Orbitals aims to stand out in the co-op genre with its striking throwback anime visual style and focus on shared puzzle-solving. While the actual puzzles may lean on established concepts rather than forging entirely new paths, the journey through space with a partner proves to be an endearing and worthwhile experience, clocking in around 10 hours for completion.
The game is strictly a two-player endeavor, offering both local and online play, alongside a friend pass system. This flexibility is key, as all mechanics are built for two, and the constant visibility of your partner's screen reinforces the necessity of coordination, whether playing together in the same room or across the globe.
Visually, Orbitals makes a strong first impression, boasting a stylized player select menu that evokes the charm of early '90s anime. This aesthetic choice transports players back to a bygone era, creating a palpable sense of nostalgia.
Character Dynamics and Narrative
The game thrusts players into the roles of Maki, an optimistic and somewhat disorganized hero, and Omura, a more measured and analytical counterpart. Their contrasting personalities create a dynamic that balances enthusiasm with rational assessment, providing a cohesive narrative flow. The story begins after their space colony is devastated by a storm, leading Maki and Omura to be reprinted via an I.M. machine. The game touches upon the philosophical implications of this process, with Omura questioning his own identity after multiple reprints, though these themes are explored only lightly and not fully developed.
Players are tasked by their leader, Togen, to collect Cassettes that power their colony's ship. Early excursions involve navigating dangerous space corridors, where one player might handle ship navigation and defense while the other manages ship systems and aims weaponry. The ship serves as the primary mode of transport between objectives, with small, explorable pockets of space outside the main colony.
Puzzle Design and Mechanics
Upon landing in new locations, players are presented with traditional action-adventure style levels. One notable area involves a robot-run mining operation where players must move to a rhythmic beat, hopping across moving platforms and timing actions with drum beats. These moments effectively blend the game's world with its puzzle design.
Most puzzles center around a few core weapons introduced early on. Instead of constantly introducing new mechanics, Orbitals focuses on building upon these fundamentals with intelligent twists. Levels often require players to utilize two specific gadgets from the ship, such as a laser beam for powering devices or a grappling gun for manipulating platforms. The shared arsenal encourages players to alternate roles and anticipate puzzle challenges.
While some puzzles are straightforward, requiring simple cooperation like pulling levers for a partner, others are more intricate, demanding precise timing and coordination, such as maneuvering a platform around tight corners. These more complex challenges highlight the game's cooperative nature, pushing players to refine their communication and teamwork.
However, the game occasionally struggles with providing clear visual feedback for puzzle interactions, sometimes leading to players stumbling upon solutions rather than logically deducing them. This lack of intuitive guidance can be a point of frustration.
Pacing and Progression
The upfront introduction of all core mechanics means fewer new elements are introduced in the later stages. This can result in a sense of repetition, with the game feeling like it has revealed all its tricks by the two-thirds mark. The reliance on ship sections, while initially charming, can also become monotonous. Despite its relatively short length, the final act of Orbitals feels somewhat rushed.
Despite a weaker conclusion, Orbitals excels in its smaller, character-focused moments. Exploring the ship's interior between missions reveals stowaway life forms and unlocks new rooms, including mini-games like ship combat simulators and electric jump ropes, adding a layer of whimsy and personality. These details, along with the distinct personalities of Maki's and Omura's personal quarters, flesh out the characters beyond their main interactions.
Narrative and Thematic Depth
Orbitals' narrative emulates early '90s anime but doesn't significantly expand upon its inspirations. While it gestures towards larger conflicts and existential themes, such as the nature of identity and survival, these threads are not deeply explored. The main story often relies on collecting MacGuffins, and the game's pacing can prevent moments of reflection from having their full impact.
Audio and Presentation
The game's eclectic soundtrack, featuring artists like Falk and Klou and Mami Ayukawa, effectively pays homage to '80s and '90s anime while establishing its own identity. The dynamic music, which shifts with exploration, imbues each zone with a distinct personality and enhances the overall playable anime experience. This audio design is a significant factor in bringing the developer's vision to life.