Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Reviews
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."
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. presents a lot of interesting ideas, but never pulls them together to form a cohesive and fun experience. There's certainly a lot here to enjoy, but to get to it you'll have to suffer a little boredom.
'Code Name S.T.E.A.M.'s' biggest strength, its 3D perspective, also leads to its biggest weakness, resulting in gameplay that feels less like a battle and more like an interactive loading screen.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a wonderful game littered with an ever-present source of boredom.
As a fan of all that is steampunk, and as a fan of the Emancipation Proclamation (because who doesn't enjoy the abolishment of slavery, outside of a certain University of Oklahoma fraternity), I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Code Name S.T.E.A.M. since it was announced by Nintendo. Developed by Intelligent Systems, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a turn-based, third-person strategy game that has you play as some old school American heroes, as well as some famous fictional characters in a steam punk world where President Abe Lincoln never had a mishap at the theatre.
There are some things that drive me crazy about Code Name S.T.E.A.M's mission design, and I really think the difficulty balance could have used another pass, but these issues are balanced by the excellent mechanics. Intelligent Systems know their way around the strategy genre, and it shows in Code Name S.T.E.A.M's deep roster and intricate level design. It's more frustrating than it should be in the early going, but stick with it. Silly as it might be, Code Name S.T.E.A.M is ultimately worth it.
This fresh take on tactics games adds a bit of steam, folklore, and shooter action to the turn-based combat. Plus, it's hard to pass up the crazy premise of Abe Lincoln fighting aliens.
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.
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.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. fails to live up to its potential, offering a clunky and frustrating tactical experience.
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.
Meanwhile, the gameplay is a heady, engrossing experience. But it's also one that is frequently undermined by the tedious and protracted nature of enemy turns. Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a decent, respectable game with some truly euphoric highs amid equitably frustrating lows.
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.