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MONSTER

Steelrising

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Steelrising
Item: Steelrising
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, RPG, Single Player

AvailableSep 8, 2022

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperSpiders

Overview

Paris, 1789. The French Revolution has been suppressed with bloodshed by Louis XVI and his merciless mechanical army. Aegis, a mysterious automaton masterpiece, must confront the king's army alone to save history in this challenging action-RPG.

Elsewhere

7.2

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Steelrising's story receives mixed reviews from critics. Positive aspects include its unique premise of an alternate French Revolution with clockwork robots, strong character work, and historical elements. However, some critics criticize the lack of depth, player control, and uninteresting quests. Overall, opinions vary with some praising the narrative's creativity while others feel it falls short in certain areas.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

40%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Steelrising are varied, but there are several positive aspects that stand out. Many critics appreciate the unique and ambitious premise of an alternate version of the French Revolution, where clockwork robots have taken over. The setting and atmosphere created by the game are often praised, with critics like Cultured Vultures and Gfinity highlighting the strong character work and twists and turns that keep the player engaged. The inclusion of historical figures and the injection of real-life historical events into the fiction of the game are also seen as positive aspects by critics such as PSX Extreme and Softpedia. The alternate history and mechanical take on the French Revolution provide Steelrising with a distinct identity away from its inspirations, as noted by Metro GameCentral. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the story of Steelrising. Critics like Gamepressure and DualShockers mention that while the premise is exciting, the narrative lacks depth and player control. The protagonist, Aegis, is described as feeling robotic and lifeless by DualShockers. RPG Site and Video Chums find the quests and storytelling to be uninteresting and inconsequential, respectively. The lack of exploration and depth in the game's monarchy-overthrowing setting is also mentioned by TheGamer. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Steelrising has its strengths and weaknesses. The unique and ambitious premise, along with the intriguing alternate history and mechanical take on the French Revolution, are generally appreciated. The inclusion of historical figures and the twists and turns in the narrative are seen as positive aspects. However, the lack of depth, player control, and interesting quests are mentioned as drawbacks. While some critics find the story compelling and easily absorbed, others feel that it falls flat and lacks narrative breadth. Ultimately, the opinions are mixed, with some critics enjoying the story and others finding it lacking in certain areas.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Steelrising gameplay. Positive feedback praises challenging combat akin to Souls-like games, with engaging mechanics, a variety of weapons, and strategic depth. However, negative reviews criticize stiff, clunky combat lacking fluidity and variety seen in Bayonetta or Devil May Cry. Overall, while some find the combat excellent and satisfying, others feel it falls short in terms of responsiveness and excitement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Steelrising are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics praised the challenging combat mechanics reminiscent of the Souls-like genre. TheXboxHub and Xbox Tavern both appreciated the focus on combat and learning enemy attack patterns, with a variety of weapons and a leveling-up system adding depth to the gameplay. Game Rant also commended the combat, describing it as excellent with graceful and fluid attacks that feel like ballet. TheGamer and Twinfinite highlighted the fast and fluid combat, with a wide variety of weapons and tools for traversal. PlayStation Universe and Player 2 mentioned the freedom and versatility provided by the parry mechanic and alchemic application, respectively. These positive opinions suggest that the combat in Steelrising is engaging, enjoyable, and offers satisfying mechanics. However, there were also some negative opinions regarding the gameplay. ZTGD criticized the combat for feeling stiff and lacking the fast-paced action of games like Bayonetta or Devil May Cry. Gamepressure and GameGrin both mentioned clunky and shallow combat, with limited weapon attacks, imprecise movement, and issues in controls and mechanics. RPGamer criticized the combat for lacking variety and feeling oddly reactive. Softpedia highlighted clunky movement as a negative aspect. These negative opinions indicate that the combat in Steelrising may not meet the expectations of some players in terms of fluidity, variety, and responsiveness. Overall, the critics' consensus on the gameplay of Steelrising leans towards the positive side. The challenging combat mechanics, reminiscent of the Souls-like genre, received praise from multiple critics. The combat was described as engaging, enjoyable, and requiring careful strategy. The variety of weapons and abilities, as well as the leveling-up system, were appreciated for adding depth to the gameplay. However, there were also criticisms regarding the stiffness, lack of fast-paced action, clunkiness, and limited variety in combat. While some critics found the combat to be excellent and satisfying, others felt that it lacked fluidity and depth. It is worth noting that the overall sentiment seems to lean more towards the positive aspects of the gameplay, with the majority of critics highlighting the enjoyable combat and the variety of weapons and abilities.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Steelrising impresses critics with its visually appealing graphics, well-crafted automatons, and unique enemy designs, capturing a historical and steampunk world. While praised for its impressive designs and immersive setting, some critics point out issues like repetitive environments and texture problems. Overall, Steelrising's visuals shine despite minor flaws, offering a captivating experience for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the graphics and visual design of Steelrising are generally positive. The game is praised for its impressive and well-crafted designs, particularly the automatons and complex boss designs. TheXboxHub and RPG Fan specifically mention the well-designed autobots and the personality they add to the game. The environments, although some critics find them repetitive or lacking in variety, are commended for their historical accuracy and authentic feel, as mentioned by RPG Fan and Gamepressure. The streets of Paris are often highlighted for their nice lighting, beautiful skies, and visually appealing architecture, as noted by TheXboxHub, Game Rant, and GamesHub. The game's unique style and distinct enemy designs are also mentioned positively by Gamepressure and Cultured Vultures. The neoclassical aesthetic and intricate level design are praised by WellPlayed and Twinfinite, respectively. The visuals successfully create a sense of place and immerse players in the game's setting, with the altered recreations of Versailles and the Tuileries Garden being particularly refreshing, according to Metro GameCentral. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Steelrising. Several critics mention issues with textures, such as textures not loading properly or looking dated and muddy. ZTGD specifically points out that the environments can feel repetitive and textures may have loading issues. PlayStation Universe criticizes the lack of color variety and dated textures in the dilapidated environments, while Push Square mentions the lackluster visuals, poor character models, and dull environments. TheGamer highlights frequent audiovisual bugs, texture pop, and small text size as issues affecting the game's visuals. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Steelrising has impressive and visually appealing graphics and visual design, with well-crafted designs for the automatons, complex boss designs, and unique enemy designs. The game successfully captures the historical and steampunk elements, creating a distinctive and immersive world. The lighting and architectural details of the streets of Paris are often praised. However, there are some issues with repetitive environments, texture problems, and occasional visual bugs that detract from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the majority of the critics appreciate the game's visual style and design, with WellPlayed even describing the final level as a "visual feast."

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Steelrising. Positive reviews highlight excellent scores and atmosphere-enhancing effects, while negative feedback criticizes forgettable music and lack of emotional depth in character expressions. Overall, while some praise the game's sound design, others suggest room for improvement in certain areas like background music and character emotion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

82%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the sound design and music of Steelrising are mixed. TheXboxHub and GameGrin both praise the sound design and music, with TheXboxHub highlighting the excellent score, great effects, and good voiceover work that creates a good atmosphere. GameGrin also mentions the appropriate minimalist soundtrack and grandiose boss fight themes. These positive reviews suggest that the sound design and music successfully enhance the overall experience of the game. However, there are also some negative opinions regarding the sound design and music. Xbox Tavern criticizes the music for being subtle and at times feeling like background noise, suggesting that stronger background music could enhance the historical immersion. RPG Fan and RPGamer both find the music forgettable, with RPG Fan stating that it is more about setting the tone than leaving an impact. Worth Playing does not specifically mention the music or sound design, which could indicate that they were not memorable or noteworthy. The overall consensus among the critics is that while the voice acting in Steelrising is generally good, there are some mixed opinions regarding the music and sound design. ZTGD mentions that the lack of emotion shown in the human characters' faces can make some scenes less emotional, while GamesHub points out that the mix of French phrases followed by English sentences draws the reviewer out of the narrative. PlayStation Universe criticizes the lack of a high level of detail in audio and overall presentation. These criticisms suggest that there are areas for improvement in the sound design and music of Steelrising. In conclusion, while some critics praise the sound design and music in Steelrising for creating a good atmosphere and featuring excellent voiceover work, others find the music forgettable or lacking in impact. There are also criticisms regarding the lack of emotion in character expressions and the mix of languages used in the voice acting. Overall, there is a mixed sentiment among the critics regarding the sound design and music of Steelrising, with room for improvement in certain areas.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Steelrising. Some praise it for bringing characters to life and delivering great performances, while others criticize it for inconsistencies, lack of immersion, and audio bugs. Positive reviews highlight standout performances, while negative feedback points out issues like disjointed language mixing and robotic delivery. Overall, opinions vary, with some finding the voice acting effective and others suggesting room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Steelrising are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. TheXboxHub and ZTGD both praise the voice acting, with TheXboxHub mentioning great readings of the lines and reimaginings of famous characters, while ZTGD states that it is engaging and brings the characters to life. RPGamer also highlights the standout voice acting for the character Aegis, whose performance is appropriately stilted and distant. These positive opinions suggest that there are commendable performances within the game that successfully portray the intended character traits and emotions. However, there are also negative opinions expressed by some critics. GamesHub mentions that the mix of French phrases followed by English sentences draws them out of the narrative, indicating a lack of cohesion in the voice acting. Gaming Nexus criticizes the inconsistent voice acting in NPC conversations, which breaks immersion and disrupts the overall experience. PlayStation Universe expresses dissatisfaction with the voice acting, describing it as lackluster, with some characters sounding lethargic and lacking delivery. The critic also mentions that Aegis, the protagonist, sounds robotic and stoic, which they believe fits the character but may not be appealing to all players. TheGamer raises concerns about audio bugs during cutscenes, where lines of dialogue are cut in half, which can be disruptive to the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, such as TheXboxHub, ZTGD, and RPGamer, appreciate the voice acting and find certain performances to be effective, others, like GamesHub, Gaming Nexus, and PlayStation Universe, have reservations about the voice acting quality. The negative aspects mentioned by these critics, such as the inconsistent delivery, lack of immersion, and audio bugs, suggest that there are areas for improvement in the voice acting of Steelrising. However, it is worth noting that the opinions are not unanimous, and there are differing perspectives on the overall effectiveness of the voice acting in the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Steelrising receives mixed reviews on technical performance. Positives include smooth gameplay on PS5 and a rock-solid performance mode. However, critics note issues like poor optimization, graphical glitches, and occasional crashes on all platforms. The game needs further polishing for a better player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

21%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

21%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Steelrising, there are both positive and negative opinions across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, on the Xbox Series X, ZTGD mentions that the PC version of the game experienced texture loading issues, but these may be resolved in a patch. PlayStation Country also states that technically things are good on the PS5, with the game running smoothly. Player 2 specifically praises the performance mode on the PlayStation 5, stating that it is rock-solid. Moving on to the negatives, RPG Fan criticizes the PC version, mentioning that Steelrising is poorly optimized and may require a high-performance rig to run smoothly. They also point out that the graphics issues may irritate many players. Several critics playing on the PS5 highlight various technical issues. DualShockers mentions clipping issues, clunky animations, and occasional crashes, although they note that the checkpoints are forgiving. GameSpew mentions performance issues on certain graphical presets, slow loading times, and limited DualSense features. TheGamer criticizes numerous bugs and technical issues, such as the compass marker not updating and texture pop-in. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Steelrising has some technical performance issues across all gaming platforms. While there are positive aspects, such as smooth performance on the PS5 and the rock-solid performance mode, there are also notable negatives, including texture loading issues, poor optimization, graphical glitches, and occasional crashes. The general sentiment suggests that the game could benefit from further polishing and optimization to enhance the overall technical performance and provide a more enjoyable experience for players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Steelrising offers mixed opinions on its replay value. Critics praise its accessibility options and assist mode for newcomers, multiple endings based on player decisions, and ability to create overpowered builds. However, concerns are raised about frustrating boss battles, lack of tactics, limited RPG elements, and materials for upgrades, which may hinder replayability. Overall, while the game has some replay value, it may not fully satisfy all players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

20%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Steelrising are mixed. Several critics, such as Xbox Tavern and ZTGD, highlight the game's accessibility options and assist mode, which allow players to tailor the difficulty to their preference. This feature makes the game more accessible for newcomers to the genre and provides a way for players to experience the story without constant failure. Additionally, Dexerto mentions that the game offers a variety of difficulty and accessibility adjustments, allowing players to create overpowered builds and experiment with different playstyles. These adjustments, however, may disable trophies. Push Square also mentions that the game offers multiple endings based on player decisions, adding replay value. On the other hand, some critics, like Gamepressure and RPGamer, express concerns about the replay value of Steelrising. Gamepressure points out that the frustrating boss battles and lack of different tactics make replaying sections of the game frustrating. RPGamer mentions that the RPG elements are light and there is little room for experimentation, and choices in the game have little impact on the events. Additionally, PlayStation Country notes that while there are optional side quests and exploring to do, there are limited materials for weapon upgrades, which may limit the incentive to replay the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Steelrising offers some replay value, but it may not be enough to satisfy certain players. The game's accessibility options and assist mode are praised for making it more accessible to newcomers and allowing players to tailor the difficulty to their preference. The multiple endings based on player decisions also contribute to the replay value. However, the frustrating boss battles, lack of different tactics, limited RPG elements, and limited materials for weapon upgrades are mentioned as drawbacks that may limit the game's replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Steelrising, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Several critics praised Steelrising for its original concept, unique setting, and immersive graphics. TheXboxHub commends the game for its amazing setting and positive experience with the world and main character. Xbox Tavern also highlights the game's immersive graphics and unique historical setting. ZTGD goes as far as calling it the developer's best game to date, praising the alternative history story and marvelous enemy design. RPG Fan appreciates the game's accessibility and reimagining of history with a quasi-steampunk aesthetic. However, there are also criticisms raised by some reviewers. Gamepressure feels that Steelrising falls short of its exciting premise, with clunky gameplay and a lack of engaging narrative. DualShockers mentions forgettable storytelling and repetitive boss battles as drawbacks. TheGamer finds the game lacking in various aspects, including characters, story, setting, and technical performance, leading to an overall unenjoyable experience. Taking into account the overall consensus of the critics, it is clear that Steelrising has its strengths and weaknesses. The game is generally praised for its unique setting, engaging combat, and original concept within the Soulslike genre. Critics such as Cultured Vultures, Game Rant, and Player 2 appreciate the game's strong art direction, innovative experience, and enjoyable gameplay. However, there are concerns about technical issues, lackluster visuals, and inconsistent performance mentioned by critics like Push Square and RPGamer. Overall, while Steelrising receives positive feedback for its unique take on the genre, immersive graphics, and enjoyable combat, there are criticisms regarding clunky gameplay, forgettable storytelling, and technical issues. The game seems to appeal to fans of the Soulslike genre who appreciate its alternative history premise and immersive setting. However, it falls short of surpassing some of the genre's best titles and may not be recommended for die-hard fans.

TL;DR

Steelrising impresses with its original concept, immersive graphics, and engaging combat, earning praise for its unique setting and art direction. Critics highlight the game's strengths like alternative history storyline and innovative experience. However, criticisms include clunky gameplay, forgettable storytelling, and technical issues. While appealing to Soulslike genre fans, Steelrising falls short of surpassing top titles in the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

137 reviews found

Game Rant

PlayStation 5

Sep 14, 2022

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

Steelrising is a step in the right direction for the Soulslike genre, providing an entertaining and innovative experience. It is a game that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Sep 7, 2022

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

Steelrising is a fantastic game with a genuinely good alternative history story, marvelous enemy design, and the trademark 'jank' that makes Spider's games special. It is their best game to date.

Player 2

PlayStation 5

Sep 7, 2022

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

Steelrising is a pleasant surprise and an engaging riff on the 'Soulsborne' genre. The game is enjoyable to play and showcases the growth and improvement of the developer, Spiders. It offers accessibility options for customization of difficulty.

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RPG Fan

Sep 26, 2022

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

Steelrising is a competent and well-designed game that offers a different take on the Soulslike genre. It focuses on accessibility and reimagining history with a quasi-steampunk aesthetic. While it has some problems, it is a fun game that deserves recognition.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Sep 7, 2022

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

Steelrising is a good game that delivers an original concept and an amazing setting. The combat is challenging and the boss battles are impressive. The leveling-up system and weapon variety cater to different playstyles. The camera can be annoying, but overall, the experience with the world and the main character is extremely positive.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Sep 7, 2022

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

Steelrising is a visually distinctive and challenging game with a good story and interesting gameplay mechanics. It has some minor bugs, but overall runs well. The lack of French accents in the voice acting is a slight drawback.

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Cultured Vultures

PlayStation 5

Sep 7, 2022

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

Steelrising is a unique title within the genre with strong art direction and engaging storytelling, making it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans of the soulslike genre.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Sep 27, 2022

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

Steelrising is a Souls-like game with a unique historical setting and immersive graphics. The combat is challenging and the game offers plenty to enjoy, although the platforming elements and boss fights could use some improvement.

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Video Chums

PlayStation 5

Sep 25, 2022

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

Steelrising is impressively close to FromSoftware's games in terms of combat and gameplay, but is hindered by bugs and inconsistencies.

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Worth Playing

PlayStation 5

Sep 7, 2022

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

Steelrising is sort of an average Soulsborne game. The combat is largely fun, and there are enough little things to discover to keep you moving forward. It might help to scratch the post-Elden Ring itch, but otherwise, it's best for those who are looking for another Soulsborne to play.

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