Orbitals, developed by Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive, enters the co-op puzzle-platformer space with immaculate anime stylings and a heartwarming premise. Yet, despite its visual charm and a premise inspired by genre-defining titles like It Takes Two, the game struggles to deliver the same level of memorable innovation.
The game centers on Maki and Omura, two protagonists with a penchant for saying goodbye to the tools they leave behind, a habit that's particularly endearing when played in Japanese. The narrative begins with the twins as children on a starship facing imminent destruction, only to be reborn as clones. This jarring yet whimsical introduction sets the tone for their adventures, which are characterized by an unwavering optimism and constant chatter, even when faced with grim or strange circumstances. The character animation, a highlight of the game, shines in their run animations and idle stances, making traversal a joy.
The developer, Shapefarm, clearly aims to emulate the success of the "Hazelight" formula, which emphasizes introducing new gameplay mechanics and then swiftly moving on before they become stale. Orbitals introduces gadgets like the Proton Pack-style Liquid Launcher, Beam Cannon, and Scrap Hook. These tools, while capable of being combined in various ways, often feel like recycled ideas or lack the innovative spark seen in similar titles. For instance, a puzzle involving growing platforms from seeds using the Scrap Hook and Liquid Launcher echoes mechanics already explored in It Takes Two's nailgun. Even more unique gadgets, such as a microwave oven with varied functionalities, are underutilized, failing to explore their full potential for truly weird or engaging gameplay scenarios.
Comparisons to It Takes Two and Split Fiction are inevitable, especially given Orbitals game director Jakob Lundgren's prior work on those titles. While Orbitals introduces its gadgets with infomercial-style close-ups, the novelty often fades quickly. Unlike the memorable set pieces and inventive challenges found in its predecessors, Orbitals' moments of brilliance are fewer and farther between. Many encounters, like an early sequence involving a pink alien cetacean, feel abruptly concluded, leaving players to question if the scope of the game was reduced during development.
Beyond the on-foot puzzle-platforming, Orbitals introduces spaceship sections where players must cooperate to pilot and defend their vessel. One player handles navigation while the other operates the weapons. These segments are seamlessly integrated, allowing for exploration of the ship's interior while simultaneously navigating space. However, the potential for asymmetric gameplay, similar to titles like FTL or 3D Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime, is not fully realized. The pilot has limited control over the ship's movement, following a predetermined path, which often results in both halves of the split-screen showing nearly identical views. These sections are more engaging when the perspective shifts to a top-down shooter, where players effectively control one analog stick each.
Despite these shortcomings, Orbitals remains an enjoyable experience, largely due to its cooperative nature and charming presentation. The English voice acting is competent, but the Japanese dub is recommended for a more tolerable character performance. The game also offers a range of accessibility options, including customizable subtitles, options to turn off camera shake, and gamma adjustment.
Ultimately, Orbitals is best approached as a pleasant, if not groundbreaking, co-op experience. Its stunning anime aesthetic and the inherent fun of playing with a friend make it a worthwhile, albeit fleeting, adventure. While it may not leave a lasting impression or introduce revolutionary concepts to the co-op genre, it provides a solid, visually appealing, and generally good time for those seeking a shared gaming experience. Players should temper expectations, viewing Orbitals as a pleasant distraction rather than a genre-defining masterpiece.