2024’s Must-Play Tactical RPG

SteamWorld Heist II: A Tactical RPG Worth Rediscovering

The gaming world witnessed the quiet debut of SteamWorld Heist II last August. It subtly entered the scene, overshadowed by its genre peers. Many overlooked this sequel, and that’s unfortunate. Its strategic core is impeccable, though some peripheral aspects might slightly distract.

A Bold New Direction

SteamWorld Heist II is the successor to the 2015 classic from Image & Form. It shifts from sci-fi to a Pirates of the Caribbean-inspired maritime adventure. Yet, its essence remains in the thrilling turn-based battles on 2D stages. Here, bullets ricochet while grenades dramatically reshape the battleground.

Fans will still relish the loot-filled procedurally generated levels. You navigate intense shootouts and dodging salvos. However, a significant twist sets this sequel apart. Previously, characters followed strict class roles. Now, players can equip any crew member with any weapon, revolutionizing combat styles. Choose a sniper rifle, and you have a long-range marksman. Opt for a hammer, and you’re a close-quarters brawler with unique bonuses.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

The game further enhances versatility by allowing skill mixes across classes. Players can unlock and experiment with combinations that tip the balance decisively. This is akin to flipping Final Fantasy Tactics’ script. Skills tie to weapons, not classes. It’s a refreshing change, offering streamlined yet deep gameplay.

Last summer, I explored this on Switch, and it was captivating. Analyzing bullet paths, calculating blast impacts, or deciding sacrificial moves added layers of excitement. Even generated maps present real challenges. Any pause can see your team overwhelmed, but this only heightens the thrill. SteamWorld Heist II builds superbly upon its predecessor’s strengths.

Navigating New Challenges

Yet, not everything is perfect. The sequel stretches nearly twice as long as the first game’s concise run, sometimes demanding tiresome late-game grinds. A new overworld system lets players navigate as submarines, battling enemy ships. Although cleverly designed, these sections often feel redundant, diverting from the engaging 2D skirmishes.

Ultimately, SteamWorld Heist II resembles a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with too much bread. Enjoyable, yet a bit excessive. Despite these criticisms, I still finished the game. Its XCOM-like tactical encounters are compelling enough to wade through any filler. SteamWorld Heist II stands out as a remarkable tactics RPG. Genre enthusiasts mustn’t miss it; overlooking it would be a disservice to true strategy fans.