ProbablyMonsters debuts Storm Lancers for Switch, blending retro action and local co-op

Independent video game studio ProbablyMonsters made an unexpected splash at today’s Nintendo Direct showcase with the surprise launch of Storm Lancers, a co-op rogue-like adventure now available for $19.99 on the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo eShop. Marking the studio’s first-ever release, the game blends ‘80s-style visuals with modern combat mechanics and introduces native couch co-op as a central gameplay element.

With Storm Lancers, ProbablyMonsters signals its intent to shake up the action rogue-like category. The game plunges players into the mysterious world of Cryptica — a sentient alien planet built around a collapsing magical core. After crash landing, players are mysteriously revived and tasked with venturing through this ever-changing world to prevent reality itself from unraveling. Each session challenges players to survive fast-paced combat across five distinct biomes while mastering new weapons, augmentations, and evasion techniques.

What makes Storm Lancers stand out in the rogue-like genre on Nintendo Switch in 2025?

While the Nintendo Switch library is no stranger to rogue-likes, Storm Lancers distinguishes itself with what ProbablyMonsters describes as “native couch co-op in the game’s DNA.” According to General Manager and Game Lead Jim Veevaert, the team approached the project with the goal of creating a rogue-like experience that could be shared locally — something relatively rare in a genre typically focused on solo runs or online multiplayer.

Set in a vibrant, retrofuturistic world, Storm Lancers draws visual inspiration from the neon glow of ‘80s arcade hits while embracing contemporary gameplay innovation. The game features procedurally generated levels, dynamically evolving enemy encounters, and a unique Storm Bindings system that allows for customized builds — all layered atop cooperative chaos.

Veevaert said the development team faced a “fun and exciting challenge” in merging accessibility with depth. The combat system is designed to be simple to pick up yet difficult to master, encouraging both newcomers and veteran rogue-like fans to collaborate, experiment, and adapt their strategies in real time.

How does the Storm Bindings system influence gameplay strategy and player progression?

One of the game’s core mechanics is the Storm Bindings system — a customizable enhancement framework that introduces both perks and trade-offs. As players traverse Cryptica’s terrain, they collect artifacts that modify their abilities, creating build diversity and replayability. The system adds an RPG-like layer of tactical decision-making, especially when combined with the game’s more than a dozen weapon types, from melee swords to long-range arcane guns.

Each combination can synergize with a player’s movement choices, enabling agile, hit-and-run tactics or tank-style durability builds. As players descend deeper toward the fractured planetary core, the effects of these builds become more pronounced, transforming gameplay styles and ensuring no two runs feel the same.

This modular progression system has become a hallmark of top-tier rogue-likes like Dead Cells, Hades, and Risk of Rain. With Storm Lancers, ProbablyMonsters hopes to join that elite echelon by offering both versatility and depth without compromising on the pick-up-and-play appeal of the Switch.

Why is ProbablyMonsters’ entry into game publishing significant for indie and AAA studios alike?

ProbablyMonsters is not a typical indie studio. Founded by Harold Ryan — the former CEO and President of Bungie — the studio was conceived as a next-generation developer and incubator, focused on original IP and flexible team structures. Storm Lancers marks the first time ProbablyMonsters has taken one of its internal prototypes all the way to market, highlighting a strategic evolution for the Bellevue-based studio.

The company’s model is built on supporting multiple independent creative teams under one roof while centralizing publishing, production, and operational services. This structure, according to internal statements, is designed to “change the way games are made” by reducing overhead, enhancing creativity, and accelerating go-to-market timelines.

With a leadership team composed of veterans from Activision, Bungie, and other AAA studios, ProbablyMonsters is positioned to blend blockbuster polish with indie risk-taking. The launch of Storm Lancers — a mid-budget title with experimental mechanics and a focused platform strategy — suggests the studio is using the Nintendo Switch as a testbed for bolder IP plays in the future.

What is the early reception and strategic timing of Storm Lancers’ surprise launch?

The surprise drop at Nintendo Direct — a stage traditionally dominated by household names — was a calculated move. By aligning Storm Lancers with the buzz of the broader Nintendo showcase, ProbablyMonsters ensured organic visibility and social media amplification. Within minutes of the announcement, gaming forums and Switch-focused subreddits began posting impressions, drawing comparisons to Enter the Gungeon and Neon Abyss.

Institutional sentiment toward the launch appears cautiously optimistic. While Storm Lancers is not part of a multi-platform rollout or bundled with merchandising like larger releases, its tactical pricing at $19.99, combined with its visual flair and replayable gameplay, make it well-positioned for long-tail success among core Switch users — especially fans of co-op and genre mashups.

As of this release, Storm Lancers holds an ESRB rating of E10+ and is available exclusively via the Nintendo eShop.

Could Storm Lancers evolve into a long-term franchise or cross-platform release?

Although ProbablyMonsters has not confirmed future expansions or platform ports, industry observers note that the underlying mechanics of Storm Lancers lend themselves well to DLC packs, seasonal content, or broader platform availability. The studio’s proven leadership team, combined with the modular nature of its IP, leaves the door open for broader deployment depending on initial sales performance and community feedback.

If Storm Lancers manages to generate sustained engagement through Twitch streams, co-op game night word-of-mouth, or Nintendo’s promotional ecosystem, it could represent the first step in a larger franchise strategy. As an original IP rooted in classic arcade DNA but tailored for modern sensibilities, the title’s scalability could appeal to both niche enthusiasts and casual gamers looking for a new co-op challenge.

For now, all eyes are on the Nintendo Switch performance. And with its distinctive premise, tight combat loop, and surprise launch buzz, Storm Lancers may have already carved out a small but notable place in 2025’s indie game landscape.