Code Name S.T.E.A.M.
Publisher:
Nintendo
Developer:
NPD, Intelligent Systems
Platforms:
3DS
Genre:Turn Based Strategy
Release Date:Japan May 14th 2015, Europe May 15th 2015, North America March 13th 2015
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is an upcoming turn based tactical strategy game that is currently being developed by the famed Nintendo subsidiary, Intelligent systems (who first found fame with the classic hit game, Metroid) and Nintendo Software Planning & Development.
Set to be published by Nintendo on the Nintendo 3DS and the Nintendo New 3DS, the game is currently slated to be released in Japan on May 14th of 2015, Europe on May 15th of 2015 and in North America on March 13th of 2015. Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is exclusive to Nintendo’s handheld system and will be available at retail.
Development
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a game that Nintendo are investing heavily in, promoting it at most trade shows they have attended and even going so far as to include exclusive camera control on their New 3DS handheld.
Hitoshi Yamagami, the popular game designer who has, in the past, worked on games such as Fire Emblem, Xenoblade Chronicles and Pokémon, will be assisting in the games development alongside Intelligent Systems and Nintendo’s Software Planning & Development.
As part of the ongoing marketing push for the amiibo system that is supported by a number of games by way of NFC chips in Nintendo themed figurines, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. features amiibo support. Gamers who are in possession of Marth, Ike, Lucina and Robin amiibo’s (all of which are based on the Fire Emblem series, which Hitoshi Yamagami worked on) can use them to make use of those characters in the game world.
Said to be visually inspired by the artistic stylings that were used most notably in the silver age of comic books, (that is to say, a type of artistic renaissance in the comic book scene) the game has taken on a decidedly colourful and highly stylised visual aesthetic. Specifically, the game draws inspiration from Jack Kirby, the creator of renowned super hero Captain America, and Bruce Timm who is well known as the co-creator of the hugely popular Batman series, Batman: The Animated Series.
The enemy aliens are also thought to be inspired by the works of the now famous writer and creator, H.P. Lovecraft who, in his death, helped spawn the genre of cosmic horror that is today known as Lovecraftian Horror.
In Japan, the game isn’t called Code Name S.T.E.A.M., it is instead called “Lincoln Vs. Aliens.
Story
Set in a steampunk inspired alternate history version of London, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. will see the player take control of Henry Fleming, a man that serves in Unit S.T.E.A.M.
Despite being set in London, the man leading the defence of earth against the encroaching alien threat, is Abraham Lincoln. An American president of old. The game is expected to feature notable characters from popular pieces of American Literature.
Gameplay
Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a turn based strategic game that is played from a third person perspective. This third person perspective is used to infuse the game with third person shooter elements that the player uses to combat the alien enemy menace.
Players begin each match in the game with their team and from their they must out manoeuvre the enemy aliens as well as out gun them in a strategic battle as the turns pass.
When players make their move, they use up an allotted amount of Steam. It’s this Steam that determines how much and how often the player can move and fire. Much in the same way as games like Space Hulk, this resource can be used to move, fire but also activate a number of special abilities that can interrupt enemy attacks amongst other skills. Each player also has access to a special ability that can only be used once per battle. These special abilities are special however, they don’t consume Steam when they are activated.
It’s not yet entirely clear whether or not the game will feature a perma-death mechanic that’s similar to that found in Fire Emblem. What is known however is that players can revive fallen comrades with “medals”. If all the team members may fall, it is game over.
Characters
Outside of the characters that have been confirmed to make an appearance in the game by way of amiibo functionality, little is known about the games other characters.
Abraham Lincoln is set to make an appearance as the man tasked with defending the earth from an Alien invasion. And Henry Fleming is likely the games main antagonist.
Note: This wiki will be updated once we have more information about the game.