Screenshots & trailers
Review sentiment over time
Weekly positive-review rate (green) and review volume (bars). Dashed lines mark significant patches; the amber line is the start of the current scoring window. Hover the dots to see what drove a dip or a jump.
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (OpenCritic) | – | 86 | 19 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 97 | 0 |
| All-time Steam reviews | 94% | 88 | 1000 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 80 | 10 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | 85% | 78 | 8 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 22 reviews sampled · 17 total reviews in window · weighted 14.2 up / 2.5 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (75)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“SteamWorld Heist on Wii U is exactly what we expected - a high quality Wii U iteration of a game that was already fantastic on 3DS. The wider field of view and sharper graphics are certainly appealing, and this remains a game that can easily keep players engaged for hour after hour. Image & Form struck gold with its blend of turn-based strategy and skill-based combat, and it's stolen our affections all over again now that it's arrived on Nintendo's home console.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“If we had to pick a definitive steampunk space robot pirates tactical role playing strategy game, this one would have to take the cake. You will lose quite a lot of hours in SteamWorld Heist.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“With multiple skill levels available SteamWorld Heist is a game that anyone, from a tactical strategy newbie to a grizzled veteran, should be able to enjoy. Well-designed, looking fabulous on Switch, and thoroughly engaging it offers a rewarding combination of careful planning and then execution in aiming that I can’t get enough of. Pulling off a tricky ricochet shot from across the room is such a rush, just remember that when you inadvertently end up blowing up a crewmate a little later because you didn’t plan it out well. While battles can be aggravating at times the great news is that every time you try placements and layouts will tend to vary either a little or a lot so you may have just had a bad break. If you haven’t yet checked out SteamWorld Heist you owe it to yourself to give it a shot, it is unquestionably one of the best games on the Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Steamworld Heist is what many would consider a AAA indie title, with Image and Form pulling out all the stops to craft a near flawless experience that's both fresh and unique. The gameplay may differ largely from Steamworld Dig, but it's a ride that's just as good, if not better. There's plenty of content to delve into in the base game, with greater difficulties and randomly generated levels serving up a new challenge to players who have already beaten it. For those who enjoyed the previous instalment, go ahead and pick this up right now!”
read full review ↗ - 80
“So far, its been a great year for turn based strategy games on PlayStation 4, and SteamWorld Heist has added further to the bounty. With its addictive and accessible gameplay, not only is it the perfect title for players of any skill level to test their metal, but you'll also have such a good time playing it that you'll quickly forget it isn't the direct sequel to SteamWorld Dig that you may have been hoping for.”
read full review ↗ - 95
“Image and Form has been on their game with the SteamWorld series for years, and this is the definitive version of their best game to date. SteamWorld Heist is one of the best things any download service has to offer.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“All in all, Image & Form have once again knocked it out of the park with Steamworld Heist. Fun, addictive and comical, it has everything in needs to become another success for the Icelandic studio.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“SteamWorld Heist might be small, yet it can compete with heavy weights like Fire Emblem in terms of overall quality. SteamWorld Heist is one of the most well thought-out and fully realized gaming experiences I've had throughout this year. If you're itching for a fantastic turn-based space adventure, look no further.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“SteamWorld Heist continues the series' tradition of being simple yet compelling. The game may be easy to grasp, but it delivers a nice difficulty boost that feels fair. The aiming system proves to be a great way to add some strategy to the title while also solving the limits of the 2-D perspective. The whole thing is fun to play, and with a good presentation accompanying a great game length, SteamWorld Heist is a worthy addition to any game library.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“SteamWorld Heist is an unexpected and super-satisfying strategy smash - if you've enjoyed games like Codename STEAM or Fire Emblem, then consider this little gem an essential purchase.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Steamworld Heist is an absorbing world wrapped around a decent game whose technical bits take away from a stellar personality.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Free aiming and ricochet shots bring wild life to this exquisite turn-based blaster.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
Nindie Spotlight
Cubed3
Push Square
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Nintendojo
Worth Playing
The Escapist
Eurogamer…and 63 more tracked reviews.
Patch history
- Patch Notes: SteamWorld Heist Version 2.1Sep 25, 2017
- Patch Notes: SteamWorld Heist Version 2.1Sep 25, 2017
- SteamWorld Heist is 25% Off + New Hat DLCSep 19, 2016
- SteamWorld Heist is 25% Off + New Hat DLCSep 19, 2016