User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 144 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 22 out of 144
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  1. 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.
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  2. 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.
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  3. 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
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  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Metascore
69

Mixed or average reviews - based on 69 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 69
  2. Negative: 5 out of 69
  1. 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.
  2. Jul 10, 2015
    60
    Bring on Fire Emblem: Fates.
  3. 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.