Developer: Zenovia Interactive Publisher: Tribute Games Release: 09/28/21 Genre: Action Also on: Switch, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series
During the fifth generation 2d action games were a rare commodity. The fascination with 3d meant the games and genre we loved took a back seat to experimental garbage not fit for the discs they were printed on. While it was a necessary step to the greatness we now enjoy I do wish there were a balance between fresh new genres in 3d and “old school” greatness that was damn near perfected in the 16-bit era. Steel Assault is a nostalgic throwback to the 2D side-scrolling action games of the ’90s, seamlessly blending classic gameplay with modern sensibilities. Developed by Zenovia Interactive, this game delivers a high-octane experience that pays homage to its inspirations while carving out its own identity.
The gameplay in Steel Assault reminds me of Gunstar Heroes even though it is not as mechanically dense. Taro is an agile protagonist and moves at a zippy pace. He can double jump, slide, and has a zipline a la Almana no Kiseki. The slide has a few invincibility frames and is an awesome way to avoid damage. The zipline is insanely cool. You can fire it in eight directions with the caveat that you need two surfaces for it to connect. It can be a last minute save from a bottomless pit, and a creative way to avoid attacks. The game calls on these moves extensively, especially during boss battles. I daresay the game is impossible without mastering it. This more than anything gives Steel Assault a unique flavor among action games.
Your primary weapon is an electric whip. Like Castlevania IV you can swing in eight directions and it can also destroy certain projectiles. It is extremely powerful, so much so that the only other weapon power-up in the game temporarily lets it shoot projectiles. This drains the weapon meter however using melee attacks on enemies drop orbs that replenish it. I will admit as cool and as strong as the whip is I wish there were a few more weapons. They would certainly have helped with the at times brutal boss battles. But that is my own personal preference; the game is fine as is.
The mechanics are simple and intuitive but the game is inventive with their uses. Steel Assault catapults you from one creative scenario to the next at a rapid fire pace. One minute you’re navigating a burning forest on a raft and the next you are climbing a waterfall on the way to a rough boss battle on a flying battleship. Despite the game’s short length in packs in a ton of variety in its five stages. That is probably my one gripe; god I would love one or two more stages. They do so much with so little, from the tight controls, fantastic level design, and excellent boss battles that it is almost criminal that there is not more. But that is good note to go out on, leave the audience wanting more.
Visually, Steel Assault is a feast for the eyes. The game has the look of a late generation Neo Geo game or arcade classic like Gaiapolis that never received a home port. As much as I still like the 8-bit aesthetic I want to see more games like this that push the boundaries of pixel art. The pixel art is meticulously detailed, with vibrant environments and fluid animations that make the world feel alive. Literally every frame is bustling with activity; whether its buildings crumbling in the background, a forest on falling apart as it burns or pounding rain. The character designs and enemy sprites are distinct and memorable, contributing to the game’s nostalgic charm. Steel Assault gives me heavy Gunstar Heroes vibes and I like it. The soundtrack complements the action perfectly, with a series of energetic chiptune tracks that enhance the adrenaline-pumping gameplay.
Steel Assault is not an easy game that’s for sure. The game is unapologetically challenging, and while it may be intimidating for newcomers, it rewards perseverance and skill. The level design is punishing but fair, requiring players to master the game’s mechanics and learn enemy patterns. Checkpoints are frequent and your life bar refills at each. In addition they are liberal with health power-ups. Boss patterns are easy to recognize but it still comes down to execution. This difficulty curve is reminiscent of classic arcade games, where it seems impossible at first and designed to drain your quarters. But skill and practice make the impossible a reality. I do wish the game were not so stingy with its weapon power-up but it is something you will deal with in time.
In Closing
Steel Assault is a fantastic action game of the type that went nearly extinct during the fifth generation. It is a little short but the blistering difficulty means you probably will not easily finish it in one sitting. This is the type of 2d greatness we would have received more consistently on the Saturn or PlayStation if the industry and press did not assume gamers wanted 3d and nothing else. For the cheap price of $10 or so you can experience action greatness at its finest.
