MIO: Memories in Orbit places players as MIO, a nimble robot awakening on the Vessel—a colossal, decaying spaceship overrun by feral vegetation and rogue machines. Scheduled for full release on January 20, 2026, across PC, PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2, the game blends exploration, combat, and memory recovery in a non-linear world. Its standout hand-crafted visuals and risk-reward systems set it apart in the Metroidvania genre.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Traversal relies on fluid, stamina-based movement: spider-like wall clinging with tendrils, double jumps after aerial attacks, and sliding for momentum. The Hairpin grappling hook lets MIO latch onto crystals or enemies for aerial chains, though it demands ground resets and precise timing, adding challenge to vertical exploration. Stamina management is key—cling too long without restorative flowers, and MIO falls, emphasizing rhythmic platforming over endless climbing.
Combat mixes melee tendril slashes, dodge rolls, ranged orbs, and decoy clones to distract foes. Over 30 enemy types, from sluggish staff-wielders to dive-bombing mosquitoes, test adaptation across biomes like icy slides and overgrown ruins. Boss guardians demand pattern mastery, with abilities like pulling airborne enemies close for finishers.
Progression and Customization
Nacre, a crystalline currency from defeated machines, fuels healing, temporary upgrades, and progression—but death drops uncrystallized nacre unless banked at checkpoints. This Souls-like risk encourages bold pushes or safe backtracking, heightening tension in interconnected levels.
The Allocation Matrix limits modifier slots early, forcing choices like health displays versus damage boosts. Scavenge components for permanent upgrades via merchants, expanding slots and tailoring MIO's build—melee-focused, ranged spammer, or evasion expert. Glide powers and hooks unlock new paths, revealing lore through environmental storytelling and fragmented memories.
Story, Atmosphere, and Art Direction
MIO uncovers the Vessel's collapse: why did AI caretakers, the Pearls, fail, dooming the ark to shutdown? As a "cosmic archaeologist," MIO revives lost data amid industrial decay and wild overgrowth, piecing together identity and destiny. Narrative unfolds non-linearly, with biomes evoking fragmented dreams—purpose-driven hubs mix lore drops and secrets.
Art mimics hand-drawn comics: bold outlines, painterly colors, and dynamic lighting make every frame a "moving painting." 3D spaces feel 2D-fluid, with rotating stages for spectacle and gameplay-first rules like edge limits for clean lines. Sound design amplifies isolation, though no voice acting keeps focus on action and ambient hums.
Technical Aspects and Challenges
Hand-optimized engine delivers smooth 60fps on mid-range hardware, with previews praising responsive controls despite Hairpin glitches—hooks misfire on angles, breaking flow and causing unfair deaths. Patches may fix this pre-launch, as demos showed promise in combat fluidity and exploration rhythm. Playtime hits 15-25 hours for completionists chasing modifiers, bosses, and 100% maps.
Biomes vary challenges: ice demands slide control, vegetation hides ambushes, ensuring replay for alternate paths.
Is It Worth Buying?
MIO: Memories in Orbit shines for Metroidvania fans craving precision platforming, meaningful upgrades, and atmospheric world-building over hand-holding. At indie pricing around $25-30, its demo-acclaimed depth, 15 bosses, and customization justify purchase for genre enthusiasts seeking 2026's hidden gem.
Avoid if unreliable hooks frustrate (pending fixes) or you prefer forgiving progression—nacre loss and slot limits punish mistakes harshly. Streamers and explorers will love its visual feasts and flow combat; casual players might wait for sales or patches. Overall, a soulful evolution worth orbiting.
