MIO: Memories in Orbit Reviews
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MIO: Memories in Orbit is an example of a safe and very player-friendly Metroidvania with medium-difficulty bosses and flexible difficulty settings.
Review in Russian | Read full review
What is going on in France? The game that conquered the public heart, last year, was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It was made by Sandfall Interactiv...
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a visually stunning Metroidvania that nails exploration, atmosphere, and that “one more room” feeling. The module-based progression keeps combat fresh, and the story has enough mystery and emotional weight to keep you pushing forward. But the game isn’t without issues, including unclear direction, overly punishing platforming sections, limited accessibility options, and a frustrating story moments that can remove hard-earned health upgrades. It’s a great experience overall, albeit with a few flaws.
MIO wears its tough-as-nails metroidvania influences proudly, but spends enough time contorting familiar ideas into punishing gauntlets and rewarding patience with dazzling artistic spectacle that it truly comes into its own.
The start of the year used to be a barren place for exciting new games, but MIO: Memories in Orbit disputes that statement. It’s thrilling to play, a Metroidvania where you can feel confident giving yourself over to the development team as they present surprise after surprise.
MIO: Memories in Orbit is yet another challenging but rewarding Metroidvania for genre fans to sink their teeth into. It suffers from many of the frustrations typical of the genre, such as difficulty spikes and troublesome backtracking, but its unique visual style and intriguing world make up for it.
It is a disservice to the beautiful world on display here that I was reset back to the start so many times and lost a lot of the meaningful progress I had made. MIO - Memories in Orbit is at odds with itself too much for my personal taste. But I also cannot deny that if you are a fan of this particular genre, MIO is one that should not be overlooked.
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a gorgeous, fluid, and intriguing metroidvania that succeeds on almost all fronts. The intriguing story hooked me in, while the fantastic traversal and platforming mixed well with the simplistic combat to create an engaging experience. The fast travel and respawns could be a little unforgiving, and I wish there were more parts to further upgrade MIO to continue experimenting, but it was still fun nonetheless. And MIO is wonderful on the Steam Deck. Just changing the graphics quality to Medium gives us a perfect 60 FPS with lower battery drain, and it still looks great, especially on the OLED screen. So, I am pleased to say that not only is this a great metroidvania, but it’s a fantastic title to take on the go, and I highly recommend it.
From the gleaming towers of the city to the vibrantly lush trails in the garden, I gleefully sailed and fought my way through MIO: Memories in Orbit. Its stunning art style perfectly offsets the tragic narrative. I found it so hard to put down and became so invested in the world’s fate that I couldn’t accept its death. Instead, I searched for an option the game graciously offered for my persistence. Though either way, the conclusion is pierced with hope and sadness.
Even though a high level of challenge is part of the essence of MIO: Memories in Orbit, there's much more to it than just that: some of the most beautiful visuals in games of this type, excellent world design, secret locations that demand keen attention, a well-built setting, and exciting boss fights to face. However, even if the ambition to create a punishing experience may be consistent with the narrative context, it ends up posing a potential obstacle to enjoying all the other great features this game has to offer.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a metroidvania that is aware of its influences and does not seek to reinvent the genre, but rather works with great care on all its key aspects. The traversal is extraordinary, the level design is inspired, and the art direction is top-notch. It is a work that demands attention, curiosity, and dedication, but it rewards you with moments of genuine beauty. Douze Dixièmes, with a small team and a clear vision, has managed to craft a title that demonstrates how much passion can make a difference. It is a journey between decadence and hope that deserves to be experienced to the fullest.
Review in Italian | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit effectively balances melancholic and comedic storytelling through a visually striking experience. Mio’s dynamic design shines, especially during boss encounters, while strong world-building and exploration are slightly held back by platforming issues and overly hidden progression paths.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
With its gorgeous visual style, exciting gameplay and wistful story, MIO: Memories in Orbit can easily stand next to contemporary metroidvania gems.
Review in Unknown | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a masterpiece. It is one of the most beautiful games ever made and already a strong contender for one of the best games of the year.
There will be a lot of familiar elements to those with prior metroidvania experience, and while they’re all implemented serviceably, they simply don’t do as much heavy lifting as the platforming, world building, and music.
Mysterious intrigue, tight platforming, satisfying combat, and an emotional soundtrack carry you through 20 enchanting hours. It can be overly difficult at times in its optional parts. Whether on Game Pass or a full purchase, MIO: Memories in Orbit is an incredible game and well worth checking out for any action platforming Metroidvania fan.
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Review in German | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a metroidvania that dares, stumbles at times, yet never loses its strong, distinctive identity. It’s a journey of wonder and frustration, poetic highs and abrupt halts, as if the Vessel itself breathed in fits, demanding the same resilience it asks of its tiny mechanical hero. When the game stops putting up barriers and lets exploration flow, it reveals a magnetic atmosphere, satisfying combat, and an art direction that lingers. It’s not for everyone, nor does it try to be. But those who embrace its harsh opening and taste for punishing design will find a solid, captivating experience filled with moments of genuine awe. Imperfect, yes, but courageous—proof that even its missteps hide sparks of originality.
Review in Italian | Read full review