Orbitals Review: A Stylish Co-Op Journey That Plays Out Like a 90s Anime
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Shapefarm's co-op adventure Orbitals delivers a striking retro anime aesthetic and solid puzzle-solving, even if its campaign loses some momentum in the final stretch.
Developer Shapefarm is carving out fresh space in the co-op genre with Orbitals, a strictly two-player adventure that leans heavily into a striking retro anime aesthetic. Featuring both local and online play alongside a handy friend pass system, the game ensures partners can stay in constant sync with a split-screen view. The title makes an immediate impression with its Toonami-inspired menus and a brilliant synthetic soundtrack by artists like Falk and Klou and Mami Ayukawa, channeling the nostalgic energy of late nights spent watching classic series.
Gameplay revolves around a familiar yet engaging suite of tools, from grappling hooks to energy lasers, which players use to navigate structured levels and ship-based sections. While the puzzles do not reinvent the co-op wheel, highlights like a rhythm-focused robot mining colony show how well the game integrates its themes into the mechanical design. The journey is further elevated by the evolving hub of your spaceship, which gradually fills with charming stowaways, mini-games, and quirky character details for protagonists Maki and Omura.
That charm does hit a few pacing snags as the roughly ten-hour campaign reaches its final stretch. Shapefarm introduces its core mechanics upfront, meaning the later chapters rely too heavily on ship segments and predictable loops without offering many new mechanical surprises. The narrative also flirts with deeper existential themes surrounding memory and digital reprinting, but ultimately keeps its focus light rather than fully exploring those philosophical ideas.
Despite a weaker third act, Orbitals succeeds as a cozy and memorable co-op romp for pairs looking for a fresh shared experience. The clever puzzle design, distinct aesthetic, and welcoming community spaces onboard the ship make it a worthwhile addition to any multiplayer rotation. It may not fully stick its landing, but the trip itself captures a unique warmth that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Tags: Co-Op, Indie Games, PC Gaming, Console Gaming
Original article: IGN South Africa