Steel Seed: A Nostalgic Journey Worth Repeating

Narrative Structure

The storyline unfolds through traditional cutscenes and interactive data logs scattered throughout the underground world, offering context about the events that led to the mechanical domination. Character development primarily occurs through dialogues, particularly between Zoe and Koby, creating an engaging experience reminiscent of the monologue-driven moments found in titles like *Horizon Zero Dawn*. While the overarching plot may evoke familiarity, particularly from *NieR Replicant* and *Horizon*, it remains compelling enough to propel players forward.

Gameplay Mechanics

*Steel Seed* closely follows the conventions established by linear action-adventure games, notably drawing inspiration from the *Uncharted* series and *Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order*. Players will navigate straightforward platforming sequences that, while not overly challenging, are designed to be enjoyable, featuring highlighted ledges that facilitate movement. Zoe’s fluid mobility enhances the traversal experience, although jumping mechanics can feel slightly imprecise.

Combat in *Steel Seed* diverges from the Soulslike genre despite superficial similarities. Players engage in melee combat with a combination of light and heavy attacks, but a lack of stamina management diminishes the depth. The majority of enemies can be defeated through repetitive button mashing, limiting the tactical variety. However, players can also approach combat through stealth mechanics, utilizing cover systems and Koby’s distraction abilities to bypass foes undetected, offering flexibility in gameplay approach.

Character Progression

To address potential gameplay monotony, *Steel Seed* introduces a character progression system based on collecting “Glitch,” a currency that allows the unlocking of skills across three skill trees. Progression is tied to simple challenges, such as executing perfect dodges or tagging enemies, seamlessly integrating into the gameplay without requiring tedious grinding.

Visuals and Performance

Utilizing Unreal Engine 5, *Steel Seed* effectively showcases the engine’s Lumen technology, creating a visually striking environment filled with machines and steel structures. The game’s lighting guides players through its expansive world, although character models may not reach the same level of detail as the environments. On PC, advanced graphics options—including NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR—enhance performance, allowing for high frame rates even in demanding scenarios.

Final Thoughts

While *Steel Seed* may not innovate within the genre, it offers a solid tribute to established franchises like *Uncharted* and *Star Wars Jedi*. With an engaging narrative, enjoyable traversal, and competent stealth mechanics, it provides an appealing experience for fans of action-adventure games. However, players should be prepared for some repetition and a lack of combat depth as they guide Zoe through her mysterious journey.