Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 36
  2. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. Edge Magazine
    Aug 9, 2024
    70
    Look for the new stuff, then, and there's no doubt this is a refined and expanded sequel, even if certain issues remain. [Issue#401, p.108]
  2. Aug 2, 2024
    70
    I love the world of SteamWorld. Heist 2 is as flavorful as ever, with great characters, funny writing, and a great soundtrack by Steam Powered Giraffe. The overworld exploration is charming too, with its own pirate ship progression system and simple naval combat. I really want to like SteamWorld Heist 2, but I can’t get past the more tedious aspects of the grind, or the long, punishing missions in the late game. It’s an improvement over the original to be sure, but I’ll have to wait patiently for SteamWorld Heist 3 to see if this series can finally reach its full potential.
  3. Aug 1, 2024
    70
    Steamworld Heist 2 is a strong sequel, even if it may test both your skills and patience.
  4. Aug 1, 2024
    70
    SteamWorld Heist 2 is a great sequel. While retaining the aiming system and side-on perspective that made the original a joy, it features a generously redesigned class system and new overworld to explore. However, old problems with mission repetition and stingy XP rewards deter you from experimenting with classes, pulling the game down from excellence.
  5. Aug 1, 2024
    60
    The core of SteamWorld Heist still burns brightly in this turn-based tactics sequel, but its bid to go bigger and better is a risk that hasn't quite paid off.
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  1. Aug 19, 2024
    Immerse yourself in a steampunk universe with turn-based combat, deep customization, and an engaging and fun narrative. A sequel that invites you to dive into a steampunk world with turn-based battles, extensive customization, and an incredibly entertaining story. [Recommended]
  2. Aug 19, 2024
    In my playthrough on the default difficulty setting, there was never really a moment when I thought I had a total edge on the opposing side. I also found that knowing my crew of death machines was fully handcrafted made the whole experience far more rewarding. The SteamWorld franchise continues to innovate in exciting ways, and I’m looking forward to seeing what genre it’ll set its sights on next.
  3. Once again, I've yet to play a SteamWorld game I didn't like. SteamWorld Heist 2 is not bucking that trend. After 15 hours I still haven't finished it, but my endgame sense is tingling and I'm eager to see it through. If I was asked to name the most reliably entertaining franchise in video games today, I would perhaps point to Thunderful's toybox and say simply: "Them 'uns". These games know what they're doing, they communicate it succinctly, and most importantly, they let the player happily move on when the game is finished. These are not games of "endless replayability", they are toys of endful playability, of conclusiveness, closure and clemency. If switching off after reaching an "ending" in a piece of Destiny 2 DLC is like finishing a McDonalds yet feeling hungry again two hours later, then watching the credits roll on a SteamWorld game is like finishing a decent home cooked meal and walking away full of unthinking contentment. I'm keen to keep sailing north, find a homey pub on the horizon, and eat that final dish.