Orbitals, the upcoming co-op puzzle-adventure from developer Shapefarm and publisher Kepler Interactive, aims to capture the spirit of Saturday-morning anime with its distinct aesthetic and gameplay focus. Scheduled for release on September 3, 2026, the game features a split-screen format reminiscent of titles like A Way Out and It Takes Two, with game director Jakob Lundgren having previously worked as a designer on those games.
The game drops players into the roles of Maki and Omura aboard a floating spaceship. Early gameplay involves exploring the environment and utilizing a variety of tools, such as the Scrap Hook and Beam Cannon, to solve puzzles. These tools have varied applications; for example, the Beam Cannon can melt obstacles but also power generators to assist a co-op partner. The core gameplay loop revolves around understanding how these items interact with each other and the environment to navigate derelict spacecraft and complex mechanisms.
Described as tense, the puzzles demand close attention and active participation from both players, with no single player left with a passive role. While not explicitly called difficult, the game requires coordination and can feel like a near-miss solution, with potential for restarts if players are not in sync. The experience emphasizes shared problem-solving and active engagement.
Visually, Orbitals draws heavily from anime influences. Character designs evoke Ranma ½, while the ship's mechanical design suggests Cowboy Bebop, and the space hub environments bring to mind Studio Ghibli. The developers' approach to these influences is described as a loving conversation with the art forms rather than simple imitation. These aesthetic choices are complemented by character interactions, including emotes and dialogue, which are further strengthened by voice acting. The game's soundtrack spans spacey synth drones, moody keys, and funk-infused basslines, contributing to a sense of interstellar adventure and mystery.
Orbitals blends platforming, puzzle-solving, and action sequences, including moments where players must tandem pilot a ship. The overall impression from a demo at Summer Game Fest is that Orbitals is designed for a relaxed, shared experience, akin to playing with a friend in a comfortable setting, and is positioned as a potentially significant title for co-op fans on the Switch 2.