Orbitals Review: A Cozy but Familiar Co-op Adventure

Developed by Shapefarm and published by Kepler Interactive, Orbitals launches on September 3, 2026, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The game follows two protagonists, Maki and Omura, who navigate a space-station setting in a split-screen co-op format. The title is part of a growing wave of cooperative games inspired by It Takes Two and Split Fiction, often referred to in the industry as "Hazelikes" due to the influence of Hazelight Studios. The game director, Jakob Lundgren, previously worked as a designer on both of those titles, bringing a familiar design philosophy to Orbitals.

The narrative begins with a hand-animated cinematic produced by Japanese animation house Studio Massket. In this opening sequence, the two characters, depicted as children, are placed into a machine that stores their consciousness and transfers it into new clone bodies after their original forms are destroyed. Fifteen years later, the player takes control of these adult versions of Maki and Omura, who continue to live aboard their starship home. Their personalities are defined by an eternal optimism and a playful dynamic; they frequently taunt each other, sing, and even say goodbye to tools they leave behind. This character work is a significant strength of the game, providing a warm and engaging foundation for the co-op experience.

Visually, Orbitals stands out with its immaculate anime stylings. The cutscenes are a particular highlight, offering a treat for the eyes that distinguishes the game from many of its Western counterparts. The character animations are described as works of art, with fluid movements that range from casual idle stances to high-speed running sequences. The visual presentation is consistent throughout the game, maintaining a bright and colorful aesthetic that complements the lighthearted tone of the story.

However, the gameplay mechanics, while functional, lack the novelty that defines the best of the genre. The core of Orbitals revolves around three primary gadgets: the Liquid Launcher, the Beam Cannon, and the Scrap Hook. These tools are essentially variations of aim-and-shoot interactions, with the Liquid Launcher functioning as a weaponized hose for extinguishing fires or spinning water wheels, the Beam Cannon firing lasers, and the Scrap Hook allowing players to grapple onto marked points to open panels and doors. These tools remain available throughout the game, with their abilities being repurposed and combined in various ways. While this system provides a steady stream of puzzles, it often feels like a rehash of mechanics seen in It Takes Two, leading to a sense of déjà vu for players familiar with the genre.

One notable addition is a microwave-like device that allows for unique interactions, such as steering missiles and creating invisible platforms. Despite this, the game does not fully capitalize on its potential for innovation. The puzzles, while competent, rarely reach the level of surprise or creativity found in titles like Split Fiction. The pacing of invention is necessary to offset the narrative shortcomings, but Orbitals does not always succeed in keeping the player engaged with fresh ideas. The story itself is described as rambling and not entirely coherent, though the characters' charm helps to mitigate this weakness.

A significant differentiator for Orbitals is the inclusion of spaceship flight segments. In these sections, one player pilots the ship while the other manages the weapons, with responsibilities shifting based on who is in the pilot's seat. These modes are woven seamlessly into the gameplay, allowing for a dynamic shift between on-foot puzzle platforming and space combat. However, the flight mechanics are limited, with the pilot having no control over the ship's pitch, which moves along a predetermined path. This restriction reduces the potential for asymmetrical gameplay, which could have been a unique selling point. The top-down shooter segments, where the split-screen divide is removed, are generally more effective than the side-view flight sequences.

The game also offers a range of accessibility options, including subtitles for the deaf or hard of hearing, with multiple options for font size, color, and background. Players can turn off camera shake effects and reduce camera movement to minimize discomfort. A gamma adjustment slider is available, and there is an option to deactivate rumble during gameplay. These features make Orbitals accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that more players can enjoy the co-op experience.

While Orbitals may not redefine the co-op genre, it offers a pleasant and engaging experience for players looking for a lighthearted adventure with a friend. The combination of charming characters, beautiful visuals, and solid gameplay mechanics makes it a worthwhile entry in the genre, even if it lacks the groundbreaking innovation of its predecessors. For fans of anime aesthetics and cooperative play, Orbitals provides a solid and enjoyable experience, though it may not leave a lasting impression beyond the immediate playthrough.

In conclusion, Orbitals is a lesser light in the co-op renaissance, offering a charming and visually stunning experience that is held back by a lack of mechanical innovation. The game's strengths lie in its character work and visual presentation, while its weaknesses are evident in its repetitive puzzle mechanics and limited flight segments. Despite these shortcomings, Orbitals remains a solid choice for players seeking a fun and engaging co-op adventure on Switch 2.