”
music
183 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
43%
15%
The music in the game is widely praised, with many reviewers highlighting its energetic and engaging soundtrack that enhances the overall gameplay experience. While some players note occasional issues with music fading or lacking variety, the majority agree that the soundtrack is a standout feature, often described as "banging" and perfectly suited to the game's atmosphere and combat. Overall, the music significantly contributes to the game's appeal, making it a memorable aspect for players.
- “The soundtrack is a major highlight, perfectly enhancing both the intensity of combat and the overall mood of the game.”
- “Amazing soundtrack and gameplay, basically a Soviet-themed Bioshock.”
- “The music is fantastic and goes from ambient to some shredder metal, perfect for some mech-on-mech destruction!”
- “The sound effects/music in the game needs work, and often doesn't seem to fit what is happening on the screen.”
- “The music in the game isn't exactly 'bad' but it's always so... extra at all times.”
- “Buuut... in mission music is drab and the combat chat abominable.”
graphics
157 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
61%
3%
The graphics of the game have received a mixed reception, with many praising the beautiful art style, vibrant visuals, and solid optimization that allows for smooth performance even on lower settings. However, some users noted issues such as graphical glitches, a lack of advanced settings for customization, and a dated appearance compared to modern titles. Overall, while the visuals are generally appealing and fit the game's aesthetic, there are areas for improvement, particularly in terms of detail and consistency.
- “Amazing graphics, sound, music is great, the bosses are very tough, there are lots of farming opportunities to progress your stats, it starts off in a small prison-type area but soon opens up into a large world to explore.”
- “The art direction is outstanding, blending Soviet aesthetics with sci-fi horror in a way that feels unique and memorable.”
- “Visually, the game is stunning and can run near flawlessly on any computer with a good enough graphics card.”
- “The graphics are bare, blunt, and unappealing; it's not a style, it's just a lazy menu directly from an early iPhone game dev kit.”
- “Overall, the graphics themselves are extremely outdated for a 2021 title, but worse, very inconsistent in quality.”
- “Another reason that drove me to give up this game is that it has graphics that seem more like a 1990's game, which seriously puts me off.”
optimization
44 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
55%
11%
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its solid performance and smooth gameplay, while others report significant issues such as frequent stuttering, poor frame rates, and inconsistent performance even on high-end rigs. Many users express a desire for better graphical settings customization to improve performance, indicating that the game still requires substantial optimization work to meet player expectations. Overall, while some players enjoy the experience, optimization remains a notable concern for many.
- “Really cool graphics and it is very well optimized.”
- “The game focuses on your ability to use the tools it gives you and doesn't expect you to wait for the perfect seed that gives you what is best optimized for a winning run.”
- “The optimization is beyond what you expect nowadays; I played on the deck with almost no issues (a few crashes due to Proton, I guess).”
- “In the early days, the overall presentation of the game was very basic and minimal. The UI was just plain UE4 stuff, the gameplay was okay but lacking the visual flair of piloting a giant flying robot in the sky. The weapons lacked any impact, like a railgun that feels like you just shot an airsoft gun. The worst of all were the optimization issues, which even a GTX 1070 can't push a stable frame rate at the highest settings at 1080p.”
- “Great game but: poor interface, the menu sucks, the optimization isn't there yet, and the GUI (user interface) is trash from the 90s. It needs a proper redesign.”
- “First and foremost, the game has enough optimization issues to fill a novelette.”
grinding
34 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The reviews highlight that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, often leading to tedious gameplay as players must repeatedly farm for parts, weapons, and upgrades. While some enjoy the fast-paced combat and customization opportunities, many find the grinding necessary for progression to be excessive and detracting from the overall experience, especially with limited inventory space and a lack of engaging content. Overall, the grind can feel rewarding for those who appreciate it, but it may also lead to frustration for players seeking a more streamlined experience.
- “Trying to get all the other achievements, I would guess you might get at best to 10,000 kills, then it's hours, days of farming.”
- “Another massive problem is grinding to unlock parts to customize your mecha feels way too tedious to enjoy.”
- “Obtaining new armor parts can be very grindy; sometimes you can't get it in one run, at least two or three times to obtain 100% completion for certain parts.”
character development
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
18%
68%
Character development in the game is largely criticized for being superficial and lacking depth, with many reviewers noting that it falls into the worst tropes of anime character development. While the character designs and animations are praised, the narrative fails to provide meaningful growth or complexity for the characters, resulting in a story that feels rushed and underdeveloped. A few characters show some potential for interest, but overall, the development is seen as inadequate and unsatisfying.
- “Cinematics, facial animations, and character designs are top tier.”
- “I don't usually care for playing as male characters (especially in Japanese games, where they're often a bad combination of all the worst aspects of Amuro and Shinji, without the character development of either), but even though the guy in this game is basically Roy Fokker, it's still a good feature in my book.”
- “Maybe a little character development for cute little Mirai.”
- “The story reminds you of Gundam, but unlike Gundam, it isn't well told and there is nearly not enough time for character development.”
- “I could go into more details on it, but think of the worst parts of 'anime character development' and whatever you're thinking is probably pretty accurate.”
- “There's a handful of genuinely entertaining/interesting characters (there's a group of teenagers who are thrown inside regenerative capsules after every mission so they've never really known death, for instance), but every character and plot element is so surface-level that events and character development simply happen when the plot demands.”
replayability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
39%
44%
17%
Overall, the game offers substantial replayability through its engaging multiplayer modes, dynamic map generation, and mech customization options. While some players express a desire for additional features like grading systems and character variety in story missions, the core gameplay and regular updates contribute to a satisfying experience that encourages repeated play. Many reviewers highlight the game's balance of challenge and accessibility, making it enjoyable for both solo players and groups.
- “The campaign is satisfying and will teach you how to progress in the game, but the replayability comes with the multiplayer.”
- “Everything you want in a shooter (good music, great movement, fun weapons, variety, level design, etc.), plus super replayable, easy to pick up and put down, great difficulty settings, and plenty of unlocks.”
- “The combat is satisfying and unique, and the procedurally generated maps make the replayability so worthwhile.”
- “On the whole, I enjoyed the game, but it does suffer from difficulty spikes where it is almost impossible to avoid attacks. My big concern, though, is replay value; I just feel it could do with some kind of grading system where after completing levels you get ranked, and perhaps adding some secrets and unlockables would really help.”
- “I kinda wish you could choose different mechs/characters for every story mission (you are able to do this in a few of the Act 2 missions) to give some more replayability. There are a few other things I am hoping to see, but it is already a fun game that I would say is worth the $15, and when they add more content, it will be a great deal.”
- “Mw5: C really has no replayability for me.”
atmosphere
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
37%
19%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of engaging environments, dark undertones, and vibrant visuals, reminiscent of classic mecha shows. Players appreciate the immersive audio design, including a compelling soundtrack, which enhances the overall experience. While some feel the atmosphere reaches impressive heights, there are mixed opinions on the game's balance and progression mechanics.
- “Huge weaponry, amazing atmosphere, great music composed by Andrew Hulshult.”
- “It is clear that the developers have been trying to make an interesting world and are attempting to replicate the grandeur of what we see in some of the larger mecha shows from Japan: and in this case, it succeeds in creating the necessary grey moral atmosphere and creating a quirky universe with floating cities, dark undertones contrasted by bright visuals.”
- “Every environment is packed with creativity and atmosphere, making exploration genuinely engaging.”
- “Not even close to the soul and atmosphere that Armored Core 4 and For Answer have been able to capture.”
- “Satisfying gun-play, modernized fear-influenced mechanics, decent story, visceral voice-acting, and gritty, dark, unsettling atmospheres established in the various maps you'll play throughout the story.”
- “The atmosphere is very Ace Combat-esque: campy, melodramatic, but grounded in military technobabble in a seemingly plausible future.”
humor
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is a standout feature, blending absurdity with clever one-liners and comedic moments that keep players entertained, even amidst serious themes. Players appreciate the light-heartedness and the hilarious interactions, particularly during multiplayer sessions and campaign missions. However, some critique the inconsistency in the writing, noting that the humor often stems from the game's own absurdities and flaws.
- “It's always funny to kill something by swinging a signpost at them.”
- “Sad when it needs to be, funny and light-hearted otherwise, and with no shortage of badass Mad Max one-liners.”
- “I was constantly either laughing or annoyed at the goofy absurdity on display in-universe, and the incompetence on display from the writers/directors who allowed it to be released as is.”
stability
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with users reporting various bugs, including occasional freezes, graphical glitches, and issues with mission progression that can lead to softlocks. While some players find these bugs manageable or even amusing in a cooperative setting, others express frustration over the impact on gameplay, particularly with AI behavior and control customization. Overall, the game shows potential but suffers from stability issues that may detract from the experience for some players.
- “However, sadly the co-op is somewhat buggy; the hosting person sometimes has a bug that requires them to restart to play online again.”
- “There are graphical glitches in this game that absolutely ruin the ability to enjoy it.”
- “You might just end up being one of those unlucky few who get stuck on the 3rd mission when the game glitches out too much to continue.”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is described as underdeveloped, with a rushed approach to emotional moments that fail to build a strong narrative framework. Players express a deep attachment to the game, feeling heartbroken over its lack of popularity and the perceived greed in its monetization, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite gameplay frustrations, the satisfaction of teaching friends and witnessing their growth as players evokes a unique emotional connection reminiscent of classic tabletop experiences.
- “It really is heart breaking to see the game didn't get the popularity it deserved because this is one of those games I find myself coming back to every year.”
- “It's a bummer, because the whole game starts with your own father getting killed, but I guess that's no emotional burden for a mech pilot.”
- “Teaching my friends the tactical difference between an autocannon and an autocannon burst fire and then watching them take that knowledge and improve as pilots is satisfying in a way no other game has made me feel before, except for maybe literally Dungeons and Dragons.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy of the game has been criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players feeling that it prioritizes profit over quality content, such as the minimal presence of advertised puzzle rooms and excessive costs for in-game items like heirlooms. Overall, the sentiment reflects disappointment in the game's approach to monetization, suggesting it detracts from the overall experience.
- “It's sad, and just a cash grab for the industry.”
- “The whole game feels like an 'easy cash grab.' They already had a solid foundation with MechWarrior Online.”
- “Worst SBMM of any competitive shooter in the 21st century; also, selfish EA just makes heirlooms a huge cash grab for no reason.”