Tag Archives: SteamWorld Heist

SteamWorld Heist (3DS, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Wii U, Xbox One & iOS)

SteamWorld Heist

Developer(s) – Image & Form Games

Publisher(s) – Image & Form Games

PEGI – 7

The third game to be released in Image & Form’s SteamWorld universe following SteamWorld Tower Defence and SteamWorld Dig, SteamWorld Heist takes the series in yet another bold new direction in terms of gameplay, concept, and story. Like the other two SteamWorld games before it, I found this game to be wonderfully varied. Excelling in conceptual design, and enjoyable to the last hour of gameplay. But due to the heightened longevity and replay value, this game has in comparison with SteamWorld Dig, It is most definitely the best game in the SteamWorld series to date.

Graphics – 9/10

Despite the fact that SteamWorld Heist still incorporates some elements from the first two games, that the franchise has been taken to outer space in this installment provides a new dimension in terms of visuals, so to speak. The steampunk influence found in the two previous games is much more prevalent. But at the same time, the overall conceptual design seems completely different in a way that works flawlessly.

Character design is wonderfully diverse. And whilst it’s easy to come to the conclusion that individual levels seem like carbon copies of each other, it still does wonderfully well to deviate away from the deep caves and American West settings of the first two games. The soundtrack is also fantastic to listen to. The majority of which is composed by the band Steam Powered Giraffe. And has since encouraged me to listen to more of their work, which I’ve found extremely enjoyable in itself.

Gameplay – 8/10

Providing a complete departure from any other gameplay formula found in the SteamWorld series, SteamWorld Heist is a 2D side-scrolling turn-based RPG that plays out unlike any other game made in any similar vein. It is insanely addictive. As well as having a great sense of satisfaction to experience whilst playing it in devising as many clever strategies as possible to suit every enemy in every given situation in combat. Over the last few years, I have found a lot of games that have incorporated both turn-based and real-time combat that I have been greatly let down by. But in this game, it works better than most others. If not, any other.

Controls – 10/10

Another problem that seems to crop up with many RPGs to incorporate both turn-based and real-time combat is that the controls tend to suffer drastically. But in this game, the controls are perfect. No unnecessary complications arise, and overcoming the challenge of aiming as accurately as possible with short-range weapons. And managing to land a hit adds even more of a sense of satisfaction while playing.

Lifespan – 6/10

Despite the fact that I was ultimately left wanting more in terms of longevity out of this title. I was pleasantly surprised to see how long it can truly be made to last. When I’d collected all 45 stars in the first area, I was left thinking I’d completed the game at that point. Only to find that there was another stage to follow it up. And more stages in addition. Overall, including the DLC package, the game can be made to last at least 20 hours. Which whilst much longer than many mainstream releases, falls short of the average lifespan of a turn-based RPG. It was still an improvement on the lifespan of SteamWorld Dig. And I can’t help but commend the developers for this.

Storyline – 7/10

A distant sequel to SteamWorld Dig, the cowbots are now living an existence of slavery and oppression following the destruction of the Earth. And civilization has become an eternal struggle for survival. The plot follows Captain Piper. He attempts to recruit a team of mercenaries for hire to embark on a space adventure throughout the universe. Whilst the main plot may sound simplistic in scope, the story is kept fresh throughout with the incorporation of character development in each of Piper’s mercenaries as the adventure goes on. And clever humor is thrown in for good measure.

Originality – 10/10

To put it simply, this game plays out not only like no other SteamWorld game before it. It incorporates a blend of turn-based and real-time combat that for once works flawlessly. And proves that indie developers can demonstrate as much initiative and excellence in gameplay innovation as any mainstream developer out there. I was extremely impressed with this title. And I’m very much looking forward to seeing what direction Image and Form take in the next installment within this wonderful gaming mythos.

Happii

In summation, SteamWorld Heist is a wonderfully addictive and satisfying gaming experience that I highly recommend. Despite the fact that I believe it could have been made to last much longer, what there is to do throughout is enjoyable to the very last hour. And certainly stands out to me as the best indie title of 2016 so far.

Score

50/60

8/10 (Very Good)