Orbitals, the latest split-screen co-op adventure from developer Shapefarm, aims to capture the magic of games like It Takes Two, with co-director Jakob Lundgren having previously worked at Hazelight Studios. While the game succeeds in establishing a unique visual identity, drawing heavily from '90s anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop, its gameplay and narrative ultimately fall short of its inspirations.
The game's most striking feature is its presentation. The world of Orbitals is rendered in a style that meticulously mimics the anime of the 1990s. Its cinematics, animated by Japanese studio Studio Massket, are so authentic that they could easily be mistaken for lost gems from three decades ago. The seamless integration of these animated sequences with the in-game graphics is a significant technical and artistic achievement, offering a level of visual depth rarely seen in games that aspire to an anime aesthetic.
However, the visual homage occasionally veers into derivative territory. While Orbitals looks the part, its reliance on overt anime tropes can make it feel more like a collection of callbacks than a cohesive narrative. The space-faring elements evoke Cowboy Bebop, while the existential themes echo Evangelion, but these borrowed ideas are often presented in a less developed manner. The protagonists, Maki and Omura, are functional but rarely transcend their anime archetypes, delivering a story that feels like an abridged summary of a potentially stronger narrative.
Orbitals is structured around two primary gameplay loops: ship-based space exploration and on-the-ground puzzle-solving. In space, one player pilots the ship while the other operates a turret. These segments are generally intuitive, emphasizing coordination over complex mechanics. Some of the most engaging moments occur when the game disrupts its established flow, such as during a boss fight where players must simultaneously manage ship navigation and repair internal systems under pressure. These instances highlight the game's potential for inventive cooperative challenges.
On the ground, players utilize a limited set of tools, including a grappling hook, laser beam, and space hose, to navigate varied environments and solve puzzles. When players are in sync, using these tools in tandem to overcome obstacles—like repairing a ship engine by having one player grapple objects while the other pushes them with the hose—provides moments of satisfying collaboration. However, the game tends to repeat similar puzzle scenarios, leading to a sense of habit rather than the thrill of discovering novel solutions. This repetition prevents the puzzle mechanics from maintaining their initial spark throughout the entire ~8-hour playtime.
Ultimately, Orbitals struggles to carve out its own distinct identity amidst its influences. Its greatest strength lies in its emulation of other works, but this also serves to accentuate its shortcomings. While it functions as a competent co-op experience, the game leaves players wanting to revisit the anime that inspired it rather than dwelling on its own presented narrative and challenges. The Switch 2 release is slated for September 3, 2026.