Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Reviews
This unorthodox take on squad-based strategy can be muddled and mulish, but it’s also thrillingly distinctive.
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.
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.
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.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a wonderful game littered with an ever-present source of boredom.
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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The game doesn't always flow perfectly, but Codename S.T.E.A.M is certainly a fun little strategy title.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a fun, cartoony steampunk strategy game for players intimidated by the depth of Fire Emblem.
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. blazes ahead with entertaining characters, a robust host of missions, and engaging combat. Just the right amount of difficulty will keep any strategy fan engaged, and collectibles and multiplayer will keep you in long after the credits roll. Nintendo's IP is going at only one speed: full S.T.E.A.M. ahead.
By no means a bad game in the end, Codename S.T.E.A.M has good design choices hampered by lots of tedium and frustration.
I found myself irritated almost as much as I was enthralled.
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.
Rife with mistakes that should be unacceptable, and squandering all of its potential, Codename STEAM is a game that you should avoid unless you are really desperately looking for a strategy game on your 3DS, and have already completed Shadow War and Fire Emblem Awakening.