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SteamWorld Heist II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of SteamWorld Heist II
Item: SteamWorld Heist II
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Platformer, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableAug 8, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One

DeveloperThunderful

Overview

Join Captain Leeway and his ragtag crew as they uncover the enigmatic menace threatening the Great Sea. Equip and upgrade your crew for turn-based gunfights packed with ricochet action and engage in real-time naval combat. Get ready to aim, plot, and plunder in this uproarious Steambot adventure!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

The Story of SteamWorld Heist II receives a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Praise for its well-written story, engaging characters, and humor, but criticism for bland storytelling and pacing issues. Overall, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's immersive world-building and compelling narrative, setting the stage for potential future titles in the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

63%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of SteamWorld Heist II has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. COGconnected praises the game for its well-written story filled with characters and environmental themes, providing depth to the narrative. Multiplayer.it also appreciates the original and entertaining storyline, focusing on the protagonist's journey to prove their worth and gain confidence, adding an engaging element to the game. SpazioGames highlights the humor, witty dialogues, and world-building, creating an enjoyable standalone story that connects with the franchise's previous installment. However, Metro GameCentral criticizes the storytelling for being bland and featuring excessive dialogue, which detracts from the overall experience. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport points out that the constant returns to the base for rest can slow down the pace of the game, affecting the flow of the narrative. VGC mentions that while the story tackles themes like battling greed and authoritarianism, it may not offer anything remarkable, indicating a lack of depth or innovation in the storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Story of SteamWorld Heist II. The game is praised for its world-building, character interactions, and engaging storyline by Twinfinite, emphasizing the strengths of the narrative in creating a compelling steampunk seafaring adventure. Despite some criticisms regarding dialogue and pacing, the majority of reviewers appreciate the effort put into crafting an entertaining and immersive story that resonates with players. The mix of humor, themes, and world-building elements seems to have struck a chord with many, setting the stage for potential future titles in the franchise, as noted by SpazioGames.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

SteamWorld Heist II wowed critics with its addictive battles, diverse weapons, and customizable characters. While some found it too challenging with balance issues, overall, the game offers deep tactical gameplay and customization options for a captivating RPG experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

78%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

22%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of SteamWorld Heist II, highlighting its addictive and nuanced battle system, diverse weapons, strategic level design, and customizable characters. COGconnected commended the game for excelling in gameplay, emphasizing the addictive nature of the battles and the personality added by job skills. SpazioGames also appreciated the challenging combat system, diverse objectives, and extensive customization options, enhancing the overall gameplay experience. VGC noted the deep tactical experience offered by the unique turn-based combat mechanic, customizable job system, and real-time sailing segments, adding variety to the gameplay. However, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects of the gameplay in SteamWorld Heist II. Metro GameCentral found the game unreasonably difficult due to alarms and balancing issues, with the new class system being considered flawed compared to the original. NintendoWorldReport mentioned issues with characters playing similarly and excessive travel around the world map, which could potentially impact the overall gameplay experience for some players. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment towards the gameplay remained positive among the majority of reviewers. In conclusion, SteamWorld Heist II received high praise for its engaging gameplay, strategic depth, and variety of combat mechanics. Critics appreciated the turn-based strategy elements, customization options, and challenging encounters present in the game. While some critics pointed out specific issues such as difficulty spikes and balancing concerns, the consensus among reviewers is that the gameplay of SteamWorld Heist II is very good, offering an enjoyable and immersive experience for players looking for a strategic and RPG-focused game. Generación Xbox summed it up well by highlighting the game as a cornerstone of strategic and RPG experiences that cater to a wide range of players, showcasing the game's ability to provide a captivating and engaging gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics praise SteamWorld Heist II for its stunning Graphics and Visual Design, with vivid nautical themes and enhanced visuals. While some find the art style reminiscent of Lego Bionicle, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive for its immersive universe and attention to detail. Overall, the game's aesthetic depth and seamless design elements make it visually captivating and artistically impressive.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The critics unanimously praise the Graphics and Visual Design of SteamWorld Heist II for its stunning and immersive aesthetics. COGconnected highlights the nautical theme with vivid blues, noting a noticeable polish in assets, making it the best-looking game in the series. Generación Xbox commends the magnificent visual design, emphasizing the beautiful world surrounded by an immense ocean and islands, along with the praiseworthy attention to detail in various locations. SpazioGames appreciates the improved visuals compared to its predecessor, mentioning enhancements in lighting, bot animations, and game physics, creating a visually appealing and well-implemented aesthetic. On the other hand, VGC points out a potential drawback in the art style, describing it as Lego Bionicle-esque, which may not appeal to everyone. This critique suggests that the visual style might not resonate with all players, potentially limiting the game's appeal to a broader audience. However, this critique is more of a subjective opinion rather than a substantial flaw in the game's Graphics and Visual Design. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of SteamWorld Heist II. The blend of steampunk, western elements, and nautical themes is widely praised for creating a visually stunning and immersive universe. The attention to detail, enhanced visuals, and overall art style receive high acclaim from reviewers like NintendoWorldReport, Twinfinite, and ZTGD, who collectively appreciate the game's aesthetic depth and seamless integration of various design elements. Despite a minor critique on the art style from VGC, the majority of critics agree that the game's Graphics and Visual Design contribute significantly to the overall experience, making SteamWorld Heist II a visually captivating and artistically impressive title.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praised SteamWorld Heist II's Sound Design and Music, highlighting it as a standout feature that greatly enhances the gaming experience. The orchestrated score, vocal-led soundtrack, and music by Steam Powered Giraffe were particularly commended for their immersive and atmospheric qualities. No negative feedback suggests a high level of quality and consistency, with critics emphasizing how the music enhances the game's atmosphere and overall gameplay. Overall, critics lauded the exceptional audio elements for elevating SteamWorld Heist II to a more immersive and engaging experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

100%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of SteamWorld Heist II, highlighting it as a standout feature that greatly enhances the overall gaming experience. COGconnected commended the smooth soundtrack that captures the game's premise perfectly, while NintendoWorldReport and SpazioGames specifically pointed out the magnificent soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe, noting how it complements the quasi-Western theme and adds depth to exploration and combat sequences. VGC and Generación Xbox also emphasized the atmospheric and immersive qualities of the vocal-led soundtrack, with Generación Xbox appreciating how the music in locations like bars and cantinas enhances the game's atmosphere. While the overwhelming sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of SteamWorld Heist II was positive, there were no specific negative comments mentioned by the critics. This absence of negative feedback suggests that the sound design and music were consistently well-received across the board, with no major flaws or drawbacks noted by any of the reviewers. The lack of criticism in this aspect indicates a high level of quality and consistency in the audio elements of the game, contributing positively to the overall gameplay experience. In conclusion, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of SteamWorld Heist II. The praise for the orchestrated score, vocal-led soundtrack, and music by Steam Powered Giraffe highlights the exceptional quality and immersive nature of the audio elements in the game. Critics such as Twinfinite and Generación Xbox specifically noted how the music enhances the atmosphere, setting, and overall gameplay experience, showcasing a strong appreciation for the attention to detail and thematic cohesion in the sound design. Overall, the positive reception from the majority of critics underscores the significant impact of the Sound Design and Music in elevating SteamWorld Heist II to a more immersive and engaging gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

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TL;DR

SteamWorld Heist II impresses with its abundance of content and customization options, boosting replay value. Critics laud its secrets, unlockable items, and multiple difficulty levels. Despite concerns about unbalanced difficulty and lack of post-game content, the game's customizable crew and variety of weapons make each playthrough unique, ensuring an engaging experience for players seeking depth and longevity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In terms of positives, several critics highlighted the abundance of content and customization options in SteamWorld Heist II that contribute to its replay value. COGconnected appreciated the replayability of missions with star ratings, indicating longevity. Multiplayer.it and SpazioGames both noted the game's secrets, unlockable items, customizable battles, and multiple difficulty levels as factors that enhance replayability. Generación Xbox praised the game for encouraging multiple playthroughs through different difficulty levels, collectibles, and extensive map exploration, offering a rewarding experience for players seeking to delve deep into the game. On the negative side, some critics expressed concerns that could potentially hinder the replay value of SteamWorld Heist II. Metro GameCentral mentioned unbalanced difficulty and slow progression as factors that may affect the game's replayability. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport pointed out that while the game offers a lot of content, some superfluous additions could weigh it down, potentially detracting from the overall replay value. Twinfinite highlighted the lack of substantial post-game content as a downside that could limit the game's replayability for some players. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards SteamWorld Heist II offering a substantial amount of replay value due to its plethora of content, customization options, and varied gameplay elements. While there are concerns raised about aspects like unbalanced difficulty, slow progression, and lack of post-game content, the general sentiment is positive towards the game's ability to keep players engaged through multiple playthroughs. The game's customizable crew, job system, and variety of weapons were particularly praised for adding depth and uniqueness to each playthrough, ultimately enhancing the overall replay value of SteamWorld Heist II.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

SteamWorld Heist II has received praise for its addictive combat, extensive customization options, and the addition of a new overmap, as highlighted by COGconnected. Critics like Generación Xbox also commend the game for its engaging gameplay experience, well-balanced mix of combat and exploration, solid narrative, and high replay value. The delightful turn-based tactics, strategic gameplay, and improved visuals have been appreciated by NintendoWorldReport, further adding to the positive aspects of the game. SpazioGames particularly praises the engaging and challenging gameplay experience, well-crafted story, fantastic soundtrack, and high replay value, making it an enjoyable pirate adventure for both new and returning players. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out the shortcomings of SteamWorld Heist II. Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite highlight issues with difficulty, balancing, class system, narrative pacing in the second half, and lack of post-game content. These flaws hinder the game from being a refined sequel, despite its enjoyable combat system and content variety. Twinfinite specifically mentions the lack of post-game content as a drawback, which may disappoint fans of the genre looking for more depth and longevity in their gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding SteamWorld Heist II. While the game excels in providing engaging combat, customization options, and a well-crafted story, it falls short in areas such as difficulty balancing, pacing issues, and lack of post-game content. The positive aspects of the game, such as its strategic gameplay, visuals, sound, and replay value, have garnered praise from some critics like SpazioGames and Generación Xbox. However, the negative aspects highlighted by Metro GameCentral and Twinfinite have also been acknowledged, indicating that the game may not meet everyone's expectations as a sequel. Despite its flaws, SteamWorld Heist II is recommended for fans of tactical strategy games who appreciate engaging combat, diverse missions, and charming presentation, as noted by ZTGD.

TL;DR

SteamWorld Heist II impresses with addictive combat, deep customization, and a new overmap, earning praise for its engaging gameplay and replay value. Critics highlight its strategic gameplay and visuals, but note issues with difficulty balancing, narrative pacing, and lack of post-game content. While some see it as a well-crafted pirate adventure, others feel it falls short as a refined sequel. Recommended for tactical strategy fans who enjoy diverse missions and charming presentation.

MONSTER

Reviews

76 reviews found

ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist 2 is a must-play for fans of tactical strategy games, offering engaging combat, diverse missions, and charming presentation.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Aug 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Steamworld Heist II is a sequel that surpasses its predecessor, offering an excellent blend of gameplay, visuals, sound, and replay value. The game provides a fresh and enjoyable experience, challenging players to strategize and explore a vast world filled with engaging content. It is a must-play title that delivers fun, challenge, and hours of entertainment.

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist 2 is a bigger and better sequel with delightful turn-based tactics, customization, and strategic gameplay, but is held back by some pacing issues and superfluous additions.

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COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist II builds on the original with addictive combat, tons of options, and a new overmap, but the story lacks flair and it's very similar to the original

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VGC

Nintendo Switch

Aug 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Steamworld Heist 2 is a charming, generous, and surprisingly challenging seafaring romp that breathes new life into the tactical RPG genre, despite its forgettable story and bland art style.

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SpazioGames

Nintendo Switch

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Steamworld Heist II delivers an engaging and challenging gameplay experience with a well-crafted story, improved visuals, a fantastic soundtrack, and high replay value. While it lacks major innovations compared to its predecessor, the game offers a satisfying and enjoyable pirate adventure for both new and returning players.

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Multiplayer.it

Nintendo Switch

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist II delivers an engaging gameplay experience with a well-balanced mix of combat and exploration, offering a solid narrative and plenty of content, despite some conservative elements and resource management improvements.

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Twinfinite

Xbox Series X

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist II is praised for its core gameplay, aesthetic, and music, but criticized for its narrative pacing in the second half and lack of post-game content. Despite these issues, it is recommended for fans of the genre.

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Metro GameCentral

Nintendo Switch

Aug 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist 2 is seen as a disappointing comeback that falls short of being a refined sequel. Despite its enjoyable combat system and content variety, the game's flaws in difficulty, balancing, and class system work against it.

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100

Saving Content

Aug 1, 2024

SteamWorld Heist II can be as relaxing or as challenging as you want it to be thanks to its wide array of difficulty modes, it’s pure fun the whole way through. The shift from the first game taking place in space to this game shipping out to sea might seem like a step back, but it’s such a fantastic setting, filled with sea shanties and naval combat. Having direct control of your shots, being able to ricochet them, or perform a trick shot is still an incredible feeling each and every time. SteamWorld Heist II everything great about the first game, only more and better that you have to sea to believe.

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