Search for games

Type three or more characters to start searching

Links

Steam

Twitch

MONSTER

SteamWorld Heist II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of SteamWorld Heist II
Item: SteamWorld Heist II
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Platformer, RPG, Strategy, Single Player

AvailableAug 8, 2024

PlatformNintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One

DeveloperThunderful

Overview

Join Captain Leeway and his ragtag crew as they uncover the enigmatic menace threatening the Great Sea. Equip and upgrade your crew for turn-based gunfights packed with ricochet action and engage in real-time naval combat. Get ready to aim, plot, and plunder in this uproarious Steambot adventure!

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

SteamWorld Heist II delivers a charming, steampunk-infused adventure with sharp humor, engaging characters, and bold themes of rebellion—yet falters with repetitive pacing, underdeveloped dialogue, and a lack of cinematic ambition, leaving its narrative as fun but uneven.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of SteamWorld Heist II receives largely positive reception for its engaging world-building, character-driven narrative, and thematic depth. Critics like SpazioGames praise its "standalone and enjoyable story" with "humorous tones" and "witty dialogues," while Twinfinite highlights the "world-building, character interactions, and engaging storyline set in a steampunk seafaring adventure." The narrative’s focus on Captain Quincy Leeway’s journey to prove himself, as noted by Multiplayer.it and Nintendo Life, resonates with themes of rebellion, identity, and personal growth. Push Square and Digital Chumps commend the charm of the writing, emphasizing how humor and character dynamics enrich the steampunk setting. The game’s accessibility for newcomers, despite its connection to the first title, is another strength, as highlighted by SpazioGames, who notes its potential to set up future franchise entries. However, several critics point to notable flaws in the storytelling. COGconnected criticizes the lack of cinematic flair and voice acting, while Metro GameCentral finds the dialogue "bland and excessive," detracting from immersion. NintendoWorldReport mentions pacing issues due to repetitive base returns, and VGC argues the story feels aimed at younger audiences with "nothing remarkable" in its themes. Additionally, some reviewers, like Cubed3, note that only one character has a meaningful arc, and TheXboxHub observes that the narrative sets a solid foundation but doesn’t delve deeply into its premises. These critiques suggest the story, while enjoyable, struggles with depth, technical polish, and emotional resonance compared to its gameplay mechanics. Overall, critics agree that SteamWorld Heist II’s story is a compelling, if imperfect, addition to the franchise. The majority praise its steampunk charm, character dynamics, and engaging premise, as seen in Twinfinite’s emphasis on world-building and Push Square’s appreciation for its "charming" writing. However, the narrative’s shortcomings—such as repetitive dialogue, pacing issues, and a lack of cinematic ambition—are consistently mentioned across platforms. While some reviewers, like Destructoid and Player 2, acknowledge the story’s simplicity yet effectiveness in driving gameplay, others feel it falls short of being groundbreaking. Despite these critiques, the consensus leans toward admiration for the game’s creative vision and its ability to balance humor, adventure, and thematic depth, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

SteamWorld Heist II delivers a rich, strategic turn-based experience with inventive mechanics, a standout job system, and creative customization, but its punishing difficulty, uneven class balance, and repetitive overworld elements temper its appeal.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

80%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

20%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of SteamWorld Heist II is widely praised for its strategic depth, engaging mechanics, and creative design. Critics like COGconnected highlight its addictive and nuanced battle system, emphasizing job skills that add personality, diverse weapons, and thoughtful level design. Cubed3 and Multiplayer.it commend the intuitive turn-based strategy, noting how varied winning conditions and customizable characters encourage creative problem-solving. The integration of overworld navigation, such as submarine exploration mentioned by Nintendo Life and VGC, adds variety, while SpazioGames and TouchArcade praise the blend of tactical RPG elements with real-time physics and environmental challenges. The job system, introduced in the sequel, is a standout feature for many, with Pure Nintendo and Destructoid appreciating its role in enhancing customization and strategic planning. Overall, the gameplay’s emphasis on tactical decision-making and replayability resonates strongly across platforms. Despite these strengths, several critics point to notable flaws. Metro GameCentral criticizes the game’s unreasonably high difficulty, particularly due to alarm mechanics and balancing issues, while also noting that the new class system feels flawed compared to the original. NintendoWorldReport mentions characters playing similarly and excessive travel on the world map, which can feel tedious. Player 2 highlights pacing issues and some repetitive elements, while Push Square points out that overworld exploration is the weakest aspect despite strong turn-based battles. Additionally, Generación Xbox and Twinfinite acknowledge challenges in balancing complexity with accessibility, though they still praise the core gameplay. These critiques suggest that while the game excels in strategy, its design choices occasionally hinder the experience. The overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that SteamWorld Heist II delivers a compelling and innovative turn-based experience. Generación Xbox and Twinfinite emphasize its appeal to both casual and hardcore players, while Destructoid and Digital Chumps highlight the satisfaction of strategic experimentation. Even critics who noted flaws, like Metro GameCentral and NintendoWorldReport, acknowledge the game’s strengths in depth and creativity. The combination of tactical combat, customization, and varied objectives creates a gameplay loop that many find engaging and rewarding. While not without its imperfections, the game’s focus on strategy and innovation solidifies its reputation as a standout entry in the genre, with most reviewers agreeing that it successfully builds upon the foundation of its predecessor.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

SteamWorld Heist II dazzles with its vibrant, hand-drawn art style, nautical themes, and polished animations, earning universal praise for its visual charm and cohesive design—though a few noted minor stylistic quirks that didn’t dim its stellar presentation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised SteamWorld Heist II’s graphics and visual design, highlighting its vibrant art style, meticulous attention to detail, and cohesive aesthetic. COGconnected noted the “nautical theme with vivid blues” and called it the “best-looking game in the series,” while Cubed3 celebrated its “joint-animations and a cohesive, illustrative design that fits the janky robot characters well.” Nintendo Life described the visuals as “sumptuous,” and SpazioGames emphasized improvements in lighting, bot animations, and physics, calling the art style “visually appealing and well-implemented.” Generación Xbox lauded the “magnificent” visual design, particularly the “beautiful world surrounded by an immense ocean and islands,” while Twinfinite praised the seamless blend of steampunk and western elements. The game’s hand-drawn aesthetic, vibrant color palettes, and varied environments—such as the Caribbean-inspired settings mentioned by RPGamer—were consistently highlighted as standout features. Critics also noted the charm of character designs, with NintendoWorldReport praising the “clever and neat character and world design” and Destructoid appreciating the “distinct character designs and environments that enhance the overall aesthetic.” While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a few critics pointed to minor reservations. VGC described the art style as “Lego Bionicle-esque,” suggesting it might not appeal to all players, though this was framed more as a stylistic preference than a flaw. Similarly, while no major criticisms of technical execution were mentioned, some reviewers implied that the game’s visual strengths were more about style than groundbreaking innovation. For instance, Nintendo Life’s brief mention of “specific details not extensively covered” hints at a lack of deeper exploration into environmental intricacies, though this was not a widespread concern. Overall, these critiques were minor and did not detract from the general acclaim for the game’s visual identity. The consensus among critics is that SteamWorld Heist II delivers a visually strong and cohesive experience that elevates the series. With its charming art style, polished animations, and immersive environments, the game was widely regarded as a standout in terms of presentation. Critics like SpazioGames and Generación Xbox emphasized the technical and artistic improvements over its predecessor, while others, such as TheXboxHub and Player 2, highlighted the “hand-drawn aesthetic” and “vibrant color palette” as key contributors to its appeal. Even when noting stylistic preferences—like VGC’s observation about the Bionicle-inspired design—the overall sentiment remained positive, reinforcing that SteamWorld Heist II’s graphics and visual design were a major strength, resonating with both fans of the series and newcomers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Praise for SteamWorld Heist II's sound design and music is near-universal, with critics hailing its immersive pirate-themed soundtrack as a standout that elevates atmosphere and gameplay—though minor critiques about originality and depth were noted but overshadowed by acclaim for Steam Powered Giraffe’s catchy, thematic compositions.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of reviewers praised the sound design and music of SteamWorld Heist II as a standout element that significantly enhances the game’s atmosphere and gameplay. Critics consistently highlighted the soundtrack’s ability to immerse players in the game’s pirate-themed world, with COGconnected noting its “smooth” and premise-appropriate composition, while SpazioGames called it a “magnificent” work by Steam Powered Giraffe that complements exploration and combat. NintendoWorldReport and Twinfinite emphasized the music’s thematic alignment with the game’s quasi-Western and nautical vibes, describing it as “radical” and “orchestrated,” respectively. The vocal-led tracks, such as those mentioned by VGC and PlayStation Universe, were noted for their memorable, upbeat quality, while Destructoid praised the “banging” soundtrack that elevates the game’s immersive experience. Even Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub highlighted how the music adds depth to locations like bars and cantinas, reinforcing the game’s world-building. While most reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a few critics pointed to minor shortcomings. Cubed3 noted that the “catchy nautical pirate motif” enhances gameplay but doesn’t reach the heights of other legacy pirate-themed games, suggesting room for improvement in originality or ambition. Additionally, Nintendo Life mentioned that specific musical elements weren’t detailed in their review, implying a lack of depth in some critiques. However, these criticisms were largely overshadowed by the general acclaim, as even the most critical remarks acknowledged the music’s effectiveness within the game’s context. The focus on Steam Powered Giraffe’s contributions—particularly their “great vocals” and “memorable tunes”—underscored the soundtrack’s strengths despite these minor reservations. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with nearly all agreeing that the sound design and music of SteamWorld Heist II are exceptional. The collaborative efforts of Steam Powered Giraffe were repeatedly lauded for their creativity and thematic cohesion, as noted by SpazioGames, Twinfinite, and RPGamer, who praised the “catchy sea shanties” and “incredible” compositions. Even reviewers on different platforms—such as Destructoid (PS5) and Generación Xbox (Xbox Series X)—agreed that the music and sound effects elevated the gameplay experience, creating a cohesive and immersive world. While some critics acknowledged minor limitations, these were rare and did not detract from the overall praise, solidifying the soundtrack as one of the game’s most memorable and impactful features.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

SteamWorld Heist II delivers robust replay value through customization, difficulty scaling, and depth, but its repetitive mechanics, uneven challenges, and forgettable story risk alienating players seeking lasting innovation.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics highlight strong positive aspects of SteamWorld Heist II’s replay value, emphasizing its flexibility and depth. COGconnected praises mission repetition with star ratings, while Cubed3 and Nintendo Life commend strategic depth and difficulty customization as key drivers for multiple playthroughs. Metro GameCentral and SpazioGames note the game’s extensive content, including varied weapons, open-world exploration, and hidden secrets, which provide longevity. Generación Xbox and TheXboxHub laud elements like collectibles, character upgrades, and an expansive map, while ZTGD highlights the job system as a unique mechanic that differentiates playstyles. Additionally, Destructoid, Player 2, and PlayStation Universe stress the appeal of 100% completion, mission optimization, and cosmetic customization, which incentivize revisiting the game for improved results or new experiences. However, several critics point to notable drawbacks that could limit replay value. Metro GameCentral and RPGamer critique unbalanced difficulty curves and slow progression, which may frustrate players seeking consistent challenges. Multiplayer.it and Twinfinite mention repetitive mechanics and a lack of post-game content, respectively, as potential deterrents for long-term engagement. VGC and TouchArcade note that the story’s forgettability and cyclical nature might reduce the desire to replay, while RPGamer adds that collecting stars on higher difficulties can become tedious. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers substantial replay options, its design choices may not fully satisfy all players’ expectations for sustained engagement. Overall, the consensus leans positive, with most critics agreeing that SteamWorld Heist II delivers strong replay value through customization, difficulty scaling, and content variety. Critics like SpazioGames and Generación Xbox emphasize the game’s ability to reward exploration and experimentation, while others such as Cubed3 and Nintendo Life highlight strategic depth as a key factor. However, the negatives—such as repetitive elements and narrative shortcomings—are acknowledged as potential drawbacks. The mixed feedback reflects a balance between the game’s robust systems and its occasional design flaws, ultimately positioning SteamWorld Heist II as a title that offers significant replayability for fans of its genre but may not fully satisfy those seeking endless innovation.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

87%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The majority of reviewers praised SteamWorld Heist II for its refined gameplay mechanics, strategic depth, and engaging tactical combat. Critics like Cubed3 highlighted it as a “bigger and better strategy game” with “a lot of value and engaging gameplay,” while SpazioGames commended its “well-crafted story, improved visuals, and high replay value.” The game’s turn-based tactics, customization options, and varied missions were frequently lauded, with Generación Xbox noting it as a “must-play title” that delivers “fun, challenge, and hours of entertainment.” Nintendo Life emphasized its complexity and ambition, stating it rewards “patience and strategic planning,” while Twinfinite acknowledged its “core gameplay, aesthetic, and music” as standout features. These positives underscore the game’s strengths in delivering a satisfying tactical RPG experience with polished mechanics and creative design. However, several critics pointed to notable flaws that tempered their enthusiasm. Metro GameCentral called it a “disappointing comeback,” citing issues with difficulty balancing and a flawed class system, while NintendoWorldReport noted “pacing issues and superfluous additions.” Twinfinite and Destructoid criticized the narrative’s second-half pacing and lack of post-game content, and VGC described the story as “forgettable” despite its charm. Additionally, Digital Chumps and Player 2 mentioned minor frustrations with pacing and a lack of transformative innovation compared to the original. While these critiques highlight areas where the game fell short, they were often framed as secondary to its core strengths, with many reviewers acknowledging that the flaws did not detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most deeming SteamWorld Heist II a strong sequel. SpazioGames and Push Square called it a “must-play for fans of tactical games,” while TheXboxHub and RPGamer praised its charm, world-building, and improved gameplay. Even reviewers who noted shortcomings, like COGconnected (who critiqued the story’s lack of flair) or VGC (who mentioned a “bland art style”), still recommended the game for its engaging mechanics and replayability. The majority agreed that SteamWorld Heist II successfully builds on its predecessor, offering a rewarding experience that balances innovation with familiarity. As Generación Xbox put it, the game is “a phenomenal title” that “breathes new life into the tactical RPG genre,” reflecting a broad critical agreement that it is a worthwhile and enjoyable entry in the series.

TL;DR

Praised for refined gameplay, strategic depth, tactical combat, story, visuals, and replayability, SteamWorld Heist II dazzles with polished mechanics and creative design—though critics call out balancing issues, pacing flaws, and a forgettable narrative. A strong sequel that rewards patience but falls short of revolutionary innovation.

MONSTER

Reviews

77 reviews found

ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist 2 is a must-play for fans of tactical strategy games, offering engaging combat, diverse missions, and charming presentation.

Read full review

PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Aug 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist 2 is described as an easy recommendation for players seeking a new adventure, with engaging gameplay and a charming soundtrack that makes it hard to put down.

Read full review

Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

Aug 14, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist II is a bigger and better strategy game than its predecessor, offering a lot of value and engaging gameplay, despite a light story.

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 5

Aug 5, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist II is praised for its depth, strategy, and engaging gameplay, despite some pacing issues. It offers a rich experience that keeps players coming back.

Read full review

Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Aug 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Steamworld Heist II is a sequel that surpasses its predecessor, offering an excellent blend of gameplay, visuals, sound, and replay value. The game provides a fresh and enjoyable experience, challenging players to strategize and explore a vast world filled with engaging content. It is a must-play title that delivers fun, challenge, and hours of entertainment.

Read full review

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist 2 is a bigger and better sequel with delightful turn-based tactics, customization, and strategic gameplay, but is held back by some pacing issues and superfluous additions.

Read full review

Player 2

PlayStation 5

Oct 31, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Steamworld Heist II makes significant improvements in gameplay while maintaining a strong aesthetic appeal, though it falls short of being a transformative experience. It is still a worthy addition to the franchise.

Read full review

COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist II builds on the original with addictive combat, tons of options, and a new overmap, but the story lacks flair and it's very similar to the original

Read full review

Push Square

PlayStation 5

Aug 1, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, SteamWorld Heist 2 is highly recommended for its charm, world-building, and improved gameplay over its predecessor, making it a must-play for fans of tactical games.

TouchArcade

Nintendo Switch

Aug 20, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

SteamWorld Heist II is a solid continuation of the series with refined mechanics and enjoyable lore, though it may not feel as novel as its predecessor.

Read full review