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| Pictured - an in-game screenshot from MIO: Memories in Orbit. |
January 22, 2026 – After a brief, final month of polish for its "Switch 2" and high-end PC versions, French developer Douze Dixièmes and publisher Focus Entertainment have unleashed MIO: Memories in Orbit upon the world. Landing in a surprisingly crowded field for the genre, this starkly beautiful adventure has swiftly distinguished itself, earning a "Very Positive" 87% aggregate rating on Steam. But beneath the acclaim, a passionate debate simmers over some of its boldest—and some would say most brutal—design choices.
A Hand-Painted World Adrift in Space
From the moment you boot it up, MIO’s identity is clear. Built on a proprietary engine, the game presents a breathtaking "comic-book/watercolor" aesthetic that has immediately captured players' hearts. This visual style brings a haunting life to "The Vessel," a gargantuan, decaying technological ark lost in the void. Players guide the android MIO through its interconnected, biome-spanning depths, from lush, overgrown gardens to the silent, frozen ruins of a once-bustling metropolis.
Precision Platforming Meets Deep Customization
At its core, MIO is a precision-demanding Metroidvania. Traversal is a dance defined by a "hairpin" grappling hook and spider-like wall-climbing, both requiring strict timing and rhythm to master. Where it diverges from tradition is in its modular "Modifier" system. By scavenging components from fallen enemies, players can profoundly customize MIO’s capabilities. Your grappling hook can be altered from a mere movement tool into a deadly lasso for combat. You might sacrifice defensive shields to supercharge your projectile attacks, encouraging constant experimentation with your build.
Combat is deliberate and methodic, drawing clear inspiration from the Soulslike genre. However, Douze Dixièmes has included thoughtful assist options: persistent damage can be applied to bosses over multiple failed attempts, softening the grind. Notably, there is no outright "skip" function for the game's most demanding battles.
Where Praise Meets Controversy
While the core experience is resonating strongly, community discourse has zeroed in on several late-game design decisions described by many as "cruel." The most contentious is a narrative-driven mechanic in optional, high-difficulty areas where MIO can permanently lose maximum health points. Critics argue this punishing system actively discourages exploration—the very lifeblood of a Metroidvania—creating a frustrating paradox for completionists.
Furthermore, a late-game story beat can temporarily disable the ability to shop or spend accumulated resources, a choice that has left some players feeling unnecessarily penalized during the critical final stretch.
Performance and Value
Technically, the Steam release is robust, supporting 4K and a smooth 60 FPS on modest mid-range hardware (like a GTX 1650 / Ryzen 3 1300X combo). For Steam Deck users (currently listed around $675 on Amazon), the game is reported to be a "joy to play," with one key manual adjustment: switching visual presets from "High" to "Medium" is essential to lock in a stable 60 FPS and keep battery drain below 12W.
Despite the debates around its punishing endgame, the atmospheric weight of The Vessel and the exquisite precision of its movement systems are undeniable. For many, these strengths easily outweigh the frustrations, cementing MIO: Memories in Orbit as an early, must-play contender for best Metroidvania of 2026.
You can explore the haunting beauty of The Vessel for yourself. MIO: Memories in Orbit is available now on Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch 2, priced at $17.99 following a 10% launch discount.
Sources & Links:
- Explore player reviews and see the stunning visual style for yourself on the official MIO: Memories in Orbit Steam page.
- For detailed tracking of player counts, pricing history, and achievements, visit the SteamDB info page for MIO.