MIO: Memories in Orbit has officially landed, and early reviews paint a picture of a game that is visually stunning, emotionally rich, and unapologetically challenging. As a new entry in the Metroidvania space, it has quickly caught attention for its hand-crafted art style and moody sci-fi setting. At the same time, its demanding gameplay has sparked debate about who the game is really for.
A World That Pulls You In
One thing nearly every review agrees on is how striking MIO looks. The game takes place aboard a massive abandoned space vessel, filled with overgrown machinery, forgotten corridors, and haunting vistas. The hand-drawn visuals feel alive, using soft colors and dramatic lighting to create a sense of loneliness and wonder.
The soundtrack complements this perfectly. Subtle ambient tracks fade in and out as you explore, reinforcing the feeling that you are uncovering something fragile and long forgotten. For many players, simply moving through the world is one of the game’s biggest rewards.
Exploration and Level Design
As a Metroidvania, exploration sits at the heart of MIO. The map is dense and interconnected, with shortcuts, hidden paths, and ability-locked areas that slowly open up as you progress. Reviewers often praise the sense of discovery, noting that backtracking rarely feels like a chore thanks to clever layout and meaningful rewards.
Environmental storytelling also plays a big role. Instead of long cutscenes, the game relies on visual cues, abandoned rooms, and subtle details to tell its story. This approach invites players to piece things together at their own pace.
Combat and Difficulty
This is where opinions start to split. MIO is not an easy game, and it does not try to be. Combat can be punishing, with enemies that hit hard and boss fights that demand precise movement and timing. Platforming sections can also be unforgiving, especially later in the game.
Some reviewers love this, describing the challenge as tense and rewarding once mastered. Others feel the difficulty occasionally crosses into frustration, particularly when long sections must be repeated after a failure. Boss runbacks and limited combat variety are common points of criticism.
Accessibility Options
To its credit, MIO includes optional assist features. These allow players to slightly reduce the difficulty by adjusting health values or softening punishment after repeated failures. While these options do not remove the challenge entirely, they give players some control over how harsh the experience feels.
Still, even with assists enabled, MIO remains a demanding game. It is clearly designed with genre fans in mind rather than a broad casual audience.
What Reviewers Loved
- Hand-drawn art and strong visual identity
- Atmospheric soundtrack and sound design
- Thoughtful level design and exploration
- Subtle environmental storytelling
Common Criticisms
- Punishing difficulty spikes
- Repetitive combat for some players
- Frustrating boss runbacks
FAQs
What kind of game is MIO: Memories in Orbit?
It is a Metroidvania platformer focused on exploration, atmospheric storytelling, and challenging combat.
Is the game very difficult?
Yes, many players consider it challenging, especially in later sections, though optional assists are available.
What platforms is it available on?
The game is available on PC and modern consoles.
Does it focus on story?
The story is told through exploration and environmental details rather than heavy dialogue or cutscenes.
Who will enjoy this game most?
Fans of Metroidvanias who enjoy exploration, strong art direction, and a tough challenge.
Is it suitable for casual players?
Casual players may find it demanding, even with assist options enabled.
Conclusion
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a game with a clear vision. It prioritizes mood, art, and exploration, and it is not afraid to challenge its players. For fans of the genre, it offers a deeply atmospheric journey that feels carefully crafted and emotionally resonant. For others, its difficulty and pacing may be harder to embrace.
If you value artistic design and do not mind a tough climb, MIO is well worth your time. Just be prepared to earn every step forward.