MIO: Memories in Orbit Reviews
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.
MIO: Memories in Orbit will captivate you with its beautiful artistic style, fantastic music, and a solidly crafted story that will make you believe that even AI can show emotions.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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
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