MIO: Memories in Orbit Reviews
MIO: Memories in Orbit demands patience, offering a serene and strange world to explore, great characters to meet, and some of the better platforming mechanics I’ve played with. It lacks a lot of familiar genre mechanics, which can make it feel punishing for some, especially those who want to get through the game fast. If you find that you enjoy taking your time in MIO: Memories in Orbit, then you’ll have a lot of fun.
MIO: Memories In Orbit was one of my most anticipated games last year after playing the demo, and I’m happy to say it more than lived up to the hype. For fans of the genre, this is a must-play. The art, the music, the vibes, the story, all hit the mark. Slowly unravelling the mystery of the slowly decaying Vessel, and witnessing the impacts of that first-hand, is an emotional experience. I was pushed towards my gaming ability limits at times, and my patience was tested, but with focus and determination I was able to overcome those hardships and felt a real sense of satisfaction. While there are a couple of assist options in the menu, to wear bosses down over time or heal Mio while on the ground, you are fully on your own in platforming. In fact, I had to really dial in to my old Celeste muscle memory to get past some of the trickier set-pieces. Even still, fans of the genre are sure to find a gem. I didn’t give out our top award last year, despite playing some great games. This year begins much differently, though, as MIO: Memories In Orbit receives a Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
In conclusion, I consider MIO: Memories in Orbit to be an excellent product whose true strength lies in its technical and artistic aspects. The creation of this world that cries out “explore me!” combined with a plot that constantly hovers between the said and the unsaid, piques the player's curiosity in a way that few other titles do. However, there are some critical issues. As analyzed, the lack of diversification in the combat system can become monotonous at a certain point in the story, and the use of the Hairpin is often cumbersome and frustrating. Another critical aspect is what we highlighted as a strength and which, in many cases, can become a major problem: the world of MIO is sometimes very cryptic, often too much so. For those who are not used to games that do not provide any tools to understand where you are and where you are going, this can be a big problem. However, MIO remains a game accessible to most, and that is precisely its goal. However, in trying not to distort its essence, it can sometimes make things difficult for those who are not familiar with this type of adventure. In essence, MIO is an experience that invites you to slow down, observe, and let yourself be carried away. It is a title that rewards curiosity and patience. A solid Metroidvania, which finds its strength in atmosphere rather than pure challenge.
Review in Italian | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a game that stands out for its contrasts. It has some of the best movement and discovery in the genre, and the audiovisual package is so beautiful that it makes you want to get lost. But its restricted combat depth and sometimes punishing way of moving around keep it from being the best Metroidvania game ever.
Douze Dixièmes delivers a metroidvania that goes head-to-head with the best this genre has to offer. From the gorgeous hand-painted art to the moody synth soundtrack, MIO is an audio-visual delight that simply must be experienced.
The game's visual identity is striking, and the spacecraft's transformation as it comes alive is excellent. There's a great sense of atmosphere that's reinforced as you keep moving forward, that eventually gives out because of uneven and frankly, unnecessary combat.
Despite a few niggles with its progression system, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a wonderful adventure. It looks beautiful, sounds incredible, and feels fantastic to play. The platforming is excellent, exploration is rewarding, and the world is rich with atmosphere and quiet storytelling. If you’re not completely burnt out on the genre, or if you’re feeling that familiar itch to dive back into a thoughtful, well-crafted adventure, this is absolutely one to keep on your radar. MIO is a game that shows there is hope when all seems lost.
Memories in Orbit delivers outstanding atmosphere and exploration, held back slightly by combat that never quite evolves.
MIO’s quest is both exciting and mellow, with fluid gameplay, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that often left me feeling much more serene than stressed.
MIO: Memories in Orbit combines exploration, combat, and platforming with a unique art style that makes every corner of the ship beautiful. Its demanding challenge and customization through modifiers will reward patience and mastery of its mechanics. For fans of the most demanding Metroidvania genre, seeking a deep, dense game with its own distinct identity, this adventure is a highly recommended experience.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a sure bet as a Metroidvania that loves mood, smooth movement, and having its own look. It takes a lot from classics in the genre, which can be a bad thing, but it stands out through design and feel.
A sensitive and carefully crafted metroidvania experience, notable for its atmosphere, fluidity and coherence, and whose greatest strength lies in how it makes you feel as you explore it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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Review in Italian | Read full review
Even after finishing the game and getting the sense that much has already been discovered, there is still so much to explore.
Memories in Orbit is a bold and successful attempt to bring something new to the world of Metroidvania games. If you are looking for a real challenge and a work of art that hides secrets around every corner, don't hesitate to give it a try. The gameplay is impressively solid, and the art design, inspired by the work of French comic book artist Moebius, is undoubtedly the most striking positive aspect of MIO. There is some excessive lengthiness in the exploration phases, but these are flaws that can be expected from a debut work.
Review in Italian | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is an entertaining game that will give you so much fun, provided you're more than averagely good at platforming and know how to fly around with your character using all the environmental advantages.
MIO: Memories in Orbit turns out to be a lovingly crafted Metroidvania that impresses above all with its dense atmosphere, creative world and unusually precise combat system.
Review in German | Read full review
Ultimately, what hurts MIO: Memories in Orbit the most is the fact it’s yet another artsy metroidvania in a sea of very similar and (unfortunately for it) better titles. There aren’t that many elements in it that make it stand out from the competition, even though it is, once more, a pretty decent game with great visuals and movement, albeit frustrating when it comes to its combat and progression. Die-hard fans of the genre will easily have a blast with it, but otherwise, this is a game released at a very unfortunate time.
On the Nintendo Switch 2, MIO: Memories In Orbit performs extremely well, whether in handheld mode or docked. It's a very fast-paced game that doesn't suffer from stuttering, framerate drops, or anything of the sort. Technically, it's flawless! The story maintains an aura of mystery that anyone paying close attention can pick up on right away.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review