MIO: Memories in Orbit Reviews
MIO: Memories in Orbit features a beautiful and artistic world, inspired by paintings, comics, and sci-fi, that is rewarding to explore, and the combat is satisfying. It ticks all the green signals of a brilliant Metroidvania and is the perfect game to start your 2026 list of great games to complete. The levels are brilliantly designed, and the enemies are challenging and look cool. It also features an excellent soundtrack with a brilliant audio design that completes an amazing Metroidvania experience. It is still an indie game, and some elements do tend to show that. Still, I loved playing it, and if you like playing Metroidvania titles, MIO: Memories in Orbit is the perfect game for you to jump into.
Douze Dixièmes' Metroidvania boasts breathtaking visuals in an experience that stands out thanks to its distinct identity. MIO: Memories in Orbit is an experience that captures the essence of what makes a Metroidvania great: the joy of discovery and personal growth in a hostile yet beautiful world. It’s a game that left a lasting impression on me thanks to its fantastic art style.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a visual and auditory masterpiece that offers a solid, if occasionally frustrating, Metroidvania experience. With a distinct art style, a compelling "chip" customization system, and satisfying traversal (once unlocked), it stands as a strong entry in the genre. However, slow pacing, backtracking issues, and some odd combat design choices keep it from perfection.
MIO: Memories In Orbit is a visual masterpiece that proves you don't need hundreds of employees to create a unique world. The hand-drawn splendor of the Vessel immediately sucks you into a mystery that forces you to explore every corner. Although the story remains a bit vague at first and the real genre veterans may not find the biggest challenge, the game offers a perfect balance between frustration and satisfaction for the average player. Thanks to the smart mod system and smooth gameplay, every victory in a bossfight feels deserved. Are you a fan of metroidvanias or are you simply looking for an atmospheric adventure in which you can lose yourself? Don't let MIO pass you by. It is an impressive achievement of Twelve Dixièmes that tastes for more.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Finishing MIO: Memories in Orbit leaves an impression that is hard to define immediately, yet profoundly resonant. The game does not rely on spectacular set pieces or dramatic climaxes; its impact is cumulative, emerging through a slow, deepening relationship between the player and the world. Rather than imposing its rhythm, it invites the player to adapt to its measured pace. Immersion is the game’s defining strength. The orbital station is not merely a backdrop to traverse – it is a space to engage with, revealing itself gradually and rewarding careful observation. Progression is equally thoughtful. Abilities are acquired gradually, reshaping how spaces are perceived and experienced. Returning to familiar areas with new capabilities transforms them into fresh opportunities for discovery, sustaining a sense of growth and maintaining engagement even in later stages. The game’s consistency is remarkable. Every element – from art direction and sound design to level layout – aligns with a cohesive vision. At no point does the game compromise its identity or resort to conventional shortcuts, ensuring clarity and integrity throughout. However, this unwavering focus may feel inflexible to those who do not connect with its design language. Emotionally, MIO: Memories in Orbit leaves a subtle but lasting impact. Its narrative is understated, relying on atmosphere, silence, and environmental storytelling rather than overt drama. The game’s emotional resonance often emerges retrospectively, revealing the depth of its reflective, contemplative design. The game’s limitations are purposeful. Combat is deliberately restrained, and its measured pacing may test players accustomed to fast-paced action or varied gameplay. Likewise, the fragmented, interpretive narrative challenges those who favor clear, linear storytelling. Far from being shortcomings, these design choices are intentional, shaping the game’s distinctive character and contemplative identity.
That said, in spite of all of these caveats, I’m still going to recommend MIO. Do not get it twisted: this game is hard. It will challenge you, it will take your wits to the breaking point, and it will require navigating some design choices that seem absolutely insane. But once it finally clicks for you, it becomes one of the most addictive platformers you’ll ever play. Just be prepared to die a lot. Because you will.
MIO Memories in Orbit doesn’t try to reinvent the Metroidvania genre. It refines it with confidence, style, and a clear creative vision. If you value atmosphere, exploration, and movement that feels genuinely satisfying, this is absolutely worth your time.
Mio: Memories in Orbit offers a particularly solid experience for those looking for good, high-quality 2D action platformers.
Review in Greek | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit leaves a strong first impression and continues to deliver quality content throughout, despite a few questionable design choices here and there. Some clever level design, a fantastic soundtrack, and a gorgeous art style make the entire experience worthwhile.
Even with all my personal gaming red flags, I really enjoyed playing through the game because it was quite the cinematic experience. People who love this kind of storytelling and gameplay will get even more out of the game than I did.
"An Immersive and Distinctive Metroidvania" MIO: Memories in Orbit delivers a powerful Metroidvania experience built on exploration and precise movement within a stunning visual science fiction world. The environmental narrative and art design are its strongest points, while the combat suffers from limited development and some repetition. Despite this, the game offers an enjoyable adventure that can last for dozens of hours and is geared towards fans of exploration and challenge.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a competent Metroidvania that, overall, manages to accomplish almost everything it sets out to do with quality. Even if it stumbles here and there, the game does enough well to captivate us throughout its duration.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a must-have addition to even those who aren't familiar with the genre but love a good story and a good challenge. This brings a fresh perspective to the genre and leaves you wanting more.
Traipsing through MIO: Memories in Orbit’s gorgeous world is a constant wonder.
MIO: Memories in Orbit for me was a very fun experience that provided a lot of challenges in terms of combat, while also providing me with the option to downscale the difficulty if I needed to in rather unique ways. The biggest draw for me was the beautiful world that the game is set in, with the incredible watercolor detail and the breathtaking views that were waiting around each corner. The story was also very good and was a very big tear-jerker, but it was very challenging to ensure I saw it all due to the hidden lore pieces scattered around the game.
MIO: Memories in Orbit feels like a game made with confidence. It knows it’s not for everyone, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s quiet, patient, and sometimes a little stubborn in how much it refuses to explain. If you enjoy metroidvanias for their atmosphere, exploration, and sense of place, this game is absolutely worth your time. If you need constant action, clear objectives, and a strong narrative push, you might bounce off it.
The game offers an enjoyable experience combining visual and audio appeal with a compelling story, alongside minor gameplay issues, but stands as a promising start for this genre this year.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
As you might have guessed, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a true favorite. Its fast-paced gameplay, striking art direction, and the deep mysteries of the Ark make it a must-play of 2026. While I’m not usually the type to revisit a game once finished, I find myself here returning to dialogues and rereading item descriptions to learn even more about this fascinating universe crafted by Douze Dixièmes. Exploration is a constant pleasure, guided by a map with organic paths and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Review in French | Read full review
[MIO: Memories in Orbit] is proof that you can indeed start a search action title with a double jump and not feel repetitive and washed-out of ideas, especially when you design around it. It still plays it safe with genre conventions, but does a great job making it look good and fun overall.
MIO: Memories in Orbit is an extremely demanding Metroidvania that leaves no room for mistakes. This is not a game for players looking to relax while playing. The brutally challenging platforming sequences and punishing boss fights can completely discourage you from continuing. The game unnecessarily punishes thorough exploration by draining health points and removing earned currency. It feels like difficulty was forced into the design, even though the game didn’t actually need it.
Review in Polish | Read full review