There was much buzz in anticipation over just what Nintendo was due to show Wednesday at their mystery E3 conference. Was it a new Metroid? Reggie said something about a pin. Maybe something in the Mother series? There was a random joke about it at the Digital Event. It was neither, actually. In fact, it was the start of a completely new franchise. While it’s unfortunate that I won’t be playing a new Metroid game anytime soon, Code Name: S.T.E.A.M looks awesome. It adds a unique twist to the strategy genre with interesting new perspectives and gameplay features. After years of releasing new games in franchises sometimes decades old, Nintendo’s newest game looks like something I can sink my teeth into heartily -- in ways I haven't before.

The game, developed by Intelligent Systems (known for strategy classics such as Fire Emblem and Advance Wars) is set in a steampunk-like world. In other words, lots of pipes, steam and brass everywhere. In the recent presentation where this was announced, it was noted that character designs in the game are inspired by the Silver Age of comic books- designs by artists such as Jack Kirby and Mike Mignola from that era set the tone of the game graphically. Aliens that are seen in the game are taken from notable author HP Lovecraft’s ideas. It seems like a weird combination of ideas. I mean, a steampunk world with Jack Kirby/HP Lovecraft esque designs? I don’t know how to imagine that on paper. But seeing it visually, it works, and adds to the very intriguing aesthetic overall.

The story, as it was told in the conference, deals with alien invaders that must be stopped, though why exactly they want to invade Earth is not completely known yet. One of the first stages will have you in London, as the developers discussed how Britain was the major empire at the time. Heroes are sent by Abraham Lincoln to thwart them (yes, THAT Abraham Lincoln. You know, the president guy). The main character of the game, Henry, commands three other team members that will join in the hunt. Multiple people will follow your party throughout the game as it progresses. Both humans and animals can join your party, with one example being a lion-esque creature named, get this, Lion.

Mentioned earlier, this will be a turn-based strategy game sending you out on fully-3D maps to destroy the alien invaders. Gameplay seems to resemble that a third person shooter in a sense; characters move then fire at the enemy at this perspective -- much like the recent XCOM strategy game as well as the Valkyria Chronicles games. The aliens will be using weapons as well, so initiating crossfire and counter attacks against them cannot be taken lightly. Using and going to perches, in addition to all kinds of positioning, adds a strategic element as well.

One of the more important elements of the game seems to be the titular steam mechanic. As in, the actual fuel process. Harnessing it and conserving it throughout battle will be an important factor in your strategy to beat out these evil aliens. Steam can be used throught gameplay to unleash special abilities. One of these, for example, are overwatch attacks. With this ability, you can attack enemies during their turn as opposed to waiting. Another special ability that requires steam is an attack Henry uses in which he uses a steampunk eagle to destroy enemies. There’s just nothing more American than that.

Currency seems to play an interesting role in the game as well. It’s used for standard fare, such as buying items and weapons to use throughout the game. Additionally, however, you can use medals (the currency) to heal and obtain steam through the game. It adds an interesting strategy. What is more important, one’s health in the current battle situation or preserving money to get the right kind of weapon later on in the game? And for those worried about permadeath situations seen in Fire Emblem (such as me), the good news is that developers have said that this isn’t an issue in the game.

What is different S.T.E.A.M. and other IS games is that grinding and experience levels won’t be much of a factor. Instead, it’s about creating a well balanced team. Choosing the right characters to battle with is more important than finding the all-powerful weapon near the end of the game or fighting the same enemies over and over until it’s finally time to take on the boss. While there are weapons and items to use in the game, they won’t be as important as the actual strategy involved with choosing the right characters.

Code Name: S.T.E.A.M looks to be a very intriguing leap into new boundaries by Intelligent Systems. It will be very interesting to see Code Name: S.T.E.A.M develop over the next year, as it is due for release in 2015.