Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.

 3DS
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 144
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 144
  3. Negative: 22 out of 144
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  1. vitalemrecords
    Mar 14, 2015
    10
    Intelligent System's take on XCOM - the game is so much fun - and online death matches are SO TENSE - If you like Advance Wars and Valkyria Chronicles - you will love this game - my only complaint about the entire experience is the "resign" button being placed right on the bottom of the touch screen - it is problematic - that is about it
  2. kazRium
    Mar 14, 2015
    8
    A fun game if you like turn based strategy. I have read reviews that say the game's too difficult, which is nonsense. It is challenging, but not in an unfair way.
  3. saxo27
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    The official critics of this game really are off the mark. The game is fun, unique, strategic and infused with charm. If you like strategy games then you will very much enjoy this game. The loading times for enemy battles are not a problem at all. It is almost like when you place chess against an AI, you need to allow the AI to compute what it will do. This down time gave me, at least, aThe official critics of this game really are off the mark. The game is fun, unique, strategic and infused with charm. If you like strategy games then you will very much enjoy this game. The loading times for enemy battles are not a problem at all. It is almost like when you place chess against an AI, you need to allow the AI to compute what it will do. This down time gave me, at least, a little time to think of my next moves. Now, the game isn't that difficuly--due to restore points--but it takes a little bit of planning and thought. Again, the enemy AI time allows you to do this. It is a fun strategy game that shows continues to showcase how Nintendo platforms have the most original and unique games out. Enjoy!… Expand
  4. SirS
    Mar 14, 2015
    10
    The game is good, really good. I don't mind the wait in the aliens turn too much, its an strategy game after all; I just drink some coffe and wait for my turn and take a moment to think. The only hold back for the game is the week multiplayer, a great miss opportunity for the game. Code Name: S.T.E.A.M is solid fun for the lovers of strategy.
  5. TeutonicTank
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    A an idea so bad it ends up being one of the best I've ever seen. I don't think the 3DS has many games with as much charm and challenging gameplay as this. I happen to be a sucker for Advanced Wars and anything steam punk related so you can see this game delighted me quite well. Also the inclusion of Fire Emblem character was a giant bonus for me. It's nice to see games in the same mannerA an idea so bad it ends up being one of the best I've ever seen. I don't think the 3DS has many games with as much charm and challenging gameplay as this. I happen to be a sucker for Advanced Wars and anything steam punk related so you can see this game delighted me quite well. Also the inclusion of Fire Emblem character was a giant bonus for me. It's nice to see games in the same manner as Xcom pop up… Expand
  6. kooltrex
    Mar 15, 2015
    9
    Great game! If your a fan of games like fire emblem,advance wars and valkyria chronicles you should feel right at home with this game! Its a mix of a 3rd person shooter and tactical strategy. A great asthetic and visuals combined with good gameplay makes for a solid game! Higlhty recommended.
  7. Taylor_
    Mar 16, 2015
    10
    great strategy game,very good graphics ,sound and gameplay

    the websites that are giving low scores to this game are the same that gave GOD HAND a 3 out of 10

    this"critics" are a joke and more obsolete every day
  8. drgndrums
    Jun 27, 2017
    9
    Criminally underrated and can be picked up for bargain prices. The very definition of a hidden gem on the 3DS. Patches resolved the biggest complaints on release.
  9. Mando44646
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    I am really enjoying this game. The turn-based tactics are unique and fun, the world and characters are unique and not really like anything else, and it *is* a challenge. Let me say that again: It is a challenge. You will fail, and retry, and fail again. But the game is more than fun enough to keep you coming back.

    The only thing that seems to be missing to me is RPG progression. I wish    I am really enjoying this game. The turn-based tactics are unique and fun, the world and characters are unique and not really like anything else, and it *is* a challenge. Let me say that again: It is a challenge. You will fail, and retry, and fail again. But the game is more than fun enough to keep you coming back.

    The only thing that seems to be missing to me is RPG progression. I wish that we could customize characters more than just with weapons    … Expand
  10. EFYevan
    Apr 13, 2015
    9
    FYI - Polygon rated this a 3.5 (35) at first, but after the update regraded it at a 6.0 (60). The update makes this game SO much more enjoyable! The enemy turns are so much faster - 3 times as fast on a "NEW" Nintendo 3DS! Enjoy!
  11. Rebelarch
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    Fantastic from high concept to gameplay mechanics. Yeah there's no skips, but It works towards the strategy of watching the ai mobilize. The literary characters and their unique abilities are something you shouldn't miss.
  12. Darkvoid4041
    Apr 20, 2015
    8
    Well i beat this last week and... It does what I thought it was meant to do. Hold us over with an action strategy game till Fire Emblem 14 comes out, and if you keep that in mind while playing. You will enjoy the game a lot more.
    This game has a pretty freaking stupidly funny plot, and knows it but it always seemed to put a huge smile on my face when a cut scene would show up. The most    Well i beat this last week and... It does what I thought it was meant to do. Hold us over with an action strategy game till Fire Emblem 14 comes out, and if you keep that in mind while playing. You will enjoy the game a lot more.
    This game has a pretty freaking stupidly funny plot, and knows it but it always seemed to put a huge smile on my face when a cut scene would show up. The most memorable one for me is the one i believe at the end of Chapter 3.
    Every character and I mean everyone. you have heard of from somewhere else like Abraham Lincoln, John Henry, Tom Sawyer, Lion, and Scarecrow (from The Wizard of OZ). and its awesome.
    game play is............ it needs improvement but it could be alot worse. It is Fire Emblem esk but it iis still tweaked enough that it feels new by it self.
    The game needs improvement(enemy turns finally are boosted so i can keep my self ocupied with one game) but if it gets a sequel it will be amazing.    … Expand
  13. AzureStarline
    Mar 16, 2015
    10
    I love this game, and I'm usually very fickle about turn based games. Yes, it is annoying how the aliens' turns don't go faster, but I can accept that for all the good things elsewhere in the game. The comic-like cut scenes are awesome, and I don't own a single comic book. The difficulty level is challenging, but not enough to kill my motivation to keep playing.
    This game is quirky and    I love this game, and I'm usually very fickle about turn based games. Yes, it is annoying how the aliens' turns don't go faster, but I can accept that for all the good things elsewhere in the game. The comic-like cut scenes are awesome, and I don't own a single comic book. The difficulty level is challenging, but not enough to kill my motivation to keep playing.
    This game is quirky and refreshing. It's almost surprising it got made, considering how unusual it is. It reminds me of previous games that have developed lasting fandoms, like The World Ends With You or Jet Set Radio.    … Expand
  14. Shoemaker
    Mar 20, 2015
    9
    Very good game. Manages to blend strategy and action very well. Good selection of maps and characters as well as a decent multiplayer mode. Enemy turns can be a little long in the beginning, but as you get a full team you'll learn how to better take advantage of enemy turns. If you enjoy strategy this is a great pick.
  15. Armandthe_Edman
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    The amount that this game has been overlooked is a crime. The games premise and setting alone is just incredible. What other game would have Abraham Lincoln assemble a strike team to eliminate an alien invasion in steampunk 1865 featuring characters like Scarecrow from Oz and Tom Sawyer just to name a few? Amazing. And the level design was great as well. The characters were very fun andThe amount that this game has been overlooked is a crime. The games premise and setting alone is just incredible. What other game would have Abraham Lincoln assemble a strike team to eliminate an alien invasion in steampunk 1865 featuring characters like Scarecrow from Oz and Tom Sawyer just to name a few? Amazing. And the level design was great as well. The characters were very fun and diverse. The game play itself can be enjoyed at a deep level. Online play can be fun if you're good... This game was incredible to me and definitely deserves to be looked at. Although it may not be the game for everyone.… Expand
  16. RaidenH
    Jul 24, 2015
    9
    A really and well though game, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It even made me buying the Fire Emblem Amiibos in order to have it 100% completed.

    Also, I found its take on Lovecraft myths and American books very interesting and refreshing.
  17. eR1c245
    Aug 14, 2017
    9
    Code Name: STEAM is one of the most under rated games for the 3DS out there. I picked my copy up in the bargain bin for $3.99. I was hesitant to purchase it as it was on clearance and so cheap. It had been marked down numerous times (as evident by the orange price stickers all over the game).

    So, I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. In fact I would go so far as to    Code Name: STEAM is one of the most under rated games for the 3DS out there. I picked my copy up in the bargain bin for $3.99. I was hesitant to purchase it as it was on clearance and so cheap. It had been marked down numerous times (as evident by the orange price stickers all over the game).

    So, I wasn't expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. In fact I would go so far as to say that this is one of my favorite games, and certainly one of the more memorable ones I've played in the past year on both my 3DS and PS Vita.

    This game can be had for very little $$$ and is well worth the price. GET IT!

    Couple comments in response to some of the negative comments:
    1) someone mentioned that enemy phases are too slow,
    -there is a button clearly shown that you can slide to "fast-forward" it stays on until you turn it off and makes the enemy phase occur at like 3x the normal speed.
    2) this game is too difficult,
    -really? then maybe strategy games are not for you, in fact I found the Fire Emblem series to be more difficult on a level of like 5x as difficult. Code Steam allows many options for saving during mid battle, re doing battles w/o loss of team members, etc.. There are many lifelines to help you get through each battle.

    3) bad game engine, bad UI controls and horrible graphics,
    -Are you playing Code Steam??? The game runs fine on a "New" 3ds (maybe your using an older system?? Bad UI, -huh? the UI is very easy to use, in fact I'd say this is one of the better UI's out there. ...and horrible graphics? again, are you reviewing Code Steam? The graphics are good in my opinion, ...unless your comparing them to the latest on XBOX or PS4 ...which the 3DS is not.    … Expand
  18. Rtheom
    Mar 18, 2015
    4
    Like others have said, this game will probably be a lot more fun when it becomes a sequel. As it is, it's just too rough. While I like the turn-based gameplay concept, I found that the enemy turns take far too long, and I was spending a vast majority of the game just waiting for them to finish. It might have been better had we been given a full map view during these moments, but we'reLike others have said, this game will probably be a lot more fun when it becomes a sequel. As it is, it's just too rough. While I like the turn-based gameplay concept, I found that the enemy turns take far too long, and I was spending a vast majority of the game just waiting for them to finish. It might have been better had we been given a full map view during these moments, but we're stuck to the POV of one of the characters. This also does get better as you progress through a level, but again, if I'm spending the majority of my time putting my 3DS down, waiting for something I have no control over to pass, that's a problem.

    The camera also has some issues. The over-the-shoulder approach is fine, but I found it difficult at times to determine exactly when my character was considered hidden, or about to run face-first into an enemy that would then proceed to shoot me.

    As it stands, this game just isn't up to snuff. I'd pay maybe 5 bucks for this. I haven't completed it yet, but I'm pretty certain this is also going to be a pretty fast game in the end. I'll definitely be checking out the sequel, but for now, this is a big pass.

    The overall aesthetic of the game, while interesting, is also flawed. The art style isn't bad, but it's very goofy, and with the lacking gameplay, I kinda felt like I was playing a Kids TV show tie-in game.    … Expand
  19. bigboonta
    Mar 21, 2015
    5
    For me there was so much promise that could have been lived up to. It had so many components that could have made it great from the whimsical cast of characters to intelligent systems themselves. What we got I feel is a broken promise. The idea is great I love the tactical/xcom feel that it tried to bring. The biggest complaint I have is the camera angle that they used. Half of the time IFor me there was so much promise that could have been lived up to. It had so many components that could have made it great from the whimsical cast of characters to intelligent systems themselves. What we got I feel is a broken promise. The idea is great I love the tactical/xcom feel that it tried to bring. The biggest complaint I have is the camera angle that they used. Half of the time I had no idea where the baddies where. I know some people will say this is about difficulty but I found it to be a dumb design choice. It would have been much better had they lifted the camera angle a bit and gave us a broader view.
    I still love the characters for the most part. The dull in game voices left a lot to be desired. Lion, Come in Lion! Every time I would loose a party member you would hear the same call over and over again. That leads me to my last point I want to make. The game is just to difficult. Some parts are fair and then others are just downright frustrating. When you stumble across an enemy in overwatch he will harm you. That is all well in good except for when I go and try to aim my weapon I'll get popped again and rinse and repeat. This is something they could have easily fixed. I know some people will love this game it is just a game I could not get into. I did give it a fair shake with a dozen or so hours logged. I played that much and realized I wasn't enjoying it so I sold it. Here is to hoping a sequel that fixes all the things i hated is released.    … Expand
  20. Review-Z
    May 17, 2016
    0
    weeew man, this game is STIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINKY.

    if i wanted to play a good turn based game, id just play Advance Wars or Fire Emblem. the Amiibo DLC didn't even help.
  21. Honelith
    Aug 9, 2015
    9
    First things first. The soundtrack is phenomenal, seriously one of the finest game OST's I've ever heard, is the 3DS really capable of pumping out these tunes, check out the tracks called World in Danger or Me vs. You, top stuff. Secondly, love the visuals, has a great visual flair as you dive into this fantastic gameworld. The games a good challenge and you'll get plenty of mileage out ofFirst things first. The soundtrack is phenomenal, seriously one of the finest game OST's I've ever heard, is the 3DS really capable of pumping out these tunes, check out the tracks called World in Danger or Me vs. You, top stuff. Secondly, love the visuals, has a great visual flair as you dive into this fantastic gameworld. The games a good challenge and you'll get plenty of mileage out of this title, lots to do and it's just a total blast playing the singleplayer campaign with the amazing comic-like cutscenes and that soundtrack getting you all pumped.

    A nice take on the winning X-COM formula but streamlined for on the go play, can't wait for the sequel, easily one of my fave 3DS titles, nice job INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS, once again they deliver another top game.    … Expand
  22. Kenmei
    Mar 29, 2015
    6
    I found this game very difficult to get into and that had alot to do with the controls and the pacing of the game. Plus the difficulty early on in the game definitely doesn't do much to endear itself to those who get easily frustrated with their games. I liked the motif and the general steampunk idea the game had going. While the voice actor's do an ok job at trying to draw you in, theyI found this game very difficult to get into and that had alot to do with the controls and the pacing of the game. Plus the difficulty early on in the game definitely doesn't do much to endear itself to those who get easily frustrated with their games. I liked the motif and the general steampunk idea the game had going. While the voice actor's do an ok job at trying to draw you in, they usually just come across as annoying more often than not.
    Honestly this is a very depressing sign coming from one of the best developers of DS/3DS games. I'm hoping they pick up the pace with their next release.    … Expand
  23. VonSeux
    May 2, 2015
    9
    It's better than Fire Emblem Awakening (the latest game fr!om Intelligent System ) so if you like this developer, you can trust theyre still awesome!!
  24. Phenixuh
    Jan 22, 2016
    6
    Overall This game could have been really great if it wasn't for the it's epic difficulty. The problem is that it is so difficult that I won't play the game anymore. A game on a Nintendo Handheld should be fun, playable in short bursts and accessible for kids to enjoy, while also having more difficulty optional objectives for those who enjoy an extra challenge to encourage replay value.Overall This game could have been really great if it wasn't for the it's epic difficulty. The problem is that it is so difficult that I won't play the game anymore. A game on a Nintendo Handheld should be fun, playable in short bursts and accessible for kids to enjoy, while also having more difficulty optional objectives for those who enjoy an extra challenge to encourage replay value. The issue is that the BASIC mission goals are brutally difficult and take almost all the enjoyment out of playing game because you can't progress. The graphics are really nice for a handheld game, I love the Amiibo support, even if the only supported amiibo are the extremely rare ones. The game play is fun and engaging, and the story line and characters are interesting. The epic difficulty isn't the only issue I have with the game, the game is still very slow, even with the patch that allows you to fast forward through enemy turns. I also have issues with the weird UI, but ultimately those don't really hurt the game too much. I said it before, the unexpected and brutal difficulty takes any fun out of the experience before long and you're more frustrated and likely going to giving up before you get too far in the game. This game is only recommended to those who are in for a real challenge, which most people picking up this game are not looking for. Intelligent Systems made a game for hard core strategy players with a friendly face and many people have been and will continue to be fooled into thinking this a fun relaxing game their kid can play.

    Pros:
    Nice graphics
    Great game play
    Great Amiibo support

    Cons:
    Game is EXTREMELY difficult
    game is a bit slow
    The UI is a bit weird, but works    … Expand
  25. imoses
    Oct 7, 2015
    10
    Most under-rated game of the year! I love the quirky humor and characters. The challenging strategy and the unique map design! I spent 30 hours straight playing through this game, I couldn't put it down! I played it before they updated it with ability to increase alien movement speed.

    Pros: + very challenging + humor + characters + art style + maps always surprise and excite    Most under-rated game of the year! I love the quirky humor and characters. The challenging strategy and the unique map design! I spent 30 hours straight playing through this game, I couldn't put it down! I played it before they updated it with ability to increase alien movement speed.

    Pros:
    + very challenging
    + humor
    + characters
    + art style
    + maps always surprise and excite

    Cons:
    - alien movement (before update)    … Expand
  26. LoneWolfSones
    Jan 7, 2016
    8
    Code Name Steam is a new IP from Fire Emblem devs Intelligent Systems. The game has a unique golden age of comics aesthetic and a silly plot. STEAM is an acronym for "Strike Team Eliminating the Alien Menace." In Japan I believe the title is Abraham Lincoln vs. Aliens. Beneath its goofiness lies an interesting strategy game. You use Steam to move about the map. Positioning and knowing yourCode Name Steam is a new IP from Fire Emblem devs Intelligent Systems. The game has a unique golden age of comics aesthetic and a silly plot. STEAM is an acronym for "Strike Team Eliminating the Alien Menace." In Japan I believe the title is Abraham Lincoln vs. Aliens. Beneath its goofiness lies an interesting strategy game. You use Steam to move about the map. Positioning and knowing your abilities is key. Place your party members in choke points or on ledges for the tactical advantage your perspective gives. Its a shame this game hasn't sold quite that well as I feel it deserved better than it got. The major criticism of the alien turns taking too long has since been patched. If you love Fire Emblem; give this game a shot.… Expand
  27. Brandonthegamer
    Apr 19, 2015
    7
    This is their first time making a 3d strategy game I think so I won't bash them about it. However, in the beginning the characters are pretty underpowered and the mechanics where the enemies can attack you while if it is your turn can be a cheap way to make the game challenging.
  28. Felix128
    Mar 1, 2019
    8
    It seriously underrated game. I think the update, which allows a 30 second speed up of enemy turns, addresses one of the main flaws highlighted by the critic reviews.
  29. Lone_Wolf_Sones
    Aug 7, 2016
    8
    Code Name Steam is a new IP from Fire Emblem devs Intelligent Systems. The game has a unique golden age of comics aesthetic and a silly plot. STEAM is an acronym for "Strike Team Eliminating the Alien Menace." In Japan I believe the title is Abraham Lincoln vs. Aliens. Beneath its goofiness lies an interesting strategy game. You use Steam to move about the map. Positioning and knowing yourCode Name Steam is a new IP from Fire Emblem devs Intelligent Systems. The game has a unique golden age of comics aesthetic and a silly plot. STEAM is an acronym for "Strike Team Eliminating the Alien Menace." In Japan I believe the title is Abraham Lincoln vs. Aliens. Beneath its goofiness lies an interesting strategy game. You use Steam to move about the map. Positioning and knowing your abilities is key. Place your party members in choke points or on ledges for the tactical advantage your perspective gives. Its a shame this game hasn't sold quite that well as I feel it deserved better than it got. The major criticism of the alien turns taking too long has since been patched. If you love Fire Emblem; give this game a shot.… Expand
  30. Chimera17
    Nov 1, 2017
    9
    A great game, with an amazing soundtrack, and fun gameplay. there is a lot of flaws. I really want a sequel that fixes this games flaws. The game is really hard tho. Like, it's really really hard
  31. Sunshadow87
    Jan 3, 2023
    9
    Este es un juego con un sistema de combate estrategico peculiar, el cual comparte con la saga valkyria chronicles.

    En este sistema de combate, los personajes se mueven por turnos como en otros juegos tácticos, pero en el momento que es su turno, no los desplazamos sobre un cuadricula ni nada parecido, si no que pasamos a manejarlos directamente por el escenario en 3D. Sigue siendo un    Este es un juego con un sistema de combate estrategico peculiar, el cual comparte con la saga valkyria chronicles.

    En este sistema de combate, los personajes se mueven por turnos como en otros juegos tácticos, pero en el momento que es su turno, no los desplazamos sobre un cuadricula ni nada parecido, si no que pasamos a manejarlos directamente por el escenario en 3D. Sigue siendo un juego de estrategia, en el que tenemos una barra de "estamina" (vapor en este caso) la cual se ira vaciando conforme desplacemos al personaje o ejecutemos acciones, así que tenemos que pensar que acciones realizar o a donde mover el personaje, todo eso teniendo en cuenta que los enemigos pueden ejecutar ataques si entramos en su campo de visión (estilo xcom). Todo esto transmite la sensación de estar realmente atravesando un campo de batalla, mientras las balas vuelan a tu alrededor y avanzamos buscando diversas coberturas.

    En el caso de code name:steam, el juego se centra mayormente en su gameplay, siendo la historia algo más secundario. Sin embargo esta no debe ser subestimada, ya que también es un punto a favor del juego. Nos situamos en una America de un universo alternativo steampunk, donde en lugar de la electricidad, es el vapor el que ha hecho desarrollarse a la humanidad. El juego nos pone de primeras al control de un equipo especial de asalto americano rollo SWATT que debe hacer frente a una invasión alienigena. Sin embargo, lo genial de la historia es su absurdez, que nos llevara a situaciones hilarantes, evolucionando por giros que no veras venir, y completando nuestro plantel de personajes iniciales con... elementos muy variopintos, dejémoslo ahí (si tienes amiboos puedes conseguir incluso a Marth de Fire emblem... y no diría que acaba de desencajar en el juego...).

    Code name: Steam es una verdadera joya oculta que recomiendo no dejar pasar mientras aún te puedas hacer con ella.    … Expand
  32. Thamygamer17
    May 9, 2019
    8
    Buen juego, un gameplay solido, graficamente cumple y es divertido!
    Quizas su mayor pega sea la camara que se dirige con los botones de accion pero aun asi es un juego de notable.
  33. david33ad
    Feb 14, 2020
    8
    I avoided this game for years because of the review. I picked it up recently and have thoroughly enjoyed. Plus there was an update to fast forward through enemy turns. Challenging but fun. Lots of options because of the different characters.
  34. Nintendoforlife
    Feb 1, 2021
    7
    Code Name: Steam has a unique combat system, a good story, and flashy art style, but all that is overshadowed by it's mediocre at best level design.

Awards & Rankings

27
#27 Best 3DS Game of 2015
10
#10 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2015
19
#19 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 69
  2. Mixed: 28 out of 69
  3. Negative: 5 out of 69
  1. GameOver.gr
    Jul 31, 2015
    70
    If you're looking for a good turn based strategy game to take with you on your holidays with your 3DS, S.T.E.A.M. -with its unique story and interesting characters- is a great choice.
    Read full review
  2. NZGamer
    Jul 10, 2015
    60
    Bring on Fire Emblem: Fates.
    Read full review
  3. Level7.nu
    Jun 10, 2015
    60
    Codename: S.T.E.A.M is an ambitious take on the strategy genre. A striking visual style and nice voice acting make it stand out from the crowd, but the enemy design leaves a lot to be desired. Sadly, battles also tend to drag out since the most effective way to play is to tackle objectives very slowly, meaning there is little room for meaningful strategic decisions.
    Read full review
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