SteamWorld Heist 2 Review: A Vibrant and Daring Experience at Sea

SteamWorld Heist 2 takes you on an amazing and humorous journey, elevating the series’ tactical turn-based gameplay to new heights. In this review, we’ll go over what makes the game such a leap forward.

Fundamentally, SteamWorld Heist 2 sticks to the engaging turn-based strategy gameplay that drove the success of the first game. You take control of a group of steam-powered robots under the charismatic leadership of Captain Leeway, participating in tactical gunfights with different types of enemy factions. A manual targeting system is a brand-new mechanic introduced in SteamWorld Heist 2, which allows you to precisely line up attacks. Accuracy feels truly rewarding, but timing is just as essential. It definitely gives combat an additional layer of skill and strategy.

But that’s not the only new thing in SteamWorld Heist 2. Now, we have an even larger crew to work with, which offers a variety of special skills and personalities. Since every crew member has unique skills, I also noticed a few limitations. But the game encourages you to try out various lineups and professions to determine the best tactics. In this way, the sequel really feels more enjoyable in terms of progression, as you can level up and outfit your crew members with an assortment of tools and weaponry that determine your particular playstyle in the best way possible.

Away from combat, SteamWorld Heist 2‘s plot is a fantastic fusion of humor, intrigue, and adventure. The game centers on Captain Leeway and the crew as they sail around open-world waterways in their cozy submarine. The battling with the competing pirate factions takes place both inside and outside the submarine. On top of that, there’s a lot of secret treasure-discovery involved, which adds a lot of fun to the sometimes repetitive gameplay. Of course, I have to mention the incredible dialogue, which is lively and humorous. It really feels like every character has their own distinct personality and voice.

The game’s landscapes, ranging from busy port towns to spooky undersea dungeons, are colorful and intricate, and the vibrant 2D world stands out. But thanks to the careful crafting of each area, every level feels distinct from the rest. There are also several really cool animated cutscenes that I wouldn’t skip for both story and aesthetics.

The gameplay has an amazing amount of depth and variation, featuring different mission types, adversary factions, and environmental difficulties that will keep you on your toes or on the edge of your seats, depending on how you prefer to play.

The sequel has even more strategic possibilities than the first game, which is possible due to the increased crew. There’s also a branching narrative that gives players options that can change how the plot develops, making the sequel much more replayable than the first. But I won’t spoil anything here!

Lastly, I simply must mention SteamWorld Heist 2‘s sound design, which is excellent. It perfectly compliments the gameplay and graphics. Every shot and explosion has a strong sense of impact, thanks to the clear and excellent sound effects. Another notable aspect of the game’s sound is the soundtrack, which combines upbeat sea shanties with evocative tunes that deepen the sense of immersion. Whether it’s a tranquil moment of exploration or heated combat, the music creates the mood for every interaction. And, sometimes it even surprised me with humorous songs being interwoven between the dialogue.

Pros:

• Engaging turn-based tactical combat.
• Manual targeting system with ricochet mechanics.
• Unique design for both overworld and underwater settings.
• Extended crew members and introduction of professions.
• Humorous dialogues and artwork of the characters.

Cons:

• The gameplay is at times repetitive, despite the many cool features introduced in the sequel.
• The 2D design may not be up to standard for many players.

Overall, SteamWorld Heist 2 is a superb sequel, building on its merits and offering a thrilling maritime adventure. For aficionados of the genre, the game offers a distinctive and entertaining experience with its intriguing plot, gorgeous art style, and captivating turn-based combat. I was drawn back for more because of the deeper and more varied gameplay offered by the extended crew and highly imaginative environments. For me, SteamWorld Heist 2 isn’t an absolute must-play, but if you love pirate stories or tactical strategy games in general, then you’ll definitely love it.