Storm Lancers, a recent release by independent developer ProbablyMonsters, stands out as a unique blend of retro aesthetics and modern gameplay mechanics. The game, which made its debut on the Nintendo Switch in September 2025 before transitioning to the more powerful Switch 2 platform, is priced at $19.99. Existing Switch users can upgrade to the Switch 2 version for free, making it an attractive option for both new and returning players.
The game's development team, composed of AAA industry veterans, has crafted a title that challenges traditional rogue-like conventions by introducing a couch co-op feature. This element allows two players to crash-land on a dying alien world together, unleash new powers, and carve through evolving hordes, growing stronger as they progress. The game's design is centered around this cooperative experience, utilizing Nintendo Switch 2's GameShare feature to enable seamless multiplayer sessions, even when only one player owns the game.
Storm Lancers has received positive feedback from players, who appreciate its vibrant art style and responsive controls. However, some have expressed a desire for more content, which the development team sees as a sign of player engagement and enjoyment. The team is also addressing performance issues in the Steam version of the game, with a patch expected in the next few weeks.
The choice of Nintendo's platforms for Storm Lancers was strategic, given the console's suitability for co-op titles and its portability. Nintendo Switch 2's more powerful hardware has allowed ProbablyMonsters to be more ambitious with art pipelines, performance, and fidelity, resulting in a game that can deliver 4K resolution at 60FPS. The team also appreciates the Switch 2's HDR feature, despite criticisms from some consumers.
ProbablyMonsters is not planning to launch Storm Lancers on PlayStation or Xbox consoles, focusing instead on growing their audience on Steam and supporting the Nintendo of Europe release of the Switch 2 version. The team has several other titles in development, spanning a range of genres, which they plan to share more about in the coming months.
The studio maintains a cautious stance on AI usage in game development, opting for a human-centric approach that prioritizes creative decisions made by people rather than automated tools. They view AI as a potential tool for administrative work and automating repetitive technical tasks but remain committed to maintaining the integrity of their creative process.
As ProbablyMonsters continues to expand its portfolio, Storm Lancers serves as a testament to their ability to blend innovative gameplay mechanics with high-quality production values. The game's success on Nintendo Switch 2 underscores the platform's unique strengths in delivering engaging multiplayer experiences that resonate with players worldwide.
