Orbitals Reviews
Orbitals may struggle with shallow puzzle mechanics, an uneven final stretch, and a story that never fully explores its ambitious ideas, but its strengths ultimately make the journey worthwhile.
Orbitals is a playable love letter to classic Japanese anime, built on a remarkably well-crafted asymmetric co-op design and a stunning art direction. The bond between Maki and Omura, the creative use of its limited toolset, and the flawless presentation all shine throughout the adventure. It stands as one of the most special experiences in the Nintendo Switch 2 library and deserves the attention of anyone with someone to share the controller with.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Orbitals has a charming art direction in every detail, along with delightful gameplay that uniquely relies on co-op mechanics. However, the experience isn't without its flaws! Most notably, the level design, which is unfortunately hit or miss. Alongside the rushed storytelling and the lack of variety in music. Even so, Orbitals remains a solid co-op game that adds a welcome variety to the Switch 2's library.
Review in Arabic | Read full review
With the soundtrack by Falk & Klou and features like GameShare and Global Friend’s Pass, we have a co-op title that may not measure up to the best in the genre, but it knows exactly who its target audience is and generously gives them what they want.
Review in Greek | Read full review
Orbitals is a stunning co-op adventure for retro anime fans (and others too, why not?) that keeps you engaged throughout the entire journey. If there’s ever a sequel, better pacing, a longer runtime, and clearer visual hints would be nice. Even so, this was quite a joyful experience!
Review in Finnish | Read full review
I don’t say this often, but if there are games that are ‘required playing’ for Switch 2 owners. Orbitals would find itself alongside Switch 2 greats like Donkey Kong Bananza and Pokopia for me. The story and world is charming and nostalgic while also feeling new and different for the console.
Orbitals makes cooperation the heart of a space adventure filled with clever puzzles, minigames and constant coordination between Maki and Omura. Its biggest limitation is clear: you absolutely need another person to experience the game.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
I really, really liked Orbitals. There’s something slightly strange about how few games we get that are built around this sort of co-op experience. When it works, there’s nothing quite like sitting with someone and solving problems together, laughing when you get something completely wrong and celebrating when everything finally clicks. The puzzles are varied, the characters are lovely, the anime-inspired presentation is beautiful and, most importantly, it consistently gives both players something meaningful to do. Whether you play locally with a partner, with a friend or online with someone on the other side of the world, I can easily see Orbitals creating some lovely gaming memories. For me, this is a reminder of why co-op games can be so special. An absolute essential Switch 2 purchase if you have someone to play with.
Let’s have some fun with a nice comparison. Orbitals is like a gorgeous birthday cake. It’s beautiful, it makes your eyes sparkle, and you’re happy to eat it. However, you shouldn’t have a second slice because, despite its tempting appearance, it’s still a huge amount of sugar. And that’s not good for your health. Orbitals won’t harm your body, but it’s easy to draw a parallel. Thanks to flawless art direction and plenty of humor, the game is worth your attention. Its playtime might put some people off—and with good reason, since the final playtime clocks in at around seven hours. Still, it’s a very enjoyable cooperative adventure that can be recommended to everyone, ages 7 to 77!
Review in French | Read full review
A co‑op gem wrapped in stunning anime‑style visuals. Orbitals is packed with personality, clever ideas, and a beautifully crafted Japanese anime‑inspired visual style that gives every moment a vibrant, expressive charm. Its co‑op focus, evolving story, and heartfelt presentation make it an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a meaningful shared adventure.
For younger audiences and those who still cherish the couch co-op experience, Orbitals is one of the must-buy titles of the year.
Fans of co-op-only games can definitely dive straight into Orbitals with confidence, as it delivers a brilliant adventure from start to finish.
Review in French | Read full review
Orbitals is a visually spectacular co-op game that kept me smiling from start to finish, with loads of clever ideas for you and a friend to experience.
While I would have loved a little more of the story throughout, along with some extra opportunities for combat, there’s no denying how good Orbitals looks, on top of how fun it is to play.
Orbitals is a charming Switch 2 co-op adventure that combines inventive puzzles, rewarding exploration, and a striking '80s anime-inspired world. Its story can struggle to land its emotional beats and progression sometimes limits exploration, but the consistently creative cooperative design makes communication, experimentation, and shared discovery the heart of the experience.
The story would have benefited from a little more breathing room.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Orbitals is just a pure delight, every episode of its adventure presenting us with something new and exciting to accomplish together that kept the smiles firmly plastered on our faces.
For all our early reservations, by the time the credits rolled, we were very glad we’d stuck with it. Orbitals is a charming, visually striking co-op adventure. It takes a while to get off the ground, but when it does, it really sticks the landing.
Orbitals gives Switch 2 owners an It Takes Two and Split Fiction style co-op game that experiments with 2D 80s anime aesthetic in a 3D world.
Orbitals is an entertaining co-op game that clearly takes its cue from Hazelight Studios. Whilst the game certainly won’t be the best co-op title of 2026, it does manage to win you over with its colourful anime style and catchy music. The varied level design helps you quickly forget the puzzles’ shortcomings, and the stunning cutscenes are a real treat. If you can find a partner in crime, the game is well worth spending an evening on the sofa playing.
Review in Dutch | Read full review