In Steel Seed, players assume the role of Zoe, initially a human whose consciousness is transferred into a robotic body. Set within an underground facility, the game follows Zoe’s quest to uncover the fate of humanity and the reasons behind the AI takeover. Aided by Koby, a drone providing assistance with hacking, scouting, and combat, Zoe navigates this hostile environment. Steel Seed delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the complex relationship between humans and technology, as Zoe grapples with her new existence and the meaning of life in a world nearing the brink of human extinction.
During my review of Atomfall, I drew a comparison to the use of recycled plastic parts in toys, citing the interchangeable arm models between He-Man and Skeletor as an example. Atomfall exhibited a similar sense of familiarity, resembling other games with a reskinned aesthetic. Unfortunately, Steel Seed presents a similar situation, with even less differentiation.
The gameplay experience evokes a strong sense of déjà-vu. The core mechanics of running, jumping, and traversing platforms are reminiscent of Jedi: Fallen Order. The presence of a drone companion named Koby only amplifies these similarities, drawing direct parallels to BD-1. While the narrative diverges, the underlying game mechanics and overall execution bear an undeniable resemblance. The familiar setting of navigating spaceships and scaling walls further reinforces this impression.
Koby’s functionality mirrors that of BD-1, serving to open doors, create diversions, and facilitate overall progress. While the presence of energy-based weapons is noteworthy, further elaboration is unnecessary.
To its credit, Steel Seed exhibits solid construction and impressive visuals, performing admirably on the PlayStation 5. The environments are meticulously crafted, featuring well-executed atmospheric effects.
However, beyond the initial appeal of its polished presentation, the game suffers from pacing issues and a protracted narrative. A more streamlined and focused storytelling approach would have significantly enhanced the overall experience.
In conclusion, Steel Seed is not inherently flawed. It offers engaging gameplay and a satisfying level of challenge. However, its striking similarities to existing titles and the deliberate pacing of the narrative detract from its overall impact.
Storm in a teacup provided a review copy for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial process.
