SteamWorld Heist: Ultimate Edition

 Switch
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 187 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 148 out of 187
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 187
  3. Negative: 14 out of 187
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  1. TheFlannelFox
    Dec 28, 2017
    9
    If you played Steamworld Dig 2 on your Nintendo Switch, then you are already a fan of this cooky universe created by Image and Form. With the same 2d comic like art style, this adventure is out of this world. Quite literally, as a space scrapper you travel through the galaxy bar hopping and linking to enemy ships to fight enemies to gain water. The currency in the post apocalypticIf you played Steamworld Dig 2 on your Nintendo Switch, then you are already a fan of this cooky universe created by Image and Form. With the same 2d comic like art style, this adventure is out of this world. Quite literally, as a space scrapper you travel through the galaxy bar hopping and linking to enemy ships to fight enemies to gain water. The currency in the post apocalyptic economy. Along with water you collect loot and allies to join you as you battle your way through the map.

    Bullet Heaven
    Steamworld Heist is a tactical turn-based shooter that really keeps you on yours toes. When you select your turn-based attack you then have to aim and shoot at juuuuuust the right moment to hit your mark. If done properly a headshot will reward you with more damage, which makes it worth it to fine tune your aiming. When you don’t have a direct line of sight, don’t fret, because you can ricochet bullets off the walls. While easy when using you laser sight, it’s a hell of a challenge when your robo-enemy is behind cover across the screen.

    Loot there it is!
    In each level alongside regular loot, you pick up your epic swag. Which could be a new weapon, utility, or armor. Each character having a specialty weapon and abilities, it’s a rewarding challenge trying different gear combinations to scrap together a battle ready team. When your characters level up they unlock very unique abilities, that turn the tides of the shoot out in a flash.
    As you don't have a large inventory you have to sell off old items as you get new ones, which is frustrating as first. However, it forces you to jump out of your comfort zone and try new items which will continue to reward you as the game goes on.

    A touchy subject
    The Ultimate Edition of SteamWorld Heist includes all of the DLC which is great because when you get into deep space, you won’t want the game to end. Taking advantage of the Switch’s tablet like nature, you have the option to play entirely with touch controls. It works great, but as someone with Shrek like hands, I like to keep em on the joycons and keep my screen pristine.

    Verdict
    SteamWorld Heist is an amazing gameplay experience with thrilling combat, rewarding squad progression, and tons of content to keep you blasting your way through the galaxy for many hours to come.

    Please watch my video review at YouTube channel TheFlannelFox    … Expand
  2. Rtheom
    Jan 9, 2018
    9
    This is a fantastic little tactical RPG. It's XCOM light, basically. Thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect game for the Switch because it's super easy to pause the game and swap between the different play modes. At only $20, it's pretty much an auto-include in any Switch library. I played through the game completely on the 3DS when it came out and I rebought it for the Switch day one as well,This is a fantastic little tactical RPG. It's XCOM light, basically. Thoroughly enjoyable and a perfect game for the Switch because it's super easy to pause the game and swap between the different play modes. At only $20, it's pretty much an auto-include in any Switch library. I played through the game completely on the 3DS when it came out and I rebought it for the Switch day one as well, and I am enjoying it all over a second time. Great music, great controls, great characters and even the story helps beef out the universe a little bit. I am eagerly anticipating Steamworld Heist 2.… Expand
  3. Voodooseeker
    Jan 8, 2018
    10
    I just loveeeeee those SteamBots......and the music! I've been playing Steamworld Dig (Wii U and 3DS), Steamworld Heist (Wii U and 3DS), Steamworld Dig 2 (Switch) .... I just need it for my primary concole.....SWEEETTTT SWITCH!
    The game is as awesome as it was the first time.....I just love the games from Image&Form, keep it up swedish guys!!!!
    If you love the universe, tacky steambot    I just loveeeeee those SteamBots......and the music! I've been playing Steamworld Dig (Wii U and 3DS), Steamworld Heist (Wii U and 3DS), Steamworld Dig 2 (Switch) .... I just need it for my primary concole.....SWEEETTTT SWITCH!
    The game is as awesome as it was the first time.....I just love the games from Image&Form, keep it up swedish guys!!!!
    If you love the universe, tacky steambot humor + music from Steam Powered Giraffe.....AND mix it
    with strategy/turn-based game, OHHH YES!!!!
    PS. I can easily replay the whole story over and over......!!!!    … Expand
  4. aztimh
    Feb 5, 2018
    10
    I was eagerly anticipating this game after being introduced to the Steamworld franchise with Steamworld Dig 2. I’ve always loved strategy games and this one surpassed my expectations. With difficulty settings to suit the veteran gamer or newcomer and amazing characters and story!

    I would love a sequel to this game honestly!
  5. Fireantus
    Mar 26, 2018
    9
    It's extremely engaging. I honestly didn't expect this game to suck me in so mightily, but it did just so without any issues. It's tactical, but not tedious. It's fun, but never too easy to dismiss. It has solid story, massive amount of loot, plenty of characters to include in your teams, randomly generated levels to go through and is just such a great blast for anyone, who enjoys aIt's extremely engaging. I honestly didn't expect this game to suck me in so mightily, but it did just so without any issues. It's tactical, but not tedious. It's fun, but never too easy to dismiss. It has solid story, massive amount of loot, plenty of characters to include in your teams, randomly generated levels to go through and is just such a great blast for anyone, who enjoys a turn-based tactical combat.

    The best part for me is kitbashing your team to suit your playstyle. Characters differ a lot with their utility and roles, and so you can tailor your team to your liking. For example my usual 3 robot team consist of a massive tank with huge HP pool and powerful, explosive weaponry. A swift flanker that can cross the level rapidly and get into great positions to shotgun enemies in their backs. And of course the stalwart captain with her sniper weapon for precision headshots and splendid set of restorative abilities. But you can also have self-repairing attacker with cover-ignoring lightning, a beefy melee fighter, a berserker that deals more damage when hurt, a specialist that disables opponents, a combat engineer with piercing shots and smoke grenades... Add to that plenty of weapons and items to mix and you can really customize your team every time you go into battle.

    Game looks great, sounds great and plays great.    … Expand
  6. nusco
    May 12, 2018
    9
    If Steamworld Heist wanted to be *just* a good game, then it would have the right numbers. It's based on a brilliant idea: take the traditionally hardcore genre of turn-based tactical combat, and make it accessible to everybody. The characters and setting are easy to love, like steampunk-comedy space robot pirates can be. The levels are perfect for both a full play session, or a quick gameIf Steamworld Heist wanted to be *just* a good game, then it would have the right numbers. It's based on a brilliant idea: take the traditionally hardcore genre of turn-based tactical combat, and make it accessible to everybody. The characters and setting are easy to love, like steampunk-comedy space robot pirates can be. The levels are perfect for both a full play session, or a quick game on the go. If you take them separately, those elements would make for a pretty nice tactical shooter.

    However, Steamworld Heist does much more than that. Like a good chef, it turns good ingredients into a perfectly balanced recipe. From the very beginning to the rolling credits, this game is just a lot of fun. The RPG-like progression at the core of the system feels perfectly natural–not once I felt like I was playing to grind experience points. Everything in Heist hits that elusive sweet spot that makes you feel challenged without frustration, and hooked without repetition.

    Like people who're really good at what they do, Image & Form make game design look easy. More than a few triple A games should look at Steamworld Heist and learn how it's done. Play it–you won't regret it.    … Expand
  7. telecaster23
    Dec 13, 2019
    9
    I would say that this is an almost perfect game for its genre! I love its gameplay, characters, theme, artwork, and difficulty.

    The best asset of this game is its gameplay, where you must be very strategic. It will also test your patience as you will definitely commit mistakes and will have some good challenges along the way. Playing games like these on the go is one of the best    I would say that this is an almost perfect game for its genre! I love its gameplay, characters, theme, artwork, and difficulty.

    The best asset of this game is its gameplay, where you must be very strategic. It will also test your patience as you will definitely commit mistakes and will have some good challenges along the way.

    Playing games like these on the go is one of the best things to ever happen to gaming history. The game has great quality and is a must-own for tactical RPG lovers!    … Expand
  8. bulger_paul
    Jul 27, 2018
    8
    Steamworld Heist on the Switch is my first experience with the Steamworld universe, and there's a lot of things I like about it. So I'll list out several individual things I want to mention that left any kind of an impression on my, starting with the combat system:

    -Gameplay/Combat system: The combat system in this game is very unique. I've never played anything quite like it. Setting    Steamworld Heist on the Switch is my first experience with the Steamworld universe, and there's a lot of things I like about it. So I'll list out several individual things I want to mention that left any kind of an impression on my, starting with the combat system:

    -Gameplay/Combat system:
    The combat system in this game is very unique. I've never played anything quite like it. Setting up complicated trick shots, and attempting to angle myself just right to hit an opponent on the opposite end of the map, was always satisfying when they landed, especially when I happened to be using a weapon without a scope. And while there's quite a bit here worth thinking about, by the end a got a distinct impression that there could have been just a little bit more there. I'm not sure what it is, but with a lot of things in this game, I found myself wanting just a little bit more.

    -Artwork/Graphics:
    It's decent. Not the most gorgeous independently produced 2D game I've ever played, but it does have nice artwork. I just wish there was more variation in the layouts and styles of each map, and maybe a little more depth in the backgrounds, but as it is, it's nice to look at, there's just nothing awe inspiring.

    -Story/Characters:
    Also decent. There's some mildly humorous dialogue exchanges, though nothing laugh out loud funny. Once I sunk into the general rhythm of the game, I wasn't sure how the story, as it was going, was going to sustain a feature length game, but then the game subverts your expectations for what the ending is going to be, and it turns out there's a whole new plot to resolve after the initial plot was resolved, which was a nice, surprising change of pace. There was nothing mind blowing, or relentlessly gripping, but the at least you can tell the developers had plenty of ideas, and they didn't simply slap a half baked story together in order to justify some contrived fight sequences, so they could put a unique battle system to arbitrary use.

    Music/Sound:
    I think, at least for me personally, this was probably the weakest component of the game. I mean, it's fine. There's nothing wrong with it, and there are some neat songs (especially when "No More Queens" starts playing after one particular boss fight, which sounded really cool), but overall, the music and sound effects are just okay. Nothing wrong, but also nothing extraordinary.

    Overall:
    I liked it, especially playing it on the Switch. The general rhythm of the game makes it very easy to pick up and put down between battles, and battles never go on for longer than ten minutes or so, which makes it perfectly ideal for the Switch's convenience, especially if you play a lot on the go. I guess my main complaint is that I just wanted a bit more, and I wanted the combat system stretched just a bit farther. But if my biggest complaint about a game, is that I just wanted a little more of it, then that isn't really a bad thing. I enjoyed the world, I enjoyed the ideas, I enjoyed the combat system, and it made me want to go back and check out the first two Steamworlds. A definite recommend.    … Expand
  9. jeffbizloc
    Feb 12, 2020
    10
    I had played Steamworld Heist on PS4, but wanted to play again as this game is pretty perfect. Ended up beating it on the hardest difficulty Elite.

    Game(s) like: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Pros: - Turn based gameplay is easy to understand yet tactical enough to make you think about every move - Good variety of characters and missions Cons: - I suppose if I gave a con it    I had played Steamworld Heist on PS4, but wanted to play again as this game is pretty perfect. Ended up beating it on the hardest difficulty Elite.

    Game(s) like: Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle

    Pros:
    - Turn based gameplay is easy to understand yet tactical enough to make you think about every move
    - Good variety of characters and missions

    Cons:
    - I suppose if I gave a con it would be if you don't level up a character early it is really hard to use them on later missions (unless you grind)    … Expand
  10. Brayliner
    Mar 21, 2021
    10
    This is one of my favorite games ever. I don’t like all turn based games but this added just enough interaction for easy move.
  11. Radioactivedude
    May 21, 2021
    8
    I gave a try to Steamworld Dig 2 after all it's praise. After that I have been getting all the Steamworld games, if possible also physical. They don't excell at anything in particular, the mix is just perfect. The gameplay is just so fun, and nothing disturbs it. On the contrary, every aspect enhances the core gameplay. Dialogs don't drag and don't try too hard, but you will laugh at someI gave a try to Steamworld Dig 2 after all it's praise. After that I have been getting all the Steamworld games, if possible also physical. They don't excell at anything in particular, the mix is just perfect. The gameplay is just so fun, and nothing disturbs it. On the contrary, every aspect enhances the core gameplay. Dialogs don't drag and don't try too hard, but you will laugh at some pint and giggle at many others. Story is not crazy convoluted nor the main reason you play. Graphics sounds and music are top notch....
    Just buy one of their games, if you are not sure wait for a deal.    … Expand
  12. Mattia9336
    Mar 11, 2020
    9
    Really awesome game. I wish it was just a bit longer, the Vectron saga left me wishing for more!
  13. tom974
    Mar 5, 2020
    8
    Considering it a 5 bucks independent game, it's a very solid turn based tactical. The story is very light but the gameplay is fun and the areas are randomly generater, allowing some kind of replayability.
  14. jens76
    Jun 11, 2022
    8
    Eine Maschine, die sich selber ölt und dabei tropft, jeder verkauft/verschrottet sich selbst. Kaufempfehlung
  15. LazyLoad08
    Apr 15, 2020
    9
    This game, like all other entries in this franchise, is great. I played this on PC and Switch and enjoyed it greatly both times. I gotta say, with the level design and their duration (10, 15 minutes?) this seems to be ideal on Switch.
    It's basically XCOM lite - all its different character classes have its pros and cons and the strategic element is super important. The story is good, but    This game, like all other entries in this franchise, is great. I played this on PC and Switch and enjoyed it greatly both times. I gotta say, with the level design and their duration (10, 15 minutes?) this seems to be ideal on Switch.
    It's basically XCOM lite - all its different character classes have its pros and cons and the strategic element is super important. The story is good, but probably not the most important for this game. The writing and characters are enjoyable and comedic for the most part.    … Expand
  16. Gerdo
    Jun 30, 2020
    9
    At first I was not sure if I would enjoy it. Turns out I did and it was one of the best turn based RPGs I have ever played. Amazing (and brutally hard towards the end) game.
  17. littlestfinch
    May 18, 2020
    9
    I was so pleasantly surprised by Steamworld Heist! I had not played Dig because I don't generally love platforming, so I wouldn't have necessarily picked it up until some one recommended it on Reddit. I love XCom and similar tactical RPGs and this game did not disappoint.

    Visually it's fantastic, I absolutely adored all the steambots you adopt into your crew! Enemies are fun, and the    I was so pleasantly surprised by Steamworld Heist! I had not played Dig because I don't generally love platforming, so I wouldn't have necessarily picked it up until some one recommended it on Reddit. I love XCom and similar tactical RPGs and this game did not disappoint.

    Visually it's fantastic, I absolutely adored all the steambots you adopt into your crew! Enemies are fun, and the world that Image and Form ties everything together flawlessly. How can you not like steampunk in space? Also the music from Steam Powered Giraffe is A+ and I can't recommend enough dipping into the bars with headphones on to enjoy tiny steam powered concerts.

    Gameplay is very fun and accessible, which should make it really easy for folks new to the genre to hop into. I would definitely recommend cranking up the difficulty for people who frequent tactical RPGs. I found it nice that you could adjust your difficulty settings on the fly!

    Honestly a great Switch title that is perfect for bite sized play sessions. Since the levels are randomly generated you won't have the exact same experience every time which really lends to its replay-ability.    … Expand
  18. ChesterField
    May 1, 2020
    9
    All a surprise that I did not know. This turn-based RPG is impressive in its artistic and playable section. Long, challenging and packed with content. Required for those with a switch.
  19. Daisuk
    Aug 13, 2021
    10
    I was completely blown away by this game. I did not expect it to be this good or addictive. I completed it in roughly 20 hours, over the best part of a weekend - I simply couldn't put it down. The core gamplay is excellent, and the loop of gathering materials and upgrading your gear is highly addictive. I loved this to bits and only wish it was twice as long!
  20. bencrvr31
    Sep 11, 2020
    8
    Solid fun strategy game with a cool style. It's repetitive, but still fun. I could list some minor critiques, but overall it's a good game, worth buying and playing
  21. abrus
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    This is one of the greatest video games ever made! I pumped over 60 hours into this on the 3DS and finished it 3 times, but it's even better on the big screen of the Switch! The atmosphere of this game is magical, the characters are great, the dialogue is funny, but most importantly the game-play is super engaging. It is the perfect mix of strategy (positioning your characters) andThis is one of the greatest video games ever made! I pumped over 60 hours into this on the 3DS and finished it 3 times, but it's even better on the big screen of the Switch! The atmosphere of this game is magical, the characters are great, the dialogue is funny, but most importantly the game-play is super engaging. It is the perfect mix of strategy (positioning your characters) and executing precision head-shots. It is really satisfying opening your loot at the end of each mission and levelling up your characters. This game regularly goes on sale for 75% off on the e-shop and I urge you to give it a try if you have even the slightest inkling of interest from the trailers. By the way, the other 3 Steamworld games are also 10/10 masterpieces!… Expand
  22. Dunslax
    Jan 6, 2021
    10
    I have completed this game 3 times, two of them on Elite difficulty, and let me tell you: this game is unbelievably well balanced. At your first playthrough, some characters might look useless, but I can guarantee you each one has its own strong niche to play in. The procedural generation also almost never feels unfair but does spice it up so no 2 levels are the same. The DLC is also wellI have completed this game 3 times, two of them on Elite difficulty, and let me tell you: this game is unbelievably well balanced. At your first playthrough, some characters might look useless, but I can guarantee you each one has its own strong niche to play in. The procedural generation also almost never feels unfair but does spice it up so no 2 levels are the same. The DLC is also well implemented in the story and said DLC character is neither too strong or weak.
    If I had to name some flaws, the game suffers from the age-old "endgame boss is actually easier because you have stronger endgame gear", the save system feels kinda punishing at times, and the achievement system is kind of jank.
    But the game is still fun, poses a decent challenge both for new players and veterans alike, the characters are charming,the game looks great yet is not demanding even for old PCs, the story is rather lenghty... what more do you want? This game is as good as it gets if you want a turn based strategic shooter.    … Expand
  23. 4nyxy
    Jul 25, 2021
    10
    Worth to lay your hands on. The graphics and gameplay is *enjoyyyy* from the first sec in beginning.
  24. Roscar
    Nov 18, 2022
    10
    You can perfectly take a screenshot from this game, frame it and there you have it, a pretty thing to put on your wall. Other than that, there is the addicting gameplay and beautiful soundtrack especially the songs made by Steam Powered Giraffe.
  25. IamSquid
    Jan 2, 2022
    9
    A turn-based strategy side-scroller with a unique premise and wonderful aesthetic. Definitely recommended!
  26. B00tador
    Dec 5, 2021
    8
    Really fun, cross between Xcom and Worms maybe? It's unique but it works. Gets a bit samey after a while sadly.
  27. buszmenn
    Jan 30, 2022
    9
    Great game. If you like tactical games this is a must play for the price. Cool idea with manual aiming in a turn-based game. I don't like inventory management in this game.
  28. Screenhero
    Nov 11, 2022
    10
    A very fun strategy game with some very enjoyable writing and art. You can make your from a large array of characters and learn more about them the more you use them.

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best Switch Game of 2017
44
#44 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
49
#49 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Feb 26, 2018
    95
    If you missed it the first time around, the Switch is a great place to play this truly fantastic game. [Issue #32 – March/April 2018, p. 20]
  2. Switch Player
    Feb 20, 2018
    90
    Steamworld Heist maintains the wit, charm, and humour found in the mainline 'Dig' series, swapping spades and shovels for some satisfyingly addictive turn-based action that both newcomers and veterans will enjoy.
    Read full review
  3. DarkStation
    Jan 25, 2018
    90
    SteamWorld Heist is a phenomenal addition to the Switch library. Its story might not be the most gripping of tales, but its deep and varied combat ensures that players will come back to it time and time again to test their wits and take on more challenging difficulties. Clocking in at around 15 hours, there's also quite a lot of bang for your buck to go around. It might be a spinoff and a port, but for those interested in a deep yet accessible SRPG that you can take on the go, SteamWorld Heist deserves to be on your radar.
    Read full review
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