Steel Seed Review: A Dystopian Sci-Fi Stealth Adventure from Storm in a Teacup

Venturing Into a Dark, Post-Apocalyptic Underground World

In the ever-evolving world of sci-fi stealth-action games, Steel Seed stands out as an atmospheric and immersive experience from Italian studio Storm in a Teacup. Known for their acclaimed Close to the Sun, the developers return with a gripping adventure set in a bleak future where the surface of Earth has become uninhabitable.

A Dystopian Vision Brought to Life

Steel Seed invites players to step into the shoes of Zoe, a skilled infiltrator on a desperate mission in a vast, high-tech underground facility controlled by ruthless AI. Humanity’s survival hangs in the balance as Zoe unravels the mysteries buried deep within this sprawling world. Accompanied by her intelligent drone companion, KOBY, players will experience a rich narrative interwoven with stealth-based gameplay and atmospheric exploration.

Every corner of this underground dystopia is packed with visual storytelling and environmental detail. Crumbling hallways, scattered data logs, and eerie mechanical constructs hint at the world that once was and the dangers that now lurk within.

An Atmospheric and Immersive Experience That Grips You

What makes Steel Seed truly memorable is its immersive environmental storytelling. Dynamic lighting, reactive soundscapes, and stealth-driven gameplay combined with parkour-inspired movement work in harmony to pull players deep into this cold, high-tech environment. The hum of distant machines and the mechanical whispers that echo through the corridors enhance the feeling of creeping tension, punctuated by breathtaking moments of stillness and action.

Stealth, Parkour, and Tactical Combat

Steel Seed’s gameplay is a satisfying mix of stealth, parkour, and action. Zoe’s fluid movement and agility allow players to traverse environments with finesse — climbing, vaulting, and sneaking past dangers. Stealth is at the core of the experience, with players relying on cover, environmental distractions, and KOBY’s abilities to outmaneuver threats.

When combat becomes unavoidable, the game emphasizes strategic thinking over brute force. Zoe isn’t a soldier — she’s an infiltrator, and direct confrontation often leads to danger. Players must carefully plan encounters, using tools, gadgets, and smart tactics to survive.

KOBY: More Than a Drone

KOBY, Zoe’s versatile drone companion, is essential to both gameplay and storytelling. This intelligent sidekick aids in hacking systems, scouting ahead, disarming traps, and interacting with the environment. Beyond its practical uses, KOBY also serves as a source of companionship in an otherwise isolating world, providing subtle emotional support during tense moments.

A Story Driven by Human Instinct and Machine Logic

Crafted in collaboration with BAFTA-winning writer Martin Korda, Steel Seed’s story carefully explores themes of survival, humanity, and the consequences of technological dependence. The narrative reveals itself through exploration, visual cues, and immersive environmental storytelling — rewarding players who take the time to uncover its layered mysteries.