MIO: Memories in Orbit Reviews
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a stunning metroidvania with satisfying gameplay, set in an interesting science fiction setting.
Well-worn genre tropes give way to surprising hidden depths. A complex, flawed, gorgeous, and remarkably generous game that will surprise and delight even as it frustrates.
Finding its footing among the giants of the genre, MIO: Memories in Orbit manages to be a great piece of interactive art. Its somewhat floaty controls might take a moment to get used to, but any awkwardness quickly fades in the face of the game’s many strengths. The hand-painted Vessel is gorgeous; its narrative, haunting. Even with a few quirks, it’s impossible not to get swept up in its orbit.
Charming and clever, MIO: Memories in Orbit is an efficient metroidvania that delivers high difficulty and occasionally poorly balanced challenges.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Despite some poor choices and an unreliable mechanic, not to mention the annoyance that are the tremors, I still had a great time with Memories from Orbit, basking in its gorgeous visuals and memorable characters, and consider it as one of the better Metroidvania titles in years. That said, its issues are wildly apparent, and while they could be patched in the future, the title at launch is what it is, a fantastic game held back by some severe accessibility roadblocks.
MIO: Memories In Orbit will surely go down as one of the best Metroidvanias of 2026, despite the year being so young. The movement and platforming are top-tier, the vibe immaculate, the map complex, and the combat/boss fights fine-tuned. I wish the story was a little more fleshed out, but this is still a world and journey 100% worth experiencing for any fans of the genre.
If, like me, you are a Metroidvania geek, you’ll have a great time with MIO, just as long as you don’t come in with too high of an expectation, and for everyone else – especially people who turned away from Silksong – this might be the Metroidvania you’ve been looking for.
MIO: Memories in Orbit stands out in a crowded field of Metroidvanias with beautiful art direction and an engaging narrative. The rewarding gameplay loop and amount of character upgrades provide plenty of replayability for the first standout indie game of 2026.
MIO: Memories in Orbit is an outstanding Metroidvania that perfectly understands the genre. It may not be overly innovative, but it does everything brilliantly, especially its world design, progression, and balance between exploration, platforming, and combat. Its interconnected setting is a real delight, and its art and sound constantly elevate the experience. Play it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The exploration and mesmerizing art style make MIO an unforgettable experience for fans of the genre.
Despite minor missteps, MIO: Memories in Orbit is an expansive and beautifully crafted Metroidvania. If you can push past those select few progression walls, the game will bloom for you.
MIO: Memories In Orbit is an uneven yet compelling experience, swinging between genuine engagement and notable frustration. Excessive backtracking and unclear design choices test patience, but a strong artistic direction and striking visual identity often make up for the rough edges. It doesn’t hold the player’s hand, yet its demanding nature delivers real satisfaction, making it a worthwhile metroidvania for those who appreciate challenge and imperfection.
Review in Italian | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is a beautiful Metroidvania with strong world-building and clever design that will appeal to genre fans, but its overly slow pacing sometimes undermines an otherwise memorable experience.
Review in Dutch | Read full review