Whenever I have to describe SteamWorld Heist I say "Imagine a turn based strategy game except instead having a top-down view this is one a side-scroller". It may sound really crazy but for many people its also quite a fascinating concept. The way the developer, Image and Form, managed to blend two genres so well is very impressive. I know that only covers the gameplay but there is a clever story and strong theme holding the game together. If robot pirates in space sounds just as exciting to you as does the tactical combat I believe you'll be in for a real treat.
Your planet has been blown to bits and now all steamboats are forced to live in space. You take on the role of Captain Piper, commanding officer of a band of pirates. In your adventures you'll take on scrappers, the royal army, and a more mysterious menace. The scrappers are made up of pieces of dead steam bots and have a record of causing trouble. The royal army is trying to rebuild your planet while ruling the people with iron fist. As each force you take one is a bigger threat than the last you'll need to recruit more crew members to aid your cause. Everyday steambots from fishermen, to farmers, and weightlifters will join your crew each offering a unique set of perks as they gain experience from missions. Between each mission you can often expect that there will be a lot of funny dialog between the different crew members you've recruited.
Although the story is entertaining and gives you purpose between missions it still feels like the combat is the heart of SteamWorld Heist. Each mission will have you boarding a different enemy ship. Your objectives may range from eliminating a set number of enemies, deactivating different devices, or simply surviving a set number of terms. You'll have your chance to move each character and then take an action, then the enemy will proceed to do the same. Most of the time you're action will be to take aim and shoot. Some guns have scopes letting you more easily see what you're likely to hit while others you just have to hope you are pointing in the right direction. All guns sway a bit while aiming adding a little extra challenge. All your standard fare of guns are available from pistols, shotguns, machine guns, rocket-launchers, etc.
Before you start each mission you'll be able to equip different weapons and items you've acquired on previous missions or bought at various shops. Most guns offer a bonus for head-shots while some will pierce enemies or offer a chance to stun. There is a lot of variety it the items; some just add to your mobility or your defenses while other usable items range from grenades to med-kits. In battle both you and the enemy force will have many opportunities to take cover letting you shot without exposing yourself. One nice feature is that most bullets will bounce off walls making it easier to hit the enemies as they take cover. Also keep an eye out for explosives as they may give you a chance to quickly take out an enemy or two.
There are a lot of different things going on in this game and its amazing how well they come together. The gameplay structure is surprising intuitive and should come naturally to anyone who enjoys turn-based strategy games. It took me 15 hours for an all three-star rating play-through on the medium difficulty making this game twice as long as Image and Form's previous game, the excellent SteamWorld Dig. Although taking place it the same universe it seems like there was much more effort put into making this a fun and engaging narrative experience as well. There are a handful of slide-show cut-scenes and some wonderful dialog and banter between characters. Honestly, I can't say that there was anything I didn't like about this game. It set out with a very specific experience in mind and it succeeded in delivering just that.