MIO: Memories in Orbit

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a Metroidvania-style adventure game in which players control a small robot named MIO. They explore a vast, derelict spaceship called The Vessel, which is overrun by hostile machines and overgrown vegetation, with the overarching goal of reviving its malfunctioning AI caretakers and piecing together fragmented memories. While the story and minimalist storytelling are not the game's greatest strengths, the sci-fi world and combat certainly are.

What makes MIO: Memories in Orbit particularly special is its distinctive hand-drawn art style, which is reminiscent of watercolours and uses hatched lines for shading. The art direction draws inspiration from graphic novels, classic sci-fi, painting, anime (Miyazaki) and comics. Complementing these visuals is a soundtrack composed by Nicolas Gueguen. Blending ambient melodies, layered synths and live-recorded choir voices, it encapsulates the atmosphere of the Vessel.

As a Metroidvania game, it combines platforming, exploration and combat, encouraging players to experiment with different abilities and modifiers. The combat system is well designed, featuring fluid movement mechanics such as air-resettable double jumps, directional attacks, grappling and precise traversal. There is a depth to the combat, with parries, staggers and boss fights that require players to learn patterns. Aerial combat, in particular, offers a surprising number of possibilities and options. It is challenging, but not as much as Hollow Knight: Silksong, especially since MIO's movement speed is slightly slower. There are also generous checkpoints and a rewarding upgrade system that uses customisable modifiers and cores to tweak health, damage and playstyle (for example, to tailor the playstyle to specific bosses). Overall, there are over 30 enemy units and 15 guardian bosses.

The game is deliberately challenging, but there are also some practical options to make it easier, such as eroded bosses. With this option, bosses become slightly easier each time the player fails. Alternatively, MIO can be given a protective aura that pacifies all enemies until she attacks, although this does not work on bosses. MIO can get a temporary shield by standing still on the ground for five seconds. These are all useful options if the game proves too difficult.

There are also upgrades hidden throughout the game world. Since it's a Metroidvania game, it's worth revisiting areas already visited to discover new things that are only possible because MIO has learnt new movement skills, such as climbing walls or gliding through the air. The search for secrets is well worth the effort.

"We wanted to create an experience that brings together everything we love: a genre we're passionate about with challenging mechanics, a mysterious sci-fi world, and a strong visual identity made possible by our own custom engine. After five years of hard work, the whole team can't wait to see MIO come to life through the eyes of players." - Sarah Hourcade, Co-founder of Douze Dixièmes and Producer on MIO: Memories in Orbit.

MIO: Memories in Orbit was developed by Douze Dixièmes, a French studio founded in 2017. Based near Paris, the studio was originally formed by seven friends from different backgrounds, including animation, civil engineering, research and architecture. Their debut game, Shady Part of Me, was released in 2020 and blended puzzle, platforming and dreamland elements. In October 2021, the studio was completely taken over by Focus Home Interactive. MIO: Memories in Orbit is the studio's second game. The core team comprises fewer than 15 people, and they used their own proprietary engine for the game.

The game is being published by Focus Entertainment Publishing, one of the publishing arms of Pullup Entertainment. The other is Dotemu. With over 600 employees across Europe and revenue of €390 million in the 2024/25 financial year, the group is a major player in the video game and entertainment industries. The group comprises five internal development studios: Dovetail Games (Train Sim World), Deck13 (The Surge), Blackmill Games (the WW1 Game Series), Douze Dixièmes (Shady Part of Me and Memories in Orbit) and Carpool Studio (a new live service IP). Last but not least is one audiovisual structure: Scripteam, which adapts Pullup's licences for series and films.

MIO: Memories In Orbit was released on 20 January 2026, priced at €19.99. It is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Steam, Epic Games Store and Microsoft Store) and Nintendo Switch/Switch 2. The game is also available on Xbox Game Pass and is fully playable on the Steam Deck.

Conclusion

MIO: Memories in Orbit is a great Metroidvania-style adventure game. Its unique atmosphere is sure to be remembered.

Features

• Striking hand-drawn art style and visual direction
• Good, customisable and diverse combat system with plenty of air time.
• Clever options for adjusting the difficulty level