MIO: Memories in Orbit — Everything We Know

If you are a fan of atmospheric Metroidvania games with rich world-building and engaging stories, then MIO: Memories in Orbit is a title to watch. Imagine waking up as a nimble robot named MIO on a vast, decaying spaceship called the Vessel. This ship, now overgrown with nature and rogue machines, was once a technological marvel. Your mission is to explore this ruined ark, uncover its lost memories, and revive its AI caretakers, the Pearls.

But what happened to the Vessel? Why did the Pearls stop working, leaving the spaceship adrift and in ruins? How did MIO end up on this incredible ship, and what secrets lie within its winding corridors? These questions drive the story of MIO. Are you curious to learn more? Here’s everything we know so far about MIO: Memories in Orbit.

What is MIO: Memories in Orbit?

MIO: Memories in Orbit is an upcoming Metroidvania game. It centers around MIO, a nimble robot who awakens aboard a massive spaceship known as the Vessel. This ship, initially constructed with an unknown purpose, now lies in a state of decay. Overgrown vegetation and malfunctioning machinery are scattered throughout its vast expanse.

The primary objective in MIO: Memories in Orbit involves navigating through the Vessel. Players will uncover its hidden past and revive its lost memories. The Vessel, which once had a flourishing ecosystem maintained by AI caretakers called Pearls, faces imminent shutdown. MIO must delve into its depths to discover why the Pearls stopped functioning. Moreover, players will learn what led to the Vessel’s current state of disrepair. The game promises an intricate and interconnected world, filled with secret pathways and various challenges.

So, players can expect a deep and engaging experience typical of the Metroidvania genre. As MIO traverses the labyrinthine ship, new abilities and upgrades will be unlocked. These will enable access to previously unreachable areas and enhance combat effectiveness. The exploration here will involve interacting with the environment and other robotic entities. Each interaction will provide insights into the Vessel’s tragic history and MIO’s ultimate purpose.

Story

As mentioned above, in MIO: Memories in Orbit, players take on the role of MIO, a nimble robot who wakes up on the Vessel, a spaceship now in ruins and drifting in space. This once-mighty ship is now overgrown with vegetation and filled with rogue machines. The Vessel’s original purpose is a mystery, and the Pearls have stopped working. MIO must explore this complex, decaying world to uncover its past. Along the way, MIO interacts with other damaged robots and the environment, revealing the tragic events that led to the ship’s current state. The journey is about reviving lost memories and discovering MIO’s true purpose, all while facing many challenges and enemies in the Vessel’s winding corridors.

Gameplay

MIO: Memories in Orbit’s gameplay promises an expansive and intriguing experience for Metroidvania fans. As MIO, you’ll explore the Vessel, a huge, decaying spaceship filled with secrets and dangers. The game’s world is designed like a maze, encouraging you to dive deep into its many paths and uncover hidden memories. You can expect to interact with various parts of the environment to piece together the Vessel’s past and uncover dark secrets. Additionally, you’ll repair damaged robots along the way, gaining valuable bonuses to aid in your quest.

Furthermore, the game’s artistic beauty is one of its highlights. The world of MIO: Memories in Orbit features handcrafted aesthetics and watercolor backdrops, inspired by comics, paintings, and anime. This visual style is complemented by a dynamic soundtrack that blends lo-fi beats with choral melodies. This overall creates an immersive atmosphere. As you guide MIO through this decaying yet beautiful world, every corner you turn reveals artistic curiosities.

Movement and agility are also key in navigating the Vessel’s complex architecture. The game introduces various abilities that players will acquire throughout the journey, such as a grappling hook, air gliding, and spider-like wall clinging. Mastering these abilities will require precision and timing. Moreover, the Vessel itself is depicted as a living organism with its own ecosystems and creatures.

Additionally, players will face over 30 unique enemy units and 15 formidable guardian bosses, each with distinct fighting styles and movement patterns. MIO’s arsenal includes a grappling hook for evasion, powerful orbs as projectiles, and decoy clones to outmaneuver foes. Additionally, you can enhance and customize MIO’s abilities by scavenging enemy components, and tailor the gameplay to your style.

Development

MIO: Memories in Orbit is being developed by Douze Dixiemes and published by Focus Entertainment. The studio’s creative talents, previously showcased in Shady Part of Me, are now being applied to this new Metroidvania game. John Bert, Managing Director of Focus Entertainment Publishing, says, “Its creative talents demonstrate the same inventiveness and unrivaled artistic flair that enchanted us on Shady Part of Me, that will shine through again in this metroidvania with its unique atmosphere. We can’t wait to reveal more about MIO and its world, and to see players immerse themselves in this magnificent experience.” The teams have spent several years refining the game, and they have promised to share more details in the near future.

Trailer

The trailer for MIO: Memories in Orbit offers a breathtaking glimpse into the decaying yet beautiful world of the Vessel, showcasing MIO’s fluid movements and abilities in action. It teases the intricate gameplay mechanics and stunning artistic style, and gives a tantalizing preview of the adventure that awaits. So, if you haven’t watched it yet, make sure to check out the video embedded above!

Release Date, Platforms, and Editions

MIO: Memories in Orbit is set to release in 2025 and will be available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Details about special editions or pre-order bonuses have not been announced yet. As we get closer to the release, more updates will be shared. Stay tuned for the latest information by following the Focus Entertainment’s official social media accounts here. We’ll share more information when it becomes available right here.

So, what are you most excited about in MIO: Memories in Orbit? Let us know on our socials here!