Steel Storm
Encyclopedia
Steel Storm is an independent video game series developed by Kot-in-Action Creative Artel
using the free software
DarkPlaces engine that were released for Microsoft Windows
, Mac OS X
, and Linux
platforms. The game was added to the Humble Indie Bundle 3
on August 1st 2011.
The games are divided into two episodes, with Episode One being available at no charge and Episode Two (titled as Steel Storm: Burning Retribution) being a commercial product. They are top down arcade shooters where players control a hovercraft
while battling presumed extraterrestrial invaders using a variety of different weapons.
and cooperative play
(capture the flag is also available in episode two), with the game supporting up to sixteen players for each mode. The camera view for your ship is completely adjustable, and the second episodes also includes an unlockable first person camera mode. The game also supports an in-game map to help players navigate the levels.
, Desura
, and Ubuntu Software Center
services as well as the developers website.
. Rebel Zero, who reviewed the first episode while it was still in beta, gave the game a positive review, stating that their "only disappointment comes from it being such a short game." DIYGamer described Episode One as a "highly polished, unique adventure shmup that really is worth your time." Make Tech Easier gave the game 5/5 stars, stating that the game "will not revolutionize shooters, and the strategy will not keep you up at night, but the gameplay is addictive enough to warrant the purchase." Games Fascination also praised Episode One, raving that it is "definitely an enjoyable game, especially for fans of the genre, and an impressive effort from an independent group."
OMG! Ubuntu!
, in its review of Steel Storm: Burning Retribution, praised the game, calling it "a lovely game with enough features and options to keep you occupied for a fair amount of time." John Walker
of Rock, Paper, Shotgun
, who was also reviewing Burning Retribution, described the game as being "a really smart game, which is a real pleasure", as well as stating that the game is a "tremendous amount of fun." Walker summed up his review by stating that he would suggest that the game "is well worth it" for the low price that is being offered.
There are over 295,000 downloaded copies of Steel Storm, with 7% to 10% of those users being active players.
in the spirit of Doom and Quake.
Kot-in-Action Creative Artel
Kot-in-Action Creative Artel is an independent video game company headquarterd in Del Rio, Texas and founded in 2008 by Alexander Zubov. Consisting of a core team of three people, they developed the Steel Storm series for Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux platforms.On November 25, 2010 ,...
using the free software
Free software
Free software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...
DarkPlaces engine that were released for Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
, Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
, and Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
platforms. The game was added to the Humble Indie Bundle 3
Humble Indie Bundle
The Humble Indie Bundles or Humble Bundles are a series of game bundles, that are sold and distributed online at a price determined by the purchaser. The games are multi-platform, DRM-free, and independently developed, and buyers can set the revenue split between the developers, charities and...
on August 1st 2011.
The games are divided into two episodes, with Episode One being available at no charge and Episode Two (titled as Steel Storm: Burning Retribution) being a commercial product. They are top down arcade shooters where players control a hovercraft
Hovercraft
A hovercraft is a craft capable of traveling over surfaces while supported by a cushion of slow moving, high-pressure air which is ejected against the surface below and contained within a "skirt." Although supported by air, a hovercraft is not considered an aircraft.Hovercraft are used throughout...
while battling presumed extraterrestrial invaders using a variety of different weapons.
Gameplay
Both episodes of Steel Storm include complete single-player campaigns where the player must fight enemies, collect power-ups, and complete specified mission objectives. Steel Storm also allows for online and LAN mutiplayer, supporting modes for both deathmatchDeathmatch (gaming)
Deathmatch or Player vs All is a widely-used gameplay mode integrated into many shooter and real-time strategy computer games...
and cooperative play
Cooperative gameplay
Cooperative gameplay is a feature in video games that allows players to work together as teammates. It is distinct from other multiplayer modes, such as competitive multiplayer modes like player versus player or deathmatch...
(capture the flag is also available in episode two), with the game supporting up to sixteen players for each mode. The camera view for your ship is completely adjustable, and the second episodes also includes an unlockable first person camera mode. The game also supports an in-game map to help players navigate the levels.
Development
Steel Storm has been under development since 2008, with the first episode being released as a beta in September 2010. Steel Storm: Burning Retribution was released on May 11, 2011 and is being sold through the SteamSteam (content delivery)
Steam is a digital distribution, digital rights management, multiplayer and communications platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is used to distribute games and related media online, from small independent developers to larger software houses...
, Desura
Desura
Desura is a proprietary digital distribution platform developed by DesuraNET for Microsoft Windows and Linux platforms, although a client for Mac OS X has also been hinted at. It is used to distribute games and related media online, with a primary focus on small independent developers rather than...
, and Ubuntu Software Center
Ubuntu Software Center
Ubuntu Software Center is a computer program for browsing, installing and removing software on the Ubuntu operating system. Based upon the GNOME application, gnome-app-install, which is similar in function and appearance, it serves as a GTK+ graphical user interface front-end to the Advanced...
services as well as the developers website.
Reception
Steel Storm has had a fairly positive response, and currently holds a rating of four out of five stars at The Linux Game TomeThe Linux Game Tome
The Linux Game Tome is a website which provides a comprehensive list of games for Linux.- History :The site was started by Tessa Lau in 1995...
. Rebel Zero, who reviewed the first episode while it was still in beta, gave the game a positive review, stating that their "only disappointment comes from it being such a short game." DIYGamer described Episode One as a "highly polished, unique adventure shmup that really is worth your time." Make Tech Easier gave the game 5/5 stars, stating that the game "will not revolutionize shooters, and the strategy will not keep you up at night, but the gameplay is addictive enough to warrant the purchase." Games Fascination also praised Episode One, raving that it is "definitely an enjoyable game, especially for fans of the genre, and an impressive effort from an independent group."
OMG! Ubuntu!
OMG! Ubuntu!
OMG! Ubuntu! is a Linux review blog that was launched in August 2009, that provides reviews, developments and updates about Ubuntu and its derivatives. The website is part of the Ohso Ltd Network. Its main focus is average Ubuntu users, rather than developers....
, in its review of Steel Storm: Burning Retribution, praised the game, calling it "a lovely game with enough features and options to keep you occupied for a fair amount of time." John Walker
John Walker (journalist)
John Walker is a British computer games journalist, as well as a cartoonist and TV critic.-Journalism:Walker has contributed to a range of print publications, including PC Gamer , Total Film, Linux Format, Cult TV, Edge, NGamer, Windows XP, PC Plus, Official Xbox Magazine, Gamesmaster and PC...
of Rock, Paper, Shotgun
Rock, Paper, Shotgun
Rock, Paper, Shotgun is a UK-based PC gaming blog written by Alec Meer, Jim Rossignol, John Walker, and previously Kieron Gillen and Quintin Smith. Rock, Paper, Shotgun launched in July 2007. In 2010 the website partnered with Eurogamer...
, who was also reviewing Burning Retribution, described the game as being "a really smart game, which is a real pleasure", as well as stating that the game is a "tremendous amount of fun." Walker summed up his review by stating that he would suggest that the game "is well worth it" for the low price that is being offered.
There are over 295,000 downloaded copies of Steel Storm, with 7% to 10% of those users being active players.
Sequel
Work has been started on a sequel that will be a first-person shooterFirst-person shooter
First-person shooter is a video game genre that centers the gameplay on gun and projectile weapon-based combat through first-person perspective; i.e., the player experiences the action through the eyes of a protagonist. Generally speaking, the first-person shooter shares common traits with other...
in the spirit of Doom and Quake.