Steel Assault is a retro-stylized mix of action and side-scrolling platformer. The title imitates hits from arcade machines and consoles of the 90s. It has 2D 16-bit pixel art graphics. Its screen is deliberately made in the proportion of 4 by 3. The indie project is focused on single playthrough. It has simple and arcade modes available. The story campaign has a short duration. It consists of 5 stages and is completed in one evening. The passage time can be increased by increasing the difficulty level. The story takes place in 2040. After the onset of the apocalypse, a dictator seizes power in a devastated America. Taro Takahashi joins the resistance and challenges his tyranny.

In Steel Assault, the hero can run left and right, jump, and make tackles. He is capable of releasing a grappling hook with two tenacious tips. This rope can be used as a horizontally stretched rope to overcome holes or a vertically tied rope to move upward. It is also allowed to be attached to surfaces diagonally. Then this device serves as an analogue of a ladder. The main character hits his opponents with an energy whip in 8 directions and uses it to deflect projectiles. Sometimes the super soldier is given the opportunity to shoot from stationary guns. Enemies are represented by infantrymen armed with different guns and humanoid combat robots. In addition to regular battles, there are thoughtful boss battles. Bonuses are scattered throughout the locations that replenish health, provide a shield, or apply a temporary buff.