SteamWorld Heist II Reviews
Sharp and compelling strategy that expands on the first game with a clever new progression system, but at over twice the length it's in danger of outstaying its welcome.
SteamWorld Heist 2’s charming nautical adventure refines the original’s clever turn-based combat with a flexible mix-and-match class system and handmade maps that are built around teamwork.
Steamworld Heist has finally gotten its hotly anticipated sequel, and so far, this brand-new turn-based adventure has not disappointment.
The core of SteamWorld Heist still burns brightly in this turn-based tactics sequel, but its bid to go bigger and better is a risk that hasn't quite paid off.
I love the world of SteamWorld. Heist 2 is as flavorful as ever, with great characters, funny writing, and a great soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe. The overworld exploration is charming too, with its own pirate ship progression system and simple naval combat. I really want to like SteamWorld Heist 2, but I can’t get past the more tedious aspects of the grind, or the long, punishing missions in the late game. It’s an improvement over the original to be sure, but I’ll have to wait patiently for SteamWorld Heist 3 to see if this series can finally reach its full potential.
Not the return to form that the SteamWorld franchise needed but still a fun and unusual strategy game, even if a lot of the newer features work against it.
"Though purely cosmetic, I often endangered my crew for an abandoned hat"
SteamWorld Heist 2 takes a cult hit and expands it massively, without sacrificing its charm or making its systems overwhelming.
Supremely satisfying side-scrolling strategy resurfaces in SteamWorld Heist 2 for a sea-faring sequel that refines and expands on the original.
SteamWorld Heist 2 is an interesting return to a style Thunderful hasn’t re-explored in years, and it’s a decently polished one at that. The multi-job character progress and new upgrades to sea travel make for an improved approach to new and varied challenges throughout the game. The upgrades aren’t watertight against the issues that poked holes in the first game such as inconvenient travel and grinding. That said, if you’re looking for a solid tactical strategy game, SteamWorld Heist 2 is a charming voyage that should provide plenty of good times to fans of the SteamWorld universe.
An adorable little strategy game that's deeper than it appears and has a wonderful soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe. Absolutely a gem.
Review in Italian | Read full review
SteamWorld Heist 2 gives you plenty of customisation for your party, filled with thrilling combat, excellent presentation, and much more.
Steamworld Heist II expands upon its predecessor's solid foundation, offering a more complex and ambitious experience that rewards patience and careful planning. While the increased difficulty and expanded mechanics may deter some players, those willing to invest time and tweak things to suit their preferences will find a deeply satisfying tactical adventure.
The endless energy of the SteamWorld series powers on with a tidy turn-based tactics game.
Just as one bad move in a battle can nearly cost players an entire mission, a few tactical missteps put a dent in Steamworld Heist 2’s armor. But those flaws don’t take away from another impressive feat from one of gaming’s most consistent studios. Steamworld Heist 2 goes above and beyond as a follow-up, adding new gameplay layers that deepen the core hook. That’s the kind of tactical juggling act that only a master strategist like Image & Form can handle.
While I can't say I would recommend this for every player, I think you should give this game a chance if you enjoy turn-based combat. This game showcases so many different and interesting aspects of its world, a combat system that I find to be one of the most engaging in a turn-based game that I have found in a while, and a gripping mystery that only has more layers added to it throughout the runtime. The colorful pirate robot style is enough to get someone interested, but the journey is enough to make anyone a fan of the series.
SteamWorld Heist II is a captivating blend of strategy and action that delivers a truly solid experience. The game's turn-based combat is a highlight, offering a satisfying mix of planning and execution, and the job system adds to character progression and customization. Mission rewards and necessary backtracking can detract from the overall enjoyment and pacing, but if you don't mind a bit of a grind, then SteamWorld Heist II is definitely worth checking out.
SteamWorld Heist 2 does everything the name implies. It has the copious amounts of charm and strong world-building found in the wider series, while building and improving on the excellent gameplay foundation introduced in the original SteamWorld Heist. This seafaring adventure isn't one you should miss if you're after some top-tier tactics, and the improvements over the original make the almost-10-year wait more than worth it.
SteamWorld Heist 2 immediately captivated me for its light-hearted tone and for the fact that it offers considerable tactical depth without being punishing in its approach. On the contrary, the developers seem to say "Come on, try this thing too, you have nothing to lose anyway!". The management of the difficulty level and the structures of the missions do the rest, while it is only a partial lack of variety of enemies that prevents Thunderful Development's game from achieving excellence.
Review in Italian | Read full review
SteamWorld Heist 2 is a must-play for fans of tactical strategy games. Its engaging combat, diverse missions, and charming presentation make it a standout title on the Xbox (where I played it) but will be great on any platform. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a newcomer, you’re in for a treat with this gem of a game.