Nintendo’s 3DS just keeps selling like hot cakes, and if the E3 population is anything to go by, every gamer and his mother has one. Now they have revealed an all new IP, and it will make many of you ridiculously happy.
The new game is called Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Just to clarify, this isn’t an internal code name, the actual name of the game includes “Code Name”. The game itself begins in London and is set in a steam punk aesthetic. However, during the presentation from Hitoshi Yamagami, Paul Patrashcu and Takao Sakai (some of the big names behind Fire Emblem) it became apparent that while the steam punk idea was initially just an aesthetic affectation, it later became an integral part of the game.
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a turn-based strategy game with action elements from third person shooters. Developed with Intelligent Systems, it was built in a way to try to overcome many gamers’ aversion to playing strategy games. Gone are the 2D bird’s eye maps or hidden mathematics. Instead, there is a strong focus on exploring the map ala third person shooter, while coordinating with the rest of your team like a normal strategy game.
Instead of grinding, the focus is on expanding your team. In fact, it’s impossible to grind up your powers to just get strong enough to complete a level regardless of ability. You will have to play to the strengths of your team and work to build that team up. As a result of this team focus, there is no perma-death.
Players move the team around the map – they have boilers on their backs that power movement and attacks. In this way, they use the idea of action points without really using them – players use steam to move around freely, with attacks also using a specific amount of steam. Each team member gets more steam each turn. There are also opportunities for special attacks and even attacking during the enemy’s turn. Despite its quirky and off the wall look, this game requires a ton of strategy.
S.T.E.A.M. stands for Strike Team Eliminating the Alien Menace and according to the story was created by Abraham Lincoln to protect against aliens. Those aliens have invaded, and while they are of an original design, there is quite a Lovecraft influence. Additionally, Sakai explained that she knew Paul Patrashcu didn’t like insects (even though she found them cute) so she also gave them an insect-like design to add to his desire to kill them.
The general design is based heavily on American comics because they are lively and positive with bright colours. It includes American influenced weapon designs, with one of the guns for the patriotic character taking the form of an Eagle rifle.
The level design is excellent, featuring verticality rarely seen in strategy games. This adds depth to the strategy and adds to the exploration as well.
Overall, the game felt like a much more upbeat, steam punk version of Fire Emblem in a 3rd person combat situation. The strategy isn’t quite so heavy as Fire Emblem, but it had a similar feel.
Last Updated: June 12, 2014
The Fires of Suzaku Burns!!
June 12, 2014 at 10:37
A Valkyria Fire Chronicles Emblem Steam Punk SRPG……Yes
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 10:50
You use so many words. I know some of those.
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 12, 2014 at 11:07
I think it’s the beginning of a JRPG name, but I’m not sure because they’re usually longer.
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:08
When he goes on about something it always goes in the one ear, then out the other
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 11:08
Like tentacles?
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:11
Ag nee sies man
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 12, 2014 at 11:08
I AM SO FUCKING ON BOARD THIS. Any game made by intelligent systems gets me hard. Couple with steampunk, and i could probably break concrete with my penis.
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:10
BORAD?
http://seattlesportsnet.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/borat.jpg
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 12, 2014 at 11:10
I think he just took an excitement to the spell check.
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
June 12, 2014 at 11:12
VERY NICE, I LIKE.
The Fires of Suzaku Burns!!
June 12, 2014 at 11:28
ROFLOL Might not be Advanced Wars, but hell, I’m down for this!!
Her Highness the Hipster
June 12, 2014 at 16:32
some guy asked if it’s like valkyria and they said while they love that game, no. 😛
Hammersteyn
June 12, 2014 at 10:52
Oh………. for a second I thought the actual Steam was coming to the Nintendo
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 10:53
worst steam ever
(seriously not dissing Nintendo)
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 12, 2014 at 10:59
bwhahahahahahahahahhahaha. Seriously Nintendo? S.T,E,AM. Are you trying to compete with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. for the most full stops in a name?
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:08
You are missing a few there yourself…
Hammersteyn
June 12, 2014 at 11:10
Trolling implosion
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:10
A missed period is no laughing matter
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 11:11
Booooom!!!!!
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:11
After 9 months yeah
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 11:12
Your favourite weapon in an SP game isn’t possibly a shotgun, is it?
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:35
Actually prefer AR and sniper
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 12, 2014 at 11:13
lollllllllll damn it
Hammersteyn
June 12, 2014 at 11:14
Headshot!
http://d24w6bsrhbeh9d.cloudfront.net/photo/aNeX3o0_460sa.gif
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 12, 2014 at 11:21
…
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:23
One of my fav movies!
Used to have the biggest crush on her back then
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 11:09
I F.E.A.R. the day more people start doing that.
Kromas
June 12, 2014 at 11:05
Will this game have winter/summer sales ….. not? … then no thanks. 😛
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:09
HAHAHAHA, don’t forget the cards and home streaming and family sharing and badges!!!
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 11:13
badges!
Alien Emperor Trevor
June 12, 2014 at 11:13
Those trading cards. Pro-tip: only craft badges during the big sales, I noticed you get a sale trading card when you craft a badge during the sale.
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 11:14
I saw that too, a bit too late I will admit.
Need to craft me some new badges. (only game that I have more than one badge for is Skyrim so far)
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:23
FTL for me, I have like 5
Sith JJ
June 12, 2014 at 11:23
Wow.
Also…of course it is 😉
Admiral Chief Cyber Commando
June 12, 2014 at 11:35
Huehuehue
Kensei Seraph
June 12, 2014 at 12:13
Why did reading this start making me think of XCOM?
FissuR3
June 12, 2014 at 21:07
30 Mins Exclusive gameplay of Code Name STEAM
J_Joestar
June 13, 2014 at 21:33
Just add a Dating Sim element and a theater and it would like Sakura Wars!
although i guess a theater wouldn’t work well with Abe in the game…