Ironcast

Yes, there is a lot of RNG.
Yes, it is a bit grindy.
However, if you are a fan of Match3 or just want a little twist on your turn based Steampunk mecha battler, check it out. The game should be cheap enough now that you'll get your money's worth and then some.

Interesting match-3 game, the first time that I tried it, I couldn't get into it, I can't really put my finger on the reason why. It might have been the graphics, which are nice, but in a very particular style. Trying it again after a few months, I found myself liking it more and more.
A match-3 with steampunk mechs, if that gets you excited, I'm pretty sure you will enjoy this game.

I had a good time and finally beat the last enemy in about 27 hrs. It is not an easy game. (I read a guide before my second earnest attempt and -lo and behold- there are actually a few strategies that work - but many that do not). The RNG is sometimes gruesome, but it DOES go bouth ways. The end is sadly a bit lackluster.

Don't use my time in this game on Steam as any indication of how much I love this game -- I've got a couple hundred hours into this great game on Switch and am only too happy to buy it again here on Steam. Besides really digging the Steampunk atmosphere of this game, it's got a fun story to it and is a really fun challenge. Yes, there's some RNG involved but that's going to be the case with virtually any game like this one. A skilled Match-3 player will have a ton of fun with this one.

Match-3 puzzle games shouldn’t feel like commanding a 40-ton war machine.
Ironcast somehow makes it work.
Set in an alternate Victorian steampunk Britain, you pilot massive mechanical walkers defending the countryside from invading forces. The twist: every weapon, shield, and repair is powered through a puzzle board.
At first glance it looks simple.
In practice it's a tactical roguelike hiding inside a puzzle game.
Gameplay
Instead of matching candy, you chain together resources:
• Ammo – fire cannons and rockets
• Energy – power advanced systems
• Coolant – prevent overheating
• Repair – patch up damage
• Scrap / Money – upgrade your mech
Each turn becomes a small strategic dilemma:
Do you repair before the enemy fires?
Grab ammo for a big shot?
Or chain coolant so you can fire everything without melting your engine?
Longer chains scale exponentially, meaning one good move can flip an entire battle.
This isn't casual match-3.
It's resource management under pressure.
Strategy & Progression
Between missions you upgrade your Ironcast with:
• new weapons
• armor plating
• energy systems
• special abilities
Different builds emerge:
• artillery glass cannons
• shield-heavy tanks
• overheating risk builds
• energy-based superweapons
Even failed runs unlock new equipment, keeping the roguelike progression loop satisfying.
Atmosphere
The aesthetic is Victorian steampunk pulp fiction:
• brass war machines
• industrial cities
• foggy battlefields
• giant mechanical duels
It feels like War of the Worlds meets puzzle strategy.
The mech designs are chunky, industrial, and excellent.
Pros
✔ Unique hybrid gameplay
✔ Quick runs that respect your time
✔ Strong upgrade loop
✔ Surprisingly tactical decisions
Cons
✘ Limited enemy variety
✘ RNG boards can occasionally punish you
✘ Story is mostly background flavor
Verdict
Ironcast is a clever hybrid that shouldn't work but absolutely does.
If you like puzzle games with real strategy—or just want to feel like you're piloting a Victorian war machine through a puzzle battlefield—this is worth your time.
Rating: 4 / 5
⭐ Recommended
Hours played: 32
Hours spent overheating my mech because I got greedy: 31

Actually pretty engaging! Cool twist on the match-3 gameplay. Very cool style to it all

Heavily luck-based, with limited opportunity for planning and little skill involved, but still an enjoyable experience overall.