User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 95 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 72 out of 95
  2. Negative: 12 out of 95

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  1. Jul 5, 2016
    9
    WOW! I absolutely love this game. This is one of those games that you play slowly to savor every aspect of the game, -not wanting to go through it too quickly as you want the magic to last for a long time.

    Graphics: Excellent! -just stunning Sound: I love the way the robots speak, -turn your speakers up loud. Gameplay: Challenging, yet not frustrating. Fun, addictive. Really my
    WOW! I absolutely love this game. This is one of those games that you play slowly to savor every aspect of the game, -not wanting to go through it too quickly as you want the magic to last for a long time.

    Graphics: Excellent! -just stunning
    Sound: I love the way the robots speak, -turn your speakers up loud.
    Gameplay: Challenging, yet not frustrating. Fun, addictive.

    Really my only negative of this game is that there isn't a sequel out! I love this one, -I really wish that it was offered as a physical cartridge, as I do like collecting physical game copies.
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  2. Jun 12, 2016
    10
    Excellent game for the 3DS, which I've thoroughly enjoyed through and through. This coming from a non 'SteamWorld Dig' fanboy.. Initially I was a bit skeptical of the 2D action, turn-based shooter concept, being a long time X-com player myself. With that said, all my doubts were blown out the window within the first 10 minutes of game play. The developers totally nailed the gameplay.

    A
    Excellent game for the 3DS, which I've thoroughly enjoyed through and through. This coming from a non 'SteamWorld Dig' fanboy.. Initially I was a bit skeptical of the 2D action, turn-based shooter concept, being a long time X-com player myself. With that said, all my doubts were blown out the window within the first 10 minutes of game play. The developers totally nailed the gameplay.

    A common complaint with the game is the inventory system, which didn't really bother me much. My advice is that patient inventory management and non- compulsive hoarding behaviour can go a long way in improving your overall game experience.

    My only gripe is the minor lack of content in terms of the amount of levels in the game. But this is by no means a short game, clocking in around 15-20 hours per playthrough, without adding in New Game +. I found myself grinding the same few levels for extra XP and cash. I would have liked the release of additional content, free or paid, in terms of extra bosses, levels, weapons and hats. I doubt they would though, pending the release of a sequel ( Which I really hope they're working on).

    However, do not let this detract you from what is an otherwise stellar gaming experience.
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  3. Dec 14, 2015
    9
    This is a very fun game. It makes me think that the creators of the game played Codename Steam and said "how can we make that game more streamlined, engaging and accesible." The graphics are crisp and fresh. The characters are diverse and their various class skills (which level up with XP) add depth to the combat (which feels fair and challenging). The combat itself is very easy to graspThis is a very fun game. It makes me think that the creators of the game played Codename Steam and said "how can we make that game more streamlined, engaging and accesible." The graphics are crisp and fresh. The characters are diverse and their various class skills (which level up with XP) add depth to the combat (which feels fair and challenging). The combat itself is very easy to grasp but as you progress through the game you gain new weapons the combat becomes more nuanced and allows you to play the way you want to.

    I don't know why there would be negative reviews (unless someone simply doesn't like the strategy genre). The game excutes very well at what it intended to do. Enjoy!
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  4. Jan 13, 2016
    9
    Loved the game. Took about 17 hours to finish and loved every minute of it. Especially enjoyed the Steam Powered Giraffe songs that played after bosses and in bars.
  5. Dec 23, 2015
    10
    I'd skipped this the first week it was out despite being a HUGE fan of SteamWorld Dig. It just didn't look as good to me.
    Well, I was wrong. Heist is an essential strategy game with a great light RPG element. It's perfect for gaming on the go with quick levels (~15 minutes) if you play smartly. The visuals are wonderful, and it is one of the few games that JUST SHINES in 3D.
    Strategy is
    I'd skipped this the first week it was out despite being a HUGE fan of SteamWorld Dig. It just didn't look as good to me.
    Well, I was wrong. Heist is an essential strategy game with a great light RPG element. It's perfect for gaming on the go with quick levels (~15 minutes) if you play smartly. The visuals are wonderful, and it is one of the few games that JUST SHINES in 3D.
    Strategy is a tough category, but if you like strategy, or SteamWorld games, or masterfully crafted awesome gaming experiences, you should check this game out! I am glad someone convinced me to give it a try, I think you will be too!
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  6. Dec 16, 2015
    10
    This game is surprisingly good. I don't play a lot of games like this, so it's hard for me to make a comparison, but the gameplay is similar to Worms. You move your character, you choose your weapon or action, and try to take a shot on the enemy team.

    The loot you can acquire in this game, coupled with the leveling and acquisition of new team members makes progression feel really
    This game is surprisingly good. I don't play a lot of games like this, so it's hard for me to make a comparison, but the gameplay is similar to Worms. You move your character, you choose your weapon or action, and try to take a shot on the enemy team.

    The loot you can acquire in this game, coupled with the leveling and acquisition of new team members makes progression feel really rewarding. If you're into collecting things other than tactical weapons, you can shoot the hats off of enemy scrappers and wear those on each of your missions.

    SteamWorld Dig is a good game. But this is the deeper and more interesting game, by far, and almost makes their first game look shallow by comparison.

    It's also a beautiful game. The environments are rusty, but the characters are well animated and the backgrounds are really detailed. I hope this game isn't overlooked because it really is fantastic.
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  7. Dec 10, 2015
    10
    What can I say, this is my kind of game! Awesome graphics, great gameplay with fun mechanics. And who doesn't love a good fedora. I want more, and then some.
  8. Dec 28, 2015
    10
    To put it in a sentence, SteamWorld Heist is the best game I played on 3DS in 2015. It achieved everything it was aiming for, to create an enjoyable 2D tacictal RPG à la XCOM in the SteamWorld universe.
    TRPG often tend to be repetitive, and filled with grind (FE:Awakening). However, like XCOM, SteamWorld Heist is neither of that.
    Though the story itself is quite straightforward, the
    To put it in a sentence, SteamWorld Heist is the best game I played on 3DS in 2015. It achieved everything it was aiming for, to create an enjoyable 2D tacictal RPG à la XCOM in the SteamWorld universe.
    TRPG often tend to be repetitive, and filled with grind (FE:Awakening). However, like XCOM, SteamWorld Heist is neither of that.
    Though the story itself is quite straightforward, the background of the game benefits from a fantastic soundtrack, engaging graphics and funny characters.
    This game is definitely a must have for every 3DS owner.
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  9. Dec 11, 2015
    10
    That is one of best's game for 3ds in this year. Awesome graphix and nice music. Incredible gemplay with fun mechanics. This geme is 100% must have if you like games.
  10. Dec 30, 2015
    9
    I really liked a first game (Steamworld: Dig), even though I'm not a huge fan of "dig stuff, find gems" type of games. So picking up this one was a no-brainer. I was slightly surprised that the genre changed, but this was a good kind of a surprise!

    This game is absolutely fabulous in terms of visuals, gameplay and world/story. Detailed tactically developed levels(randomish generated,
    I really liked a first game (Steamworld: Dig), even though I'm not a huge fan of "dig stuff, find gems" type of games. So picking up this one was a no-brainer. I was slightly surprised that the genre changed, but this was a good kind of a surprise!

    This game is absolutely fabulous in terms of visuals, gameplay and world/story. Detailed tactically developed levels(randomish generated, but with a very thought through generator) and variety of tactical decisions, robust character roster, and interesting and involving RPG elements. This is one of the best games on 3DS with was not developed by Nintendo or nintendo affiliated developers.

    This is an absolutely must have game for every owner of a 3DS nintendo system.
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  11. Dec 30, 2015
    9
    I traveled home for the holidays. Saw people calling this 2-D XCom which peaked my interest, as I love X-Com.

    I absolutely blown away by how intuitive this game is. The presentation, style, menus are all top notch. So without anything holding it back, the question is, does this have the addictive "one-more mission" of XCom with tense combat? The answer is Yes! This game is brilliant!
    I traveled home for the holidays. Saw people calling this 2-D XCom which peaked my interest, as I love X-Com.

    I absolutely blown away by how intuitive this game is. The presentation, style, menus are all top notch. So without anything holding it back, the question is, does this have the addictive "one-more mission" of XCom with tense combat?

    The answer is Yes! This game is brilliant! If you're an X-Com afficianado that likes a challenge, play on high difficulties. I am addicted to this game, and at 20 bucks, it's a simply phenomenal deal.
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  12. Jan 19, 2016
    9
    I would have given Steamworld Heist a 10 but one thing held it back. That was the inventory system it was too cumbersome and I wished they can make a patch to fix it. Otherwise it is a fun game.
  13. Jan 20, 2016
    8
    SteamWorld Heist was a game I had been waiting all year for. After playing SteamWorld Dig and being swept away with the characters and lore I figured the series could only get better and to an extent I was absolutely right. This game has a certain polish to it that doesn't seem like it would be a "Nindies" title but that definitely isn't a bad thing. This game is brilliantly fun, and aSteamWorld Heist was a game I had been waiting all year for. After playing SteamWorld Dig and being swept away with the characters and lore I figured the series could only get better and to an extent I was absolutely right. This game has a certain polish to it that doesn't seem like it would be a "Nindies" title but that definitely isn't a bad thing. This game is brilliantly fun, and a breath of fresh air. Finally something new, this game is a good break away from all the FPS, and Sports games that are in abundance. SteamWorld Heist is well worth your money, and it boasts a fairly mediocre playtime. Longer than SteamWorld Dig. The main reason why this wasn't a 10-10 or 9-10 for me is because in all honesty this game is amazing, it lacks certain customizable features that make the game feel a bit dated,the gameplay can get kinda repetitive, and the loot options are not as different as made out to be. This game would be one of the best games on the 3ds if they could possible add free DLC which adds more weapons, hats, characters and so forth.

    Anyways I hope this review helped some of you. This is only my second review on Metacritic but I try to give my honest opinion. My final conclusion to SteamWorld Heist is that if your sitting comfortable with you money definitely go out and pick it up, but this isn't the game of all games on the 3ds that will keep you busy and busy. It is a great time killer just go into this game with a level head.
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  14. Jul 12, 2018
    10
    So addictive, and so perfect for DS -- runs perfectly and the controls are excellent. There aren't many games this cheap that have such incredible replay value and attention to detail. And just so fun. One of my favourite games on all platforms.
  15. Apr 30, 2016
    9
    If you are a fan of Steam Powered Giraffe, you will fall in love with this game and have the best steam-powered erection of your life.

    Here are some paraphrases for you. First, there is NO multiplayer. Sorry but this sort of game doesn't support it in the first place. Second, this is basically, boiled down to it's most basic concept, worms with robots. This is not a bad thing.
    If you are a fan of Steam Powered Giraffe, you will fall in love with this game and have the best steam-powered erection of your life.

    Here are some paraphrases for you.

    First, there is NO multiplayer. Sorry but this sort of game doesn't support it in the first place.

    Second, this is basically, boiled down to it's most basic concept, worms with robots.

    This is not a bad thing.

    The animations are great, combat is easy, and it has a good difficulty curve. I played it constantly for three days to beat it and fully intend of playing NG+.

    get it, play it, love it.

    Downsides? There needs to be more content... there really needs to be more content.
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  16. Jan 7, 2020
    10
    Это лучшее, что я видел в поприще инди игр, да и вообще игра уделывает большинство AAA игр.
  17. Sep 13, 2022
    7
    an average game that stands out for its special setting and if it weren’t for steam world dig, then I wouldn’t know about this game, although in general you can skip this game if you don’t go through only tactical games
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 47 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 47
  2. Negative: 0 out of 47
  1. CD-Action
    Mar 4, 2016
    90
    Image & Form once again proves that enjoyable basic mechanics are key to success. Shooting is so well executed in SteamWorld Heist that it kept me excited throughout the whole over a dozen hours long campaign. [02/2016, p.69]
  2. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 3, 2016
    87
    Light, but highly addicting. [Feb 2016]
  3. Games Master UK
    Feb 26, 2016
    88
    The inventory system's a little rusty but SteamWorld Heist still gives you plenty of bang for your buck. [Feb 2016, p.81]