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MIO: Memories in Orbit Launches to Strong Reviews and Day-One Game Pass Availability

Reviewers praise its hand-drawn world and exploration focus as early scores land in the low–mid 80s.

MIO: Memories in Orbit Key Art | image credit: Focus Entertainment
Image
Screens of a game made from hand-drawn watercolour art
It took an age to navigate insta-death vine coated passages to get here, but the journey was worthwhile.

Overview

  • The indie Metroidvania from Douze Dixièmes and Focus Entertainment released January 20 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, with Xbox/PC Game Pass access at launch.
  • Aggregators currently list around 84 on Metacritic and 81 on OpenCritic, with coverage highlighting the painterly art direction, evocative music, and rewarding exploration.
  • Several reviews describe demanding platforming and boss encounters, supported by Assist options that can weaken bosses after failures, restore a shield when stationary, or reduce enemy aggression.
  • Criticisms center on occasionally unclear progression and navigation, sparse checkpoint placement, and combat and boss design that some found simplistic or uneven.
  • Playtime reports range from roughly 11 hours to see credits to 25–40 hours for fuller exploration and a harder-to-find true ending, and the 75-track soundtrack is now available to stream.