After the intense challenge of Hollow Knight: Silksong, I was ready for something different. Enter MIO: Memories in Orbit, a delightful Metroidvania that offers a more relaxed yet engaging experience. While it presents its own challenges, this game is designed to be approachable and enjoyable for all fans of the genre.
Developed by Douze Dixièmes, MIO promises an adventure lasting around a dozen hours, with plenty of content to discover beyond the initial ending. Players take on the role of Mio, a nimble robot tasked with exploring The Vessel, an AI-controlled spaceship home to a community of charming robots. Your mission? Collect five MacGuffins scattered throughout the facility to restore life to the ship.
This is the way the world ends
As you navigate The Vessel, you'll encounter a variety of environments, from grand Metropolises to overgrown gardens, each beautifully designed with vibrant colors and a hand-drawn aesthetic. The game’s soundtrack enhances the atmosphere, blending ethereal choral elements with upbeat electronic tunes.
While the initial gameplay may feel easy for veterans of the genre, the challenge ramps up significantly in the vaults of The Vessel, where players must utilize all their traversal skills to overcome obstacles and bosses. The game encourages exploration, rewarding curiosity with new abilities and secrets.
Combat, however, is where MIO falls slightly short. While it remains functional, the combat mechanics can feel repetitive, relying on simple attack combos. Players can customize their experience with modifiers, but the options are somewhat limited.
Despite its combat shortcomings, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a standout title in the Metroidvania genre. It combines exploration, atmosphere, and storytelling in a way that makes it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Should you play MIO: Memories in Orbit?
Play it if…
You’re looking for your next great Metroidvania
Fans of titles like Ori and the Blind Forest and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown should prioritize this game.
Atmosphere, story, and exploration are a priority
MIO: Memories in Orbit offers a unique world to explore, with engaging mechanics and a layered story.
Don’t play it if…
You want a challenge on the level of Silksong
While there are challenging moments, MIO is generally more accessible.
You prefer a more directed experience
The game is hands-off regarding specific objectives, typical of the Metroidvania genre.
Accessibility
MIO: Memories in Orbit includes limited accessibility options focused on difficulty, such as assists that make bosses easier over time or stop enemies from attacking. Controls can be remapped, and subtitles are available.
How I reviewed MIO: Memories in Orbit
I played MIO: Memories in Orbit for around 17 hours on a PlayStation 5 Pro, experiencing its rich audio through a quality sound system. Although I completed the game in about 14 hours, there are additional areas and secrets to uncover, making for a total playtime of 25 to 40 hours for completionists.