Alien Hominid is a name that still sparks excitement among fans of fast-paced, side-scrolling shooters. Originally developed by The Behemoth, this cult classic gained popularity for its chaotic gameplay, unique hand-drawn visuals, and challenging levels. With the rise of modern consoles and the growing popularity of the Nintendo Switch, many players are now wondering: is Alien Hominid available on the Nintendo Switch? The answer, fortunately for fans, is yes but there’s more to know about how and in what form the game is available on this platform.
Alien Hominid on Nintendo Switch
Alien Hominid is indeed available on the Nintendo Switch, but not in its original standalone form. Instead, it comes as part of a reimagined and expanded version calledAlien Hominid Invasion. This title is not simply a port of the original game, but rather a modernized experience with new mechanics, updated visuals, and cooperative gameplay designed for today’s players. The game maintains the spirit of the original but offers a fresh take that is more suited to current hardware and multiplayer trends.
What Is Alien Hominid Invasion?
Alien Hominid Invasion is a spiritual successor to the original Alien Hominid HD. It was developed and published by The Behemoth, who are also known for other hits like Castle Crashers and BattleBlock Theater. Instead of a strictly linear format, this new version introduces more open-ended levels, procedurally generated missions, and deeper customization options for your alien character.
Players can expect to battle against secret agents, massive bosses, and swarms of enemies, all while performing flips, dodging bullets, and collecting DNA to upgrade abilities. The game also includes local and online multiplayer, making it perfect for playing with friends on the go using the Switch’s portable mode.
How to Get Alien Hominid on Switch
To play Alien Hominid Invasion on Nintendo Switch, players can access the Nintendo eShop. The game is available as a digital download, and installation is straightforward. Since it is not a free-to-play title, a one-time purchase is required, but there are no microtransactions or pay-to-win elements.
Steps to Download
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch and open the eShop.
- Use the search function to look for ‘Alien Hominid Invasion.’
- Select the game from the list and view its details.
- Click Purchase and follow the prompts to complete your transaction.
- Once purchased, the game will begin downloading to your system.
It’s recommended to have a stable internet connection and sufficient storage space before starting the download. The file size is relatively small compared to other Switch titles, so it won’t take long to install.
Gameplay Experience on Switch
The Nintendo Switch version of Alien Hominid Invasion runs smoothly and takes advantage of the console’s portability and multiplayer capabilities. Players can enjoy couch co-op using Joy-Cons, team up with others online, or play solo. The responsive controls and visual style make it feel right at home on the handheld-console hybrid.
Performance and Visuals
The game performs well on both docked and handheld modes. Frame rates are stable, animations are fluid, and load times are minimal. The Switch version preserves the hand-drawn, cartoon-like art style that The Behemoth is known for, while also benefiting from the system’s modern resolution support.
Multiplayer Features
- Local co-op with up to 4 players using one console
- Online multiplayer through Nintendo Switch Online service
- Drop-in/drop-out support so friends can join mid-game
These multiplayer options make the game even more engaging, especially during chaotic levels filled with enemies and hazards.
Differences from the Original Alien Hominid
While Alien Hominid Invasion carries the same DNA as the original, it’s not just a graphical update or remaster. Several key changes were made to adapt the game to modern gaming standards and player expectations.
Key Gameplay Changes
- Level Structure: The game now features a branching mission system instead of a linear progression.
- Customization: Players can modify their alien with different abilities and upgrades.
- Replayability: Randomized missions and varying objectives increase replay value.
- Co-Op Mechanics: Improved support for multiplayer, including balancing difficulty for groups.
These differences make Alien Hominid Invasion more accessible and replayable than the original, while still retaining the fast, chaotic gameplay that fans love.
Is the Original Alien Hominid Available?
As of now, the original Alien Hominid HD is not available separately on the Nintendo Switch. Players looking to relive the exact classic experience will need to use older consoles like Xbox 360 or PlayStation 2. However, Alien Hominid Invasion includes many callbacks to the original, and in some releases, it may even come bundled with the remastered version of the original game.
The Behemoth has expressed interest in keeping their classic titles available for modern players, so it’s possible that future updates or bundles may include Alien Hominid HD directly on Switch. Until then, Invasion is the best and most accessible way to enjoy the franchise on Nintendo’s platform.
Reception and Player Reviews
Alien Hominid Invasion has received generally positive feedback from players and critics. Fans appreciate the updated gameplay mechanics, humorous art style, and challenging yet fair difficulty. On the Switch, players highlight the smooth controls and fun multiplayer as standout features.
Although some purists miss the tight level design and simplicity of the original game, most agree that the newer title brings enough innovation to stand on its own while honoring its predecessor.
Common Praise
- Energetic, chaotic gameplay that never feels repetitive
- Unique art style that stands out among indie games
- Great co-op experience on a portable console
Common Criticism
- Less structured than the original game
- Some players find the visual effects overwhelming during intense moments
- Lack of a standalone release of Alien Hominid HD on Switch
So, is Alien Hominid on Switch? Yes through the action-packed and modernizedAlien Hominid Invasion, fans can enjoy a new take on the classic alien shooter right on Nintendo’s versatile console. While the original game isn’t available as a standalone title, this new version carries the same charm and intensity that made the franchise memorable in the first place. Whether you’re a returning fan or a newcomer to the series, Alien Hominid Invasion on Switch offers a fun, chaotic, and satisfying experience perfect for solo play or co-op sessions. It’s a welcome addition to the console’s growing library of creative indie games.