Orbitals Review

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Fast Facts

Split Sci-Fi(ction)

Orbitals for Switch 2 is one of those games that when you play it your mouth may gasp in awe each minute as you take in the world you’re playing in. The design of the game feels like an 80s or early 90s anime complete with bold colors, striking lines, other-worldly characters and animation that would be at home on an old CRT in your living room. The story revolves around two characters Maki and Omura (Omu).

As you start the game the opening tutorial teaches you some of the basic movements such as jumping, running, and the use of three distinct tools, a laser, hook shot, and a water gun. These tools will be used to solve puzzles and sometimes in tandem with your partner, as the game requires you to play with two players. Similar games like It Takes Two and Split Fiction have used this mechanic in recent years to much success. Seeing as ex-Hazelight directors have now started developer Shape Form, it’s no surprise that these comparisons will be made.

80s Anime – the game

Orbitals builds on those gameplay elements and brings it into a futuristic sci-fi world with larger than life characters and battles. Most of the game is split between two gameplay modes. One minute you and your partner will pilot Maki and Omu’s space ship through interplanetary areas, the next you’re hopping out of your seat and picking up a tool to head straight into danger.

Along the path you may be separated from your partner and required to think together to solve puzzles that open up pathways using the hook, remove lava dangers with the water gun, or break ice with the laser. As you delve deeper into the game’s levels you will be switching things up and taking turns with the items you find and the tools at your disposal for some quick thinking puzzle solving and platforming.

The overall story of Maki and Omura, is wrapped around fixing their home station that is beginning to crumble into ruin. As you journey forward communicating with your partner in Orbitals is paramount in navigating many of the puzzles you will encounter. Just like It Takes Two and Split Fiction, working together is your aim for successful mission work.

A new family game for the Obers

As the game trudges on there are parts that will lose their luster, but in short bursts, alongside my 16 year old daughter, we found that the game offered a lot of fun and cooperative puzzle solving. The voice work of the lead characters and the others you encounter help to make the game world feel alive, real, and lived in.

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.

Co-op games that create a sense of unity are hard to come by these days and Orbitals had my daughter and I barking orders and coming up with a plan as we played. The game isn’t too long, around 8 or so hours, but there are some side items to find within each chapter which open up some fun mini games back on board your spaceship. Overall, Orbitals is a must-play Switch 2 game and a delight from start to finish.

Rapid Reviews Rating

4 out of 5

4

Orbitals can be purchased for the Nintendo Switch 2 here