Couch Co-Op Chaos: Ex-Bungie Boss Unleashes a Roguelike on Switch (And the Switch 2, bless its cotton socks)
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
A new Switch-exclusive local co-op roguelike, *Storm Lancers*, from former Bungie CEO Harold Ryan's studio, is set to drop this fall, promising a unique cel-shaded art style and seamless compatibility with the upcoming Switch 2.
Right, so apparently a whole new slice of local co-op goodness is headed our way, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. And get this: it’s from a studio headed up by none other than Harold Ryan, the former CEO of Bungie. You know, the folks behind *Halo* and *Destiny*? Yeah, *that* Bungie. So when I heard 'ProbablyMonsters' was cooking up something called *Storm Lancers*, my curiosity sensors started pinging like a wizard trying to decipher a particularly complex rune.
I've been tinkering with this story all morning, and bloody hell, it’s got a bit more going on than just 'new game announced.'
Now, anyone who’s spent more than five minutes with a Switch knows its secret sauce: local multiplayer. Nintendo didn't just stumble into this; they embraced it like a long-lost mate. From the frantic joy of *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* to the chaotic brilliance of *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*, the Switch has always been a beacon for getting a few mates on a couch, controllers in hand, probably yelling at each other in the best possible way. While online play is there, and it’s fine, the true magic of the Switch often happens when you're elbow-to-elbow with a buddy.
And that's precisely where *Storm Lancers* slides in, aiming to be another sterling addition to that local legend lineup. It's pitched as a side-scrolling action roguelike, which, fair dinkum, my initial thought was, "Oh, another one?" The gaming landscape is absolutely awash with roguelikes these days, isn't it? It’s like every dev had a collective epiphany about procedural generation and permanent upgrades. Don't get me wrong, I love a good roguelike, but the market can feel a bit... saturated, much like my spellbook after a particularly ambitious (and failed) attempt at a water-bending ritual.
But here’s where *Storm Lancers* tries to carve out its own niche. Designed specifically with 'couch co-op' in mind, it seems to lean heavily into that shared experience, rather than just slapping a multiplayer mode onto a single-player framework. You and a pal crash-land on a deadly alien planet, and then, presumably, hilarity and permadeath ensue. The art style itself sounds promising too: a stylish cel-shaded look apparently inspired by 1980s Saturday morning cartoons. If it captures even a fraction of that retro charm and blends it with fast-paced action, it could genuinely stand out from the pack of more grimdark or pixel-art roguelikes.
And let's not gloss over the studio's pedigree. ProbablyMonsters, with Harold Ryan at the helm, isn't just some garage indie outfit – though I love those too! Ryan's experience at Bungie suggests a certain level of ambition and polish, even if this particular project is a departure from sprawling FPS epics. It’s always fascinating to see seasoned industry veterans take a stab at something smaller, more focused, and perhaps, more personal. It signals that there’s a genuine belief in the game’s core concept, rather than just chasing the latest trend.
Now, the really clever bit, for us curious gamers, is how this all plays into the impending arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2. See, while *Storm Lancers* is launching this fall exclusively for the *current* Switch, ProbablyMonsters has confirmed it’ll also be fully playable on the Switch 2. That's a massive win for backward compatibility, mate! It means you’re not just buying a game for your current console; you’re investing in something that’ll seamlessly transition to the next generation. It’s a bit like buying a magical grimoire knowing it’ll still work perfectly fine when you upgrade your wizard's tower. No need to re-learn incantations or find new scrolls.
This whole 'backward compatible' thing is a huge feather in Nintendo's cap, especially when it comes to the vast library of local co-op gems already on the Switch. It future-proofs the entire family of consoles and ensures that beloved titles like *Storm Lancers* (if it delivers on its promise) won't be left behind in the dust. It shows a commitment to the player base and their existing investments, which, let's be honest, isn't always a given in this industry.
So, when *Storm Lancers* drops this fall, I reckon it's worth a look. It's got the potential to be more than just another roguelike; it could be a proper blast for anyone craving some quality couch co-op with a unique art style and a surprising amount of industry gravitas behind it. Here's hoping it casts a compelling spell on us all.
Source: Game Rant
Tags: Nintendo Switch, Co-op Games, Roguelike, Indie Games, Gaming Industry
Original article: Game Rant