Finally! One of my favorite tactical games continues

The popular Steamworld series continues: On April 17th, Thunderful officially launched Steamworld Heist 2 announced! A lot of fans have certainly been waiting for this sequel, including myself. Because the first part not only has performed very well in my test n, also at other critics the game went very well. At the time I thought a successor was almost written! But Thunderful took a surprisingly long time; almost nine years have passed since the first part. But now the wait is over, because Steamworld Heist 2 is coming. And soon!

You don't have to wait long until the release: Steamworld Heist 2 is already out on August 8, 2024 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox and Series S/X, and the game will also be optimized for Steam Deck upon release. You can already put the game on your wish list on Steam. For the successor, Thunderful clearly builds on the old strengths, but there is a change of scenery, new features and more scope. This could hit the bull's eye with fans! Here you can find out what awaits you in the sequel.

Ready to board! Steambots on the high seas

Steamworld Heist 2 doesn't want to reinvent the wheel, so the “XCOM from the side” concept remains untouched: The successor also presents itself as a turn-based 2D tactics game in which you accompany a crazy group of robot pirates on their raids. In Steamworld Heist 2, however, you are no longer traveling in rickety spaceships, but on the high seas: This time, your robot crew under the command of Captain Leeway is exploring a more classic Caribbean setting and experiencing a story that will keep you busy for more than 30 hours should.

Despite the change of scenery, battles proceed exactly as in the predecessor. With a small troop you board enemy ships and bases, where you then have to wipe out enemies in rounds. When shooting, you must aim carefully by hand to artfully ricochet shots off the environment – this way you can catch enemies behind cover and land critical hits. You can take a closer look at the gameplay in the image gallery.

Between missions, you adapt your crew to your wishes in a new job system and equip them with brand new equipment. There should be a total of over 150 items that you collect and unlock over time.

Also new is a real-time combat system in which you can chug across the map with your ship and fire at enemy galleys. The 2D graphic style is clearly reminiscent of its predecessor, but this time it is a bit brighter and more colorful. The background music should also be based on the first part, the developers of Thunderful promise a strong soundtrack with lots of moody songs contributed again by Steam Powered Giraffe become.

Good and versatile: The Steamworld series

The Steamworld series has been enjoying growing popularity since 2013. Strictly speaking, it started in 2010 with Steamworld Tower Defense, but the little game, which was released exclusively for the DSi, went almost unnoticed at the time. First with Steamworld Dig Thunderful achieved its breakthroughfollowed in the years that followed Steamworld Heist (2015) and the excellent Steamworld Dig 2 (2017). In 2019, they ventured into a friendly role-playing deck builder with Steamworld Quest, followed four years later by the beginner-friendly building game Steamworld Build, which I tested for you here.

In addition to Steamworld Heist 2, Thunderful actually had the 3D action adventure Steamworld Headhunter in the works. However, a younger, disappointing one has Thunderful Annual Report showed that the development of Headhunter has been put on hold for the time being. As soon as there is news about the game or other Steamworld projects, you will find out about it here. Does anyone else really have it? Fancy Steamworld Dig 3? I do! /// You can find the best deals and expert advice on games, films, entertainment and more in the brand new PCG Guide. All information about our new portal it's here!