Steam Prison -Beyond the Steam- Review

⚠️ Spoiler Warning!
This review contains major spoilers for the original Steam Prison visual novel. If you haven’t played the main game yet, I highly recommend doing so before diving into this review — unless you’re the type who thrives on emotional damage and plot twists in advance (no judgment 😘).
You’ve been warned~ 💀💕

Steam Prison – Beyond the Steam is the official fandisc that splits its heart in two — much like the world it takes place in. We rejoin Cyrus — still straight-laced, duty-bound, and now dodging matchmaking appointments like her life depends on it (because, honestly, it kind of does 😆). Between the political-meets-poetic Cainabel Story Arc and the emotionally devastating A New Theory, this fandisc brings back our beloved cast (and introduces a couple of new handsome faces 👀) for a double feature of love, trauma, and foggy adventure.

Between arranged marriages, off-the-map kingdoms, fresh engagements, and being falsely accused of murder (again?! Girl can’t catch a break 💀), this game delivers peak otome drama with flair. But don’t come in expecting kabedon walls and steamy kisses — Beyond the Steam offers a slow-burn romance that may feel tame to some, but is rich in emotional and narrative payoff. 💘

It’s a character-driven journey full of growth, vulnerability, and deeper insight into the love interests — whether they’re ruling a kingdom, making shady deals, or brooding in the shadows. From sun-drenched deserts to the bleak greys of the Sanctuary District, this fandisc expands the Steam Prison universe without losing sight of what made it special: morality, injustice, and the slow, tender ways people learn to love (and suffer 😭).

Also? I laughed so hard I got actual face cramps 🤣 and I cried so hard I could’ve filled the Depths with my tears. This game had me feeling everything — and that emotional richness is what I loved most 💖

Oh, and did I mention there’s a chibi mini-game too? Yes, Petit Prison exists, it’s adorable, and while I personally loved it (I own spot-the-difference), my best friend straight-up rage quit and refuses to acknowledge its existence. 😆 But more on that later!

---

🌸Overview

Title: Steam Prison -Beyond the Steam- /スチームプリズン -Beyond the Steam-
Developer: HuneX
Publisher: (Nintendo Switch): HuneX & dramatic create / (Steam): MangaGamer
Release Date: 28 November 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Steam (PC)
Genre: Romance, Adventure, Steampunk, Fantasy
Played On: Nintendo Switch — All routes completed, 100% 💪✨
Rating: PEGI 16 / ESRB M (Mature 17+) — Themes include violence, blood, strong language… and yes, emotional trauma. Again. 😭

---

💌 First Impressions

As I mentioned in my review of the main game, I originally picked up Steam Prison so I could experience the fandisc Beyond the Steam together with my best friend — and honestly? That was the best decision ever. 💖 We laughed, cried, and commentated over every single line, which (unsurprisingly) led to the birth of my soon-to-be-added Fangirl Commentary posts — because some moments just demand dramatic reactions.

After playing the main game, I was definitely biased going in… and thankfully, the fandisc did not disappoint. The improved translation alone did wonders for the storytelling — I understood Cyrus so much more this time around, and it deepened my appreciation for her character immensely. The cast remained as strong as ever, the art and music felt even more refined, and the overall experience honestly exceeded my expectations.

That said, I did initially assume we’d be jumping into full-on established romance stories (it is a fandisc, after all), so imagine my surprise when we were back to “meeting the guys for the first time” energy. 😂 At first I kept waiting for kisses, fluttery moments, something spicy — but once I stopped expecting the impossible (I mean, these characters literally come from a society where romantic love was illegal until just two years ago), I started to really enjoy what the game was actually offering: a slower, more realistic approach to love, where awkwardness and uncertainty are part of the journey. 💕

The chibi-styled mini-game was also a super cute bonus! I really appreciated having something light and interactive to break up long reading sessions — and the redesigned chibis are absolutely adorbs 😍 I might be biased (I’ve always loved “spot the difference” games), but I genuinely found it relaxing and fun. My bestie, on the other hand? Let’s just say she… politely declined the experience. Repeatedly. 😆

And speaking of hilarious disagreements… let’s talk about the Arabic-style rearrangement of “Höyry Vankila – Laventelin Sininen” (yes, that one 🎶). I couldn’t resist belly dancing every time it played at the end of a route 🤣 while my BFF swore she’d skip it forevermore. The soundtrack may be divisive, but hey — if it gets us shimmying or swearing, it’s doing something right.

👉 Check out my full Steam Prison main game review if you want the full emotional rollercoaster from the beginning!

---

📖 Story & Worldbuilding

As a fandisc, Beyond the Steam isn’t trying to build an epic new saga from scratch — but what it does offer is more than generous: two full story arcs, each with its own setting, tone, and emotional weight.

The Cainabel Story Arc, which follows the Grand Ending of the main game, offers not just one, but two paths depending on which group you travel with:

• ☀️ Jevite’s side takes Cyrus into a more internal political drama, alongside Adage, Ulrik, and Fin.
• 🌙 Jereme’s side shifts the spotlight to Cainabel’s external conflicts, with Eltcreed, Ines, and Yune, and the looming pressure of an expansionist nomadic empire known as Grendel.

Each side shares the same core plot, but your choice of love interest adds unique, meaningful interactions — and replays unlock even more scenes (and yes, sometimes bonus CGs 😍). For a fandisc, that’s incredibly generous — especially when many others barely give us a post-it note’s worth of extra content.

The world of Cainabel itself is also a treat: warm desert tones, golden sands, and a rich, vaguely Egyptian aesthetic make for a totally refreshing change of scenery. Compared to the steampunk grime of the Depths or the artificial nobility of the Heights, Cainabel feels like a sun-soaked adventure. And the symbolism doesn’t go unnoticed — Cainabel gave me immediate “Cain and Abel” vibes, and considering we’ve got a sun king and a moon king? 👀 Yes. I see you, HuneX. And I love it.

Meanwhile, the alternate arc, A New Theory, rewinds the clock and explores a darker “what if?” timeline — one where things go very wrong, very fast. But not in the way you might expect. This time, we’re asking: what if Sachsen was somehow more tolerable and less of a prick (with Cyrus, at least)? What if Cyrus found out about Fin being sent to the HOUNDS before he completely lost himself? 👀 It’s a grittier route set in the familiar Sanctuary District, but with enough emotional twists (and surprisingly human moments) to make it feel fresh and unsettling all over again.

What surprised me the most, though — and in the best possible way — was how much more I appreciated Cyrus this time around. In the original, I struggled with her robotic, emotionally flat portrayal. But here? Thanks to the stronger narration and more dynamic scenes, she finally clicked for me. In fact, some of the funniest scenes in the fandisc involved her directly — and I never thought I’d be laughing with Cyrus, much less because of her! 😆

---

💞 Characters & Romance

In Beyond the Steam, we’re treated to a second helping of slow-burn romance, rich character development, and unexpectedly hilarious group dynamics. The romance isn’t explosive or dramatic — it’s tender, thoughtful, and beautifully awkward, shaped by characters still learning what love even is after a lifetime without it.

The Cainabel Arc especially shines with its warm tone and deeper bonding moments, while A New Theory offers a bittersweet “what if” that’s more intense but still rewarding. And through it all, the fandisc lets us fall in love with these characters all over again — in new outfits, new settings, and with new reasons to swoon (or occasionally facepalm 😂).

So let’s meet the bois (again), in all their chaotic, charming glory 💖✨

---

Eltcreed Valentine

VA: Yusuke Shirai (Ars in Period: Cube, Scarecrow in Bustafellows, Gurin Gurin in FFVII Rebirth)

Ah, Eltcreed. Still slick, still smug, still dressed like a walking contradiction — and still the drama king we know and (sometimes reluctantly) love. In the fandisc, we finally get to see cracks in his confident façade, and I LIVED for it. Watching him get genuinely flustered and even (gasp) jealous? Delicious. His dynamic with Ulrik is peak comedy — their bickering feels like two exes who never actually dated but still act like they went through a messy divorce. 😆

And while he still shamelessly flirts with Cyrus like he’s auditioning for Otome Bachelor: Liberalitas Edition, there’s real growth behind the glitter. He’s more vulnerable here, more human, and honestly? More swoon-worthy. Bonus points for making my heart stop with that scene. You’ll know the one when you play it. 💀

Also yes — he’s still completely deranged about pasta. 😆🍝 You can take the banker out of the Depths, but you can’t take the carbs out of the man. 🤦‍♀️

---

Ulrik Ferrie

VA: Tomohito Takatsuka (Akira Taira in Loopers, Renji Kamiya in Xicatrice)

Ulrik has grown up — and you feel it. Two years have passed since the events of the main game, and it shows in the best way possible. He’s still the snarky, side-eyeing tsundere we all adore, but now there’s a quiet maturity under the sarcasm — like he’s finally learned to breathe a little easier around others… even if he’d never admit it out loud. 😏

That said, his bite is still sharp, his lines still hilarious, and his social barbs? As on point as ever. His interactions with both Adage and Fin had me wheezing, and there’s a certain scene where he roasts Fin so savagely I nearly dropped my Switch from laughing. 😂

But let’s not pretend the glow-up didn’t happen — Ulrik’s new CGs? Chef’s kiss. He’s honestly one of the most handsome characters in the fandisc. Combine that with his emotional growth, his unique dynamic with Cyrus, and his awkward-but-precious brand of affection, and… yeah. He’s still a top-tier husbando, through and through. 💖

---

Adage (Yes, still all you get, because why not 😆)

VA: Makoto Furukawa (Shaw in Mr Love: Queen’s Choice, Allan in Cupid Parasite, Kazuma in Lover Pretend, Gepard in Honkai: Star Rail, Hatsuharu in Fruits Basket)

Adage completely renewed my love for him in this fandisc — and even made it stronger. He’s still the same blunt, sarcastic doctor with a cynical streak, but there’s something about how he interacts with the group this time that just took his charm to another level. His lines were hands down the funniest in the entire game, and his banter — especially with Ulrik and Fin — had me laughing so hard I genuinely got face cramps. 😆

He’s more handsome than ever, too, and he knows it. His new clothes only added to the problem (his narcissism definitely got worse 😏), but I couldn’t bring myself to blame him — not when he looked that good. 😍His route also gave me my favourite ending in the fandisc: sincere, fully in character, and deeply satisfying. Adage isn’t the type to wear his heart on his sleeve, but when his care slips through, it hits so hard. For me, he’s still the one I fell hardest for — sharp edges, soft moments, and all. 💖

---

Ines Heinrich Heine

VA: Tetsu Kimishima (Tomoki in Dynamic Chord, Hyuga in SA-7, Yamazaki in Mob Psycho 100)

Ines’s route had me swooning in the main game, so I was thrilled to see it revisited in the fandisc — especially with how beautifully it builds on his past connection with Cyrus. Their shared history gets a proper spotlight this time, developing the “lost pendant” moment we learnt about before into something deeply meaningful. I loved seeing how their dynamic subtly shifts now that he’s a police administrator — older, more responsible, and still holding that gentle kindness that made me fall for him in the first place.

They also didn’t shy away from the more complicated aspects of their relationship — the age gap, the class difference, the fact that he’s her boss now. It’s all acknowledged in a thoughtful, respectful way. That said… since his route had the strongest romantic impact on me originally, the tame pacing here hit me a little harder. The bond is still there, but I couldn’t help wishing for a little more warmth, a little more closeness. 🥲 Still, I loved seeing Ines again — serious, sincere, and as grounded as ever. 💖

---

Yune Sekiei

VA: Yasuyuki Takase (Yoshida in Re-Kan!, Cody in It Takes Two)

I went into Yune’s route in the fandisc hoping for a long-awaited Happy End… and while I won’t spoil what I found, let’s just say I needed a break and a box of tissues. 😭 His story in Beyond the Steam is deeply emotional, beautifully written, and carries all the haunting elegance you’d expect from a character as unique as him.

What really stood out, though, was seeing Yune interact with the full cast — something the main game barely gave us. In Cainabel, he finally feels like part of the world he’s always hovered just outside of, and that shift adds so much nuance to his character. He’s still strange and otherworldly, yes, but there’s a softness to him here that made me love him even more.

He also gave me one of my biggest fangirl moments during the story’s most intense arc — elegant, composed, and incredibly cool in the heat of action. And even though his route left me emotionally tender for days, I’ll treasure it forever. 💖

---

Fin Euclase

VA: Tarusuke Shingaki (Caramia in OZMAFIA!!, Kennyo in Ikemen Sengoku, Edeni in Metaphor: ReFantazio)

Fin already owned a soft spot in my heart, but the fandisc launched him straight into second place on my personal ranking. His role in the Cainabel Arc was absolutely hilarious — somehow becoming the glue that held the most chaotic personalities together (while also being the one roasted the most 😂). The contrast between how gentle and sweet he is with Cyrus and how ferociously protective he is with everyone else gave me life. At times, he genuinely felt like a jealous guard dog in love — and it was adorable.

But then… A New Theory hit. And it wrecked me. Watching Fin’s descent unfold again — knowing how much pain he’s been through, and how desperately he clings to any sliver of light — broke my heart all over again. If I thought he deserved happiness in the main game, this fandisc made it crystal clear just how much he needs it. 😭 He’s the softest soul in the grimmest places, and I love him all the more for it.

---

Jevite

VA: Tomohiro Ono (Makoto Shibe in Tomodachi Game, Bunet in Fire Emblem Engage)

Jevite is the textbook definition of hot, charming, and dangerously flirtatious. 😍 From the moment he appears, he’s confident, magnetic, and clearly no stranger to love. He had me swooning like crazy — and honestly?

He’s intense, radiant like the desert sun he rules under, and just when I thought I knew where things were headed… the route would swerve, make me cry, and then blindside me with a wild emotional twist.

He has three endings — each one a different flavour of heartbreak, joy, and chaos. I loved them all. That said… not even a single kiss?! 😆😭 Still, the journey was worth it.

Let’s just say not everyone handled his brand of drama as well as Cyrus did. My BFF might’ve started out swooning with me, but by the end… she was ready to throw him into the desert canyon. (We’re still friends. Probably. 😂)

---

Jereme

VA: Mizuki Chiba (Raid Noctor in I Was Reincarnated as the Villainess in an Otome Game but the Boys Love Me Anyway!)

Jereme didn’t catch my attention at first — cold, detached, and a little too stern for my taste. But once I actually started his route? Oh. Oh no. This man is PRECIOUS. 💖 He’s everything his younger brother Jevite isn’t: quiet, reserved, and weighed down by responsibility. But behind that cool exterior is a gentle, soft-spoken heart that left me an emotional mess (at least in one of his two endings). 🥺

His pace is slow — understandably so — but every small breakthrough feels rewarding and intimate. The more I saw of his past, the more my heart hurt for him. He’s not flashy, but his sincerity and quiet strength completely won me over. In fact, I had a whole internal war trying to decide whether he or Ines deserved third place on my ranking. (The battle still isn’t over.)

---

Sachsen Brandenburg

VA: Yuji Kameyama (Kousei Okubo in The Legend of Heroes: Kuro no Kiseki II)

Ah yes — the most controversial route in the fandisc. Fans begged for a Sachsen romance, and somehow, HuneX actually gave it to us. But of course, people immediately complained that it was too short or too tame. And honestly? That’s incredibly unfair. This is a fandisc, not a full-length game. And it’s already packed with content that could rival one.

Sachsen’s route is dark, complicated, and full of red flags — which makes sense, considering the man literally tortures people for fun. But within those limits, HuneX delivered a surprisingly effective little story. I won’t pretend I suddenly liked the guy, but I won’t deny that some of those scenes made even my heart flutter a little. The CGs? Gorgeous. His VA? Absolutely delivered. It may not be a fairy tale, but it’s exactly the kind of morally messy bonus content you’d expect from a character like him.

---

Cyrus Tistella

No voice acting

Cyrus has come a long way since the main game, and Beyond the Steam gives her the chance to finally breathe — and be more than just a sword and a moral compass. Whether she’s dodging matchmaking attempts in the Heights or navigating foreign politics in Cainabel, she remains strong, upright, and as hilariously love-clueless as ever. 😆

What surprised me most was how much more I enjoyed her this time around. Thanks to the improved narration and dialogue, she felt more natural, more expressive — and even genuinely funny in some scenes! The fandisc does a great job of showing her growth, while still keeping true to her core: someone who wants to protect people, stand up for what’s right, and maybe (just maybe) figure out this whole romance thing along the way.

And in A New Theory, that strength becomes something even more vital. She becomes the emotional anchor for Fin, holding onto his humanity in a story that otherwise pushes him toward despair. Her presence, her support, and her unshakable belief in him genuinely moved me. She even manages to reach Sachsen in ways I didn’t expect — if anyone can be considered the spark of his redemption arc, it’s her. 💔💖

She’s not your typical swoony otome heroine, but that’s exactly why I’ve come to appreciate her — even when I’m yelling at her for being so emotionally dense. 💖

---

🎨 Visuals & Art Style

Steam Prison – Beyond the Steam doesn’t just raise the bar—it artfully redefines it. From sweeping romantic vistas to emotionally raw, gut-punching moments, every single CG is crafted like a cinematic love letter. The game treats visual storytelling like sacred poetry, and you’ll feel it with every brushstroke. Whether it’s a stolen glance behind velvet curtains or the aching silence of a wounded man lying alone in the dark, these images don’t just illustrate the narrative—they pierce it into your heart. 💘

Ichiiro Hako’s character designs continue to slay in the most elegant way imaginable. The men are dangerously beautiful, their expressions so expressive you’ll swear they’re breathing right there on your screen. From sharp uniforms and furrowed brows to shirtless vulnerability and bloodstained skin, the contrast of strength and fragility is painted with heart-stopping finesse. And yes, they’re fully animated with lip-syncing and subtle movements that make every scene feel alive—and dangerously immersive. 🫠

The backgrounds, meanwhile, are so lush and vivid you’ll want to move in. The palace interiors? Fit for royalty. The desert town’s winding streets? Alive with story. Even the skies feel purposeful—warm, golden, stormy, star-kissed—each one setting the mood like a silent narrator. Whether you’re witnessing a burning rebellion, a quiet moment in a hookah-lit lounge, or a tender confession at twilight, every detail whispers, “stay a little longer.”

And let’s not forget Akirai’s chibi artwork, because oh my stars—it’s like a sugar rush in visual form. Equal parts charming and hilarious, the SD illustrations offer perfectly timed emotional palate cleansers between the heavier scenes. Honestly? They could carry their own spin-off.

And yes, for the CG purists: no spoilers here. The moments are too precious to ruin, and trust me—every single one is worth discovering on your own. But if you’re curious, the official trailers gives you just a taste of the visual bliss in store. Your retinas will thank you.

---

🎵 Sound & Music

Confession time: I’ve been using my Switch like an MP3 player just to loop Beyond the Steam’s soundtrack. Yes, it’s that good. 🎧💕

While the original Steam Prison gave us steampunk drama and intense tension, Beyond the Steam takes a sultry detour into the desert. The music shifts into rich, Arabic-inspired arrangements that perfectly match the new setting’s sun-drenched palaces, secret lounges, and sweeping sands. You’ll find yourself hypnotised by those scales and strings — even when you’re deep in route heartbreak.

One track I never seek out intentionally but still end up dancing to like I’m possessed? The reimagined version of “Höyry Vankila – Laventelin Sininen,” sung again by Mao Uzuki. It plays during route endings, and every time it does, that belly-dancer-meets-ballad vibe just grabs me. I swear, my hips start moving on their own while my brain’s still processing emotional damage. 😂 Meanwhile, my BFF absolutely hates it and skips it every single time — so now it’s kind of a running joke between us. 😆💜

The Beyond the Steam opening theme, “Skyglow”, is a gorgeous fusion of the original game’s steampunk energy with those new Middle Eastern flourishes. It’s still composed by the brilliant Kimiyoshi Maruyama, and it sets the tone perfectly — powerful, wistful, and just a bit magical. ✨

One of the absolute chef’s kiss details? All the original ending themes sung by the LIs’ voice actors have been beautifully rearranged into instrumental BGMs. So when you’re in a tender scene with Adage or a fiery moment with Ulrik, the music playing in the background is the version of their theme, just… softer, moodier, more intimate. Ugh. I felt so spoiled. 😭💘

And for A New Theory? Surprise nostalgia punch incoming — the game brings back the original opening song of the game, and honestly, it fits so well with the gritty vibe of the Depths-focused drama. It’s like a musical bridge between the past and the future, and I loved that little callback so much. 🥹🎶

Honestly, I could gush forever — this soundtrack was made with love, and it shows in every note. Whether you’re sobbing into your sleeve or smiling through your heartbreak, the music’s always right there, making sure you feel everything. 💖

---

🎮 Gameplay & Mechanics

Steam Prison – Beyond the Steam is a fandisc, so don’t expect stat-raising or heartbreak-inducing affection traps — this time, it’s all about enjoying the ride. 💕

The gameplay is simplified compared to the main game. There are no negative choices — just positive and neutral ones — so while your decisions still impact which ending you get, you’re no longer walking a minefield of affection drops. The Cainabel Story arc has 11 endings in total: one good ending for each of the six original love interests, and both good and bad endings for the two new boys, Jevite and Jereme. Meanwhile, the shorter and more intense A New Theory arc offers just 3 endings, making it a quicker (but no less emotional) journey.

And then there’s Petit Prison — the mini-game that caught me off guard in the best way. It’s a classic spot-the-difference game featuring chibi versions of the characters in all kinds of silly situations. Each stage is unlocked as you progress through the story, and while it takes a few replays to complete each one fully, the reward is worth it: extra CGs and voice lines with English subtitles that are just too cute. 🥰

The UI keeps the elegant look of the original but trims things down. The top bar with navigation buttons is gone, and at first I was like, “Wait… did they remove stuff?” 😅 Thankfully, though, the Switch version includes an in-game manual that quickly explained everything, so I could easily figure out how the functions were mapped to the controller buttons (and yes, I’m usually a clicker, so the mapping was probably the same in the original game too, lol). Once I got used to it, it actually felt smoother and less cluttered!

The affection meters are still there (complete with those sweet chibi faces in the main menu 😍), and save slots are abundant — eight pages for Cainabel and another four for A New Theory. Everything is cleanly separated and super user-friendly, which I really appreciated.

So while this isn’t a gameplay-heavy experience, it’s polished, streamlined, and clearly made to enhance your immersion without distractions. Just the way a good fandisc should be. 💖

---

🌍 Localisation & Translation

Can I just say… Beyond the Steam’s localisation is such a glow-up?! 💫 Compared to the main game’s occasionally clunky phrasing and awkward stumbles, this time the translation flows beautifully. I was able to sink into the story completely without any immersion-breaking oddities or eyebrow-raising lines. The emotional scenes hit, the funny scenes were actually funny (and trust me, I laughed a lot), and everything just felt smoother and more natural in English.

That said, the humour still shines a bit brighter in Japanese at times — especially with characters like Ulrik, Eltcreed, Fin, and Adage, whose personalities rely heavily on quick wit and snarky delivery. But honestly? The English version still did them justice, and I only noticed the nuance difference because, well… I’m me. 😆

But here’s the real surprise: I finally fell for Cyrus. 🥹 In the main game, she sometimes came off as a bit flat or hard to connect with in English, but here? She’s a whole mood. Her inner thoughts are sharper, her emotional range is way more relatable, and some of her reactions — especially in chaotic or heartfelt moments — had me laughing, tearing up, or going “You tell ’em, girl!” I actually felt her. And honestly, that alone boosted my entire experience with this fandisc.

Now I’m just hoping HuneX goes back and polishes the main game’s localisation too, because if they brought that level of care and nuance to the original, my already high opinion of Steam Prison would skyrocket. 🚀💕

---

🌟 Highlights & Favourite Moments (Spoiler-Free)

Beyond the Steam may be a fandisc, but it brought its A-game when it came to emotional impact, humour, and yes — those swoonworthy moments that make you squeal and clutch your heart like a proper otome heroine. 💘 I went in expecting light epilogues and fluffy scenes… and instead got emotionally ambushed by scenes that had me crying, wheezing, blushing, and occasionally all three at once. 😂

One particular route had me crying-laughing from start to finish thanks to its masterclass in witty banter — especially between a certain snarky doctor and the delightfully chaotic characters on his side. His route had no steamy CGs or dramatic kisses, and yet… I was a total goner. Just one look, one brush of a hand, one offhanded confession — and I was gone. 💀💖

But don’t let the comedy fool you — this fandisc doesn’t pull punches when it wants to hurt. There’s one image that’s seared into my brain: it hits like a freight train of heartbreak, made even heavier by the history it references from the main game. It was one of those moments where I literally dropped my controller and whispered “No…” at the screen like I was in a drama myself. 😭

The Cainabel arc leans more into heartfelt connections and character growth than big shocking reveals, but there’s one wild moment I did not see coming (let’s just say a certain someone went full soap opera and pulled a “Did he really just do that?!”). Meanwhile, the shorter A New Theory route quietly sneaks in a couple gut-punches — not so much in the “plot twist!” way, but in the “oh no… I can’t fix this, can I?” kind of emotional devastation. 🫠

And then there’s the moment. You know the one. That fierce, no-holds-barred confession where our heroine throws down words so powerful, even the love interest was left speechless. For once, I found myself fangirling… for the heroine. I wanted to high-five her, marry her, and maybe get her autograph. Iconic. 🥹🔥

From laugh-out-loud lines to moments of quiet, aching sincerity, Beyond the Steam is packed with highlights that will stay with me for a long time. It’s not just fanservice — it’s a true celebration of the characters we fell in love with, giving them space to breathe, grow, and shine all over again. 💕

---

🎀 Steam Prison Review: Final Thoughts

Would I recommend Beyond the Steam to a newcomer to otome games? Hmm… probably not. Not because it’s lacking in charm — quite the opposite! But this is a fandisc, and like all fandiscs, it’s built as a love letter to fans who’ve already walked through the fire (and tears 😭) of the main game. Without that emotional baggage (and trust me, there’s a lot of it), you’d miss out on all the payoff. So yes, play the original first — not just to understand the characters and world better, but to fully appreciate how this sequel softens, deepens, and occasionally flips the script on everything you thought you knew.

Would I let my teenage niece play it? Absolutely — the Cainabel Arc, at least! It’s sweet, it’s fun, it has a magical girl vibe that gave me nostalgic Sailor Moon feels, and there’s no steamy content or emotional whiplash. (Just don’t let her sneak into A New Theory without supervision, okay? That’s where things go from sparkles to steamroller real fast. 😅)

Did it emotionally damage me in the best way? Less than the main game, for sure — but don’t let that fool you. Some endings hit hard. Like sobbing-under-a-blanket hard. There may not be any kiss CGs or racy moments this time around, but the emotional resonance? Still pure Steam Prison through and through.

Is it worth the full price? On Switch? Yes, absolutely — and the good news is it’s the same game on PC this time, too! So whether you’re playing docked on your big screen or curled up handheld-style like me, you’re getting the full experience. Bonus: at the time of writing this, both the main game and fandisc are discounted in the Nintendo eShop spring sale, so it’s the perfect time to dive in! 💖

---

⭐ Rating Summary

💌 My Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5
A heartfelt, funny, and unexpectedly moving expansion of the world of Steam Prison. A must-play for fans of the original — especially if you’re still emotionally recovering from the main game. 😆💕

🎖️ My Route Enjoyment Ranking
(aka I came for fluff and stayed for the feels):

🥇 Adage — Still the king of my heart. Sharp tongue, soft soul, and dangerously charming.
🥈 Fin — Sad boy supremacy in A New Theory, walking chaos in Cainabel. I adore both sides.
🥉 Ines — Steady, noble, with the prettiest CGs this time around. That sunset scene? Chef’s kiss. 😍
4️⃣ Jereme — My precious lonely cinnamon bun. I just wanna hug him forever. 🥺
5️⃣ Jevite — Hot, dangerous, complicated… and made me yell at my screen more than once. 😆
6️⃣ Ulrik — Still my grumpy cupcake. His confession had me squealing. 💘
7️⃣ Eltcreed — Drama llama strikes again. You chaotic romantic, never change. 😂
8️⃣ Yune — I wanted happiness for him so badly… and got my heart stomped on instead. 💔

🌹 Best Boi: Adage. Of course. 😍💖 Still got me weak in the knees with that deep voice and no-nonsense attitude.

🌸 Personal Awards:

🏅 Most Dramatic Route:
Jereme (Cainabel) — The pain, the loneliness, the bittersweet goodbye… my soul still hurts.
Fin (A New Theory) — That CG… that scene… I’m emotionally unwell, thanks.

💗 Cutest Confession:
Ulrik — Tsun-boy matured, but don’t worry — he’s still awkward as heck and absolutely adorable when trying to express feelings. It’s giving “I’m not blushing, you’re blushing!” energy. 😆💘

🔥 Sexiest LI:
Jevite — This man could start an international crisis just by smirking. I fear him.
(Honourable mention: Adage, for weaponising his bedside manner and making sanity optional. 😍)

👑 Prince-Charming Award:
Ines — He may be a little slow on the uptake (okay, very slow), but his earnest heart and protective nature make him a hero in all the right ways. The charm is real. 💪💕

⚔️ Coolest Character:
Yune — Let’s just say the man has main character energy with a side of divine wrath. You will feel small and unworthy in his presence, and you’ll love every second of it. 🌪️✨

🎭 Drama Queen Award:
Eltcreed — Loud, lovesick, and one dramatic rejection away from starting a musical. Ulrik’s yelling only fuels his flair. 😆💅

🖤 Dark Horse Award (aka “I Hate That I Felt Things”):
Sachsen — I came in judging. I left… confused. His route was short, yes, but shockingly impactful. For a man who should be beyond redemption, he delivered unexpected tension, beauty, and one hell of a voice performance. This route wasn’t romantic — it was morbidly fascinating. 👀

🌟 MVP (Most Valuable Protagonist):
Cyrus — Our girl snapped. She’s strong, loyal, hilarious, and finally gets the spotlight she deserves. From snappy comebacks to standing tall in moments of despair, she proves she’s not just the glue holding this cast together — she’s the damn backbone. 💪💖 Bonus: she delivers the most iconic love declaration of the whole fandisc and I screamed. 🤩