Steelrising is one game that is sure to take you on an adventure like no other with its increasing gameplay. The game was developed by Spiders and published by Nacon. Steelrising is an action role-playing video game that was released in September 2022 for Windows PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and Series S. The game takes place in an alternate French Revolution era, and King Louis XVI in this version created a terrifying mechanical army of automatons. All feared his reign, as he ruled with iron fists. Played from a third-person perspective and in a single-player mode, Steelrising provides a unique gaming experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Intriguing Storyline that Takes You Back to History in a Weird Way

The game is based on the history of the French Revolution, but an alternate history where Louis XVI quashed his rebellious subjects with monstrous robots instead of being killed. You take on the role of Aegis, a calm and collected dancing robot turned lone warrior, who must confront the king’s mechanical army. 

The setting is wonderfully strange, with all the robotic characters modelled after old-fashioned clockwork machines from the era. You’ll spend a lot of time rubbing shoulders with actual French revolutionaries like Lafayette and Robespierre, and even Marie Antoinette herself will be your boss and chief quest-giver, which is a bizarre but intriguing twist. Reading about these historical figures in history class is great, but playing with them is epic! The 15-hour campaign follows a predictable plot of overthrowing the king, but the unique setting and characters make the journey enjoyable.

Character Customization Feature Makes the Gameplay More Interesting

As you progress through the game and defeat enemies, you’ll collect Anima Essence which can be used to upgrade your weapons and skills. You can also upgrade your character, but it can only be done at “Vestal” checkpoints worldwide. These checkpoints also allow you to rest and replenish your health. To play effectively, I will advise you to be aggressive, as stamina refills instantly after a brief cooldown. The game also features an “Assist mode” that lets you manually adjust various gameplay factors to make it less challenging.

The Voice Acting Sometimes Makes You Wonder if You Stumbled Upon a Different Game

Despite its hit-or-miss voice acting for historical figures, Steelrising compensates with exceptional writing and captivating side missions that involve gathering a team of rebels to aid in the fight against the king. For instance, a persuasive revolutionary seeks your assistance in ending slavery, and a subsequent side quest allows you to loot the king’s treasury and choose which of two opposing political causes to support, complete with dialogue options. Some of these decisions have a significant impact on the story’s outcome, which is a welcome surprise in a genre that often relies on obscure environmental storytelling. Additionally, Steelrising boldly addresses philosophical and political topics such as dictatorships and the repercussions of violent uprisings, making it entertaining and educative for me.

The Combat System is Exciting, and the Weapons are Incredibly Fun to Use

Combat in Steelrising offers a unique experience that is not just focused on the usual dodging and slicing themes in soullike games, as it also features a variety of weapon types, special moves, and status ailments to keep things interesting. The game features a range of fascinating weapon options, each with its own abilities that can be used to block or attack enemies from afar, in addition to melee strikes. For example, the fire chain is a stylish weapon that lets you ignite enemies from a distance, while the nimble glass-core batons are perfect for freezing and attacking enemies. Although sometimes imprecise, the weapons are still incredibly fun to use. The dodging mechanics are smooth and responsive, and although enemies can be somewhat predictive in their movements, the combat still provides an enjoyable challenge.

Attacks are Epic, Making the Soulslike Combat Exciting 

Controlling Aegis during combat is one of the most exciting things to experience. Your movements are fluid and allow you to weave in-between attacks while stringing together powerful combos using regular, heavy, and special attacks. Applying enough pressure can break an enemy’s posture, allowing you to unleash a devastating attack. While backstabs are not included, there is a universal sneak attack that can be used on any unaware automata. If you enjoy Dark Souls-esque action, these features will surely provide an enjoyable experience that your brain will respond to positively.

There is an exciting Variety of Enemies to Fight

One of the most exciting things about Steelrising is that you can never run out of exciting and creative enemies to fight. You’ll get to encounter a diverse range of robotic adversaries, each with its own unique characteristics. Some are smaller and easier to defeat, while others are bigger, and you see them wielding heavy support columns as weapons. Additionally, you’ll come across robotic dogs, some creepy snake-like structures, and even vicious musicians who use brass instruments to fight you. These are creepy enemies, but not knowing what to expect next keeps the game fresh and exciting. Taking on these varieties of enemies is one of the most thrilling aspects of Steelrising, as you must learn their individual tactics and strategies to emerge victorious.

Conclusion

Steelrising has an unforgettable setting and some memorable weapons and enemies that make fighting robots in an alternate history an entertaining experience. The recognisable faces from history that you meet and the beautiful French vistas you find in addition to the overall charm of the game. While the combat and exploration formula may not stand out, Steelrising is still a competent action RPG worth playing. Despite some imprecise combat and forgettable boss fights, the game keeps you engaged with its straightforward story and unique setting.