Code Name STEAM is Nintendo's own XCOM in all the right ways

It's a bug hunt, man! A bug hunt!

I've been wanting to play Code Name STEAM ever since I first saw it at E3 2014, and I recently got to dive into Nintendo's steampunk approach to tactics . The fact that Intelligent Systems is developing this 3DS title--they're the people behind Fire Emblem and Advance Wars--is enough to get me on board. But there's more to it than that, the game has a much more western approach to strategy this time around. Not only does it take smart inspiration from PC classic XCOM, but adds Nintendo's touch of whimsy and a ton of collectibles strewn about the stages.

It just might be the most American game Nintendo has ever published too. Under the orders of President Abraham Lincoln (really), STEAM is a group of all American operatives that travel the world to wipe out alien invaders, one headshot at a time. Each team member has their own specialty, like Tiger Lilly's healing prowess or Tom Sawyer's quick jabs with an extending boxing glove (really). The team even has a leaping lion/man hybrid that growls when he lunges at the Lovecraftian aliens (yes, really!). The turn-based action works like the tough-but-fair XCOM, so you need to carefully consider character placement and turn order, all with Nintendo's touch of whimsy and a ton of collectibles strewn about the stages.

Just as in the recent XCOM: Enemy Unknown, using defensive moves like Overwatch and carefully exploring the map are the keys to victory, though STEAM seems to take things a little easier on players. And just like XCOM, I kept thinking "one more turn" as I played and played, right until the demo ended. I look forward to seeing more of it spring 2015--Pres. Lincoln commands it!

Read on to see the latest screens of the game!

I wasn't joking--Honest Abe is in the game.

An alien face just begging to be shot.

Exploring the grid-based map feels surprisingly active.

Attacking from the high ground is usually a good call.

Here's Tom Sawyer taking an alien by surprise.

Tiger Lily's healing bazooka at work.

This lion/man has a freaking flamethrower!

This alien was ready to respond with quickly while in overwatch.

There are some really fun animations when the characters activate their special attacks.

Here's Tom's special attack in motion.

Could this character be any more patriotic?