Game: Storm Lancers
Genre: Adventure, Platformer, Action
System: Nintendo Switch (also on PlayStation, Xbox and Steam (Windows))
Developer|Publisher: ProbablyMonsters
Age Rating: EU 7+ | US Everyone 10+
Price: US $19.99 | UK £16.99 | EU € 19,99
Release Date: September 12th, 2025
Review code provided with many thanks to ProbablyMonsters.
Storm Lancers – Co-op Capers
Sometimes the best surprises come out of nowhere, and Storm Lancers definitely falls into that camp. It shadow-dropped during a recent Nintendo Direct, right when it felt like we were in a bit of a drought for fresh 2D adventure roguelites. Suddenly, here comes this snappy little action-platformer with a bold Saturday morning cartoon energy, plenty of baddies to slice, shoot, and dodge and most importantly, local co-op. It doesn’t add much to the genre, but it does deliver something that feels instantly fun, especially if you’ve got a buddy to share it with.
A Crash Landing With Style
The setup is classic pulp sci-fi: two spacefaring heroes crash-land on a strange planet, get rescued by a spirit fox-like creature, and are promptly told they’re the chosen ones to save the day. It’s not a story that demands much from the player. Storm Lancers embraces a pulpy, cartoonish vibe, colourful and happy to get out of the way so you can get to the action.
And action is the heart of this game. Right out of the gate, you’re slashing with swords, blasting with guns, and juggling a third slot for items like health potions or defensive gadgets. Everything feels quick and easy to grasp, giving you freedom to lean into melee combat, ranged attacks, or a mix of both.
Roguelite Foundations
As a roguelite, Storm Lancers follows the familiar loop: fight enemies, collect upgrades, die, return stronger, repeat. Each run earns you orbs that can be spent on permanent upgrades, like extra health or new abilities. Some abilities are earned naturally from progressing through the game. Sliding, dodging, and eventually double-jumping open up fresh ways to tackle levels and uncover hidden routes, which helps the repetition feel rewarding rather than punishing.
The enemy variety helps, too. Early desert zones throw wildlife your way, while later areas pit you against mechanical foes and weirder alien monsters. Boss fights punctuate every couple of levels, and while their attack patterns aren’t the wildest, they’re satisfying enough to bring that “just one more try” feeling.
That said, some of the platforming didn’t feel as responsive as I’d hoped; jumps could feel a little off, especially early on, before you unlock extra movement skills. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it occasionally left me wishing the controls were just a touch tighter. Another niggle is that there doesn’t seem to be a lot of variation in the level design. Level layouts feel like you are exploring the same platforms over and over instead of a new layout.
Risk and Reward
Chests are scattered throughout each run, tempting you to spend precious currency for a mystery reward. Sometimes it’s worth it, sometimes not, especially since shops at the end of stages let you buy exactly what you want without the gamble. There are also cursed chests that drain a chunk of your health in exchange for loot. Personally, I found the cost rarely worth the risk, but the option does add that extra layer of “Do I dare?” decision-making that roguelite fans often enjoy.
Solo vs. Co-op
Here’s where things get interesting. Storm Lancers feels like a decent roguelite in single-player… but in co-op, it comes alive. Playing solo can feel a little grind-heavy, and the difficulty spikes can punish you hard when you’ve only got yourself to rely on. In co-op, though, your partner can revive you, making the runs feel less punishing and much more dynamic.
The game seems clearly balanced around two players, and it shines brightest when you’re teaming up with a friend. The chaos, the back-and-forth revives, and the shared triumphs give Storm Lancers a lightness and accessibility that other roguelites sometimes lack. It’s particularly great if you want to introduce someone new to the genre, since it’s not overwhelmingly complex but still engaging.
Colourful Looks
Visually, the game leans into cel-shaded 3D, with colourful environments and a vibe that really does feel like a throwback cartoon come to life. The soundtrack fits nicely, too, energetic enough to keep the action flowing but not so in-your-face that it wears out its welcome. Performance on Switch 1 (both docked and handheld) held steady, and I didn’t run into any major technical hiccups.
Conclusion: Team Effort
Storm Lancers isn’t trying to topple the roguelite giants, but it does carve out a fun little niche of its own. On your own, it’s a solid but sometimes punishing adventure with some grindy progression. But grab a friend, and suddenly it transforms into a much more rewarding experience, full of chaotic fights and shared laughter.
If you’re hunting for a roguelite you can enjoy together on the couch, this is an easy recommendation. Solo players may find it a bit thin compared to the genre heavyweights, but the core gameplay is still snappy and enjoyable.
Final Verdict: I Like It 
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