Storm Lancers

Sometimes there’s no need to reinvent the wheel, and ProbablyMonsters proves it with a fun roguelike that, while it feels simple, is perfect for taking your first steps in the genre. It’s a great game for spending an afternoon full of action with a friend, with no pretensions beyond having fun and perhaps taking your first steps in a genre that’s as hostile as it is appealing.

There's not a whole lot wrong with Storm Lancers, but it really struggles to hang with its peers thanks to a lack of randomness and just okay combat.

I even ended up playing for hours one night, trying to finish it. The hook of the experience really grabbed me, and after about 5 hours with the game, I was satisfied. However, I can't say I'll remember Storm Lancers in a week or two, you know? Or even that I'll be going around recommending the game. I think it's the kind of game I receive for review; I can enjoy the time I dedicated to it, but I wouldn't see myself playing it if I didn't have to write a piece about it.

Storm Lancers from developer and publisher ProbablyMonsters is a wonderful roguelike adventure that is driven by fun controls, solid action, and interesting bosses. While it’s going to bring some frustration and repetition, it’s still a solid experience.

I wish I could say that there was a saving grace with the music. I absolutely love a good video game soundtrack, and prefer a game with an OST over licensed tracks for the most part. The OST to Storm Lancers isn’t particularly bad, but it’s not memorable. I suppose that fits in perfectly with the rest of the game though, below average, and forgettable. What a shame, this had so much potential to be a cult classic, but instead, just fell slat on its face at the first platforming section.

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.

But it doesn't. And this is the biggest issue with this game. Storm Lancers isn't bad, but every element in it has been done better and could be done better. When I saw the trailer come up in the Nintendo Direct I had high hopes it could be a new favorite in a genre I love, but sadly it was just OK.

Fast-paced sidecrolling sci-fi roguelike action game on Switch