Bloody Hell, Is This The Silksong Distraction We've Been Waiting For? Dive Into MIO: Memories in Orbit Now!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
While the wait for *Hollow Knight: Silksong* continues, a new Metroidvania called *MIO: Memories in Orbit* has appeared on Steam, boasting a similar hand-drawn art style, Soulslike combat, and deep lore, but with a futuristic robot twist. With a demo available now and a 2025 release, it could be the perfect distraction for fans of challenging, atmospheric adventures.
Right, so let's be honest, mate. We've all been collectively refreshing Steam, X, and probably even our grandma's antique crystal ball, just to see if *that* game has finally dropped. You know the one. The highly anticipated, internet-breaking, 'will it ever actually release?' sequel from Team Cherry: *Hollow Knight: Silksong*. And while we're all still practicing our patience spells, waiting for Hornet to unleash her next masterpiece (and potentially crash the entire digital infrastructure again, bless 'em), a new contender has apparated onto the scene that's giving me some serious magical-mishap-gone-right vibes.
Enter *MIO: Memories in Orbit*, an upcoming Metroidvania on Steam that's been doing some subtle, clever magic behind the curtains. Now, I know what you're thinking – 'another game trying to ride the *Silksong* hype train?' And fair dinkum, you wouldn't be wrong to be a bit wary. Developers *love* to sprinkle that 'like [popular game]' dust everywhere, often without much substance. But after doing a bit of digital spelunking into *MIO*, I reckon there's more than just surface-level enchantment here.
From the moment I peered at the trailers and gameplay screenshots, it was like a familiar spell being cast, but with a surprising new ingredient. Developer Douze Dixiemes' *MIO: Memories in Orbit* absolutely radiates *Hollow Knight: Silksong* energy. We're talking a world that looks painstakingly hand-drawn, a map that promises to be sprawling and packed with secrets, and enemies that sometimes look like they crawled out of an insectoid fever dream – all elements that scream 'Soulslike Metroidvania,' much like *Silksong* itself.
But here's where it gets interesting, like a potion that changes colour mid-brew. While *Silksong* dives deep into the ancient, melancholic kingdom of Pharloom, *MIO* flips the script entirely. Its universe is a futuristic, decaying space vessel where robots have gone rogue and forgotten their purpose. It's the opposite end of the narrative spectrum, yet it somehow manages to evoke that same sense of lonely, dangerous exploration. It’s like discovering that two completely different spellbooks, one ancient and one futuristic, can still lead to the same exhilarating magical experience. This contrast, I reckon, is a stroke of clever observation on the part of the developers. They understand the *feeling* of a *Hollow Knight* game, not just its aesthetic.
Both *MIO* and *Silksong* leverage hand-drawn artistry and evocative music to build their worlds, using environmental storytelling as a silent, powerful narrator. And just like in *Silksong*, you'll be poking around, chatting up quirky NPCs, and piecing together fragments of lore in *MIO* to unravel the mysteries of the Vessel and your own past as MIO, a nimble robot with extraordinary abilities. It's the kind of deep dive that really rewards a curious gamer, letting you feel like an archaeologist sifting through digital ruins.
Now, for those of us who appreciate knowing who’s behind the magic: *MIO: Memories in Orbit* is slated for a 2025 launch and will be published by Focus Entertainment. If that name rings a bell, it should. They're the crew behind some genuinely successful titles like *A Plague Tale* series, *Atomic Heart*, and *Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2*. So, they're not exactly fresh off the turnip truck when it comes to publishing quality games. As for the developer, Douze Dixiemes, they might only have one other title to their name, *Shady Part of Me* (released in 2020), but it currently boasts 'Very Positive' reviews on Steam. That's a solid track record, suggesting this isn't some rushed, opportunistic cash grab, but a carefully crafted project.
And here’s the best bit, the cheeky little spell that makes this all so much more enticing: while *Silksong* remains elusive, *MIO: Memories in Orbit* lets you take a peek *right now*. Yep, you can wishlist it on Steam, but more importantly, there’s a demo available for you to dive into. It’s like finding a portal to a new adventure when you were just waiting for the old one to re-open. So, if you're anything like me, oscillating between intense excitement and gentle skepticism about the next big Metroidvania, this is your chance to get hands-on and see if *MIO* truly holds up its end of the magical bargain. Who knows, it might just be the perfect palate cleanser after (or while you're still waiting for) *Hollow Knight: Silksong*'s undoubtedly challenging and replayable campaign.
So, go on, give it a whirl. What happens if you cast this particular spell? I'm genuinely curious, and I reckon you should be too.
Tags: Metroidvania, Indie Games, Steam, Hollow Knight, Sci-Fi
Original article: Game Rant