In SteamWorld Heist, you command a steam-driven pirate crew in a series of epic tactical shootouts. It’s turn-based strategy with a twist: You manually aim the guns of your robots, allowing for insane skill shots and bullet-bouncing action!
As the captain you will board, loot and shoot your way through enemy spaceships. Overcome the challenges of the vast frontier by upgrading your recruits with unique abilities, weapons – and even stylish hats!
Key features
Strategy focused on skill rather than chance
Procedurally generated levels
15-20 hours of playtime, followed by New Game+
Kind to newcomers, deep and challenging for veterans
Soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe
Steam User 14
TL;DR A fun to play casual game
Steamworld heist is a game that’s easy to describe, but difficult to compare to any existing games.
It has a casual each-mission-on-it’s-own style, which allows you to drop-in/out of the game as much as you like, and make it a casual game.
On the other hand, it has an XCOM-style squad-turn-based combat (with using cover). Yet instead of hitting percentage, you’re the one responsible for aiming.
And with that, it’s a 2D game.
So it’s a combination of many genres all rolled into one.
So how does it fare against the games it “borrows inspiration from”?
Well, it’s no XCOM, that’s for sure.
It’s more of a kid’s XCOM.
It has a whimsical and humoristic style, and a cartoony look.
It is a very much casual game, so you will have no problem dropping it and returning a few days later.
Or playing in short 5-10 minute sessions.
The upgrades system is a bit lacking IMO.
You get experience after each mission, divided between all team members who participated.
And each member has a level, with a number of experience points needed to progress.
So far, same as many other games.
However, once one of the team members reaches a new level, he gets assigned an upgrade seemingly at random, according to his type. So a “heavy” may get more health, and a “support” will get more movement points. But the player has no control over it.
There are also items you collect in each mission, or buy in shops.
They are divided by levels, and basically give you the same weapon with stronger stats, for more money.
Not much diversity here either.
But in the end, I actually liked the game more than I thought I would.
I give it 7.5/10
Steam User 13
What a great game this is. After finishing SteamWorld Dig 1 & 2, I've decided to continue the story of SteamWorld universe. I knew this is going to be a bit different from the prequels in terms of gameplay since it's more like a Worms with its turn-based combat. And I really liked the change from all that digging in previous games. And I really wasn't disappointed. The story was typical one, a bunch of heroes against evil forces. But the thing that kept me chained to this gem (in a good way) was its gameplay, sound and animation. The shooting was really fun and impactful so was the clanky sound of dismembered bots etc.
I've spent 61 hours in game, about 4 hours was me being afk, so I'd say 57 hours of me playing it. It took me this much since I went for all the golden stars and all the loot in the game, oh and I maxed all the characters. I highly recommend. Will probably replay it in the future.
Steam User 12
Too good. The attacks are all skill based, so missing ranged shots feels like less of a random death sentence and more of a mistake on your part. Probably the best of the steam world games.
Steam User 9
Lovely indie game. Takes around 15 hours to beat, up to 20-30 to beat twice with new game plus on max difficulty while beating all levels, replaying some levels to level up your crew and then some time to get all the achievements.
Graphics are simple but good looking (2d, hand-drawn). Music is lively and fun. Fighting is not hard, but takes a bit getting used to. The game is somewhat hard at the start, but gets easier as you get used to strategies and characters, level up and get better gear.
Overall, I loved it.
Steam User 7
This game 50% xcom, 50% old school bullet bouncing flash game, and 100% enjoyable.
I'd also like to note as a huge positive that while a single run's playtime may be a bit on the short-side, there are plenty of ways to extend your time with this game if you'd like to do so. The game feels like it respects your time and does not include any artificial padding.
Steam User 9
it's nice to not get fuck by RNG
this is how strategy games should be
Steam User 6
A great game and much fun to play. Turn based combat while having to manually aim makes for a challenge without needing wild button mashing. Combat does become progressively harder and it is necessary to optimise the special talents of your whole team in a battle. Graphics are crisp and attractive with an engaging cast of characters and an interesting story line to follow. Love the old movie serial style cut scenes and with music from Steam Powered Giraffe who could ask for more.