Code Name S.T.E.A.M.
Developed By:
Intelligent Systems
Published By:
Nintendo
For the last couple of weeks, I have been playing a new game. Something completely different from anything I have ever played. It feels like an adventure game, plays like a Real-Time Strategy game. It features Wil Wheaton as the President; Lincoln. And other cool characters including the base cast of Wizard of Oz, in addition to the Fire Emblem characters from Super Smash Bros. can enter the fray via Amiibo support! So eventually, you will have 16 characters at your disposal. And while you can only take four into battle on the maps at any given time, the diversity of the cast makes the adventure well worth it. You are Captain Henry Fleming, and you are being thrust alongside Historic figure; John Henry. And before long, you are rescued by said President and the mighty Liberty Airship. You are inducted into S.T.E.A.M. and briefed on the situation. Enter a story full of twists and turns, and creative characters.
The controls for a DS title are typical. Using the thumbstick to move, adjusting the camera with either the touch-screen, ABXY buttons, or if you own a New3DS, the C-Stick. Other than that, the premise is simple. You are given a steam tank to manage as your energy for attacks, specials, and movement. Planning accordingly is critical, as you may need to plan a move and attack in the same turn. Another neat feature is if you have any steam left over after your move, and a weapon that allows it, you can utilize Overwatch. A defensive move that allows your character to catch the incoming target off-guard with an automatic attack. Be wary as this does go both ways as enemies can do it to you as well. You shoot with one trigger, change characters on the touchpad, and the other trigger changes ranged characters attacks.
The controls are fluid, graphics are bright and colorful, and the sound effects are fun and diverse. I recommend an external speaker for most of my 3DS gaming anyways, like my JBL Flip. It makes things so much better. When you’re in 3D mode, especially with the New3DS, you can see why the change to bring the camera lower was necessary. It shows the characters in the fields they would typically be in physically. It gives that dimension of looking out across a chess board from the Knight position. I can really appreciate the diversity of the project because of the unique ideas brought to the table. I would be a liar if I didn’t say the Fire Emblem characters Marth, and Ike have helped out a lot.
So I won’t spoil too much as I try to explain this. It really is a simple game that features great use of any 3DS console and its design. The game translates well between console versions, and features Amiibo Support with the New3DS. And Amiibo support adds a new dimension of gameplay, and tons of new voice tracks, and tons of fanfare. When they fall in battle however, they will not return to battle until being loaded back into the game. So be careful. See the sidebar for beginner tactics on the characters.
Long story short, this story isn’t short. For a portable game, the missions are diverse enough that you will find challenge in their workings. I haven’t dug too deep for secrets yet, but I can say the ones I’ve stumbled on have been fun. This game is worth every minute I can put in it. So I plan on finishing it in due time, but for now, I have a lot of other games to play and review. I have to get caught up with what matters so thanks for stopping by and I hope this review urges you to explore another unique creation.
Support!
With every other game being released by Nintendo in these days, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. supports Amiibo. More specifically, the other Intelligent Systems super franchise; Fire Emblem. All four characters featured in the 3DS / WiiU Super Smash Bros are supported in the game to use to help S.T.E.A.M. Marth, Ike, Robin, and Lucina are all present and each feature unique abilities and attacks that expand the level of strategy in the games many maps.
Marth and Ike’s weapons are very different than each other let alone anyone you may have early in the game. Ike’s attack for instance is one where he swings his sword outward sending a charge. And while the charge will hit its target if aimed correctly, imagine what everyone in front of his blade dealt with… Marth is a great support & defensive character. His attacks are stronger at close range, and his ranged attacks are weak. Use him primarily to provide backup, until you have a chance to unleash his Special. Then you’ll see where the strength comes from.
Ok Lion, sic em! Courage be damned!
A critter eh John? Cyber Lumberjack!
Peekaboo little Alien, I see you!
