MIO: Memories in Orbit

“If you love the Metroidvania genre not just on the surface but deep down, MIO: Memories in Orbit is a game so detailed, polished, and content-rich that it can practically feel like paradise. It tells a highly original story, delivers a feast both visually and sonically, and even after finishing the main narrative, it offers so much to do that you won’t want to put it down before fully wringing it dry - assuming, of course, that the occasionally nonsensical difficulty doesn’t leave you tearing your hair out first.”

“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.”

“A solid game in its own right with a uniquely gorgeous aesthetic, MIO: Memories in Orbit is marked by bizarre design choices and a lack of variety to combat.”

“MIO: Memories In Orbit is a deceptive experience that lulled me into thinking that it might be retreading some of the roads that had already been masterfully done by its genre-siblings, but only a few hours had me appreciating every crevice and finely realised detail throughout its lush world. It manages to stand all and establish itself as a fantastic metroidvania that draws upon the strengths of the genre, while creating a world all its own.”

“MIO is a compelling adventure with solid platforming and combat. The Vessel is a great place to explore and the mod system adds versatility. A great Metroidvania, then, though its similarities to genre heavyweights stop it from being essential. If you are in the mood for another tightly designed Metroidvania on Switch, however, this is an easy recommendation.”

“MIO: Memories in Orbit is a dark, challenging Metroidvania Soulslike that perfectly understands what makes this genre so much fun. Combat feels precise and weighty, with fantastic enemy design and one of the most enjoyable Metroidvania maps seen in years. Traversal is incredible, and you'll be in awe of its wonderful music. Sadly, MIO also continues to use outdated Soulslike mechanics, including long, arduous boss runbacks, and the upgrade system is interesting from a thematic standpoint, but ultimately pretty dull.”

“MIO: Memories In Orbit is an early contender for one of the most memorable games of 2026. It is an incredibly challenging game to play, with combat being a highlight, even if some platforming section can be frustrating. It looks fantastic, though, and the story is well told. MIO: Memories In Orbit draws you in, and does not let go easily. It is hard game but the journey is worth experiencing.”

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“Combine this with some incredibly tight platforming and combat, and MIO: Memories in Orbit earns its place in the pantheon of worthwhile Metroidvania jaunts. As such, it’s a small-scale sci-fi odyssey I won’t soon forget.”

“MIO: Memories in Orbit is a great metroidvania that I would have personally praised even more if it wasn't for its excessively cryptic exploration and for its trial & error platform sections. Still, absolutely a must pick if you're into the genre.”

“A sense of environmental storytelling similarly drives MIO, justifying the scale of the massive biomes and the sometimes frustrating ways in which you have to backtrack through them. It’s necessary to force players to repeatedly take a minute-long elevator ride into and out of The Vessel’s depths, because it drives home just how big (and how empty) it is. Hopeless as things may seem, even the comparatively small Mio is still capable of carrying a spark of hope.”

“What is going on in France? The game that conquered the public heart, last year, was Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It was made by Sandfall Interactiv...”

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“MIO: Memories in Orbit is a demanding, luminous journey through decay and empathy, one that asks a lot of its players and gives back just enough to make the struggle worthwhile.”

“With many great games, I am eager to shout from the rooftops to get as many people as possible to play. I sincerely enjoy Mio, but I’d also be extremely hesitant to recommend its rigors to all but very experienced players, eager for platforming, bosses, and exploration that are often more chore than satisfaction. However, if that kind of thing sets your heart aflutter, Mio should be very high on your list of must-plays.”