Code Name S.T.E.A.M. Coming in Early 2015

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is an upcoming turn-based strategy game from Intelligent Systems, makers of the Fire Emblem series. The game had a Spring 2015 release window, but now we have a definitive release date.

Gamers will be able to pick up Code Name S.T.E.A.M. on March 13th. The date was announced at this year’s Game Awards. The game comes from Intelligent Systems, who have experience in crafting strategy games, such as the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series. While the game is a turn-based strategy game, it will have elements of a third-person shooter, much like XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Unlike the Fire Emblem series, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. will not feature permadeath, as players can revive fallen party members with medals. The game will feature cel-shaded graphics, and has a comic book vibe to it.

The setting of Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is a steampunk fantasy version of London. The game’s main protagonist is a man by the name Henry Fleming, based off of the protagonist of the same name from the novel The Red Badge of Courage. Fleming is a part of an elite force called “Unit S.T.E.A.M., which was founded by Abraham Lincoln to defend the Earth from an alien invasion. Most of Unit S.T.E.A.M. will be comprised of characters based off of iconic figures from American literature. This includes the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz, Tiger Lily from Peter Pan, and Tom Sawyer from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. The art style for Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is inspired by the Silver Age of Comics, with artists such as Jack Kirby serving as an inspiration. The designs for the invading alien force were based off of the works of horror writer H.P. Lovecraft.

Code Name S.T.E.A.M. will be available March 13th, 2015. The game will release in Europe in May. The game will be available for the 3DS system.