Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Reviews

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is ranked in the 34th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Drew Leachman
Top Critic
7.5 / 10.0
Mar 25, 2015

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a decent action strategy game. It has the makings of a great game in the same vein as Valkryria Chronicles, and while it is executed in a fairly clunky way, I still had a decent time with it.

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6 / 10.0
Mar 25, 2015

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. has an interesting premise and an initially appealing aesthetic. But then the gameplay comes along and teams up with a crushing difficulty to deflate what should have been a great piece of hokey Americana.

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Unscored
Mar 11, 2015

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a wonderful game littered with an ever-present source of boredom.

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May 10, 2015

If you're going to attempt to make a mark on a genre that already boasts an exacting pedigree you must - one, introduce new ideas, and two, execute the established rules better than your peers. Code Name S.T.E.A.M does neither and, as a result, fails to secure itself a place in its turn-based landscape.

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6 / 10
May 1, 2015

This is a game that makes strategic thinking very difficult and the shallow plot and undeveloped character progression further downgrade its RPG credentials. On the other hand, it does have an attractive action component, rich and enticing visual and sound environments and a well-implemented steam-as-fuel mechanic.

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Loved
Mar 11, 2015
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. - Video Review (3DS) video thumbnail
6.5 / 10.0
Mar 13, 2015

The game doesn't always flow perfectly, but Codename S.T.E.A.M is certainly a fun little strategy title.

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8 / 10
Mar 11, 2015

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a fun, quirky new release from Nintendo. While there are a few flaws in the game design, we think that there's enough good here to justify a purchase from any Nintendo fan looking for something different. We'd love to see more of this compelling and riotous new world from Intelligent Systems; it's a great way to learn about classic literature...sort of.

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4 / 5.0
Mar 13, 2015

That being said, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a solid entry overall in a genre that I certainly would like to see more new games for. It's always nice to see companies taking a chance on a new intellectual property and the nod to Valkyria-style gameplay is much appreciated as well. If you love strategy games and have a need to scratch that Valkyria itch, you'll want to try out Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.

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Mar 11, 2015

Like the stories from which the characters are borrowed, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. truly is the video game equivalent of a page-turner, and I dare anyone not to be sucked in by its charisma. It may start off slowly, but before you can bellow "STAR SPANGLED SLAMMER!" you'll be telling yourself "just one more level."

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5 / 10.0
Mar 14, 2015

However, poor design decisions that impact the game's main combat mechanics may make for a much longer trip than anyone could anticipate. Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. has the visuals and concept to go the distance, but unfortunately through some of the game's more ill-advised ideas and concepts, it runs out of steam pretty quickly.

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Apr 20, 2015

Unless a player's favorite part of chess is waiting for their opponent to take their turn, S.T.E.A.M. might just end up wrinkling their brain.

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6.5 / 10.0
May 1, 2015

Difficulty spikes, lingering wait times and a weak story filled with flat characters prevents Code Name S.T.E.A.M. from realizing its potential. While still fun and rewarding at times, it just doesn't capture the imagination or hold my attention for long.

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Mar 11, 2015

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is Nintendo's first true new IP in a long time. Thankfully the experiment worked, proving the old studio still has some magic up its sleeve. It's not perfect, but a sequel could definitely smooth out its rough edges. Here's hoping this won't be the last time players will see Abraham Lincoln and his diverse agents of S.T.E.A.M.

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7.5 / 10.0
Mar 11, 2015

Overall, Code Name Steam is an excellent attempt at a new franchise. The premise of the title itself is promising and unique, while the story and characters, no matter how ridiculous and convoluted, can easily be built upon. Code Name Steam is no Fire Emblem; it lacks the character development, RPG elements, and difficulty variation. Code Name Steam is a good game though, one which can be nurtured into a masterpiece when its sequel is inevitably released.

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EGM
Top Critic
7 / 10.0
Mar 13, 2015

Like all Intelligent Systems games, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is absolutely worth it for strategy fans—but this one's got a few more warts than usual.

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Will Greenwald
Top Critic
Mar 23, 2015

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a fun, cartoony steampunk strategy game for players intimidated by the depth of Fire Emblem.

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7.5 / 10.0
Mar 11, 2015

Despite the off-putting steampunk aesthetic, the weird roster of fictional and non-fictional characters, and the relative shallowness of the strategic elements, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. doesn't grow tiresome.

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2.8 / 5.0
Jun 8, 2015

I feel like Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is what happens when you put Fire Emblem and Worms into a blender along with a comic book- so if either of those games tickles your fancy it'll be worth giving the game a try. The turn-based system and third person shooting complement each other, and while it doesn't feel natural at first, maybe in the future you'll find that traditional strategy games just don't quite cut it for you after playing Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. This game is definitely suited to players who play strategy games regularly, and I can't imagine opinions about it being unanimous. It's not a game that I'd usually play, but I don't hate it. It's a solid game, and if you're already interested I it the odds are that you'll enjoy it. If you're unsure about the game, stay away from it.

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4 / 5.0
Mar 22, 2015

Bursting with unpredictability and tactical depth, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a solid debut for Intelligent Systems' latest spin on turn-based strategy.

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