Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (Nintendo 3DS) Review

It is hard to talk about Code Name S.T.E.A.M. without mentioning Intelligent Systems, Nintendo's development team that handles the classic strategy franchise Fire Emblem, which takes place in a medieval fantasy setting. The setting for Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is, however, a very different one indeed. It takes place in a 19th Century steampunk world under the rule of President Abraham Lincoln, and the world is currently under attack from alien forces. All the ingredients for a stereotypical steampunk experience are here. However, it is an extremely well thought out one that pays great respect the fictional genre it has taken its inspiration from.

Rather than being merely another example of the classic turn-based movements for battles with a unique appearance in tow, each turn is divided into how much steam a character has, making proper use of the settings to influence gameplay appropriately. The more steam, the more they can do as every action consumes said steam to run a character's robotic steampunk armour. This means that if choosing to attack only, many attacks can be delivered, but no movement is made, and vice versa, thus adding a great strategic element to what is already a very strategic genre, and even more careful planning of the steam usage is vital for overall success.

Other than the intriguing gameplay, the visuals of Code Name S.T.E.A.M. are also wonderfully clever. Its cut-scenes take place in a comic-book style, fitting well with its theme, and it all helps create a great geek-culture homage.

The mix of visual beauty and great, new-thinking and creative gameplay makes for yet another Intelligent Systems classic and paves the way for a brand new franchise, which is something Nintendo is in great need of at the moment. It is clever and, with its steampunk theme, has great appeal for the sci-fi fan base. Code Name S.T.E.A.M. has the potential to turn into a classic title that will be looked highly upon in the future, and even if that doesn't happen, it will at least be a great cult hit amongst steampunk fans and SRPG gamers around the world.