MIO: Memories in Orbit Reviews
MIO experiments with a range of ideas within the Metroidvania framework. Some of these changes stand out, while others fail to push beyond boundaries already explored by the genre. Still, its dreamlike world and the sense of mystery that holds it together give these efforts—and their limitations—a distinctive charm.
Review in Korean | Read full review
MIO: Memories in Orbit is an impressive Metroidvania that stands out above all for its breathtaking hand-drawn graphic style and innovative movement system.
Review in German | Read full review
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
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.