Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 53 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 53
  2. Negative: 0 out of 53
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  1. May 2, 2019
    100
    SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is basically what we’ve come to expect from the SteamWorld series, namely a well-realized take on an existing genre masterfully executed once again.
  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Feb 27, 2020
    95
    The SteamWorld just keeps on picking up more and more steam. I can't wait for what's next! [Issue #40 – July/August 2019, p. 29]
  3. Jul 8, 2019
    90
    We are yet to witness a bad Image & Form game, as the latest SteamWorld instalment is amazing as usual! Great turn-based combat, likeable characters, story, and graphics, are just a fragment of a magic formula, that can obviously summon an awesome and entertaining title with ease. Do not miss it.
  4. May 29, 2019
    90
    SteamWorld Quest offers endless fun, and while its 15 hours gameplay is shorter than most RPGs, it still manages to entertain using a solid combat system and the familiar atmosphere the series in know for, and more importantly once again proves that the Sweden based Image & Form is one the best developers around.
  5. Edge Magazine
    May 23, 2019
    90
    Finally, here's an RPG that, in every sense, leaves you wanting more. [Issue#333, p.114]
  6. Apr 24, 2019
    90
    If you like turn-based RPG’s or card battlers you will adore this game.
  7. Apr 24, 2019
    90
    SteamWorld Quest is an excellent fifteen-hour adventure filled with humor, well-designed gameplay, and vibrant, detailed graphics that make the relatable characters and world around them just pop. While this game might be on the radar for current fans of the SteamWorld universe, it should pique the interest of many fans of well-written, visually pretty RPGs as well. I’m delighted I got a chance to play this and now find myself interested in digging into the rest of Image & Form’s other titles.
  8. Apr 23, 2019
    90
    A delightfully whimsical steampunk-RPG romp and you’d have to be malfunctioning to miss out on it.
  9. Apr 23, 2019
    90
    SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech was a title that I was eagerly anticipating, given the developer’s track record with the SteamWorld series, and the result exceeded my expectations. It is incredibly clever and it is clear that plenty of thought has been put behind each aspect. Not only is this the best title in the SteamWorld series, but it is also one of the best RPGs of any kind currently on the Switch. I simply could not put it down.
  10. Apr 23, 2019
    90
    Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is an excellent addition to the Steamworld lineup and a fantastic game on its own merits. The story is simple but charming, and the gameplay alone is strong enough to carry players to the end. The sheer amount of customization and variety in character builds and combat offers a lot of enjoyable content to players both casual and hardcore. If you're a fan of RPGs, then you should try out Steamworld Quest. It's one of the most enjoyable indie titles on the Switch to date.
  11. 90
    Despite a few issues with map design and clunky dungeon controls, SteamWorld Quest is a gem of a game, and a must-play for anyone with a Nintendo Switch.
  12. 90
    My time with SteamWorld Quest was thoroughly satisfying, and in between playing lengthy Final Fantasy ports, I was glad to have a more compact experience close at hand. Rather than running out of steam, Hand of Gilgamech plays its cards rather perfectly.
  13. Apr 23, 2019
    90
    SteamWorld Quest, a card-based RPG, is an all-around pleasure: challenging but not too complicated, accessible but not too simple, fun at every point.
  14. Apr 23, 2019
    88
    SteamWorld Quest is a delightful and epic parable about heroism and the ease of forgetting about it in times of peace.
  15. May 8, 2019
    86
    Image & Form has done it again. They’ve created another gem in their SteamWorld series that not only shows their talent as game developers but also their love of RPG’s. The card battle system is incredibly addictive and offers a ton of gameplay options to boot. And while the story is somewhat by the numbers, the memorable characters, dialogue and rewarding gameplay elevate it above the pack. Even if you’re not big on card games, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is another home run for Image & Form and a definite must-buy on Nintendo Switch.
  16. Apr 23, 2019
    86
    SteamWorld Quest is far more of an RPG than it is a card game, but its deck-building twists offer an insane amount of gameplay choice. Its charming characters have tons of individual strategies to explore, which are then influenced by who else is in your party, and again by what cards you actually draw and the order you play them.
  17. Jun 20, 2019
    85
    While not a fully deep experience for those familiar to the genre, Image & Form’s first attempt at a card-based RPG still pays off in spades with a satisfying gameplay hook and journey that oozes with colorful charm.
  18. May 9, 2019
    85
    With wonderful combat and more charm than any game I can name off the top of my head Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a very easy recommendation from me despite a few undercooked ideas.
  19. Apr 29, 2019
    85
    SteamWorld Quest is a fun, little RPG with a charming cast and an excellent combat system which gives tons of depth and variety to each battle.
  20. Apr 29, 2019
    85
    An excellent RPG and an excellent card game that mixes both genres to create a unique experience that will entertain you during almost 20 hours despite its not especially varied outside its cards.
  21. Apr 24, 2019
    85
    SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a very good, if short, game. Every fight will be different depending on your party composition, equipment, and deck setup, with each fight having multiple ways you could overcome them. With a combination of luck, skill, and planning, each fight was both a chance to gain exp before the next boss, and an opportunity to try out combos before the big fight, fulfilling a card game player’s dream.
  22. Apr 23, 2019
    85
    SteamWorld Quest is so refreshing because it’s a turn-based RPG I want to play specifically because of its combat. It is so rewarding to work toward a big play and then dropping three cards with multiple synergies.
  23. Apr 23, 2019
    84
    If you like turn-based RPGs or card games, or both, then you can't go wrong with Steamworld Quest hand of Gilgamech, a funny romp through a gorgeous (albeit small) world. Another enthralling game from Image & Form.
  24. Jul 18, 2019
    80
    A card-based RPG with a steampunk twist, rewarding gameplay and the usual, delightful Steamworld style.
  25. Apr 30, 2019
    80
    Add in some surprisingly good plot twists and emotional arcs and SteamWorld Quest is a game that storied RPG developers like Atlus and Square Enix could be proud of. The fact that this is Image & Form’s first outing in the genre begs the question of what exciting adventure the developers will rush headlong into next.
  26. Apr 30, 2019
    80
    SteamWorld Quest is at the same time a simple and involving RPG with a fun and original cards system and well developed characters that make the whole experience more fun and compelling for the players. Its addictive and enjoyable gameplay, detailed and lovely visual environment and overall well crafted elements make SteamWorld Quest something that all RPG fans should get their hands on.
  27. Apr 29, 2019
    80
    SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is beautifully driven forward by a touching and humorous story, while its engaging card-based battle system will keep you entertained. Once the experience is over, though, there is little replay value. Overall, another excellent addition to the SteamWorld franchise.
  28. Apr 29, 2019
    80
    SteamWorld Quest is a great turn-based RPG with a marvellous art style and fun combat system.
  29. Apr 26, 2019
    80
    Hand of Gilgamech is one of these games that mixes up many different elements, and surprisingly, it makes it work. Great ideas, great design, and a fantastic universe are waiting for you here.
  30. Apr 26, 2019
    80
    One of the year's most cozy experiences so far. Image & Form Games has taken the charm of previous games and merged it with a fast battle system that never feels boring. Together with the wonderful environments and the funny dialogue, we have a game that, in its best moments, is reminiscent of the feeling of the very best in the genre.
  31. Apr 26, 2019
    80
    I was blown away by how much I enjoyed playing SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech. A beautifully crafted world, engrossing combat system, and deeply layered boss fights are just a few things RPG fans will certainly love about Image & Form Games’ distinct card game.
  32. Apr 24, 2019
    80
    SteamWorld Quest is a perfectly serviceable RPG, but a disappointment when compared to previous SteamWorld games.
  33. Apr 23, 2019
    80
    Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a creative infusion of card-based combat with a traditional RPG. It plays entirely unlike any other card combat game, and it’s worth a look even for those who don’t generally like the genre. While it’s light on story, less replayable than other card games, and could use some refinement when it comes to building decks and equipping characters, it’s still a fun twist on a familiar concept that’s easy to recommend.
  34. Apr 23, 2019
    80
    Held back by one too many erroneous factors unfortunate that may be, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is still by far Image & Form’s most fascinating and mechanically-impressive entry in the series to date.
  35. Apr 23, 2019
    80
    SteamWorld Quest is a diet RPG, but it still contains plentiful portions of Image & Form's unique charm and humor. Its card-based battle system is engaging, and you might find yourself enjoying it a lot even if you're not a big fan of digital card games. Expect a straightforward journey that ends much sooner than most RPGs, but maybe a 15-hour quest isn't such a bad thing in a genre that keeps piling on 100-hour epics.
  36. Apr 23, 2019
    80
    SteamWorld Quest plays it too safe to satisfy hardcore card-crawlers, but the campy characters, gratifying combat, and splashy synergies make it an enticing option for those looking for a traditional turn-based RPG that’s easy to wade into.
  37. Apr 23, 2019
    80
    Remarkably solid and satisfying, SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a card battler with an abundance of charm in its art, mechanics and writing. The presentation is slick, the dialogue’s witty and the gameplay’s addictive, although nothing about it feels particularly special – not in the way SteamWorld Dig 2 felt special. It does what it does well, though, and it’s still a thoroughly enjoyable time in that universe. As long as you’re not expecting anything revolutionary, we recommend anybody who likes turn-based battling or who enjoyed any previous games in the series check it out.
  38. Apr 23, 2019
    80
    SteamWorld Quest is a solid RPG that contains a number of interesting ideas and packs the charm of the other SteamWorld titles. Fans of RPGs or SteamWorld games should give it a go.
  39. Apr 23, 2019
    80
    I would have played SteamWorld Quest for 40 hours, flaws and all.
  40. Apr 25, 2019
    75
    Thanks to its strong card combat Steamworld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is very convincing. The other important parts of a good RPG feel a bit left out. Almost all levels feel the same.
  41. Apr 23, 2019
    75
    The challenge of making an RPG was accepted and SteamWorld Quest has been developed; consequently, fans of the SteamWorld franchise have been satisfied. Image & Form has impeccable respect for its audience and this game is proof of that.
  42. May 24, 2019
    70
    SteamWorld Quest can’t quite reach the heights of the previous games in the series, but there’s a lot of fun to be had regardless thanks to simple, yet clever combat system, typical sense of humour and many possible styles of play.
  43. May 1, 2019
    70
    Steam World Quest isn't a perfect RPG, but it's a damn good one. If you want some bitesized, simple card battling mechanics on the go, this is an excellent choice.
  44. 70
    On the one hand SteamWorld Quest is a frustrating experience. Image & Form really needs to track down some writers that can weave tales into its intriguing and impeccably-designed SteamWorld universe. There's so much potential there that it's becoming tiring waiting for the team to tap into it. At the same time, SteamWorld Quest is also a delight to play, with a well-developed card-based combat system, gorgeous art and production values, and elegant gameplay structures. It's a game (and franchise) that wears its indie credentials on its sleeve, and it's hard to be too disappointed by its flaws for that reason.
  45. Apr 23, 2019
    70
    SteamWorld Quest scratches the RPG itch with an accessible take on card-based battles. It’s never overwhelming which is both a benefit and detriment. The characters are lovable, but the plot fails to capitalize on its engaging foundation. In the end, it’s a solid entry in the SteamWorld franchise, just not the best.
  46. Apr 23, 2019
    70
    It’s great to see developers like Image & Form Games doing different things with their always-interesting SteamWorld franchise. Both the Dig and Heist games worked very well for their genres, and SteamWorld Quest works for card games. There is a decent card game here and the fantasy setting is charming, but it is a shame when not all of the game is as fun to experience. At the end of the day it’s still a solidly-made game and I don’t think I’ll ever tire of their neat robot designs.
  47. Apr 23, 2019
    70
    A delightful RPG experience. Though there are problems around its edges with prolonged battles and a weak overall narrative, its ability to maintain a deck-building card game inside a RPG in inventive ways continually is nothing short of awesome. Once it clicks with you, it’s hard to not stop theorycrafting, experimenting, and optimizing your deck.
  48. 70
    With Hand of Gilgamech, Image & Form have shown that SteamWorld is truly a genre chameleon, moulding itself nicely into a CCG RPG.
  49. 70
    SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech is a funny, charming deck-building RPG that laughs in the face of fantasy and adventure tropes. In the end, though, the game falls victim to repetitive gameplay and ends up overstaying its welcome.
  50. Apr 23, 2019
    70
    Its uneven difficulty saps some enjoyment out of the otherwise whimsical journey through this new and gorgeous kingdom, but it's still one that is admirably accessible while deep enough to be engaging throughout its 20-hour adventure.
  51. Apr 23, 2019
    69
    SteamWorld Quest may feature a charming cast of characters and an enjoyable battle system but its overall lack of variety and drab dungeons make it a tough game to universally recommend. If you want a top-notch RPG then play SteamWorld Heist instead.
  52. May 2, 2019
    65
    SteamWorld Quest is cute and colorful, I’m a fan of the developer and their IP, and the deckbuilding is a genuine strength deserving of praise – something this polished, restrained and approachable is a joy. On the other hand, the overall experience doesn’t offer enough variety or depth, and I struggled to stay engaged before even reaching the halfway point. I’d love to see an enhanced sequel, but the current iteration just runs out of… Well, you know.
  53. Apr 29, 2019
    60
    The weakest of the recent SteamWorld games but still an enjoyable, if rather unfair, mix of role-playing game and card-battler.
This publication does not provide a score for their reviews.
This publication has not posted a final review score yet.
These unscored reviews do not factor into the Metascore calculation.
  1. Apr 23, 2019
    I'll be totally honest. After Slay the Spire I thought I had the only card battling RPG I needed for the time being. But I should never bet against the SteamWorld team, and so it proved here. Wit, warmth, smart mechanics and a surprising challenge all make SteamWorld Quest a delight - and then there's Orik, of course. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. Apr 23, 2019
    In the hundreds of battles I’ve had in SteamWorld Quest, no turn in any of them was ever the same. Even now there are strategies and builds I still want to go back and try, despite having already exhausted most of the dungeons. I only wish there were hundreds of new battles I had yet to fight.
  3. Apr 25, 2019
    SteamWorld Quest, however, knows exactly what it is and what it wants to accomplish. Like other SteamWorld games before it, Quest takes a basic idea — in this case, turn-based battles with deck-building — and it builds on it, cog by cog, until the machine takes on the satisfying complexity of a watch. [Polygon Recommends]
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 82
  2. Negative: 10 out of 82
  1. Apr 30, 2019
    10
    Steam World Quest is an amazing mix of Baten Kaitos, Paper Mario and Slay the Spire with a big dash of Image & Form special sauce in it. IfSteam World Quest is an amazing mix of Baten Kaitos, Paper Mario and Slay the Spire with a big dash of Image & Form special sauce in it. If you are a fan of RPGs or card games try this game out, very hard to put down. Full Review »
  2. Apr 27, 2019
    7
    This is a card-based RPG that is mostly just meh. It's fine enough, but this format has been done before and done better, so it's not worthThis is a card-based RPG that is mostly just meh. It's fine enough, but this format has been done before and done better, so it's not worth picking up for the mechanics alone. The combat is a bit repetitive and you find yourself mostly just trying to pull the same 3 combos as many times as possible.

    My biggest problem with the game though is the fact that it doesn't seem to have any connection to SteamWorld beyond the art style. The characters keep making references to being "hungry" or having "flesh wounds that heal" and you get "trashium" and other gem types from the dig games as crafting materials, but you never actually see them in the world or anything like that; they're mostly just a line of text. It feels like Image and Form made a mediocre RPG, knew it was mediocre, and so changed the art last minute to make it "SteamWorld" to try and grab a few extra sales off of that.

    This will be worth picking up once it goes on sale to $15, but you're fine until then. It is worth playing in the end, but it's not creative or unique enough to warrant a day-one purchase, even for SteamWorld fans.
    Full Review »
  3. Jun 16, 2020
    7
    I really enjoyed this game.
    It is very easily accessible when it comes to card game mechanics (for example when compared to the Witcher Gwint
    I really enjoyed this game.
    It is very easily accessible when it comes to card game mechanics (for example when compared to the Witcher Gwint card game), the rules are simple yet at the same time gameplay is very enjoyable.

    BUT, it is best played in small time portions. There is not that many cards to build custom deck (once you unlock some powerful ones you tend to stick with them through many chapters) and as mentioned the gameplay rules are quite straightforward, thus the game is perfect for short sessions. After 1h of continuous play it starts to get boring.

    There is a New Game + mode (which is a plus), but the limited number of cards to unlock do not make it appealing to re-play the game. You will probably stick with most of the end-game deck, maybe upgrading some cards. Still - it's nice that new game+ is here.

    So overall 7/10. Perfectly enjoyable in small 30min subway rides, but would bore to death on a 10h non-stop flight if it was the only game I had.

    While on sale - I would definitely recommend to pick it up,
    Full Review »