Steel Seed

Steel Seed blends stealth, light parkour, and optional action combat in a post-apocalyptic world, but its lackluster narrative and predictable design prevent it from standing out in the genre.

I’ve got to say, I’m thoroughly surprised by Steel Seed. It’s a very competent stealth action platformer from a new indie studio. The atmosphere and level design is awe-inspiring at times and the moment to moment action feels great thanks to responsive controls and fun stealth mechanics. More melee options would’ve helped vary the gameplay up a lot, but it’s serviceable as is. If you’re looking to scratch that stealth action itch, or someone who’s desperately clinging to anything resembling 3D platforming collectathons, like me, Steel Seed comes highly recommended.

After hours of playing, Steel Seed has earned a spot as one of my favorite stealth games in recent memory. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to reinvent the genre. But what it does, it does with care, style, and substance. This is a game for players who like to think their way through a challenge, who enjoy immersive worlds that don’t yell at you, and who appreciate games that respect your time and intelligence. If that sounds like you, give Steel Seed your attention. It deserves it.

Overall, Steel Seed is not a bad game by any means, but it is lacking in some important aspects. The gameplay, while fine, is not different from the usual experience found in other videogames in this genre. The story can be really engaging, but if you don’t start off with a focus on wanting to understand the story, a lot of the experience’s value will be lost.

Steel Seed may not be the most original game around, but its action-adventure formula serves as a solid tribute to the Uncharted and Star Wars Jedi series, offering an intriguing story and setting, engaging traversal and stealth mechanics, and impressive world design that captures the scale of a world overtaken by machines. Unfortunately, the lack of originality, along with a general lack of depth, does impact the experience, as the gameplay starts to feel repetitive a few hours in.

Steel Seed is an exciting attempt to take on the big boys in the stealth-action genre. It doesn't quite reach the level of Uncharted or The Last of Us, but it doesn't need to. It's charming, fun, and at times quite cool, and while there's a bit of technical jank and a few rusty screws in combat and controls, the good parts outweigh the bad to make it all worthwhile.