Orbitals Review – Creativity in Every Orbit

Orbitals Review

Josef Fares has successfully reinvigorated the co-op adventure genre. Not only has he created inspired games that feature diverse gameplay mechanics centred around a cinematic plot, but his releases also emphasise genuine teamwork, creating memorable experiences. Developed by Shapefarm, which features former members of the Hazelight team, Orbitals shares the same DNA as titles such as It Takes Two and Split Fiction. With its anime-inspired visuals, will the game manage to carve out its own identity, or will it struggle to step out of the shadow of its influences?

Set in space, you play as either Maki, a cheerful kook or Omura, a more grounded but equally geeky teenager. Aboard the ship they dwell are a bunch of memorable characters, each with quirks and distinct appearances, which make them memorable and recognisable. When learning about an incoming deadly storm, one that almost wiped out the community when they were younger, the plucky duo decide to venture out to collect items to protect their home. While it’s a strong premise for the adventure, the story focuses more on the relationship between the two characters. Due to this, you’ll quickly form a bond with the characters, even if the main plot can be forgotten at times.

A Masterclass in Design

The way everything is presented is truly incredible. Each character, location and prop is beautifully rendered to create a 1980s anime-style aesthetic, which captures the magic of the era perfectly. The game’s clever approach to animation further accentuates this. While the overall screen is capped at 30 FPS, the animation runs at 24 and elements in the background run at 12 FPS. These aspects converge to create an interactive adventure that feels like an authentic, playable cartoon.

Building upon the visuals is the audio. Epic, original songs are wonderful, solidifying the tone and adding legitimacy to the experience. This alters as you explore, with certain areas opting for ambiance that helps to build atmosphere as you explore the vast vacuum of space. As a fan of anime from the period, the overall presentation truly resonated with me. However, regardless of your engagement or knowledge of the period, the art direction is a remarkable achievement.

Whether locally or online, Orbitals requires you to experience the adventure with another player. Like its influences, you must work together to overcome puzzles and platforming segments to complete your objective. Whereas Split Fiction and It Takes Two have routes determined by the character you select, here your choice is based on the weapon you select. This gives you the option to curate your own experience rather than following a predetermined path.

Each chapter adds new ideas to the adventure, making segments feel fresh. While you may rely on certain weapons, how you use them continues to develop, adding fun and interesting ways to work together and overcome challenges. The developers also regularly introduce new skills, further expanding the gameplay. From rhythm sections to platform butt-bouncing, the game evolves, ensuring each chapter feels distinct while constantly finding new ways to surprise and entertain.

Creative Co-op

Together, you must fly through space with one operating the firearms and the other piloting. As turrets and other hazards litter the area, you must work with each other to avoid projectiles and fight back. This can be demanding as the game progresses, adding tension to an otherwise quite relaxing experience.

Although linear, some hidden rooms house items that unlock minigames aboard your ship. These are simple but addictive challenges which pit you and your partner against each other. From skipping to collecting contests, they’re a great way to keep the competitive spirit alive before venturing out and working together.

Whether flying your ship or air-dashing across peril, you’ll find every aspect of the game feels responsive, engaging, and great to play. Characters are responsive, making failure rarely a result of the controls. This extends to the range of gameplay changes introduced throughout the adventure, helping to create a continuously enjoyable journey that never feels repetitive or predictable.

Importantly, controlling your characters feels satisfying and intuitive, which will likely be good news for older gamers hoping to share this with their young ones. Platforming feels great, though some of the platforming puzzles do truly test the limited moveset. Controlling the ship together also feels wonderful, which works especially well in the title’s boss fights.

Orbitals is proof that there’s space in the co-op adventure genre for other teams to create something truly special. Its incredible art direction and fantastic moment-to-moment gameplay make this an engaging adventure from start to finish. Although the main plot sometimes fades into the background and you’ll hit the credits sooner than expected, it’s still a memorable experience, one that stands out through its creativity, charm and sheer sense of fun.

***Switch 2 code provided by the publisher for review***