Steel Paws: what the new Action RPG from the creator of Shenmue has brought

Steel Paws marks the long-awaited return of Yu Suzuki, the legendary game designer behind Shenmue. Released in 2025, this Action RPG blends cinematic storytelling with fast-paced combat and emotional depth. Developed by YS Net and published by Sega, the game redefines the modern action role-playing experience by focusing on human and mechanical coexistence in a post-industrial future.

The story and setting of Steel Paws

Set in a world where nature and technology are in fragile balance, Steel Paws follows Ren Tatsu, a former mech pilot haunted by the collapse of his homeland. The narrative explores humanity’s dependence on machines and the moral consequences of artificial life. Suzuki’s storytelling returns to its roots — slow, reflective, yet emotionally charged — offering a world rich in cultural references and philosophical undertones.

The main locations are designed with incredible detail, from the neon ruins of Neo-Tokai to the forgotten forests of Ashen Ridge. Each area reflects the clash between old traditions and futuristic machinery, creating a sense of authenticity that few modern titles achieve. The developers paid close attention to environmental storytelling, allowing players to learn through exploration rather than exposition.

Dialogue choices play a vital role, affecting Ren’s relationships with both human and mechanical characters. Depending on the player’s moral stance, the story may take different paths — some hopeful, others tragic. This branching narrative system ensures that every decision has emotional weight and long-term consequences, a hallmark of Suzuki’s design philosophy.

Character development and emotional depth

Ren Tatsu is portrayed not as a typical hero but as a flawed individual trying to find redemption. His journey mirrors that of Suzuki’s earlier protagonists, exploring themes of loss, honour, and personal identity. Supporting characters like Iris, an AI companion, and Commander Hoshida, a war veteran, add emotional complexity and depth to the story.

Every major companion has their own questline, each addressing different aspects of humanity’s conflict with technology. These side stories are not filler; they enrich the central narrative and help define the player’s moral direction. The developers ensured that choices made in these arcs directly affect the game’s ending.

Voice acting and motion capture were handled by an international cast, adding nuance and realism to the performances. The English and Japanese versions both received praise for their emotional delivery, marking Steel Paws as one of the most immersive narrative-driven RPGs of 2025.

Combat mechanics and gameplay innovation

Steel Paws introduces a hybrid combat system that blends martial arts-inspired melee fighting with real-time mech battles. Players can switch seamlessly between on-foot and exosuit modes, combining human agility with machine power. Each battle demands strategic thinking rather than button-mashing, emphasising timing, positioning, and energy management.

The skill tree is built around adaptive learning. As players develop certain combat habits, the AI tailors new abilities to fit their style. This creates a sense of individuality — no two players share the same combat experience. The system is powered by “Reactive Motion AI,” a new framework introduced by YS Net specifically for this project.

In addition to combat, the game features in-depth crafting and exploration systems. Players can modify mech components, forge new weapons, and interact with factions that control different territories. Exploration rewards curiosity, with ancient artefacts and environmental puzzles revealing the forgotten history of the Steel Age.

Visuals and performance in 2025

Using Unreal Engine 5, Steel Paws delivers stunning graphical fidelity across platforms. Ray-traced lighting, particle effects, and detailed motion physics bring every environment to life. On PlayStation 5 and PC, the game runs at 60 FPS in 4K resolution, while optimised versions for Xbox Series X and Steam Deck ensure consistent performance.

Critics have noted that Suzuki’s focus on atmosphere takes precedence over pure realism. Each visual element serves a narrative purpose — from the flickering holograms of decaying cities to the gentle sway of mechanical trees in the wind. The visual design supports the story’s underlying tension between progress and decay.

Players have praised the seamless transitions between cutscenes and gameplay, creating a cinematic experience without unnecessary interruptions. This design choice enhances immersion and helps maintain narrative flow, something Suzuki mastered in Shenmue and refined further in Steel Paws.

Reception and influence on the genre

Since its release in early 2025, Steel Paws has been praised by both players and critics for its storytelling and innovation. It currently holds an average score of 89/100 on major review platforms and has been nominated for several Game of the Year awards. Reviewers have highlighted its philosophical tone and complex moral choices as key strengths.

The game has also sparked renewed interest in the “philosophical RPG” subgenre. Its influence can already be seen in upcoming Japanese and Western titles adopting similar narrative depth and player-driven ethics systems. Developers have cited Steel Paws as proof that emotionally intelligent storytelling can coexist with high-end action gameplay.

Yu Suzuki has confirmed plans for a post-launch DLC expansion titled “Echoes of Iron,” which will expand the story and introduce new playable characters. The announcement has generated considerable anticipation, suggesting that Steel Paws may become the foundation for a new long-term series from YS Net.

The legacy of Yu Suzuki continues

Steel Paws represents more than just a comeback — it is a statement about the enduring relevance of human creativity in game design. Yu Suzuki’s ability to merge philosophy, art, and technology places him once again among the industry’s most visionary creators. The game’s success reaffirms that depth and authenticity still resonate with modern audiences.

In an era dominated by procedural generation and live-service models, Steel Paws stands as a reminder that storytelling remains at the heart of memorable gaming experiences. Suzuki’s refusal to conform to trends has paid off, proving that player emotion and narrative connection are timeless strengths.

As the industry looks ahead, Steel Paws sets a new standard for narrative action RPGs. Its impact will likely be felt for years, shaping how developers approach world-building, character design, and moral consequence in interactive entertainment.