When I started, I was excited but cautious. It’s a sequel to one of my favorite strategy games, and sequels often struggle to live up to the original. Thankfully, this game didn’t just meet expectations—it surpassed them.
The Good
The new features are fantastic. The skill tree adds depth to character progression, and the boat combat, while simple, feels like it could be a complete game. It’s reminiscent of classic Newgrounds flash games—fun, quick, and addictive.
The graphics and sound design are polished, though I miss some of the grittier charm from the original. The cleaner look is nice, but it feels a bit too perfect compared to the rough, scrappy vibe I loved in the first game.
Gameplay
Gameplay-wise, the manual aiming system is a game-changer. Unlike RNG-heavy games like XCOM, your success here relies on your skill rather than luck. It makes every shot feel personal—whether you hit or miss, it’s all on you.
That alone made the game feel fresh and exciting, and the possibility of crazy outcomes (like missing your shot and hitting a friend or enemy) adds an unpredictable layer to combat.
Class System
The class system is another highlight. It strikes a perfect balance between flexibility and structure. I love how you can mould characters by switching weapons to change their class and borrow skills from previously levelled classes.
Experimenting with different builds is rewarding, and the decisions feel meaningful. Pair this with unique character skills and weapon tiers, and every mission feels like a new puzzle to solve.
The Frustrating
That said, it’s not all smooth sailing. The quality-of-life issues from the first game remain. Opening doors still eats up a turn, which is frustrating. The camera snapping to every enemy movement breaks the flow, and the level selection feels unnecessarily slow.
Controls are another sore spot. Rebinding keys can create weird overlaps, like stacking WASD and arrow key functions, which shouldn’t happen. It’s minor but annoying enough to notice every time I play.
The Overall Experience
Despite these gripes, the game is a blast. The story isn’t groundbreaking but engaging enough to keep me hooked. The last chapter ramps the difficulty and excitement with intense levels and boss battles. There’s no grind either—gear is accessible through exploration and intelligent resource management.
It’s a challenging yet rewarding experience, especially in hard mode if you’re chasing full stars and achievements. The adjustable difficulty makes it approachable for everyone, and the submarine exploration is a unique and enjoyable twist.
Final Thoughts
SteamWorld Heist II builds on its predecessor in almost every way, with better mechanics, deeper systems, and more engaging gameplay. While it has its flaws, the good outweighs the bad—hats off to Thunderful for delivering another incredible sequel. Whether you’re a series fan or a newcomer, this game is worth every penny—especially if you snag it on sale.