Steel Storm: Burning Retribution
- May 11, 2011
- Kot in Action Creative Artel
Get on SteamSteel Storm: Burning Retribution is a top down action shooter with old school spirit. It marks the return of top-down shooters with new twists. The game has score oriented competitive gameplay, and is designed for people who like fast paced action, hordes of smart enemies, destructible worlds and ground shaking explosions. The events take place in an alternative universe where you control an advan…
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Reviews
- Fast, dynamic, and fun gameplay reminiscent of classic twin-stick shooters.
- Good graphics and sound, with a variety of weapon upgrades that enhance gameplay.
- Offers a nostalgic experience for fans of old-school arcade shooters, with engaging mechanics and a decent challenge.
- Enemies often spawn right behind the player, making it frustrating and difficult to manage combat.
- The game can feel repetitive and lacks depth in terms of content and enemy variety.
- Some players experience technical issues, including poor frame rates and confusing controls.
- gameplay20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as simple and enjoyable, reminiscent of old-school styles, with a manageable learning curve and a satisfying difficulty progression. However, it suffers from significant issues, including a poorly designed camera that can induce nausea and frame rate problems that detract from the experience. While some players appreciate the nostalgic elements and value for money, technical flaws hinder overall enjoyment.
“The gameplay's simple, but fun.”
“A nice little throwback from the old school style of gameplay; there isn't that much actual game content, but it doesn't cost much either; bang for buck, this game is not a ripoff.”
“The gameplay is fun, and the difficulty ramps up nicely.”
“The camera is so poorly designed that it is the only game I have ever played that made me feel sick; my friend and I couldn't even last 20 minutes of gameplay time without feeling nauseous.”
“However, the gameplay is ruined by the poor frame rate.”
“I'm not sure if this is exclusive to NVIDIA users, but I had to enter 'sv_gameplayfix_nudgeoutofsolid 1' in the console to fix some major slowdown on a few levels, such as the second tutorial level.”
- story14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered weak and simplistic, with many reviewers noting it lacks depth and engagement typical of more narrative-driven titles. While there is a storyline present, it is often described as boring and transparent, serving primarily as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a focal point. However, the game's low price and the creative mission-building tools available are seen as redeeming qualities.
“This approach also opens the door towards having multiple missions taking place on the same map to fully utilize its potential.”
“Sandstorm is a wonderful idea: it allows you to place enemies, objects, triggers, etc. in a separate file and test your mission instantly without waiting for a lengthy lightmap compilation.”
“There is a story, but it's a shooter, so don't expect to be gripped.”
“There is a story, but it's a shooter so don't expect to be gripped.”
“Boring... kinda storyless... simple though... it was cheap though... you have to really love top down I guess...”
“The story line is rather lame and transparent but the game itself is well worth the $1.24 I paid for it on sale.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as average, with some players noting a lack of visual appeal and eye candy that may deter potential players. However, others appreciate the aesthetics and smooth controls, especially considering the game's age, highlighting that the visuals and weapon upgrades are enjoyable. Overall, opinions on the graphics are mixed, with some praising them as good while others find them lacking.
“Great aesthetics, fun for such an old game.”
“The visuals are nice and the controls are smooth.”
“Graphics are good, weapon upgrades are cool, and gameplay is straightforward and easy to learn.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered less than interesting, though it complements the visual and sound effects well. Ultimately, it is subjective, and players have the option to turn it off and use their own music if desired.
“The visual effects and sound effects suit the game perfectly, as does the music for the most part.”
“As with anything, however, music is down to personal taste, and you can always turn it off and play your own if your hardware can handle it.”
“As with anything, music is down to personal taste, and you can always turn it off and play your own if your hardware can handle it.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is criticized, as it struggles with handling higher graphics settings, particularly above OpenGL 2, despite some users reporting smooth performance at 1440p/60fps on ultra settings without stuttering.
“I can run this on 1440p/60fps ultra with no stuttering whatsoever!”
“Apparently this is because the game is not optimized, like it can't handle anything above OpenGL 2.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is noted to be amusing, though some players find it ironic or hypocritical, particularly in light of the game's stability issues. Overall, while the humor is appreciated, it is overshadowed by frustrations with the game's performance.
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's poorly designed camera has led to significant discomfort for players, with some reporting feelings of nausea that prevent them from enjoying the experience for more than 20 minutes. This aspect detracts from the emotional engagement, overshadowing any potential narrative or thematic depth.
