Back in 2015, developer Image & Form was thriving in the Nintendo 3DS era. Its game SteamWorld Dig had a breakthrough moment two years before, bringing new fans to its unique steampunk world. Instead of rushing into a sequel, the studio took a bold step with SteamWorld Heist, a turn-based strategy game with similarities to Worms. Despite not reaching the same level of popularity as its predecessor, SteamWorld Heist is considered a hidden gem, eagerly awaiting a sequel.
That sequel is set to release on August 8 as SteamWorld Heist 2. Building on the success of the original, the sequel promises to elevate the gameplay to new heights. During a demo at Summer Game Fest, I experienced firsthand the increased scale and scope of the game, likening it to the leap between the first two SteamWorld Dig titles.
The demo began with familiar gameplay mechanics of controlling a squad of bots in a 2D environment filled with enemies and loot. Each bot had two actions per turn, including shooting, reloading, or using special powers. Exploration involved opening doors to scavenge for treasure and water, a currency used for upgrades.
The game’s scope expanded as I transitioned from battles to controlling a boat in an explorable overworld. Navigating through the ocean, players can discover objectives and hidden shops, with the boat capable of engaging in ship combat. This new layer of gameplay mirrors the transformation seen in SteamWorld Dig 2 from its predecessor to a full-fledged Metroidvania.
Introducing a new job system, combat in SteamWorld Heist 2 is more intricate, with each bot having a specific class and skill set. Players can mix and match classes to create unique strategic combinations, offering complexity to the turn-based battles.
With challenging missions and estimated gameplay time of 15 to 30 hours, strategic decision-making is crucial in SteamWorld Heist 2. The game promises a larger, improved experience, showcasing Image & Form’s dedication to evolving their concepts rather than merely reproducing them.
Excited for the release, fans can look forward to experiencing SteamWorld Heist 2 on August 8 across various platforms including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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