This is the type of game we rarely see nowadays, with most titles pushing live-service models that prioritize monetization over meaningful storytelling and gameplay depth. Steel Seed is refreshingly traditional, aiming instead to deliver a focused narrative and carefully designed gameplay mechanics. However, while this approach is commendable, it doesn’t necessarily translate into a fully satisfying experience. The title pays homage primarily to Nier Automata—a groundbreaking game whose nostalgia wave hasn’t even fully peaked—alongside subtle influences from Dark Souls. Unfortunately, Steel Seed’s effort to emulate these giants results in a mixed bag of impressive visuals, solid combat, and noticeable shortcomings.
Steel Seed’s world is strikingly atmospheric. It portrays a grim yet beautiful post-apocalyptic environment where humanity, devastated by ecological disaster, struggles to survive beneath the surface. Humanity’s dependency on artificial intelligence and robotic technology is central to the narrative, providing ample opportunity to explore themes of existentialism and morality. Visually, the game excels, capturing a somber aesthetic reminiscent of Nier Automata. Decaying urban environments reclaimed by nature, paired with sleek robotic designs, create a compelling backdrop for the narrative. These visuals are unquestionably one of the game’s strongest assets, consistently immersing the player in its melancholic atmosphere.
Gameplay mechanics initially impress, combining fluid hack-and-slash combat reminiscent of Nier Automata with challenging elements borrowed from Dark Souls. The battle system demands strategic timing, quick reflexes, and careful stamina management. Boss fights particularly reflect the Dark Souls influence, pushing players into intense encounters that require thoughtful strategies and deliberate execution. Victory here is genuinely rewarding, providing a sense of accomplishment after tough battles. However, as engaging as the combat can be, it soon reveals significant flaws. The difficulty curve is inconsistent, often shifting abruptly from moderately challenging to frustratingly difficult without fair warning or proper buildup. This unpredictability doesn’t enhance the experience; instead, it disrupts immersion, creating unnecessary frustration rather than a meaningful challenge. Platforming segments exacerbate this issue, introducing difficulty spikes that feel more punishing than rewarding. These sections frequently devolve into trial-and-error, undermining player enjoyment and pacing.
Narratively, Steel Seed tries ambitiously to match the emotional depth and complexity of its inspirations but, unfortunately, stumbles. Players control protagonist Zoé, whose journey through a devastated world is meant to be emotionally resonant. Her interactions with Koby, her AI companion, present opportunities for meaningful exploration of their evolving relationship, human reliance on technology, and the ethical dilemmas posed by survival scenarios. Yet, despite strong potential, character development feels inconsistent and rushed, limiting emotional impact. Dialogue, though often well-performed, occasionally veers into exposition-heavy territory, detracting from moments that aim to be subtle and affecting.
Sound design and music in Steel Seed show glimpses of excellence. Ambient sounds—rustling leaves, distant mechanical hums, and subtle environmental details—effectively immerse players into the game’s world. The musical score enhances emotional and narrative moments appropriately. Yet despite these achievements, repetitive audio loops in certain environments become distracting and noticeable, reducing the overall sense of immersion. Furthermore, occasional audio glitches and abrupt transitions between tracks slightly diminish the otherwise solid audio presentation. World-building, while initially impressive, falters under closer scrutiny. Environments look appealing at first glance but quickly become repetitive, lacking the diversity and meaningful interactivity needed to encourage exploration. Side quests and collectibles are present but feel largely superficial, offering limited narrative or gameplay benefits. Players may find themselves discouraged from straying off the main path, with minimal incentive to explore extensively.
From a technical standpoint, Steel Seed performs relatively well. Frame rates remain smooth, and loading times are minimal, showcasing competent optimization. Unfortunately, occasional graphical glitches, clipping issues, and minor bugs periodically break immersion, serving as reminders of the underlying technical limitations that persist despite general stability.
Ultimately, Steel Seed’s greatest weakness is its struggle to carve out a distinct identity separate from the shadow of its inspirations. While the game’s tribute to Nier Automata and Dark Souls is clear and respectful, it fails to innovate or present something genuinely new. The result is a title that feels overly familiar, leaning too heavily on borrowed mechanics and thematic concepts rather than pushing boundaries or offering a fresh experience. The game earns points for attempting to deliver a traditional, single-player experience amidst a sea of live-service titles. Its ambition to emulate genre classics is admirable, and, at times, it successfully captures glimpses of what makes those games beloved. However, inconsistent gameplay difficulty, repetitive environments, uneven character development, and technical hiccups significantly hinder its overall impact.
So, in the end, Steel Seed is neither a complete disappointment nor an entirely rewarding experience. Its strengths in visual and combat design are offset by numerous missteps in pacing, narrative depth, and overall execution. Players seeking the next groundbreaking, narrative-driven adventure akin to Nier Automata or Dark Souls may find Steel Seed somewhat lacking. At best, it provides a decent—yet ultimately unremarkable—journey through a beautifully crafted, albeit shallow, post-apocalyptic world.
Score: 6 out of 10
Reviewed on PC