Next Up Hero coming to Switch Early 2018

What a pleasant surprise. Nintendo announced today during their Nindies Summer Showcase that Next Up Hero will be coming to the Nintendo Switch in early 2018.

The concept is a bit strange — every now and then, you will die in combat. But when you die, you leave behind a ghost, which other players can use to summon an AI version of you to help them not die. It also boasts a Joy-Con co-op mode, so you don’t have to die alone. There’s no firm release date yet, but we’ll keep you updated.

You can read the description below, or scroll to the bottom to watch the presentation. If the video doesn’t automatically skip to the relevant part, Next Up Hero is featured at the 10:36 mark.

Fight!
Choose from nine heroes with an assortment of weapons and abilities to suit your playstyle, from swords and rocket launchers to AI laser turrets, bongo drums, and boomerangs. You can even steal monster’s attacks and use them as your own. No one said you had to fight fair.

Die!
It’s going to happen. But in the Spiral Shards, every fallen hero leaves behind an echo, which can be called back to life by other heroes. Combine the echoes you raise to form Ancients, epic allies who can deal massive damage or save you from the brink of defeat. All your deaths will not be in vain.

Win!
Earn prestige for every game you play, with bonuses for epic monster-slaying. Use your prestige to unlock the most powerful versions of your favorite heroes, for only the strongest of Heroes will be invited to the Champions Trials, your greatest challenge yet.