Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Reviews
Put together, it is hugely successful, not only offering an accessible strategy adventure with charismatic heroes and a fistful of innovations but one that in doing so refreshes the somewhat tired turn-based genre.
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. felt uneven to me. There's a lot of promise here, and the jovial experience was inviting. I loved the multiplayer far more than I expected to and look forward to many more hours playing it. The problem is a campaign that feels like it takes far too long for things to really happen, especially when all aliens move in real time and you have to clear multiple maps before you get a real stopping point. I like the lore and world enough to hope that this isn't the end for this series, and that instead Intelligent Systems will be given an opportunity to build on this foundation.
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.
I had a blast besting stages, but the game loses momentum with lengthy enemy turns
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.
For the strategy gamer, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a must-grab. But even for those who may not be too familiar or comfortable with strategy games or the genre as a whole, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. still merits a healthy look. The title eases the player into the ideas that relate to both the game itself and the genre as a whole, and highlights necessary details through pointed, yet laughably-bad dialogue. Players will enjoy Code Name: S.T.E.A.M., and I personally guarantee this, or my name isn't ol' "Honest Abe" Lincoln. (Guarantee subject to availability, and void where prohibited, and also, I'm not Abe Lincoln, so that kind of nullifies that guarantee anyway. See what you learn in the fine print?)
The premise behind Code Name: STEAM is so ridiculous that I couldn't help but enjoy myself the more I played it. It doesn't go very far beyond a "there are aliens at this location, get rid of them" type of story, but its gameplay, as brutal as it can be at times, can be rewarding when you figure out just the right combination of squad members to use during missions. Its initial playthrough will take around 10 hours to complete, but collecting all of the sub-weapons and boilers will take players way longer to achieve. Throw in a multiplayer experience that offers three different game types to enjoy, and I could see players spending a lot of time with Code Name: Steam for a while.
Intelligent Systems' super weird steampunk-themed strategy game isn't quite fully cooked, but it's tactical combat shines through all the same
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. is a devastatingly unique strategy game with the pedigree to back it up. Fun and challenging, blending turn-based tactics with third-person shooting, there's nothing like it on the market.
Due to the wonderful mixture of impressive gameplay and beautifully creative artwork, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. brings with it a fresh and new-thinking experience that has the sort of great balance that could only be delivered by the giant in the genre, Intelligent Systems. Whether or not it becomes a classic over time, and maybe something that even becomes a long running franchise, only time will tell, yet right now Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is definitely another great hit from the true masters in the field. Steampunk fans and those that love strategy titles in general should certainly strongly consider this.
Code Name STEAM is a strange hybrid of turn-based tactics and action, but its simple mechanics create plenty of head-scratching decisions in single or multiplayer. Carefully selecting my squad and positioning them for maximum effect on the battlefield is tense and satisfying, even when I end up watching my goofy team crumble under a brutal counter attack.
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.
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.